The holiday shopping season begins with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? Kevin Gallagher has that.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Dawn McVea says this year it’s more important than ever to shop locally. Last year $19.8 billion was spent at small retailers and they hope to exceed that this year.

With COVID cases decreasing, along with government restrictions and mandates being lifted, McVea says small retailers are hopeful things will return to pre-pandemic levels.

Cut 9 (04)  “…out there.”

If you prefer to shop online McVea encourages you to seek out small retailers as many added online shopping to their business during the pandemic.

Three teenage boys are back with their families after being tossed into Vermilion Bay early today when their boat capsized while on a duck hunting trip. When the water became too rough they tried to return to shore but the boat’s motor failed and the vessel started taking on water. They managed to contact the sheriff’s department by cellphone who arrived at the scene about 6:45. The two 17-year-olds and 18-year-old were found clinging to the boat, checked out by medical personnel and reunited with the families.

The Bayou Classic is back in New Orleans and Dottie Belletto, CEO of N-O-C-C-I, the management company of the event, says they are thrilled to be in the newly renovated Ceasars Superdome. She says besides the game between Southern University and Grambling State there’s plenty to do like…

Cut 10 (10)  “…thrown for that.”

The parade will be followed by Fanfest with bands performing on Champion Square before kickoff which is free to the public.

A Thanksgiving Day crash kills four people in Lafourche Parish. State Police say the two-vehicle collision happened at the intersection of US Highway 90 and Louisiana Highway 182 east of Raceland shortly after 5 PM. Killed in the crash were 54-year-old Barbera Guidry and 35-year old Catlin Leboeuf both of Wiggins, Mississippi, and 31-year old Dustin Moore and 30-year old Michelle Moore both of Raceland. The crash remains under investigation.

The holiday shopping season is officially underway, and LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says the Labor Department has shown price increases over the last year of 13% for TVs, furniture 11% and appliances 7%. He says holiday shoppers looking for great deals can find them, but it may take a little research.

Cut 6 (05) “..getting into.”

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday an initiative to remind shoppers to support local small retailers. State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Dawn McVea says and like large retailers, small ones are also feeling the impacts of supply chain disruptions. She says about half of their members report they are feeling the effects of shipping delays.

Cut 8 (09) “…to everybody.”

The Bayou Classic is back in New Orleans and the festivities get underway tonight, like Battle of the Bands. Kickoff Saturday for the match between Grambling and Southern is at 4 tomorrow and Dottie Belletto, CEO of N-O-C-C-I, the management company that puts on the event says you’ll definitely want to be in your seats for the halftime show.

Cut 12 (08) “…on game day.”

Proceeds from the game fund scholarships for both schools.

We have entered the second Holiday shopping season while in the COVID pandemic, and with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says store shelves could look a bit sparse, with supply chain issues. He feels online shopping will be huge again this year but says, even so, it pays to get started now.

Cut 4 (11) “…into the stores. “

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Dawn McVea says this year it’s more important than ever to shop locally. Last year $19.8 billion was spent at small retailers and they hope to exceed that this year.

Cut 7 (07) “…shop small.”

Small Business Saturday is an initiative that began in 2010 by American Express.

With tomorrow being the final LSU football game of the season, speculation will begin to really ramp up on who the next coach will be. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Early voting begins tomorrow for the December 11^th elections. Early voting continues through Saturday, December 4^th, daily from 8:30 AM until 6 PM with the exception of Sunday, November 28^th. Voters in only 35 of the state’s 64 parishes will need to go to the polls.

The National Retail Federation expects holiday sales will break a record this year with total sales of 850-million dollars. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice says inflation has driven the cost of everything up, so expect the dollars spent to increase accordingly for merchants…
cut 5 (08) “…the board”
Rice says the Labor Department has shown price increases over the last year of 13% for TVs, furniture 11% and appliances 7%.

The Bayou Classic is back in New Orleans and organizer Dottie Belletto says besides tomorrow’s game between Southern and Grambling State there’s plenty to do, like…
Cut 10 (10) “…thrown for that.”
Tonight it’s the Battle of the Bands inside the Superdome.

It’s Small Business Saturday tomorrow and local retailers hope to exceed last year’s profits even with a few hurdles. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A woman was shot at a Walmart in Opelousas on Thanksgiving Day during a child exchange. Authorities says the suspect, 22-year-old Jordan Sereal was arrested in Lafayette, while the female victim was taken to a local hospital with a gunshot wound to her upper torso. Police say the Walmart was closed at the time and there was no danger to the community.

The holiday shopping season begins with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? Kevin Gallagher has that.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A multi-agency manhunt is underway for an inmate that escaped the Dixon Correctional Center in East Feliciana Parish. Authorities say 23-year-old Shwilliam Cheevis fled from the facility Thanksgiving morning. The trustee is serving a ten-year sentence out of Caddo Parish for aggravated battery and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

It was not a good Thanksgiving night for Saints fans as Buffalo put a 31-6 beat down on the Black and Gold for New Orleans fourth straight defeat.

Bayou Classic Events get underway today in New Orleans. The Black Chamber Business Showcase is today at the Hyatt and after a one-year absence, the Battle of the Bands returns tonight. Bayou Classic organizer Dottie Belletto expects one heck of a show…
cut 11 (11) “…Battle of the Bands”

Ragin Cajun fans are concerned head football coach Billy Napier may leave for another job. Florida is reportedly very interested in Napier and his name has also been connected to the LSU opening. Napier says he has not made a decision on his future and the rumors of him leaving come with the territory of having a winning program…
cut 15 (12) “….tail off”

The holiday shopping season begins with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? Kevin Gallagher has that.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

___________________________________

It’s Small Business Saturday this weekend and retailers are hopeful to exceed last year’s profits even with a few hurdles. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________

With tomorrow being the final LSU football game of the season, speculation will begin to really ramp up on who the next coach will be. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

We have entered the second Holiday shopping season while in the COVID pandemic, and with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says store shelves could look a bit sparse, with supply chain issues. He feels online shopping will be huge again this year but says, even so, it pays to get started now.

