7:30 LRN Newscast

Triple-A predicts 55-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving holiday and many of those travelers will take to the road and skies today. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says leave this morning if you can…
cut 9 (12) “….on Sunday”

Many families will hit the grocery store today to buy items for the Thanksgiving feast, unfortunately there are thousands of families unable to have a nice meal. Director of Feeding Louisiana Pat Van Burkleo says there’s a growing need for donations to food banks…
Cut 4 (12) “…those families.”
More than 683 thousand people in Louisiana live with food insecurity.

Dominique McKane is counting her blessings this Thanksgiving. She was one of four people stabbed last week on the Louisiana Tech campus. Mckane told a Monroe TV station she never thought something like that could happen to her. Mckane is back home after suffering seven stab wounds, a C6 vertebrae fracture and a collapsed lung. A 23-year-old student has been charged in the incident.

The Holidays are a wonderful time for family and friends but can be a challenge for our four-legged friends.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The Saints have put wide receiver Michael Thomas on injured reserve with a knee injury, which means he’ll miss at least the next four weeks. He suffered the injury in the November 12th loss to the Vikings. Thomas is third on the team in receptions with 39 catches for 448 yards and one touchdown. Ross Jackson host of the Locked on Saints Podcast says Thomas’ absence gives others a chance to produce…
Cut 20 (19) “…career touchdown.”
The Saints are at Atlanta on Sunday.

The Pelicans host the Sacramento Kings tonight, who they just beat on Monday. New Orleans is trying to close out a six-game homestand with a four and two record. CJ McCollum has returned to practice after suffering a collapsed lung. He expects to cleared soon.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels is considered a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy according to several different oddsmakers. Should Tigers receivers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas also be considered for the Heisman? Coach Brian Kelly believes so….
cut 17 (22) “…that conversation”
Nabers and Thomas have combined to catch 135 passes for 2,445 yards and 26 touchdowns.

In college basketball…Kobe Julien scored a career-high 30 points as the Cajuns defeated Buffalo 68-60. U-L Lafayette plays Long Beach State this afternoon to finish out play in the Gulf Coast Showcase tournament.

Louisiana Tech and McNeese play each other at 3 PM in Ruston. The Cowboys defeated Texas State 59-48 yesterday, while the Bulldogs dribbled past Southern Utah 67-53.

6:30 LRN Newscast

AAA expects 55-million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving. That’s the third-highest Turkey holiday travel forecast since 2000. Spokesperson Don Redman says overall travel is up more than two-percent over last year…
cut 7 (08)_ “…..on the road”
In Louisiana, gas prices are 32-cents lower than at this time last year, for a statewide average of $2.83 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

We are looking at a cool Thanksgiving weekend forecast….
cut 13 (07) “….of rain”
That’s state climatologist Barry Keim who says high temperatures over the next couple of days will be in the low 60s and we are looking at a long stretch cooler than normal days.

The holiday season is here and there’s no better way to start the holidays than by giving back to your local food bank. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

LRN AM Newscall November 22

The holiday season is here and there’s no better way to start the holidays than by giving back to your local food bank. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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Triple A says 55 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this Thanksgiving… Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Holidays are a wonderful time for family and friends but can be a challenge for our four-legged friends. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Inflation is up and the increasing cost of food has many families turning to local food banks for the holidays. Director of Feeding Louisiana Pat Van Burkleo says there’s a growing need for donations to food banks because many families don’t have extra money in their budget.

Cut 4 (12) “…those families.”

More than 683 thousand people in Louisiana live with food insecurity. That’s the total populations of Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans combined.

Burkleo says the cost of food items is up about 5 percent from this time last year. He says the cost of a turkey and all the sides are up due to inflation and donations are down.

Cut 5 (12) “…to give.”

Burkleo says there are many individuals who continue to donate, and they are extremely grateful for their assistance. He urges the public to donate during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Cut 6 (11) “…be outstanding.”

To support Louisiana food banks, visit FeedingLouisiana.org.

