LSU has landed a big fish in its hire for head football coach with Brian Kelly. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says LSU athletics director Scott Woodward has built a reputation as someone who can hire a successful coach away from another school. Higgins says he did it again with the all-time winningest coach at Notre Dame…

Cut 7 (12) “…no baggage.”  

Kelly will be formally introduced tomorrow.

The 2021 hurricane season is going out like a lamb with the tropics quiet but proved to be a lion for a good part of the official six-month storm period. Colorado State University’s predictions were pretty much on the mark. CSU research scientist, Phil Klotzbach.

Cut 12 (08) “…which had 28.”  

Troopers say they saw more traffic fatalities this Thanksgiving weekend compared to last year. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields announces his retirement, effective the end of June 2022. Fields will not seek a seventh term. Fields was appointed to the position in 1999 and then elected in 2000.

It was a deadly four-day Thanksgiving holiday weekend across Louisiana. Trooper Michael Reichardt tells us 16 people died in ten fatal crashes investigated by state police. He says there’s been an upward trend this year in deadly crashes and there are two proven ways to decrease the chance of being involved in a crash.

Cut 4 (10) “…inside your car.”

The deadline for Medicare Annual Enrollment or to make changes is a week away. Ann Booth of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana says anyone who has Medicare Parts A and B, on disability, or 65 and older will need to either enroll or make changes to their existing plan by next Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…for 2022.”

You can visit bcbsLAplan.com/medicare

LSU has announced Brian Kelly as its new head football coach. Jeff Palermo on one of the winningest coaches in college football and how he’ll try to bring another national title to Tiger Town…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

And Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields says he won’s seek a 7^th term next year.

Brian Kelly has been named LSU’s new head football coach and Governor Edwards tweeted a warm welcome to the former Norte Dame coach. In his tweet, he told Kelly that residents are passionate about LSU football here and he’s excited to introduce him to all the state offers and suggested he start with gumbo. Kelly will be formally introduced tomorrow.

A new Louisiana State Police training academy class begins this weekend. Kevin Gallagher has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Senator Bill Cassidy is expressing concern that federal health officials are not looking into how long one can expect to remain naturally immune to COVID-19. Cassidy says the CDC should try to determine how much one is protected from the virus by natural immunity.

Cut 9 (13)  “…in that direction.”

Today is Giving Tuesday a tradition that began in 2012 and like last year the need is great in Louisiana with two devastating hurricane seasons. Interim Red Cross Communications Director for Louisiana, Caroline Fountain says your monetary donation goes a long way…

Cut 15 (09)  “…a difference.”

Giving Tuesday is a day to volunteer or donate to your favorite charity.

LSU football begins a new era as Brian Kelly, who has the most victories of any active coach in major college football is named the Tigers’ new head football coach. Kelly who most recently coached at Norte Dame will receive a ten-year $95-million-dollar contract. He will be formally introduced Wednesday.

The question remains on what a person’s natural immunity to the virus is after contracting COVID-19. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

The 100^th Louisiana State Police cadet class starts this Sunday. LSP Superintendent Colonel Lamar Davis acknowledges State Police have had difficulty with use of force, especially with persons of color. The new academy class of 65 cadets includes 10 females and reflects cultural diversity as well, which Davis feels will help.

Cut  11 (13)  “…is value-added.”  

Today is the last day of hurricane season, and it was another wild ride for the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says in 2020 Louisiana was impacted by five storms and this year three storms have left their mark here.

Cut 6 (07) “..unprecedented.”

Keim says this is the first time we’ve had two back-to-back seasons with 21 or more named storms.

News of the Omicron variant of COVID has health experts concerned as a number of countries have reported cases of the new variant, including Canada. Governor John Bel Edwards says unfortunately it’s par for the course.

 Cut 6 (10) “…more variants” 

He says it’s another reminder the pandemic is far from over and more people need to be vaccinated to slow transmission.

It’s Cyber Monday, and Carmen Million, President of the Better Business Bureau of Baton Rouge says before you click on that sale it is your responsibility to investigate that the retailer is credible, and it’s a secure site before you give them your personal information.

Cut 9 (05) “…for secure.”

She also advises that you check product availability with supply chain disruptions and a retailer’s reputation with the BBB.

Today is the deadline to register for FEMA disaster relief if your home suffered damage during Hurricane Ida. FEMA spokesperson Nathan Custer if you haven’t registered with FEMA for assistance, you only have hours left to do so. He says there is no dollar threshold on the amount of damage you can seek help for.

Cut 4 (11) “…to the catastrophic.”

FEMA assistance is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Natchitoches Police are investigating the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old. Police say they were alerted shortly before 8:30 Saturday night of the juvenile who was brought to Natchitoches Regional Medical Center with a single gunshot wound. The teen was transported to LSU-Health Shreveport and died as a result of injuries. The shooting remains under investigation and police are asking for any information concerning the incident that happened in the 600 block Winnona Street.

News of the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID has health experts concerned and Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s another reminder the pandemic is far from over and everyone needs to help slow transmission.

Cut 7 (10) “…global pandemic.”  

Omicron is now the dominant COVID variant in South Africa, less than two weeks after it was first reported. There have also been cases reported in Canada.

The loss of smell from COVID is a long-term effect for some and Dr. Kevin McLaughlin, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery Professor at LSU Health New Orleans says while most do recover their sense of smell in a week or two, some regain an altered sense of smell. Instead of pleasant odors like flowers or fresh fruit…

Cut 12 (12) “…is distorted.”

Chair of the Louisiana House Transportation Committee will also be dealing with federal infrastructure dollars recently approved by Congress. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

It’s the holiday shopping season and LSU, U-L Lafayette, Louisiana Tech and Grambling State are all looking for head football coaches. Billy Napier has been named the new head coach for Florida and it’s unclear who LSU athletic director Scott Woodward will land as the Tigers new head coach. He’s known for making big-name hires, but the number of big names available is dwindling.

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 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.”

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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.” 

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.