3:30 LRN Newscast

When traveling this holiday weekend, be sure to wear your seatbelt.  The nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” enforcement period runs through Sunday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says not wearing a seatbelt can have very dire consequences.

Cut 14 (12) “…wearing a seatbelt.”

Seatbelt violators in Louisiana face a fine of 50-dollars for a first offense.

A cold front will push through the state overnight and into tomorrow night. LSU public health climatologist Barry Keim says there’s only a slight chance of a shower, but we will see cooler temperatures and you should be prepared if your are spending a long time outdoors…

Cut 5 (09) “…out there”

Small businesses support what lawmakers did in the tax reform special session.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday. Bankrate’s Ted Rossman says a recent survey they conducted found that younger shoppers are more into Small Business Saturday…

Cut  8 (13) “….of Boomers

1:30 LRN Newscast

It’s the busiest travel day of the year and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is bustling with activity. Louis Armstrong’s new terminal turned five years old earlier this month and most travelers like it, but one person we spoke with is not happy with the convenience of getting or dropping off a rental car…

Cut 13 (06) “…rental cars”

It’s a warm Thanksgiving Eve, but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front arrives tonight and after it moves through Louisiana tomorrow, temperatures will drop….

Cut 4 (10) “….mild day”

Keim says this front will bring a little bit of rain and then chilly temperatures for the weekend.

The National Federation of Independent Business says the legislation approved in the tax reform special session will help small businesses drive economic growth and create jobs. NFIB state director Leah Long says the passage of a flat 3% individual income tax rate, a flat 5.5 percent corporate income tax rate and the elimination of the franchise tax will help small businesses.

Cut 10 (10) “…and LLC’s too.”

Long says she’s also glad legislators did no touch the inventory tax credit for unincorporated businesses.

Small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday. Bankrate’s Ted Rossman says a recent survey they conducted found that younger shoppers are more into Small Business Saturday…

Cut  8 (13) “….of Boomers

12:30 LRN Newscast

Small businesses support what lawmakers did in the tax reform special session.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday as small businesses will have deals to get holiday shoppers in their stores on Saturday. Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman says their survey shows around half of the country will be buying something over the next few days…

Cut 7 (08) “…Small business Saturday”

It’s warm today, but a cold front will move through the state during the overnight hours and into tomorrow morning, bringing fall like weather to the Bayou State. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the front will also bring us a little bit of rain, but the chilly temperatures through the weekend and into early next week is the big story

Cut 3 (09) “…cooler temperatures.”

Keim says if you have outdoor activities tomorrow, plan on temperatures dropping as the day goes along.

And law enforcement is urging motorists to wear their seat belts over this holiday weekend. It’s a Click it or Ticket It weekend so officers are doubling down on seat belt enforcement. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Greg Fisher says if you’re caught not buckled up, it will cost you…

Cut 15 (05) “….75 for consecutive”

Fisher says the Click It or Ticket it campaign aims to promote safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

11:30 LRN Newscast

This holiday season, many Americans are tightening their budgets as they face lingering inflation and elevated costs for goods compared to pre-pandemic levels. But Bankrate Analyst Ted Rossman says this weekend will still see a lot of shoppers.

Cut 6 (15) “…it is still growth.”

Bankrate has found that a higher percentage of U-S Adults will shop on Cyper Monday over Small Business Saturday and Black Friday.

Louisiana small businesses are thankful for what legislators accomplished in the recently completed tax reform special session. NFIB state director Leah Long….

Cut 9 (09) “…here in Louisiana”

Long says a flat 3% individual income tax rate, a flat 5.5 percent corporate income tax rate and the elimination of the franchise tax are all good things.

 

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

Cut 1 (36)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

Grocery stores will be packed today with shoppers getting those last minute items for their Thanksgiving feast. UNO Economics professor Walter Lane on grocery store prices…

Cut 12 (09) “….substantial”

Thanksgiving Eve is usually big a revenue generator for restaurants.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Ranked as the 10th most expensive state for grocery prices, with Louisiana residents spending an average of 283-dollars per week in 2023, compared to the national average of 270-dollars.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Jeff Landry is calling on LSU to censure a law professor over his alleged comments about Donald Trump a day after the election. Professor Nicholas Byner’s comments were directed at students who supported Trump and told them there are black students who feel uncomfortable. Landry says a professor or instructor imposing their politics onto a student is strictly prohibited by state law.

As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, make 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.”

