Saturday is Small Business Saturday and Kace Kieschnick reports local retailers hope consumers will spend with them on Saturday….

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Kace Keischnick”

And while you’re out and about today and tomorrow supporting Small Business Saturday, try to bulk the growing trend in the Bayou State. According to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, 14% of you aren’t wearing your seatbelt. The national average is 90 percent and Louisiana is at 86 percent.

LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says while taking advantage of Black Friday sales… he says to look for a pretty fair mix of in-store and online buying, and more merchants who offer both will also do what he calls “hybrid sales”; where you order online, then pick the items up yourself at local store…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…additional purchases.” 

Approval for a new solar farm to be built north Opelousas should be operational by 2024 and Lightsource BP development manager Jack Steele says the panels will be so far off the ground that sheep and cattle can continue to graze and they do as much as possible to increase biodiversity…

Cut 12 (09) “…for bees”

It’s Black Friday; the official start of the holiday shopping season. How is the retail picture stacking up against record inflation? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

And tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, State NFIB director Dawn McVea says consumers always from through…

Cut 8 (10)  “…during small business Saturday”

Another solar farm is coming to the state, this one will be in St Landry Parish. Lightsource BP development manager Jack Steele Louisiana has lots of flat agricultural land ideal for installing solar panels. The company already has a large solar farm near New Roads in Pointe Coupee Parish…

Cut 11 (10)  “…that industry”

The one near of Opelousas is expected to be completed in 2024.

Early voting begins tomorrow for the December 10^th election. State Commissioner of Elections Sherri Hadskey says they are making it as easy as possible for you to vote, and if you can’t make it to an Early Voting location…

Cut 14 (12)  “…December 9th.”

Early voting ends next Saturday, December third.

The US Coast Guard has located a man that went overboard from the Carnival Valor Thursday, responsive. His name has not been released and the Coast Guard is expected to give out more information today.

The holiday shopping season is officially underway, and experts predict inflation will force spending as high as $950-billion this year. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says he agrees, despite the belief that many will be scaling back gift shopping because of rising prices…:

Cut 4 (09)  “…higher cost this year.”

Small Business Saturday is tomorrow. It’s a campaign to get consumers to shop at local stores. State NFIB director, Dawn McVea, says Louisiana small businesses employ over 46% of the workforce…

Cut 7 (08) “…in the state”

The St Landry Parish Council approves the parish’s first solar farm project. Construction will begin next year on a 900-acre site in a rural area north of Opelousas. Lightsource BP development manager Jack Steele says it is expected to be operational by end of 2024 and solar power is great for the environment and an effective way to produce energy

Cut 10 (10) “…of homes” 

There is a December runoff election in Louisiana coming up, and Early Voting for that is about to begin. State Commissioner of Elections Sherri Hadskey says you’ll have a full week to vote at your leisure starting tomorrow…:

Cut 13 (09) “…December the tenth.”

Early voting starts tomorrow and ends next Saturday, December 3^rd.

Baton Rouge police are investigating the shooting death of 64-year-old Ronnie Carter and his son 21-year-old Adam Carter confessed Tuesday morning. According to a police report obtained by a Baton Rouge TV station the suspect told detectives he “becomes extremely angry when he hears someone blow their nose.” BRPD spokesperson Sgt L’Jean McKneely says after the shooting the suspect called authorities.

Cut 7 (09)  “…then died.”

Adam Carter is charged with manslaughter.

Two women are face identity theft charges in Shreveport for allegedly stealing from USAA bank accounts. Shreveport PD Sergeant Angie Willhite says ZarRajah Watkins faces 175 charges of identity theft, and she had access to accounts through her job at Shreveport call center.

Cut 4 (09)  “…right now.” 

Destane Glass was arrested yesterday.

LSU AgCenter Registered Dietitian Jennifer Duhon has a few tip for those watching their calorie intake on Thanksgiving. With plenty of delicious food to consume, Duhon says to go easy on the sauces…

Cut 11 (10)  “…sodium as well.”