Cut 4 (11) “…into the stores. “

Merchants started their Holiday shopping deals earlier than normal this year, with some advertising Black Friday specials as early as Halloween. Rice says inflation has driven the cost of everything up, so expect the dollars spent to increase accordingly for merchants.

Cut 5 (08) “…the board.”

Rice says holiday shoppers looking for great deals can still find them, but it may take a little research to find them.

Cut 6 (05) “..getting into.”

_____________________________________________________________

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Dawn McVea says this year it’s more important than ever to shop locally. Last year $19.8 billion was spent at small retailers and they hope to exceed that this year.

Cut 7 (07) “…shop small.”

Small Business Saturday is an initiative that began in 2010 by American Express to encourage shoppers to support independent retailers the day after Black Friday.

Supply chain issues are not only impacting large retailers but small ones as well. McVea says about half of their members report they are feeling the effects of shipping delays.

Cut 8 (09) “…to everybody.”

McVea says everyone is experiencing disruptions whether it be slow to get to the shelves or not getting what they need in a timely fashion.

With COVID cases decreasing, along with government restrictions and mandates being lifted, McVea says small retailers were hopeful things would return to pre-pandemic levels.

Cut 9 (04)  “…out there.”

If you prefer to shop online McVea encourages you to seek out small retailers as many added online shopping to their business during the pandemic.

_____________________________________________________

The Bayou Classic is back in New Orleans and Dottie Belletto, CEO of N-O-C-C-I, the management company of the event, says they are thrilled to be in the newly renovated Ceasars Superdome. She says besides the game between Southern University and Grambling State there’s plenty to do like…

Cut 10 (10)  “…thrown for that.”

The parade will be followed by Fanfest with bands performing on Champion Square before kickoff which is free to the public.

But before the parade Saturday morning there will be a Black Chamber Business Showcase at the Hyatt Friday along with a return of the Battle of the Bands tonight. After a two-year absence, Belletto says to expect one heck of a show.

Cut  11 (11)  “…Battle of the Bands.”  

And besides the game which kicks off at 4 pm, Belletto says you’ll definitely want to be in your seats for the halftime show.

Cut 12 (08) “…on game day.”

And the Crescent City All-Stars Band which is composed of 174 student musicians will perform the National Anthem.

_______________________________________________________

Speculation is really ramping up on who will be LSU’s next football coach with the college football regular season-ending tomorrow. ESPN college football senior writer Chris Low believes LSU athletic director Scott Woodward’s first choice is Texas A-and-M head coach Jimbo Fisher…

Cut 13 (11) “…who knows.”

Woodward hired Fisher at Texas A-and-M when he was the A-D for the Aggies. Fisher has emphatically said he has no interest in leaving College Station. Low says Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Reiley is also still in play and would be the splash hire that Woodward is looking for….

Cut 14 (11)  “…highest levels.”

Woodward is 55-9 at Oklahoma and has led the Sooners to three college football playoff appearances. Baylor Coach Dave Aranda’s name has also come up. But Woodward believes the former LSU defensive coordinator might be a better candidate for Washington or USC.

Florida is reportedly very interested in U-L Lafayette’s Billy Napier and Napier’s name has also been connected to LSU’s opening. Napier says he has not made a decision on his future and the rumors of him leaving come with the territory of having a winning program

Cut 15 (12)  “…tail off.”

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day know that Terrebonne Parish and its residents are still in recovery mode after Ida’s thrashing some three months ago.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Two adults and an infant were killed in a crash in St. James Parish shortly after 5 PM Wednesday. State Police say the crash on US 61, south of Interstate 10 claimed the lives of 31-year old Keayette Wilkins, 52-year old Angela Wilkins, and 10-month old Jacon Wilkins. The crash remains under investigation.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year for brick-and-mortar stores. Jill Gonzales with Wallet-hub says just as many great deals can be found online as they could be found in stores…

Cut 7 (11) “…at home.”
Gonzales says their research has determined that Macy’s, JC Penny, and Belk have the best Black Friday deals. She says the average discount is 32-percent.

14-year old Zaila Avant-garde of Harvey is not only known for winning the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee she’s now Sports Illustrated SportsKid of the Year. In addition to her spelling skills, she’s quite the basketball phenom and you can see her dribbling talents by searching videos online. Congrats on your latest accomplishment Zaeela.

There’s plenty of activity going in the kitchen today as folks prep for Thanksgiving and hopefully, you won’t have to call 9-1-1 as a result. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says one way is to make sure your kitchen is clean of any grease buildup before you cook to avoid a grease fire and while things are cooking…

Cut 3 (06) “…react to it.” 

And never use water to put out a grease fire.

On this Thanksgiving Day, some three months after Hurricane Ida, places like Terrebonne Parish remain in recovery mode. A snapshot of the situation there from parish president Gordon Dove:

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of folks.”

He says electricity is back on to everyone who can be connected, as well as water and gas. And, a lot of people still aren’t able to move back into their damaged homes.

Senator John Kennedy says it’s been a difficult time for Louisiana since the pandemic reached the United States in March 2020. But Kennedy says there is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving…

Cut 10 (12)  “…by God’s grace.”
The holiday shopping season officially begins tomorrow, and Wallethub’s Jill Gonzales says the pandemic will have an impact with labor shortages, supply chain issues and pent-up demand to purchase goods…

Cut 8 (09) “…this year.”
According to WalletHub’s 2021 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, one in four are foregoing gifts this year.