It’s Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans as Southern and Grambling meet in their annual showdown on the football field in the Caesars Superdome on Saturday afternoon. Candace Brock with the Bayou Classic says the festivities kick off at three Thursday afternoon with a Thanksgiving parade starting at the Superdome…

Cut 8 (12) “…parade as well”

6:45 LRN sportscast

The Saints are back at work following their bye week as they get ready for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. New Orleans is 4-and-7, and just two games back of Atlanta for first place in the NFC South. But interim head coach Darren Rizzi says his team should not be focused on the standings…

Cut 22 (18) biggest focus”

Saints center Erik McCoy did not practice yesterday after re-injuring his groin in the win over the Browns on November 17th.

The LSU women’s basketball team faces its first ranked opponent of the year today when they take on 20th ranked North Carolina State in the Bahamas. The Lady Tigers are undefeated while N-C State has two losses.

Louisiana Tech men remain undefeated after beating Richmond 65-62. Kaden Cooper had 16 points.

Louisiana Tech will close out its regular season on Saturday by hosting Kennesaw State. The Bulldog are 4-and-7, despite being ranked 22nd in the country in total defense. Last year Tech ranked 110th in total defense. Coach Sonny Cumbie gave his thoughts on the 2024 campaign…

Cut 19 (13) “…whatever reason”

Kick off is at 3 PM.

The latest College Football Playoff rankings are out. Oregon is one, Ohio State is two, Texas is three. Georgia is seven, Tennessee is eight and Alabama is 13th. CBS Sports College Football reporter Dennis Dodd says there’s still a chance for the Crimson Tide to get in the 12 team playoff…

Cut 16 (13) “…years”

Updated LRN AM Newscall November 27 ###New Cut 19###

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

Cut 1 (36)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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Ranked as the 10th most expensive state for grocery prices, with Louisiana residents spending an average of 283-dollars per week in 2023, compared to the national average of 270-dollars.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, make 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.”

Duhon says whatever you do, do not thaw your turkey at room temperature, since you would run the risk of spreading germs throughout the kitchen. As for what goes inside the turkey…

Cut 5 (17) “…also your stuffing.” 

And Duhon says be sure to properly store any leftovers in the refrigerator before the tryptophan puts you in a food coma.

Cut 6 (07) “…be concerned about.”

You can refrigerate your leftovers for up to five days, or you can freeze them.

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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.”

Brock 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.”

The festivities continue with several events Friday, including the Battle of the Bands. And for the third year in a row, there will be a high school battle of the bands, featuring bands from two New Orleans high schools – G.W. Carver High School and Abramson Sci Academy – as well as two bands from out of state high schools – Craigmont High School of Memphis and Westbury High School of Houston.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the band.”

Southern enters the game at 7-and-4, while Grambling enters at 5-and-6.

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Louisiana ranks as 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. Other Southern states also faced high costs, such as Mississippi around 290 dollars, and Texas around 286 dollars. UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says despite a slowdown in inflation over the past year, many Louisiana residents still perceive rising prices due to costs remaining significantly above pre-2021 levels.

Cut 10 (07) “…gone away.”

Thanksgiving serves as a key indicator of grocery trends. This year, a 15-item Thanksgiving meal costs 65 dollars on average, down three percent from 2023 but up 42-percent higher than in 2019. Land says Thanksgiving is getting cheaper year over year…

Cut 11 (08) “…last couple of years.”

As prices stabilize but remain elevated, many Louisiana shoppers continue to feel financial strain at the checkout line, but Lane says compared to eating out its much cheaper.

Cut 12 (09) “…substantial.”

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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.”

Fischer says not wearing your seatbelt can have very dire consequences.

Cut 14 (12) “…wearing a seatbelt.”

In Louisiana, not wearing your seatbelt is a primary offense, meaning officers can pull you over just for not wearing your seatbelt and without committing any other moving violation. And if you’re caught not wearing your seatbelt, it will cost you a little money. 

Cut 15 (05) “…75 for consecutive.”

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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 the Crimson Tide have the best shot…

Cut 16 (13) “…in years.”

Dodd says the quality across the SEC has slipped this season without a clear favorite. Texas A&M could still compete in the conference championship game and earn a CFP spot with a win against Texas on Saturday…

Cut 17 (21) “…all at the same time” 

BIG 10 and SEC fans have argued over whether 11-and-1 Indiana deserves to get in over two and three loss SEC teams with tougher schedules, but after last weekend’s chaos, Dodd isn’t hearing the arguments

Cut 18 (17)   “…happened here.”