It will be a big tourism weekend in New Orleans as the President of New Orleans Convention Company Dottie Belletto says the Bayou Classic draws about 200-thousand visitors to the city…

Cut 13 (12) “…the billions.”

The football game between Southern and Grambling is at 1 PM on Saturday, but there are plenty of activities on Friday and Saturday morning leading up to the game.

As folks are preparing for their Thanksgiving feast, there are some tips to make sure you don’t overdo it when it comes to overeating. LSU AgCenter Registered Dietitian Jennifer Duhon says instead of having everything on the buffet, Duhon says to choose two to three of your all-time favorites.

Cut 12 (09) “…calorie options.”

And she suggests taking a walk with your family before and after dinner to burn off a few calories.

For the second year in a row, Louisiana will be on display to the world this week, as part of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser says the 60-foot Celebration Gator is a huge and elaborate animated float…:

Cut 7 (08) “…represent Louisiana.”

Tickets for the 49th Annual Bayou Classic are selling fast bringing many fans to the City of New Orleans Whitney Thomas has the story.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

It’s perfect weather to travel today across the Gulf South. But tomorrow is a different story as there’s a slight risk for excessive rainfall for most of the state on Thanksgiving. Three to four of inches of rain could fall across north, central and southwest Louisiana tomorrow.

State Police says a 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. Trooper Derek Senegal says Philip Conner of Homewood was traveling south of Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size S-U-V

Cut 12 (10) “…GMC Acadia.” 

Senegal says after impact both vehicles traveled off the roadway and Conner’s vehicle became engulfed in flames.

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, they are plentiful in Louisiana this year, that’s according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish.  Steele says while growers have faced an increase in supply and fuel costs you’ll save if you buy your tree locally.

Cut 6 (07)  “…the lots.”

Steele says sales have been brisk so far and he’s hopeful for a profitable season.

Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost about 14 percent more this year. And the supply of turkeys is limited especially when it comes to medium to large size birds due to an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Cut 5 (08) “…the economy.”

If you’re cooking a turkey for the holiday, hopefully by now you’ve already started thawing it. And if by chance you have a microwave that can handle the size of your bird, USDA expert Kenneth King says you need to be precise about thawing times.

Cut 11 (09)  “…cook it immediately.”

If you’re thawing it in the fridge, it needs 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving dinner is going to cost more, probably enough to notice. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there’s plenty to choose from. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving is expected to cost about 14 percent more this year.

Cut 3 (07) “…sixteen point seven.” 

Strain says prices of everything from flour to canned corn to butter and cranberry sauce are higher. He says this year the supply of turkeys is also smaller.

Cut 4 (08)  “…medium range.” 

Strain says the turkey supply was badly hit by an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Cut 5 (08) “…the economy.”

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If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, they are plentiful in Louisiana this year, that’s according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish.  Steele says while growers have faced an increase in supply and fuel costs you’ll save if you buy your tree locally.

Cut 6 (07)  “…the lots.”

Steele says the dry weather this fall did not affect the Christmas trees ready for sale, because they are most vulnerable as a seedling.

Cut 7 (07)  “…no trouble.”

And depending on if you’re looking for a full tree or you prefer one that’s more open, Steele says there’s plenty to choose from this year.

Cut 8 (09)  “…into the tree.“

Steele says sales have been brisk so far and he’s hopeful for a profitable season.

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With Thanksgiving Day two days away, getting that frozen turkey thawed is a top priority for the chef in your household. USDA expert Kenneth King says there are a few tips for cooks to follow when it comes to thawing and cooking.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of turkey.” 

Experts say to thaw the turkey breast side up with the wrapper unopened. And it’s vital the fridge be forty degrees or below.

King says if you are using the cold water method it’s a bit more work because you have to change the water every 30 minutes. You should thaw the breast turkey side down, with enough cold water to completely cover the turkey.

Cut 10 (05) “…after thawing.” 