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If you’re hearing this chances are you’re among the 55.4 million Americans traveling 50 miles or greater for Thanksgiving. Triple A says it’s the third-highest Turkey Day travel forecast since 2000. Spokesperson Don Redman says just over two percent more people are traveling this year for their holiday feast.

Cut 7 (08) “…on the road.”

And motorists can expect to pay around 40-cents less for a gallon of regular gas compared to last year.

4.7 million travelers will take to the skies for Thanksgiving, an increase of almost seven percent from last year. Redman says four percent more Louisiana residents are choosing to fly for the holiday this year.

Cut 8 (07) “…behind the wheel.” 

Today is the busiest travel day for Thanksgiving and Redman says the sooner you start your journey better…

Cut 9 (12)  “…on Sunday.”

Among the most popular out-of-state destinations for Louisiana residents this year are Orlando, Tennessee, Vegas, and New York.

__________________________________________________

Family and Friends are visiting and connecting over the holidays and the LSU Vet School wants us to keep our 4 legged friends safe during all our celebrations. Spokesperson Ginger Guttner says to use caution because foods safe for us are toxic for dogs and cats…

Cut 10 (09) “…dogs and cats.”

Turkey bones can also be a source of obstructions in the esophagus and stomach.

Guttner says, you know your pet and what’s normal for it but If you think your pet gets into a food or plant that is toxic or you are concerned Guttner has advice…

Cut 11 (09) “…to someone.” 

Guttner also says, it’s a good idea to find out if your Vet will be open or available during the holidays and what you should do in case of emergency

Certain foods and extra people in the home can be challenging for your pets and Guttner says the holidays bring a few other concerns you should consider…

Cut 12 (10) “…chew on those.” 

__________________________________________________

A front moving through Louisiana has brought us cooler weather for the Thanksgiving holidays. This morning State Climatologist Barry Keim says temperatures are in the 40s across most of the state and lows are in the 50s towards the coast. Highs will reach the upper 50s up north and the low 60s in southern parishes.

Cut 13 (07) “…of rain.”

It will be a bit cooler for Thanksgiving tomorrow. Keim says lows will be in the mid-30s in the northern parishes and 40s in the southern parishes, with highs reaching into the 50s.

Cut 14 (10) “…with family.”

The outlook for Friday and through the weekend, lows will be in the 40s in northern parishes and in the low 50s in the southern half of the state. Keim says highs will reach into the 60s.

Cut 15 (11) “…bundled up.”

With plenty of clouds, Keim says you’ll want to dress accordingly for any outdoor football games this weekend as well.

____________________________________________________________________

LSU’s Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Junior are among the ten semifinalists for the Bilenikoff, which recognizes college football’s best receiver. Nabers and Thomas have combined to catch 135 passes for 2,445 yards and 26 touchdowns. Aggies interim head coach Elijah Robinson says they are a big part of quarterback Jayden Daniels’ success…

Cut 16 (14) “..forward to it.”

Nabers leads the nation in receiving yards with 1,424 yards and his 12 touchdowns rank fourth nationally. Thomas leads the FBS college football with 14 touchdowns. That’s one more than Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Junior, who is discussed to win the Heisman. LSU Coach Brian Kelly believes Nabers and Thomas also should be Heisman candidates…

Cut 17 (22) “..that conversation.”

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The Ragin Cajuns and ULM meet on Saturday to close out the regular season. A win for U-L Lafayette and they will qualify for a bowl game, while the Warhawks are trying to snap a nine-game losing streak. Cajuns Coach Michael Desormeaux was asked about playing down to a team that’s lost nine in a row…

Cut 18 (03)  “…lightly.” 

________________________________________________________________

The Saints have placed wide receiver Michael Thomas on injured reserve with a knee injury he suffered in the team’s last game. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, says the team expects Thomas will return this season…

Cut 19 (18) “…ready to go.” 

Thomas is third on the team in receptions with 39 catches for 448 yards and one touchdown. Jackson says Thomas’ absence gives others a chance to produce…

Cut 20 (19) “…career touchdown.” 

