The U-S Senate runoff candidates will not debate after failing to come to an agreement on a date or conditions. A major sticking point was whether the debate should have a live audience. Republican John Kennedy said no, while Democrat Foster Campbell said yes. LSU Political Communications Professor Martin Johnson says it’s unclear if either candidate will benefit from not having a debate….
cut 4 (11) “…pretty important”
Early voting for the December 10th election is Saturday.

The USDA is recommending not to wash your raw turkey. Washing raw meat can spread bacteria three feet away. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s also a good idea to cut the turkey off the bone and refigerate within two hours of cooking…
cut 9 (08) “….and freeze”

AAA says be prepared to see a bunch of Thanksgiving travelers on the roadways this weekend…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

There’s plenty of excitement for the Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling State. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says tickets for the annual football game are going fast….
cut 25 (09) “…complete sellout”
Kickoff on Saturday is at 4 PM.

An estimated 48-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more for the Thanksgiving holiday this weekend. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says driving remains the most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving with more than 89% of people getting behind the wheel…
cut 12 (10) “…the roadway”
Redman says mototists who use regular gasoline, should be able to fill up for less than two dollars a gallon in our region.

The White House has sent a letter to Congress asking them to approve a three-point-one billion dollar disaster aid package that will cover Louisiana flood victims and those impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The governor’s spokesperson, Richard Carbo, says John Bel Edwards will be in DC next week to lobby members of Congress to approve the President’s request…
cut 16 (05) “…larger amount”
It doesn’t look like voters will get a chance to hear the U.S. Senate candidates debate again before the December 10th runoff. They could not agree on a date and conditions for the debate. LSU political communications Professor Martin Johnson says it’s disappointing the public won’t have a chance to hear Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell discuss their platforms.

Cut 3 (09) “not happening”

The festivities for the 43rd Annual Bayou Classic are underway. Grambling State and Southern, who are undefeated in the SWAC , will go head to head this Saturday in the Superdome. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says there’s a celebration at Joe Brown Park in New Orleans today.
cut 4 (11) “the community”

The White House has urged Congress to pass a 3.1 billion dollar disaster assistance package to help Louisiana flood victims and states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Congress will consider the President’s request after the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says Louisiana’s Congressional delegation continues to lobby federal lawmakers about the need for assistance.
Cut 13 (10) “successful”-
So far Congress has approved 438-million in flood relief dollars, but it’s unknown when those dollars will eventually get into the hands of flood victims.

There will not be a televised debate between the two US Senate runoff candidates. Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell could not agree on a date or the conditions of the debate, like should there be a live audience. Early voting for the December 10th runoff starts on Saturday.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain has safety tips for Thanksgiving chefs, like don’t wash a raw turkey. Halen Doughty has more…
cut 1 (30) “….Halen Doughty”

The hype is building for Saturday’s Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling. Both teams are undefeated in the SWAC and the winner advances to the league championship game. But Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says it’s more than just a football game…
cut6 (10) “…it’s amazing”

The governor’s office is encouraged the White House has asked federal lawmakers to approve 3-point-1 billion dollars in federal disaster aid for Louisiana and states impacted by Hurricane Matthew. The Bayou State has already received 438-million dollars from Congress and the governor’s spokesperson, Richard Carbo, says Congressional leaders understand the state’s needs have yet to be met….
cut 15 (10) “….our request”
Governor Edwards is planning another trip to D-C next week.

There’s plenty of buzz for the Bayou Classic football game between Southern and Grambling State. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says tickets are going fast….
cut 5 (09) “…complete sellout”
Kickoff on Saturday is at 4 PM.

AAA says be prepared to see a bunch of Thanksgiving travelers on the roadways this weekend…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

The USDA is recommending not to wash your raw turkey. Washing raw meat can spread bacteria three feet away. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s also a good idea to cut the turkey off the bone and refigerate within two hours of cooking…
cut 9 (08) “….and freeze”

The White House has asked Congress to approve Governor John Bel Edwards request for billions of dollars in federal disaster assistance. Emelie Gunn has more…
voicer 3 (31) “….I’m Emelie Gunn”

Baton Rouge has settled a class action lawsuit with Alton Sterling protesters, who claimed police used excessive force and violated their constitutional rights to freedom of speech and assembly. 92 plaintiffs were in the suit and they’ll get 230-dollars each.

