Shoppers and retailers both face unique challenges this holiday shopping season.  Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (30)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Today may be Black Friday, but tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Leah Long says the holiday season is something that small business owners look forward to every year.

Cut 8 (09) “…kind of thing.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is advising shoppers to be vigilant on the busiest shopping day of the year. And she’s warning us all to be aware of scams this holiday season.

Cut 11 (12) “…and appliances.”

Shoppers can find more consumer safety tips at aglizmurrill.com

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain encourages residents to consider getting a Louisiana-grown live Christmas tree this holiday season. He says going to a tree farm is more than just buying a tree…

Cut 12 (12) “…absolutely incredible.”

Strain says you can find the names and locations of local Christmas tree farms around the state at the southern Christmas Aree Association’s website.

This holiday season brings unique challenges for shoppers and retailers. Despite inflation and economic uncertainties, consumers are expected to spend more this year than last year. Online shopping continues to rise, with 57 percent of shoppers planning online purchases. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice.

Cut 5 (12) “…points in the year.”

Today may be Black Friday, but tomorrow is Small Business Saturday.  Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says the holiday season is something that means a lot to small business owners who depend on their neighbors for their livelihoods.

Cut 7 (07) “…and support them.”

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It’s Senior night in Tiger Stadium tomorrow as LSU closes out the 2024 campaign against Oklahoma. The 7-and-4 Tigers are no longer in the SEC or College Football Playoff race, but senior running back Josh Williams says a win would mean a lot…

Cut 14 (22) “…blast and win.”

Kickoff in Death Valley is at 6:00

UL-Lafayette will visit rival ULM with Sun-Belt Championship hopes on the line. The Cajuns can clinch a Sun Belt West title and spot in the conference championship game with a win. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux.

Cut 17 (19) “…on Saturday” 

Black Friday officially kicks off the Christmas shopping season.  And the National Retail Federation predicts shoppers will spend almost ten percent more money this year than they did last year. LSU marketing professor Dan Rice emphasizes trends shaping 2024’s holiday shopping, including online purchasing growth, early-season sales, and the gift of visiting loved ones.

Cut 4 (11) “…a consumer good.”

Attorney General Liz Murrill is looking to make sure we’re all vigilant on this, the busiest shopping day of the year.  Murril says you should use caution when shopping this Black Friday and throughout the holidays.

Cut 10 (11) “…over merchandise.”

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As you get your Christmas shopping underway for this year, don’t forget about your small businesses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain encourages residents to consider getting a Louisiana-grown live Christmas tree this holiday season. He says going to a tree farm is wonderful family experience and there’s nothing better than the smell of a live tree.  As for where to get yours.

Cut 13 (08)  “…association website”

Shoppers and retailers both face unique challenges this holiday shopping season.  Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (30)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Today may be Black Friday, but tomorrow is Small Business Saturday. State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Leah Long says the holiday season is something that small business owners look forward to every year.

Cut 8 (09) “…kind of thing.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill is advising shoppers to be vigilant on the busiest shopping day of the year. And she’s warning us all to be aware of scams this holiday season.

Cut 11 (12) “…and appliances.”

Shoppers can find more consumer safety tips at aglizmurrill.com

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain encourages residents to consider getting a Louisiana-grown live Christmas tree this holiday season. He says going to a tree farm is more than just buying a tree…

Cut 12 (12) “…absolutely incredible.”

Strain says you can find the names and locations of local Christmas tree farms around the state at the southern Christmas Aree Association’s website.

When it comes to the cost groceries, Louisiana is the 10th most expensive state right now.   Prices are down from last year, but still considerably higher than they were in 2021. Still, UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says compared to eating out, groceries are much cheaper.

Cut 12 (09) “…substantial.”

Speaking of food, as you start preparing for your Thanksgiving feast, be sure to keep food safety top of mind. By now, your turkey should already thawing, but Jennifer Duhon warns you should never do that at room temperature. And As for what goes inside the turkey…

Cut 5 (17) “…also your stuffing.”

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College Football is set for perhaps its highest stakes Rivalry Week ever this weekend as teams vie for a spot in the 12-team playoffs. Three SEC bubble playoff teams in Alabama. Ole Miss, and Texas A&M suffered potentially season ending upsets last weekend. Of the three, Dennis Dodd of CBS sports says Alabama the best shot…

Cut 16 (13) “…in years.”

The 51st Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern is set for this Saturday.  The festivities kick off Thanksgiving Day with a parade, followed by several events on Friday, including the Battle of the Bands.  For the third year, there will be a high school band battle, featuring two New Orleans schools, one from Memphis and one band out of Houston.  Bayou Classic’s Candace Brock…

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the band.”