The Saints are at Atlanta on Sunday.

LRN PM Newscall November 21

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” 

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

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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.”

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 on why she’s not playing…

Cut 4 (08) “…always”

Reese averaged 23 points and 15 rebounds as she led the Lady Tigers to their first national championship last season. In four games this season, she’s averaging 17 points and ten rebounds. The Hall of Fame coach says this is a locker room issue and it’s not going to slow down her team

Cut 5 (09) “ …coaches do”  

LSU’s next game is Friday in the Cayman Islands against Niagara.

________________________________________________________________

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.”

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. Carothers urges Louisianans to make sure the turkey is fully thawed before it goes in a deep fryer.

Cut 7 (08) “…bubble over.” 

USDA 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, Carothers suggests placing the turkey in the oven right away especially when using hot stuffing.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooking process.” 

If you have any food safety questions you can call the USDA hotline weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm and on Thanksgiving Day from 8 am until 2 pm at 1-888-674-6854 or chat live at ask-dot-usda-dot-gov.

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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.” 

And when you compare Louisiana to the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30, it’s 45 cents cheaper to travel in the Bayou State this Thanksgiving.

It’s welcome news, especially for those traveling over the river and through the woods to grandmothers for their turkey dinner. But Redman says despite the break at the pump this year…

Cut 10 (07) “…personal economy.” 

Overall Redman says things appear to be much easier on your wallet this Turkey Day…

Cut 11 (07) “…grocery store.”

________________________________________________________

You can’t always get what you want but the New Orleans Jazz Fest is hoping to get what you need. The Rolling Stones has announced plans to play at Jazz Fest on Thursday May 2nd. Times-Picayune and NOLA.com music writer Keith Spera says this is at least the third time the legendary rock band from England has scheduled a concert during the popular musical festival…

Cut 12 (09)  “…Jazz Fest.”  

Jazz Fest will be the second stop in the U.S. for the Stones in support of their new album, Hackney Diamonds.

After kicking off in Houston they’ll roll over to Crescent City. Spera says The Stones obviously want to play Jazz Fest, even after being rebooked several times before…

Cut 13 (09) “…line-up.”

Besides fans in Louisiana, Spera believes 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 29th, visit NOjazzfest.com for more information.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The 14th ranked LSU football team is getting ready to host a seven and four Texas A-and-M team that has an interim coach. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says he’s not worried about A-and-M’s mindset heading into the game, he’s more concerned about LSU’s preparation…
Cut 18 (17) “….success”

The seventh ranked Lady Tigers were successful for a second straight last night without All-American Angel Reese. LSU beat T-S-U 106-47 as Reese was not with the team. Coach Kim Mulkey says Reese will be back sooner than later, but is not providing any details on her absence and she’s not letting it be a distraction…
cut 5 (09) “…coaches do”
LSU’s next game is Friday in the Cayman Islands against Niagara.

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr remains in concussion protocol, so his status is up in the air for this Sunday’s game at Atlanta. New Orleans has a 5-and-5 record as its been an up and down season. Coach Dennis Allen is looking for more complimentary football in the final seven games…
cut 20 (20) “…better results”
Kick-off is at noon.

Louisiana Tech has fired defensive coordinator Scott Power. The Bulldogs ranked 118th nationally in scoring allowing 33 points a game.

Brandon Ingram had 31 points as the Pelicans blew out the Kings 129 to 93 last night. Zion Williamson added 26 points.

The Cajuns lost to Wright State 91=-85.

11:30 LRN Newscast

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 is $2.85.
Cut 9 (09) “…time last year.”
And when you compare Louisiana to the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30, it’s 45 cents cheaper to travel in the Bayou State this Thanksgiving.