AAA projects nearly 49 million Americans will travel during this holiday weekend, a nearly 2% increase over last year. Spokesman Don Redman says they haven’t seen numbers this good since Thanksgiving 2007…:
Cut 10 (07) “this holiday”
He says driving remains the most popular mode of travel with more than 89% of Thanksgiving travelers getting behind the wheel.

The U-S Department of Agriculture is recommending that you should not wash your raw turkey. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain explains why…
cut 7 (10) “…feet away”
Strain says cooking turkey to the proper temperature, which is 165-degrees in three locations, kills any bacteria that’s present, so washing is not needed.

Triple-A estimates nearly 49-million Americans are traveling 50 miles or more this weekend , which is the highest number since the Thanksgiving of 2007. Local Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says the statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is below two-dollars, which is a good reason why so many people are traveling….
cut 11 (10) “….the economy”

Three-point-one-billion dollars. That’s the dollar figure the White House has asked Congress to approve for Louisiana flood aid and other states impacted by disasters. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says this money is badly needed, because what FEMA has provided so far has been inadequate…
cut 14 (10) “….unacceptable”

There will not be a debate between the two U.S. Senate candidates in the run-off. Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell blame each other. The election is December 10th and early voting begins Saturday.

Many households are getting ready for that Thanksgiving feast. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says it will take 24 hours for every five pounds of weight for a turkey to safely defrost in the refrigerator. If defrosting in cold water, he says people should change the water every 30 minutes. He says the only way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is with a meat thermometer….
cut 8 (12) “…these places”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain has safety tips for home chefs this Thanksgiving. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Thanksgiving 2016 AAA travel projections forecast that 2% more people will be traveling for the holiday over last year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The White House has asked Congress to approve Governor John Bel Edwards request for an additional 3.1 billion dollars in federal disaster assistance. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The festivities for the 43^rd Annual Bayou Classic are already underway. Grambling State and Southern, who are undefeated in the SWAC , will go head to head this Saturday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says today they’ll celebrate in Joe Brown Park in New Orleans.

cut 4  (11) “the community” 

Friday, a Career and College Expo will be held at Hyatt Regency to give students the chance to apply and interview for jobs, before the Greek Show and the Battle of the Bands later that day. Young says tickets are going fast, as they’ve already sold over 40-thousand tickets to the game.

Cut 5  (09)  “complete sellout”

The game kicks off at 4 pm, and the Official Battle of the Bands After Party and WILD’N OUT Karaoke event hosted by Nick Cannon will follow. Young encourages everyone to download the Bayou Classic app to stay up to date on all the festivities. She says people from all over the country are coming to the Bayou Classic.  

Cut 6 (10) “it’s amazing”

____________________________________________

As Louisiana families prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has safety tips for home chefs. Strain cooks should make sure the turkey is fully defrosted before it goes in the oven. But he says it’s important not to wash the turkey before cooking.

CUT 7 (10)  “feet away”

Strain says it will take 24 hours for every five pounds of weight for a turkey to safely defrost in the refrigerator. If defrosting in cold water, he says people should change the water every 30 minutes. He says the only way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is with a meat thermometer.

Cut 8 (12) “these places”

Strain says the juices will only run clear if the turkey is overcooked. He advises people to cut the turkey off the bone and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.

Cut 9 (08)  “and freeze”

Strain says leftover turkey lasts up to four months in the freezer. He says people can get more tips at FoodSafety.gov.

___________________________________________

The Thanksgiving 2016 AAA travel projections forecast that 48.7 million Americans will be traveling for the holiday, a nearly 2% increase over last year. AAA Spokesman Don Redman says they haven’t seen numbers this good since Thanksgiving 2007…:

Cut 10 (07)  “this holiday”

The Thanksgiving Holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday through Sunday. Redman says so many people are choosing to hit the road because of improvements in the economy, but also because families are saving so much money at the gas pump…:

cut 11 (10) “the economy”

Redman says they project that gas prices will stay below $2 a gallon throughout the holiday season. He says driving remains the most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving with more than 89% of people getting behind the wheel…:

cut 12 (10) “on the roadway”

______________________________________________________

The White House has urged Congress to award Louisiana with a 3.1 billion dollar disaster assistance package to help Louisiana flood victims. Congress will consider the President’s request after the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says Louisiana’s Congressional delegation continues to lobby federal lawmakers about the need for assistance.

