At a noon press conference today, LSU will introduce Ed Orgeron as their official new head coach. Tiger Rag Associate Editor James Moran says Orgeron met with Athletic Director Joe Alleva after the Tigers’ strong win over Texas A&M. He says Orgeron must have made a good impression at that meeting.

Cut (11) “…the job”

The Tigers were 5-2 with Coach O, who took over as interim in September.

Today is Small Business Saturday and local businesses are expecting a big turnout. Spokesperson for the National Federation of Independent Businesses in Louisiana, Todd Pack, says a recent survey shows more people than ever are aware of Small Business Saturday, and 62-percent of those plan to shop at small retailers.

Cut 3 (08) “the owner”

The survey found 63-percent of consumers are willing to spend more on items if it comes from a locally owned business.

Holiday shopping is in full swing. Executive Director of the Louisiana Retailers Association Dawn Johnson says this is an important time for retailers that were impacted by the historic floods in March and August.

Cut 7 (09) “or better”

She expects it will be a successful holiday shopping season for retailers.

Today’s Powerball jackpot drawing has soared to a massive 403 million dollars. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says this is the second year in a row we’ve seen a big jackpot during the holidays, as it reached $1.6 billion last year. She says this year’s winner will be able to buy a lot of Christmas gifts.

Cut 13 (06) “is yours”

The cash value is 243.8 million dollars.