Republican Nancy Landry will be sworn in as the state’s next Secretary of State on January eighth. Landry says her biggest priority is new voting machines. She says the money is available, but choosing a vendor was a major obstacle for current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. Landry is promising an open and transparent bid process…
cut 8 (10) “….the T”

LSU star women’s basketball player Angel Reese was not with her team again last night as the seventh ranked Lady Tigers defeated Texas Southern 106-47. It’s the second straight game she’s missed. 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 on why she’s not playing…
Cut 4 (08) “…always”
The Hall of Fame coach says this is a locker room issue and it’s not going to slow down her team.

The 50th Bayou Classic is Saturday as Grambling and Southern will meet in their annual football rivalary game at the Caesars Superdome at 1 PM. The nationally televised contest brings great notoriety to both schools and Grambling President Rick Gallot says the contest also helps pay for academics on both campuses…
cut 15 (12) “….respective institutions”
To purchase tickets go to my-bayou-classic-dot-com.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Republican Nancy Landry will be sworn in as the state’s next Secretary of State on January eighth. Landry says her biggest priority is new voting machines. She says the money is available, but choosing a vendor was a major obstacle for current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. Landry is promising an open and transparent bid process…
cut 8 (10) “….the T”

Lafayette Parish voters elected its first female mayor-president as the daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco defeated incumbent Josh Guillory, 52 to 48-percent. Boulet believes her track record and experience as CEO of the Acadiana Planning Commission led to her victory…
cut 12 (10) “…in Lafayette”
Guillory issued a statement that he plans to work with Boulet for a smooth transition.

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) “…don’t need to know”
LSU’s next game is Friday in the Cayman Islands against Niagara.

The 50th Bayou Classic is Saturday as Grambling and Southern will meet in their annual football rivalary game at the Caesars Superdome at 1 PM. The nationally televised contest brings great notoriety to both schools and Grambling President Rick Gallot says the contest also helps pay for academics on both campuses…
cut 15 (12) “….respective institutions”
To purchase tickets go to my-bayou-classic-dot-com.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s current first family met with the future first family to discuss the transition and daily demands at the Governors Mansion. Colleen Crain has a recap on how the meeting went
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Craine.”

Big news from the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival as the legendary band Rolling Stones will peform at the 2024 Jazz Fest on Thursday May 2nd. Louisiana residents will have the first opportunity to buy tickets starting Wednesday November 29th at 1 PM.

History was made when Louisiana voters elected Nancy Landry and Liz Murrill as the state’s first female Secretary of State and Attorney General. Founder of Louisiana Women Lead, Rene Amar, says this is a huge development as there’s been a push to get females in more high-profile elected positions….
cut 6 (07) “…just phenomenal”
Murrill and Landry will take office on January 8th.

After the 2020 presidential election, voter fraud became a point of contention and new state laws require extra steps for more transparency. Landry, who is currently the first Assistant Secretary of State, understands what needs to take place…
Cut 7 (11) “…be attacked.”
Landry’s biggest priority will be the effort to purchase new voting machines. She says the money is available, selecting the vendor was an issue for current Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Football Coach Brian Kelly believes quarterback Jayden Daniels is pulling away from the other contenders for the Heisman Trophy. Daniels has 4,591 passing and rushing yards combined. That’s nearly 1,000 more than Washington QB Michael Penix and Oregon signal caller Bo Nix, his two main contenders for the Heisman.

Kelly says Daniels ability to throw the deep ball and produce big plays with his legs sets him apart from Penix and Nix
Cut 16 (20) “…taking hits”
Daniels also has 36 touchdown passes, one more than Nix and six more than Penix Junior. The Tigers host Texas A-and-M this Saturday.

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr remains in concussion protocol, so his status is up in the air for this Sunday’s game at Atlanta. New Orleans has a 5-and-5 record as its been an up and down season. Coach Dennis Allen is looking for more complimentary football in the final seven games…
cut 20 (20) “…better results”
Kick-off is at noon.

Other sports news…the Pelicans blew out the Kings 129-93 win last night. The Lady Tigers trounced Texas Southern 106-47. Still no Angel Reese and Coach Kim Mulkey says it’s locker room issues. The Ragin Cajuns men’s team lost to Wright State 91-85. La Tech defensive coordinator Scott Power has been fired.