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…

Cut 18 (18)  “…specifics.” 

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.”

As millions of drivers hit the roadway for the Thanksgiving holiday, State Police are reminding Louisianans to buckle up and travel safely. Sergeant James Anderson says wearing a seatbelt is the most effective measure to minimize injury in the event of a crash.

Cut 3 (13) “….best defense.”

The Fortify Homes Program is opening a Fourth round of grants starting Monday November 27th. There are only 750 of the grants available to homeowners who need to repair or replace their roof to the Fortified Roof Standard of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. The grants are awarded to those who qualify on a first come first served basis. Requirements and Criteria can be found on the Louisiana Department of Insurance website at LDI dot LA dot gov slash fortifyhomes

Louisiana “Celebration Gator” float is set to roll in the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade for the third time tomorrow morning. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

The National Retail Federation is predicting a three to four-percent growth in revenues this year. LSU Marketing professor Dan Rice says, Even with the threat of a recession, people are still spending. Retailers, like Target, for example, are reporting a drop in revenue but an increase in profits. Rice says that suggests consumers are feeling the need to buy more necessities potentially and pay closer to full price for them.

Cut  14 (09) “…many cases.”

The National Retail Federation says consumers appear to be planning on spending more this holiday season but buying less in terms of the number of items.

More than 49 million people will travel 50 miles or more by car during the Thanksgiving holiday according to the American Automobile Association. State Police Sergeant James Anderson says additional troopers and local law enforcement will be on the roadway looking for impaired drivers and anyone not wearing seat belts. He urges everyone to click it and help save lives.

Cut 5 (10) “ …this Thanksgiving.”  

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Click it or Ticket campaign runs through Sunday.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has lifted the burn ban that’s been in place since August 7th. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says after conversations with the National Weather Service, local fire departments, and the Fire Service the decision was made to remove the ban.

Cut 6 (10) “…a safety perspective.”

An anticipated El Nino pattern this winter to include above-average rainfall also played into the decision to lift the ban.

The Friday after Thanksgiving is referred to as Black Friday because that’s when a majority of retailers are able to see their profit margin increase significantly and get out of the red for the year.

LSU Marketing professor Dan Rice says the trend of Cyber Monday promotions is growing considerably faster when you compare them to Black Friday brick-and-mortar store promotions.

Cut 13 (08) “…offline sales.”

Louisiana’s 60-foot-long “Celebration Gator” float will blow confetti out of its mouth and wag its tail along the parade route in its third appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade tomorrow.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the float is a celebration of many Louisiana traditions including jazz and Mardi Gras. And to get the crowd’s attention, he says this year’s feature performance will highlight two great Louisiana talents.

Cut 10 (13) “…the show.” 

The state signed a $1.3 million three-year contract to be in the Macy’s parade.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has lifted the burn ban that’s been in place since August 7^th but Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue encourages residents to remain vigilant when conducting outdoor burns. She says to never leave what you are burning unattended, have a water source readily available, create a water ring around your burn…

Cut 8 (11) “…went wrong.” 

Also, know what you can and cannot burn. For example, vegetation, leaves, branches, and grass clippings are allowed. Plastic, tires, paint, chemicals, newspaper, and cardboard are not permitted.

The Fortify Homes Program is opening a Fourth round of grants starting Monday November 27th. There are only 750 of the grants available to homeowners who need to repair or replace their roof to the Fortified Roof Standard of the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety. The grants are awarded to those who qualify on a first come first served basis. Requirements and Criteria can be found on the Louisiana Department of Insurance website at LDI dot LA dot gov slash fortifyhomes

The National Retail Federation is predicting as much as a four-percent growth in revenues this year from holiday shoppers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana’s “Celebration Gator” float will make its third appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade tomorrow.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says over the last two years tourism numbers have grown. He says this is a great opportunity to promote Louisiana to the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisiana shine.”

Rolling Stones are coming to Jazz Fest and Times-Picayune and NOLA.com music writer Keith Spera believes besides fans in Louisiana, this stop on the Hackney Diamonds tour will attract Stones fans from all corners of the globe because it’s their only non-stadium show.

Cut  14 (12) “…the fairgrounds.”