Thanksgiving means it’s Bayou Classic Weekend as Grambling and Southern go head to head this Saturday in the 51st Bayou Classic. Candace Brock with the Bayou Classic says says the festivities kick off at three Thursday afternoon with the Thanksgiving Day parade, and it will be a spectacle.

Cut 8 (12) “…parade as well.”

Wherever you’re traveling this holiday weekend, be sure to wear your seatbelt.  The nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” enforcement period started last weekend and runs through Sunday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds us all that not wearing your seatbelt can have very dire consequences.

Cut 14 (12) “…wearing a seatbelt.”

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Louisiana is the 10^th most expensive state for grocery prices right now.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, make sure you’re practicing food safety. Jennifer Duhon, a registered dietician at the LSU Agricultural Center says you should never thaw your turkey at room temperature…and be sure to store leftovers.

Cut 6 (07) “…be concerned about.”

Law enforcement has a warning for you as you hit the road for your Thanksgiving travels – wear your seatbelt, or else. The nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” enforcement period started last weekend and runs through Sunday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there are more officers on the road, and they’re specifically looking for people not wearing their seatbelts.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for traffic enforcement.”

Louisiana ranks as the 10th most expensive state for groceries.  Thanksgiving serves as a key indicator of grocery trends. This year, a 15-item Thanksgiving meal costs 65 dollars on average. That’s three percent lower than last year, but still 42 percent higher than in 2019.  UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says

Cut 11 (08) “…last couple of years.”

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When preparing your Thanksgiving feast, be sure to practice proper food safety. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 51st Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern takes place at the Superdome Saturday afternoon. Candace Brock with the Bayou Classic says the event goes far beyond just football.

Cut 7 (10) “…colleges and universities.”

Louisiana is the 10th most expensive state for groceries, with residents spending an average of 283 dollars per week in 2023, compared to the national average of 270 dollars. UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says despite a slowdown in inflation over the past year, it still feels like prices are rising for many in Louisiana since costs are still higher than they were before 2021.

Cut 10 (07) “…gone away.”

As you get ready to cook all that food for Thanksgiving, be sure you’re practicing food safety. By now, you should be thawing your frozen turkey. But Jennifer Duhon, a registered dietician at the LSU Agricultural Center, says if you didn’t give your turkey enough time to completely thaw out, you do have another option.

Cut 4 (13) “…to be cool.”

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The 51st annual Bayou Classic is this Saturday at the Superdome. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Whether you’re headed to the game, grandma’s, or anywhere else, be aware the Click it or Ticket campaign is underway this holiday weekend. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission  says if you’re caught not wearing your seatbelt, it will cost you.

Cut 15 (05) “…75 for consecutive.”

Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. With this early voting period interrupted by Thanksgiving, Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says turnout is expected to be low, which would be unfortunate since everyone has something on the ballot.

Cut 4 (10) “…big mayor’s race.”
Early voting ends next Saturday, but polls are closed tomorrow, Thanksgiving Day and the day after Thanksgiving.

A Tangipahoa Parish Jail escapee who’d been on the run since mid May, is back in custody this morning.  20-year-old Jamarcus Cyprian escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail back on May 16th; he was arrested Wednesday in Hammond.  Sheriff Gerald Sticker…

Cut 6 (06) “…with a gun.”

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Louisiana lawmakers have approved a tax reform package that will result in lower income taxes for working individuals, but a higher state sales tax rate. The individual income tax rate would be a flat three-percent rate.  Leesville Senator Mike Reese says this tax change will help grow the economy…

Cut 12 (12) “…to our state.”

The film tax credit program has been capped at 125-million dollars, down from 150-million. Legislators also voted to repeal the corporate franchise tax.  Senator Franklin Foil says this tax penalized businesses

Cut 14 (07) “…concerned.”

The tax section of Louisiana’s constitution has also been changed, which will require voter approval in March.

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a tax reform package that will mean lower income taxes, but higher state sales taxes.  Under the plan, the state sales tax rate will increase from 4.45 percent to five percent for the next five years. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux is the Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus

Cut 13 (12)  “…additional adjustments.”

The LSU Tigers are looking to avoid their first four-game losing streak wince 1999 as they take on Vanderbilt tonight.  Tigers head coach Bryan Kelly.

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Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Sheriff’s deputy in Rapides Parish Sheriff’s is hospitalized after being shot by a patient at a psychiatric facility.  Authorities say there was a disturbance between the patient and hospital employees and the deputy intervened, trying to de-escalate the situation.

Cut 9 (12)  “…shot the suspect.”