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Louisiana Tech will close out its regular season on Saturday by hosting Kennesaw State. The Bulldog are 4-and-7, despite being ranked 22nd in the country in total defense. Last year Tech ranked 110th in total defense. Coach Sonny Cumbie gave his thoughts on the 2024 campaign

Cut 19 (13) “..whatever reason.”  

Tech is also playing for pride. The Bulldogs are 4-and-7 and Cumbie says he wants the players to finish on a high note…

Cut 20 (15) “…for our guys.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saturday’s game against Oklahoma marks the final regular-season game of the year for the LSU Tigers, and it’s Senior Night. Coach Brian Kelly and the program will say goodbye to 21 seniors.

Cut 18 (20)   “…great things.”

Wide receiver CJ Daniels has been playing college football for five years, but has one more year of eligibility left. Kelly believes Daniels will be back next season and he’s also hopeful injured linebacker

Nicholls Evan Roussell has been named the Southland Offensive lineman of the year. Roussell was the anchor of an offensive line that had one of the best rushing attacks in the FCS. Miequele Brock has been named Southland Freshman of the Year after rushing for 479 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 213 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

ULM will host in-state rival UL-Lafayette Saturday. The Warhawks will need to snap a 5-game losing streak to earn bowl eligibility while the Ragin Cajuns try to clinch a Sun Belt West title. Kickoff is at 11 AM on ESPNU, but Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says his team is ready…

Cut 20 (13) “…ask for.”

Louisiana Tech closed out the regular season by hosting Kennesaw State. Bulldogs quarterback Evan Bullock is coming off a game in which he threw for 190 yards in a loss to Arkansas. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 16 (23) “…have been”

LRN PM Newscall November 26

It’s time to find that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson spoke with a Christmas tree farmer..

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If you’re planning on flying with food this Thanksgiving holiday, there are some important things you’ll need to know. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.” 

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois says the tax reform package positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything that the state has to offer naturally.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

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Many Louisiana residents opt for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says you can enjoy the authentic holiday experience with a real tree. Beyond their environmental benefits, these trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says another reason for a real tree is plastics: artificial trees are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle. In contrast, real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

Cut 7 (08) “…and it’s biodegradable.”

Steele says by choosing a locally grown tree over an artificial one you’re not just making a sustainable choice for the planet, but creating memories…

Cut 8 (10) “…the memories we’re creating.”

Steeles Christmas Tree Farm opens at 2 PM on Thanksgiving day.

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If you’re planning on bringing food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on the airplane, keep in mind that you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Some examples of food items that will need to go into your checked luggage:

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Koshetz says there are certain items that you can take with you in your carry-on baggage.

Cut 11 (08) “…fresh fruit.”

If you’re taking fresh fruit on an international flight, make sure you comply with that country’s agricultural laws.

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President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

The “Luke Letlow Post Office Building” commemorates the life and legacy of the congressman-elect, who tragically passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020, days before being sworn into office.  Letlow says she is flooded with emotion

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

Letlow says that having a post office named after him in his home community is a meaningful tribute to his dedication to public service and his enduring impact on Louisiana.

Cut 14 (09) “…who Luke was.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The LSU football team’s star-studded 2025 recruiting class has lost some luster after top prospect Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan last week, but Coach Brian Kelly says now those N-I-L dollars can be used other places like the transfer portal…

Cut 16 (17) “…very aggressive.”

ULM will host in-state rival UL-Lafayette Saturday. The Warhawks will need to snap a 5-game losing streak to earn bowl eligibility while the Ragin Cajuns try to clinch a Sun Belt West title. Kickoff is at 11 AM on ESPNU, but Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says his team is ready…

Cut 20 (13) “…ask for.”

The seventh-ranked LSU women’s basketball team remained undefeated in a thrilling last-second come-from-behind win over Washington yesterday. The Lady Tigers trailed for nearly 35 minutes and by as much as 6 points in the fourth quarter until junior guard Kailyn Gilbert’s game-winning layup with a second left. Coach Kim Mulkey says Gilbert took matters into her own hands…

Cut 29 (17) “…something happen.”

LSU will take on No. 20 NC State tomorrow at 12:30

The Louisiana Tech Men’s team collected another tight win yesterday with an 85-79 overtime victory over Southern Illinois. Undefeated LA Tech will return to action against Richmond at 2:00 today.

UL-Lafayette have dropped 5-straight after losing 98-86 to UAB yesterday. The Cajuns will hope to snap the losing streak against Nicholls Saturday.