And if you have a microwave that can handle a big bird, King says you need to be very precise about thawing times.

Cut 11 (09)  “…cook it immediately.”

King says it actually is possible to cook a frozen turkey, but you have to cook it fifty percent longer than if it was thawed. King says a turkey that was thawed in the fridge can stay in the fridge for one to two days before cooking

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State Police says a 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. Trooper Derek Senegal says Philip Conner of Holmwood was traveling south of Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size S-U-V

Cut 12 (10) “…GMC Acadia.” 

Senegal says after impact both vehicles traveled off the roadway and Conner’s vehicle became engulfed in flames

Cut 13 (07) “…dead at the scene”  

Conner was a student at St. Louis Catholic High School, where he played soccer for the Saints. Senegal says the investigation continues into why he didn’t stop at the stop sign

Cut 14 (08)   “…ever applied.” 

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Cut 15 (09) “…UAB”

Cut  16 (12)  “…no doubt”

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving meal is expected to cost about 14 percent more than last year.

Cut 3 (08) “…sixteen point seven” 

Strain says prices of everything from flour to canned corn to butter and cranberry sauce are higher. He and the supply of turkeys is also smaller due to an outbreak of Avian flu.

With Thanksgiving Day two days away, getting that frozen turkey thawed is a top priority for the chef in your household. USDA expert Kenneth King says there are a few tips for cooks to follow when it comes to thawing and cooking.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of turkey” 

Experts say to thaw the turkey breast side up with the wrapper unopened. And it’s vital the fridge be forty degrees or below.

Hopefully, you’ll only be passing plates of food around the dinner table and no germs this Thanksgiving as flu cases are at an all-time him. And LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease expert Doctor Fred Lopez says the flu isn’t the only virus going around this season.

Cut 12 (08) “…COVID still.”

He advises getting your flu shot, update your COVID vaccines, and to frequently wash your hands, and if you’re sick stay home.

Christmas tree sales are already brisk according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish. And depending on if you’re looking for a full tree or you prefer one that’s more open, Steele says there’s plenty to choose from this year.

Cut 8 (09)  “…into the tree.“

Steele says you’ll save money if you go to a tree farm versus at tree lot.

So far, the state GOP has endorsed Jeff Landry for governor in 2023 but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who’s also considering a run says party chairman Louis Gurvich and others should step down. Nungesser says his own father helped build the state Republican party and he’s disgusted at how the party’s evolved.

Cut 15 (10)  “…should resign.”

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree in Louisiana this year, according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish there are plenty. Even though much of the state experienced a fall drought, he says it didn’t affect the Christmas trees ready for sale, because they are most vulnerable as a seedling.

Cut 7 (07)  “…no trouble.”

He says you’ll save money if you visit a tree farm versus picking one up for a lot.

Click It Or Ticket is underway for those traveling on Louisiana roadways. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 30 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

State police are investigating the death of a teen who died in a fiery crash in Calcasieu Parish last night. The victim is 16-year-old Philip Michael Conner of Homewood.

Click It Or Ticket is underway for those traveling on Louisiana roadways. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu-like illness is at a five-year high. Kace Keischnick has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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Besides Attorney General, Jeff Landry who’s announced he’s running for governor others like Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are still highly considering it. Brooke Thorington

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This Thanksgiving the National Wildlife Federation wants you to know wild turkeys were almost wiped out. The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says after WW2 Louisiana’s population was down to just 1500 wild birds. The Wildlife Federation says the national population was once two percent of its former numbers. The Wildlife Federation’s John Kanter says it wasn’t easy to bring them back.

Cut 4 (10)  “…weren’t surviving. ”

Kanter says when breeders started separating members of turkey flocks to reduce the fighting the populations grew.

Cut 5 (12) “…former range.”

Kanter says nationally the population has reached 7 million birds. He says Louisiana doesn’t track the total population but reports it is declining. Louisiana does have a limited wild turkey hunting season. He estimates about 20 thousand Louisiana hunters hunt the birds.

