The state burn ban which officially went into effect on August 7^th has been lifted. After conversations with the National Weather Service, local fire departments, and the Fire Service the decision was made to remove the ban. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says most of the state remains in drought conditions but the cooler temperatures that have settled in for the fall dramatically reduce the chances of a wildfire erupting…

Cut 7 (12) “…can be.” 

Rodrigue encourages residents to remain vigilant when conducting outdoor burns.

The Bayou State’s “Celebration Gator” float will crawl down the streets of New York for a third appearance in the 97^th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade tomorrow.  Lt. Billy Nungesser says it’s proven to be a great return on investment for state tourism.

Cut 9 (08) “…tourism industry.” 

The 60-foot-long alligator float will blow confetti out of its mouth and wag its tail along the parade route. The parade will air tomorrow at 8:30 am on NBC.

Triple A says 55 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving… Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Jazz Fest is hoping 2024 will be the year they finally get some Satisfaction. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The State Fire Marshal announced the statewide burn ban issued on August 7th has been lifted.  Louisianans are reminded the only legal items that can be burned in Louisiana are vegetation and ordinary yard waste items like leaves, tree branches, and grass clippings.

More than 46 million turkeys will be cooked this Thanksgiving according to USDA.  USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers says the best way to defrost your turkey is in the refrigerator.  When it comes to stuffing a turkey, Carothers suggests placing the turkey in the oven right away especially when using hot stuffing.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooking process.” 

According to Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.85.

Cut 9 (09) “…(x2)time last year.” 

The national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30.

LSU Women’s basketball forward Angel Reese did not play in Monday night’s game as the Tigers defeated Texas Southern 106-47. This was the second game the Bayou Barbie did not play in. Coach Kim Mulkey says this is a locker room issue and it’s not going to slow down her team

Cut 5 (09) “ …coaches do”  

Reese averaged 23 points and 15 rebounds as she led the Lady Tigers to their first national championship last season. In four games this season, she’s averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds. LSU’s next game is Friday in the Cayman Islands against Niagara.

You can’t always get what you want but Jazz Fest is hoping to get what you need. After two previous attempts booking the Rolling Stones for the fairgrounds, Times-Picayune and NOLA.com music writer Keith Spera says fingers crossed that third time’s the charm.

Cut 12 (12) “…Jazz Fest.”  

The Stones will play on Thursday, May 2^nd.

The best way to thaw a turkey before Thanksgiving is in the refrigerator according to the USDA. The Department of Agriculture shares safety tips to prevent dangerous foodborne illnesses. The traditional way to cook a turkey is in the oven but many Louisianans prefer to cook it in a deep fryer. USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers urges Louisianans to make sure the turkey is fully thawed before it goes in a deep-fryer.

Cut 7 (08) “…bubble over.” 

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.85. That’s 45 cents less than the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30.Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the break at the pump this year…

Cut 10 (07) “…personal economy.” 

It’s time to start defrosting that frozen turkey if you want it ready for Thanksgiving Day. The Department of Agriculture wants to encourage food safety tips to prevent dangerous foodborne illnesses. When it comes to defrosting your turkey, USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers recommends that you do so in the refrigerator, never leave it out to thaw on the kitchen counter.

Cut 6 (12) “…fully thawed.”

More than 46 million turkeys will be cooked this Thanksgiving according to USDA.

Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.85. And when you compare Louisiana to the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30, it’s 45 cents cheaper to travel in the Bayou State this Thanksgiving. Overall Redman says things appear to be much easier on your wallet this Turkey Day…

Cut 11 (07) “…grocery store.”

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey continues to not provide any details on why Angel Reese is not with the team. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The seventh-ranked LSU women’s basketball team easily defeated Texas Southern 106-47 last night but for the second consecutive game All-American forward Angel Reese was not with the team. The Bayou Barbie was last seen a week ago in uniform in a game where she did not play in the second half. Coach Kim Mulkey is tight-lipped on why Reese is missing…

Cut 3 (04) “….to know.”

LSU’s next game is Friday in the Cayman Islands against Niagara.

In Saturday’s election, Louisianans overwhelmingly voted to place the state’s first females in statewide top positions. Republicans Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as Attorney General and Secretary of State. Rene Amar Founder of Louisiana Women Lead says Louisianans chose two qualified women to shape Louisiana politics…

Cut 4 (07) “…unparallel.”

Amar says voters typically perceive men as better candidates for political offices than women. She says for these two women to be able to be elected on a statewide level is huge.

Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry plans to upgrade the state’s outdated voting machines after taking office in January. Landry says the legislature has passed laws to give the Secretary of State additional authority beyond canvassing to clean up voter rolls but each time it was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. With a new administration, Landry feels those laws will finally be enacted.

Cut 9 (11)  “…respond.”

After the 2020 presidential election, voter fraud became a point of contention and new state laws require extra steps for more transparency.  Among the requirements for new voting machines will be a paper record and multiple checks and balances to protect against hacking.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot says the 50^th annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State University and Southern University- is a celebration of football and family.

Cut 13 (12) “…higher education.”

The events leading up to the game kicks off Thursday and the big game is Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at www.mybayouclassic.com.

Rock and Roll legends, the Rolling Stones will headline the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 2. General admission tickets go on presale on November 29 and 30 for Louisiana residents only. General admission tickets go on sale to the public on December 1.

When Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry takes office, she’ll have to tackle the purchase of new voting machines. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Republicans Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as the state’s first females to hold the positions of Attorney General and Secretary of State. Founder of Louisiana Woman Lead Rene Amar says the state has made great strides to have women at the policy-making table.

