Today is Small Business Saturday and it’s good news for retailers who’ve faced a tough year. Inflation and labor shortages have been especially tough. But Dawn McVea, state director of the the National Federation of Independent Business says that means you’re more likely to see business owners while you’re shopping this year and can expect great deals…

Cut 11  (08) “…in a big box. 

Of course, Inflation plays a big role as to how much individuals will spend on the holidays and LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says one survey shows consumers plan to spend more this year than last but not on as many gifts…

Cut  14 (12) “…fewer items.”

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You may pay a little more for your fresh Christmas tree this year, but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one in Louisiana.  That’s according to LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig.  Many have been worried after the drought and a particular fungus that made things worse for some growers. But Nehlig grows more than 500 Carolina Sapphire trees near Bogalusa, and says they were more resistant to the fungus.

Cut 5 (08) “ …they made it”  

The Saints will visit their biggest rival tomorrow when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans is 5-and-5 and thankfully in first place in the NFC South. Atlanta and Tampa Bay are one game back at 4-and-6. Defensive end Cam Jordan says they understand the importance of this game…

Cut 16 (14) “…this game.”

Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its fourth round of grants Monday at noon. 750 grants will be awarded to all homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says interested homeowners should register at LDI dot LA dot GOV slash FORTIFYHOMES.

Cut 7 (11) “…the IBHS.”

Black Friday is behind us, and today is Small Business Saturday. State director of the the National Federation of Independent Business Dawn McVea says while Small Business Saturday about helping small businesses get into the red, in large part, it’s really more about community.

Cut 10 (10)   “…your local community.” 

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Good news for retailers this year. The National Retail Federation says many consumers are not waiting late in the year to find bargains for Christmas. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says it’s a win-win.

Cut 13 (12) “…downturns.”

It was a hot and extremely dry this summer, but that shouldn’t keep you from finding the perfect fresh Christmas tree. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Black Friday gets all of the attention nationally but Small Business Saturday is important too. Colleen Crain has more

Cut 3 (30) “….I’m Colleen Crain.”

Despite the hot and extremely dry summer, there are enough fresh Christmas trees to go around. LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig says there is a little bit of a shortage, but nothing to worry about…

Cut 4 (13) “…the drought”

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It’s Bayou classic Weekend as the Southern Jags and Grambling tigers are set to kickoff at one this afternoon. Before that they’ll also have a family fitness fun walk, a Special Olympics Flag Football game, and a fan festival with a dance party and music.  Bayou classic producer nd director Dottie Belletto says they are kicking it up a notch for their 50^th anniversary.

Cut 9 (11) “…really enjoy.” 

The 14th-ranked LSU Tigers close out the regular season on Saturday by hosting Texas A&M. The unranked Texas Aggies come into Death Valley with a seven and four record.  Coach Brian Kelly’s team is 8-and-3 and a win today and a victory in a bowl game, gets them to their goal of 10 wins….

Cut 17 (10) “…for them.”

Kick off is set for eleven a.m.

Dawn McVea with the National Federation of Independent Business says Small Business Saturday is about the local community and she says Inflation and labor shortages has made the last year particularly tough on small business but that means you’re more likely to see business owners while you’re shopping and expect great deals…

Cut 11  (08) “…in a big box. 

And when you shop locally McVea says 67 cents of every dollars stays in the community.

Things are looking up for job growth in the coming year. According to the Advocate, Louisiana is expected to gain over 30,000 jobs over the next 12 months. The fastest gains are expected to be in the Lafayette Area where the next 2 quarters could see a jump of 2 %. New Orleans, Monroe, and Alexandria are also expected to see strong growth. The Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast compiled by Gary Wagner, Acadiana Business Economist says the Bayou State gained 56,000 jobs over the past 5 quarters.

It was a hot and extremely dry this summer, but that shouldn’t keep you from finding the perfect fresh Christmas tree. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Saturday marks the final time Jayden Daniels can impress the Heisman voters before they vote. Daniels has numbers to win the Heisman, but LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly also hopes the voters take a look at how he can dominate a game…

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Distinguished Army Veteran Keambiroiro (KEY EM BAH ROAR O) Edwards was shot and killed in a Bossier City parking lot of a grocery store on Thanksgiving afternoon. Bossier City Police say Edwards was involved in a fight with the suspect when the suspect produced a handgun and shot Edwards who was transported to LSU Ochsner where he was pronounced dead. BCPD has a suspect in custody but have not yet charged him.