Cut 13 (10) “successful”

Graves says this money is badly needed, because what FEMA has provided so far has been inadequate.

cut 14 (10) “unacceptable”

But Graves is confident the request will be approved. Communications Director for the Governor’s Office, Richard Carbo says they are very encouraged by the White House’s request. He says Governor Edwards has received positive response about the second installment of aid while visiting D.C.

Cut 15 (10) “our request”

Congress has already approved 438 million dollars in flood aid for the Bayou State. Carbo says the governor will return to Washington D.C. next week in an effort to convince members of Congress to approve the funding contained in the President’s request…

Cut 16 (05)” larger amount”

______________________________________________________

Scott Farmer is out as UL Lafayette’s athletic director. He stepped down after five years. There were a lot of successes during that time. The football team won four straight bowl games, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances by the baseball and softball programs. Farmer wishes his successor the best of luck….

Cut 17 (16)      “or her advice “

School president Joseph Savoie he’ll make the final decision on a new athletic director. He’s hired ex-Missouri A-D Mike Alden as a consultant and they expect to hear from a lot of great candidates…

Cut 18 (12) “ potential candidates”

For LSU to win tomorrow, they’ll have to contain one of the best pass rushers the SEC has ever seen. Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett has over 30 sackles in his career and is coming off a 4.5 sack performance against Texas-San Antonio. LSU Guard Will Clapp says they have great respect for Garrett….

Cut 19 (12)   “their defense”

After a frustrating loss to Florida, Clapp says the team is anxious to play in this Thanksgiving game…

cut 20 (13) “prepare this week”

State auditors are trying to find out where $25 million in the Attorney General’s escrow fund has gone. AG Jeff Landry blames his predecessor’s poor record keeping for why his office can’t account for 28 transactions. But Beth Davis with the legislative auditor’s office says the transactions took place over the span of two fiscal years.

Cut 14 (08) “current administration”

Davis says the fund contains money from court settlements, fines, and other penalties.

The National Retail Federation finds 74-percent of consumers will be shopping in store or online on Black Friday. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says folks of all ages will shop on Black Friday, especially Millennials, as they estimate 86-percent of 18-24 year olds plan to shop.

Cut 4 (09) “and deals”

The December 2 US Senate candidate debate has been cancelled after the two candidates heading to the runoff couldn’t agree whether or not to hold the televised debate in front of a live audience. Republican John Kennedy reportedly did not want a live audience present, while Democrat Foster Campbell did. It looks like voters won’t get to hear from the candidates again before the December 10 runoff.

A Monroe family has made a generous donation to State Police Troop F to keep troopers safe in the field. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State auditors are trying to find out where the attorney general’s office spent nearly $25 million. Beth Davis with the legislative auditor’s office says they couldn’t tell how the AG spent $24.7 million.

Cut 13 (09) “could locate”
AG Jeff Landry issued a statement blaming his predecessor Buddy Caldwell for the poor record keeping.

The National Retail Federation expects 59-percent of Americans will shop both in-store or online during the Thanksgiving weekend. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says it’s a slight increase from last year.

Cut 3 (10) “as last year” Smith says Black Friday remains the busiest day of the weekend with 74-percent planning to shop that day.

LSU’s Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity has indefinitely suspended operations amid allegations of sexual assault at an event last weekend. LSU police say a female reported she was sexually assaulted by an unknown male early Saturday morning during the fraternity’s “PIKE’s Peak” event in the back yard of the frat house, and the alleged victim is not an LSU student. No arrests have been reported in the incident.

A Monroe family has donated 90 bulletproof vests for all of the troopers and investigators who work for Troop F. Bunzy Bryant, who has been friends with Troop F for 16 years, says they want criminals to know their boys are protected, and they have a message for the public.

Cut 8 (11) “of them”

The vests are strong enough to stop bullets from AK-47.