Cut 6 (06)  “…can do so.” 

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Law enforcement officers are ready to pass out fines for those not wearing their seatbelts during “Click It or Ticket” during the Thanksgiving traveling period. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the campaign began over the weekend and wraps up Sunday.

Cut 7 (08) “…fifty dollar fine.”

Last year during the holiday period, which begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ends on Sunday after the holiday, 18 people lost their lives on Louisiana roadways. Lambert says it was the second deadliest holiday period of 2021.

Cut 8 (09)  “…properly wearing it.”

Louisiana law says everyone in the vehicle including the backseat must be properly restrained.

And with it being colder than usual this Thanksgiving Lambert says to be sure to buckle up children in their car seats without a thick coat on.

Cut 9 (11)  “…your seatbelt.”

The first fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $50 and a subsequent fine is $75.

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As the holiday season gets underway Thursday the flu bug is making the rounds. Based on the latest CDC data, flu-like illnesses are at a five-year high. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease expert Doctor Fred Lopez says many people have a decreased immunity against the flu.

Cut 10 (08) “…against the flu” 

Lopez says the current strain is hitting younger age groups hard. He says two-thirds of flu activity is occurring in people young than 25 years of age. So Lopez advises staying home when sick, washing hands frequently, and getting the flu vaccine…

Cut  11 (09)   “…hospitalization.” 

Lopez says health officials are concerned about influenza spreading even more with people getting together for Thanksgiving this weekend. And he says the flu bug is not the only virus going around

Cut 12 (08) “…COVID still.”

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So far Attorney General Jeff Landry has formally announced his candidacy for governor and US Senator John Kennedy says he’s highly considering it. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s not running, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s going to conduct polling next month and announce his decision in January.

Cut 13 (06) “…of the year.”

The 63-year-old New Orleans native has served as Lt. Governor since 2016 and is also the former President of Plaquemines Parish. When asked if he would run against fellow Republican John Kennedy, Nungesser says he plans to talk to him first.

Cut 14 (09)  “…plans are.”

The state GOP formally announced their endorsement of Landry earlier this month and Nungesser called for LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich and others to resign. Nungesser who he says his own father helped build in the state party, says he’s disgusted over how the party has evolved.

Cut 15 (10)  “…should resign.”

Nungesser says he plans to announce his intentions by January 10^th.

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The SEC West Champion Tigers will close out the regular season Saturday in College Station. Coach Brian Kelly has led the Bayou Bengals to a 9-2 record with a chance at the College Football Playoffs in his first season. Kelly, who said he came to the SEC for the chance to win a national championship, says the conference lived up to his expectations…

Cut  16 (12)  “…lived up to that.”

The Tigers have struggled against an off-the-field opponent the last couple of weeks as the flu has swept through the team. Despite the sickness, many players still try to see the field and freshman phenom Harold Perkins had his breakout game with the illness. Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte tried to play Saturday night while sick but wasn’t able to go. Kelly says the team has been fortunate so far…

Cut 17 (15) “…play for us.”

The Tigers prepare for rivalry week against Texas A&M. The Aggies were ranked sixth in the preseason polls and boasted the top recruiting class in the country, but have had a disappointing 2022 season going 1-6 in conference play so far. Kelly says the team is very talented but inexperienced…

Cut 18 (19) “…all together.” 

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UL-Lafayette will visit Texas State after their 49-17 loss to FSU last weekend. The Cajuns will need to win their final game of the season for bowl eligibility. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team is treating this game like a playoff game…

Cut 19 (13) “…want to do.”

Cajuns quarterback Ben Woolridge will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. He earned the starting spot after sophomore Chandler Fields suffered an upper bowl injury. Fields has reclaimed the starting spot with Woolridge sidelined, but Desormeaux couldn’t overstate the importance he still has on the team on the sideline as a leader and mentor…

Cut 20 (17) “…to him.”