The state has not seen a spike at the gas pump ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.  Kevin Barnhart tells us why.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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It was three years ago today, Ed Orgeron was named as head coach of the LSU Tigers. Jeff Palermo reports the hiring looks to be former athletic director Joe Alleva’s best move…

cut  2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”    

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Motorists can expect to fill their tanks in Louisiana for a few pennies cheaper per gallon compared to last year’s Thanksgiving weekend.  AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says we’ve seen the statewide average for gas prices remain steady for the last few weeks, holding around $2.22 a gallon.

Cut 3 (10) “…continue to drop.”

Redman says gas inventories are starting to build, mitigating a holiday spike.

Cut 4 (08) “…the prices upward.”

Redman expects more price drops on the horizon, but it won’t be in time to be beneficial to the estimated 12 million motorists of the Gulf States region for the holiday weekend.

Cut 5 (10) “…of people traveling.”

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It was three years ago today, LSU hired Ed Orgeron as its head football coach. Who would have thought three years later, LSU would be ranked number one? Football analyst Mike Detillier says Coach O did

Cut 6 (12) “ national championship.”

There were many who were skeptical of the Orgeron hiring. But Detillier says Coach O knew that if they opened up the offense and got a great quarterback it could happen. He says bringing Joe Burrow on was critical

Cut 7 (06) “…players do.”

Detillier says Burrow’s record-breaking season will attract other great quarterbacks and skill position players to LSU, which should help the program remain as one of the best in the country

Cut 8 (11) “  to LSU and play”

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Toy shopping is top of mind for many ahead of the holiday.  Known as the Toy Guy, Chris Byrne says there is a shift in the way parents are buying toys as to not overwhelm them with too many toys.

Cut 9 (12) “…again and again.”

Byrne says while the best time to buy is when you see the toy you need so you don’t have to stress about finding the item later, a later shopping season could be to the advantage of a more frugal shopper…

Cut 10 (09) “…incentive to purchase.”

Byrne says toys such as Legos and dolls will always do great and adds any toy to gain a laugh is always a solid find.

Cut 11 (13) “…burst out laughing.”

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Officials say ticket sales for Saturday’s Bayou Classic between Southern and Grambling State are ahead of where they were last year and they expect a sell-out when the two schools take the field Saturday afternoon in the Superdome. Grambling President Rick Gallot says demand for tickets is high

Cut 12 (08) “…600 level” 

Bayou Classic organizers also expect the Battle of the Bands show on Friday night will also sell out. Grambling coach Broderick Fobbs says he’s been attending the Bayou Classic since he was a kid and this game means a lot to him…

Cut 13 (10) “…possibly are.”

The winner of Saturday’s game will head to the SWAC Championship game for a chance to play in the Celebration Bowl. Southern beat Grambling last year and Southern University President Ray Belton says the Jaguars plan on winning again this year…

Cut 14 (09) “…here to stay”

The Bayou Classic is expected to draw over 200,000 visitors and produce an economic impact of 50-million dollars.

The Louisiana Public Health Institute releases a survey that finds 80-percent of parents believe schools should be required to offer sex education. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

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The National Retail Federation expects over 165 million consumers to get shopping done over the holiday weekend.  Michael Farrar has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Michael Farrar.” 

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After pushing the N-F-L to use video to review pass inteference calls, Saints Coach Sean Payton believes three people, not one should be in on the decision when instant replay is used to judge pass interference. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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There’s been long debate in Louisiana on whether schools should be required to offer sex education. A survey released by the Louisiana Public Health Institute finds 80-percent of parents believe it should be a requirement. L-P-H-I managing director Kristie Bardell says sex-ed could lead to healthier lives…

Cut 4 (11) “…contraceptive use.”

Bardell says school-based sex education provides young people with facts on topics they will likely encounter and reinforces the conversations families may already be having at home…

Cut 5 (07) “…human development.”

So far Louisiana’s legislature has not been willing to pass legislation requiring sex ed in public schools. Bardell says they plan to present this survey to legislators next spring when lawmakers convene for a regular session…

Cut 6 (09) “…sex education.”

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The National Retail Federation expects over 35 million consumers to shop online and in-stores on turkey day, up about 3.5 million more than last year.  NRF spokesperson Katherine Cullen says overall of the course of the weekend, more than 165 million will be looking to get some holiday shopping done.

Cut 7 (09) “…on turning out..”

Cullen says younger consumers are more likely to use the weekend to shop compared to older generations.  Almost 90% of those under 25 say they plan to shop, adding there is more to it than just enticing bargains.

Cut 8 (08) “…together with others.”

Cullen says the preference for online shopping and brick and mortar stores is split, but just slightly more than half are setting foot in a store first.

Cut 9 (08) “…something with family..”

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The Louisiana Good Roads and Transportation Association is calling on Governor John Bel Edwards to initiate the discussion with the new legislative leadership on increasing infrastructure funding.  President of Louisiana Good Roads Ken Perrett says it is vital to come up with a plan that everyone can support.

Cut 10 (08) “…to work together.”

The non-profit organization is dedicated to promoting the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the transportation system.  Perret recommends adjusting the gas tax, which he says hasn’t been adjusted in over 30 years.

Cut 11 (13) “…highway trust fund.”

Perret says the state should try to use existing revenues if they can as no one likes seeing tax increases.

Cut  12 (11) “…and everything else.” 

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Top-ranked LSU is spending this Thanksgiving week getting ready for Texas A-and-M. A game the Tigers have been waiting for, ever since they lost to the Aggies in seven overtimes last year. Coach Ed Orgeron doesn’t want his team thinking about what happened last year

Cut 13 (12) “..this team.”

LSU lost that game last year in College Station. Orgeron says playing the contest this year in front of Purple and Gold nation should help

Cut 14 (13) “…no looking back” 

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The Ragin Cajuns go after their 10th win of the season on Saturday when they host U-L-M to close out the regular season. Coach Billy Napier on the importance of beating their in-state rivals..

Cut 15 (19) “..this point”

If the Cajuns win Saturday and Appalachian State loses to Troy, then U-L Lafayette will host the Sun Belt Championship game next week. But Napier will not spend much time scoreboard watching on Saturday night…

Cut 16  (19)  …that part”