Cut 5 (08) “…just phenomenal.”

Murrill and Landry are set to take office on January 8th.

Republican Monique Blanco Boulet, daughter of former governor Kathleen Blanco, is the first female elected as Mayor-President of Lafayette. Boulet bet incumbent Josh Guillory. She says she wants to foster an environment that’s not politically polarized and build a community for everybody.

Cut 10 (08) “…a new way.”

Boulet promises to have an administration that’s transparent to the public and press. 

Three statewide races, Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer will be decided in the runoffs Saturday. Brooke Thorington has more on the predictions.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry is concerned whether the state can afford the potential cost of Louisiana’s new policy that allows state workers who welcome a new child to receive six weeks of paid leave that’s set to begin January 1st. He has requested the financial details for this new policy.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says Louisiana drivers need to be aware that the Click It or Ticket campaign begins tomorrow (Saturday) and goes through the Thanksgiving weekend. Spokesperson Greg Fischer….

Cut 3 (11) “….the road.”

The state’s passenger safety law requires everyone in a vehicle whether they’re driving or in the back seat to be properly restrained. The campaign runs through next Saturday.

The latest drought monitor indicates nearly 100 percent of the Bayou State is still in drought despite recent rainfall. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a warm front will move in on Monday – followed by a cold front that will produce up to two inches of rain across the state.

Cut 13 (06) “…we’re in.”

Voters will return to the polls on Saturday to decide on a number of statewide races including the run-off for Treasurer. Republican John Fleming, says as a former member of Congress, a physician, business owner, and his tenure in the Trump administration, he is the best choice for the office. He says he also wants to work with the Landry administration…

Cut 13 (09) “…young people.”

Democrat Dustin Granger, a financial advisor and small business owner, is also competing for the office. He says he’s the better choice because of his financial background. He says he wants to put Louisiana residents first instead of businesses including insurance companies.

Cut 15 (11) “…get worse.”

In addition to the Treasurer’s race, there are two other statewide run-offs; Secretary of State, Attorney General, and four constitutional amendments on Saturday’s ballot. Voting begins at 7 am and ends at 8 pm.

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry’s black-tie inaugural ball is set for January 8 at the Raising Canes River Center in Baton Rouge at 7 pm. And he has set aside five thousand tickets for the public to attend. Landry says tickets can be purchased for $100 each at one-team-dot-la. Landry says in order to reserve a ticket…

Cut 4 (09) “…that form”

Landry wants to give Louisianans the opportunity to be a part of this special occasion.

With less than two months remaining in office, Governor John Bel Edwards says he and his team are making the transition for Landry’s administration seamless. He says his administration is leaving the state in a better position.

Cut 7 (09) “…do this.” 

Saturday is election day and among the statewide races is the run-off for Treasurer. Republican John Fleming says his combined experience as a family physician, business owner, former member of Congress, and tenure in the Trump administration makes him the better choice for the office. He says the role of the treasurer is to protect taxpayers’ money.

Cut 12 (09) “…on investment.”  

His opponent is Democrat Dustin Granger, a small business owner and financial advisor. He says he’s the better choice because of his financial background and that he wants to put Louisiana residents first instead of businesses. Granger says for too long, Louisiana has cut investments in people, health, education, and infrastructure…

Cut  14 (12) “…against that.”

Granger says another example of the state giving away money is incentives to insurance companies. In addition to the Treasurer’s race, there are two other statewide run-offs; Secretary of State, Attorney General, and four constitutional amendments on Saturday’s ballot. Voting begins at 7 am and ends at 8 pm.

As he prepares to turn over power to Louisiana’s 57^th governor, Governor John Bel Edwards says he plans to meet with Governor-Elect Landry next week. Edwards says he’s rooting for Landry’s success and hopes he can continue to move the state forward.

Cut 8 (13) “…same direction.” 

Under the Edwards administration, he expanded Medicare and implemented a $53 hundred teacher pay raise. He has also managed the recovery of Hurricane Delta, Ida, and Laura. Edwards plans to remain in the Bayou State with his family after his term ends.

Ragin Cajuns athletics announced today that a 65-million dollar renovation of the west side of their football stadium will begin December 11th. Athletic department spokesperson Evan Roberts…..

Cut 9 (09) “…chairback seating” 

In a press conference earlier today, Governor-elect Jeff Landry announced his first cabinet appointment. Aurelia Skipwith Giacometto will head the Department of Environmental Quality.  Giacometto has a biology degree from Howard, a master’s in molecular genetics from Purdue, and a law degree from the University of Kentucky. Landry says her appointment will attract others to the state.

Cut 6 (10) “…Environmental Quality.”

One of four females injured in Monday’s random knife stabbing on Louisiana Tech’s campus has passed away. Annie Richardson was attacked after leaving a senior exercise class on campus. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie….

Cut 3 (04) “….lives”

Twenty-three-year-old Jacoby Johnson of Rayville now faces a second-degree murder charge and three counts of attempted second-degree murder.

Two years ago today, President Joe Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law. Co-author of the bill, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the state has received over eight billion dollars from the infrastructure law in the first two years alone…

Cut 8 (11) “…in Baton Rouge” 

Cassidy says one-point-four billion dollars has been invested in broadband, benefiting more than 447-thousand households…

Southern University has removed Eric Dooley as Head Football Coach less than two weeks ahead of the 50^th annual Bayou Classic.  Athletics Director Roman Banks…

Cut 12 (12) “…Bayou Classic.”  

Dooley was fired after only two seasons.