Presale tickets for Louisiana residents will be available November 29^th, visit NOjazzfest.com for more information.

Welcome news for those traveling over the river and through the woods to grandmothers for their turkey dinner. Fuel prices are down compared to this time last year. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says overall things appear to be much easier on your wallet this Turkey Day…

Cut 11 (07) “…grocery store.”

For the second consecutive Lady Tiger Basketball game All-American forward Angel Reese was not with the team. Coach Kim Mulkey says Reese is still a member of the team and expects her to return to the court sooner than later. But the coach is not going to give any details as to why she’s not playing…

Cut 4 (08) “…always”

More than 46 million turkeys will be cooked this Thanksgiving according to USDA.

The traditional way to cook a turkey is in the oven but many Louisianans prefer to cook it in a deep fryer. USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers urges Louisianans to make sure the turkey is fully thawed before it goes in a deep fryer.

Cut 7 (08) “…bubble over.” 

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey continues to not provide any details on why Angel Reese is not with the team. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Coast Guard and other authorities are still searching for the source of an oil pipeline leak in the Gulf of Mexico off the Louisiana coast. The Coast Guard initially reported 12 thousand gallons of oil was in the water but pipeline gauges show 1.1 million gallons of oil is missing and may have been discharged into the Gulf. The pipeline has been shut down but authorities are looking for the source.

The Rolling Stones are coming to Jazz Fest Thursday, May 2^nd and Jazz Fest will be the second stop on their US tour promoting their new album, Hackney Diamonds.

After kicking off in Houston they’ll roll over to Crescent City. Times-Picayune and NOLA.com music writer Keith Spera says The Stones obviously want to play Jazz Fest, even after being rebooked several times before…

Cut 13 (09) “…line-up.”

It’s time to start defrosting that frozen turkey if you want it ready for Thanksgiving Day. The Department of Agriculture wants to encourage food safety tips to prevent dangerous foodborne illnesses. When it comes to defrosting your turkey, USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers recommends that you do so in the refrigerator, never leave it out to thaw on the kitchen counter.

Cut 6 (12) “…fully thawed.”

Prices at the pump are considerably lower than they were this time last year. According to Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.85.

Cut 9 (09) “…(x2)time last year.” 

The Department of Agriculture wants you to use safe cooking practices this Thanksgiving and the USA doesn’t recommend stuffing a turkey due to the increased risk of cross-contamination. A stuffed turkey also takes longer to cook.

But if you decide to stuff your turkey, USDA Safety Expert Meredith Carothers suggests placing the turkey in the oven right away especially when using hot stuffing.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooking process.” 

Jazz Fest is hoping 2024 will be the year they finally get some Satisfaction. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The seventh-ranked LSU women’s basketball team easily defeated Texas Southern 106-47 last night but for the second consecutive game All-American forward Angel Reese was not with the team. The Bayou Barbie was last seen a week ago in uniform in a game where she did not play in the second half. Coach Kim Mulkey is tight lipped on why Reese is missing..

Cut 3 (04) “….to know.”

Governor John Bel Edwards and First Lady Donna Edwards met with Governor Elect Jeff Landry and future First Lady Sharon Landry at the Governor’s mansion Monday. Edwards has said a smooth transition is important to him and said he and Donna were happy to meet with the Landry’s as they prepare to take on their demanding roles. Landry expressed appreciation for the Edwards’ willingness to help with a smooth transition.

Much of Louisiana is under a tornado watch tonight. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee says isolated tornadoes are possible, plus some straight line winds…

Cut 6 (09) “…heavy rainfall”

Wetherbee says this is the first significant severe weather threat we’ve seen this fall… After this front moves through, it will be cool and mostly dry for the rest of the week.

In Saturday’s election, John Fleming, Nancy Landry, and Liz Murrill won giving Republicans every statewide office. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

In the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race, a single vote gave Democrat Henry Whitehorn a victory over Republican John Nickelson. Political analyst Scott Hughes says they knew it would be a close race in the politically divided parish. He says Whitehorn was up about 2,000 votes but when the final northern rural precincts came in overwhelmingly for Nickelson…

Cut 8 (06) “…Saturday night.”