While Black Friday is considered the pinnacle of shopping holidays, the National Retail Federation says many consumers are not waiting late in the year to find bargains for Christmas gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says when retailers are getting a jump on Black Friday discounts it’s a win-win.

Cut 13 (12) “…downturns.”

Rice says even artificial tree retailers have had Christmas in July sales, and online giant Amazon has Prime Days in July and October to motivate consumers.

It’s the golden anniversary of the Bayou Classic. Brooke Thorington has more on how organizers are marking the special occasion.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Saints will visit their biggest rival on Sunday when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans is 5-and-5 and thankfully in first place in the NFC South. Atlanta and Tampa Bay are one game back at 4-and-6. Defensive end Cam Jordan says they understand the importance of this game…

Cut 16 (18) “…this game.”

Kick-off on Sunday is at noon.

Despite the hot and extremely dry summer, there are enough fresh Christmas trees to go around. LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig says there is a little bit of a shortage, but nothing to worry about…

Cut 4 (13) “…the drought”

Nehlig says the combination of fungus and the drought affected Leyland Cypress growers the most.

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and According to Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business in 2022, Small Business Saturday brought in seventeen point nine billion dollars for small businesses across the nation and since then local businesses have grown. During the pandemic, many began offering services that made them more competitive with large online retailers

Cut 12 (06)  “…purchases now.”  

It’s the 50^th Annual Bayou Classic Saturday but there’s plenty going on today before Southern and Grambling face off in the Proctor & Gamble Historically Black Colleges and Universities football game. Bayou Classic producer and Director Dottie Belletto says the golden anniversary matchup is calling alums far and wide to join the celebration.

Cut 7 (09) “…(x2) so many.” 

The 14th-ranked LSU Tigers close out the regular season on Saturday by hosting Texas A&M. The Aggies have a seven and-four record and they are unranked. Coach Brian Kelly’s team is 8-and-3 and a win on Saturday and a victory in a bowl game, gets them to their goal of 10 wins….

Cut 17 (10) “…for them.”

According to the National Retail Federation, many consumers are not waiting late in the year to find holiday shopping deals. More retailers are offering big deals in the summer and early fall. Despite inflation, LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says one survey indicates consumers plan to spend more this year than last but not on as many gifts…

Cut  14 (12) “…fewer items.”

The average person will spend $875 this year according to NRF. That’s up $42 from last year.

Tomorrow is Shop Small Saturday.  Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business says Small Business Saturday is about supporting local businesses and helping the community…

Cut 10 (10)   “…your local community.” 

Last year, Small Business Saturday brought in seventeen point nine billion dollars for small businesses across the country.

Consumers have been concerned about the availability of Christmas trees this year with the state’s drought over the summer. But LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig says there is a slight shortage, but there are enough fresh Christmas trees to go around. He says many tree farmers irrigated this summer to minimize crop losses….

Cut 6 (06) “…this year.” 

Southern Jaguars and Grambling Tigers will face off in the Proctor & Gamble – 50^th Annual Bayou Classic on Saturday but there’s plenty going on today including Business at the Bayou, a Black Small Business Showcase at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. And tonight, it’s the traditional Battle of the Bands and Step Show at the Superdome. Bayou Classic producer and Director Dottie Belletto says it’s supersized this year…

Cut 8 (08) “…at six.”  

With giant retailers like Amazon offering Prime Days in July and October to motivate consumers, the National Retail Federation says many consumers are not waiting until Black Friday to find bargains for Christmas gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice…

Cut 13 (12) “…downturns.”

Rice says even artificial tree retailers are having Christmas in July sales, and online giant Amazon has Prime Days in July and October to motivate consumers.

After Black Friday, shoppers looking to support local small businesses will be on the lookout for deals tomorrow. Unlike shopping at large national stores, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business Dawn McVea, says consumers can expect a more personal experience on Shop Small Saturday and great deals…

Cut 11  (08) “…in a big box. 

McVea also says, that when you shop locally Sixty-Seven Cents out of every dollar stays in the community.

It was hot and extremely dry this summer, but that shouldn’t keep you from finding the perfect fresh Christmas tree. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana ranks as one of the least wasteful states in the country when it comes to how much food is thrown away during the holidays according to a study by Cherry Digital. The study shows Louisianans waste $855 worth of food every year compared to the national average of $907. South Carolina is the most wasteful state averaging $13 hundred each year.