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.

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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.” 

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

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.

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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.”

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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 29^th, visit NOjazzfest.com for more information.

Saturday’s election results mean for the first time Louisiana elected its first female as Attorney General and Secretary of State. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

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When Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry takes office, she’ll have to tackle the purchase of new voting machines. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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 more…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Craine.”

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Louisiana voters made history by electing the state’s first females to top state offices. Republicans Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as Attorney General and Secretary of State. Founder of Louisiana Woman Lead Rene Amar says Louisianans chose two amazing women to help shape Louisiana politics…

Cut 4 (07) “…unparallel.”

Landry received 68 percent of the vote against her opponent while Murrill had 67 percent. Amar says the state has made great strides to have women at the policy-making table.

Cut 5 (08) “…just phenomenal.”

Amar says voters typically perceive men as better candidates for political offices than women. She says for these two women to be able to be elected on a statewide level is huge.

Cut 6 (12) “…just phenomenal.”

Murrill and Landry are set to take office on January 8th.

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Among the tasks facing Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry when she takes office is the purchase of new voting machines. After the 2020 presidential election, voter fraud became a point of contention and new state laws require extra steps for more transparency.

Cut 7 (11) “…be attacked.”

Landry says it’s a controversial procedure because it’s a large contract and in the request for proposal process, there are winners and there are losers…

Cut 8 (10) “…the T.” 

For the last three years, Landry says the legislature has passed laws to give the Secretary of State additional authority, beyond canvassing to clean up voter rolls. But she says each time it was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. But with a new administration and a GOP super-majority Landry feels those laws will finally be enacted.

Cut 9 (11)  “…respond.”

Among the requirements for new voting machines will be a paper record and multiple checks and balances to protect against hacking.

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After winning the Lafayette mayoral race, and defeating incumbent Josh Guillory, Monique Blanco Boulet promises to have an administration that’s open, accessible, and transparent to the public and press. Boulet says she wants to foster an environment that’s not politically polarized and build a community for everybody.

Cut 10 (08) “…a new way.”

Boulet says she will call for a public accounting of legal and financial decisions made by the Lafayette Consolidate Government, to build trust and increase transparency.

Cut 11 (07) “…can be.” 

Incumbent Guillory came under fire for a number of controversies related to drainage projects, public records, and his legal practice.

Goulet believes her proven track record and her 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.

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The classic matchup between two Louisiana HBCUs – Grambling State University and Southern University at the 50^th annual Bayou Classic kicks off Thursday through Saturday. Grambling State President Rick Gallot says the Classic is a celebration of football and family surrounding Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Cut 13 (12) “…higher education.”

More than 200,000 people travel to New Orleans to attend the big game and events. The Bayou Classic is an annual rivalry that dates back to 1974 when the game was first held in New Orleans. Gallot says it drives attention from across the country on what happens in New Orleans the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

Cut 14 (10) “…Bayou Classic.”

Traditionally fans expect a Greek Show, a Battle of the Bands, a fan festival, and a Classic parade. Gallot says game sponsorship provides a financial impact for each prospective university toward advancing higher education.

Cut 15 (12) “…respective institutions.”

Tickets for the 50th Annual Bayou Classic can be purchased at www.mybayouclassic.com.

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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.

Daniels and LSU’s offense will get a good test in the regular season finale on Saturday against a Texas A-and-M defense that’s only allowing 287 yards a game, eighth lowest in FBS football. Kelly says Aggies defensive coordinator D.J. Durkin is an aggressive play caller…

Cut 17 (17) “…negative plays”

Defensive line coach Elijah Robinson is serving as the interim coach for the fired Jimbo Fisher. 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” 

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The Saints are back from the bye week and getting ready to visit the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday. The Dirty Birds have one of the best rush offenses led by Bijan Robinson who has 612 rushing yards. Coach Dennis Allen on the Atlanta run game…

Cut 19 (24) “…account for” 

The Saints have a 5-and-5 record as they’ve had an up and down season. Allen is looking for the Black and Gold to play more complementary football in the final seven games…

Cut 20 (20) “…better results”