Thanksgiving arrives Thursday, and while what goes into making the meal for the day may cost a bit, Louisiana residents are paying less than the national average. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The state receives a $1.5 million grant to address human trafficking. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Alexandria Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of House Education. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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As Louisianans sit down for a Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, know that the price tag for the meal is lower than the national average. That’s according to the Louisiana Farm Bureau and spokesman Avery Davidson on the costs of a dinner to feed ten people.

Cut 4 (10) “…average of $68.72. “

Davidson says compared to 2019, a Thanksgiving meal in the Bayou State this year costs about five dollars more, no thanks to inflation and the nearly two-year-old global COVID pandemic.

Davidson says regardless of the price, the main staples for a Thanksgiving dinner in the U.S. and Louisiana are also among the cheapest worldwide.

Cut 5 (10) “…thank for that.”

A lot of folks can’t bypass having sweet potato-something on the Thanksgiving dinner table and Davidson says even those veggies cost less in Louisiana than the national average.

Cut 6 (07) “..the national average.”

He says you can even pay less by buying directly from a grower of sweet potatoes.

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As we move into the holiday season Governor Edwards continues to encourage COVID vaccinations and for those who already are, he’s also touting booster shots. Edwards says last year’s holiday gatherings brought about a surge in cases.

Cut 7 (12) “…it is to do it.”

Booster shots are now available for anyone 18 and older already fully vaccinated for COVID more than 6 months since their last dose, or two months since the single Johnson and Johnson dose. Edwards says it’s important to boost your immunity to protect those who are more susceptible.

Cut 8 (07) “…to disease.”

Vaccine immunity has been shown to drop after six months on the two-dose vaccines, and two months after the one-dose vaccine, so Edwards says it’s best to add a booster.

Cut 9 (07)  “…as well.”

It has also been approved to mix and match doses if needed for example if your first two doses were Pfizer it’s ok to receive a Moderna booster.

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The newly established Governor’s Office of Human Trafficking Prevention receives a $1.5 million federal grant to improve outcomes for young victims of the crime. Executive Director of the office Dr. Dana Hunter says they will continue to work with key experts in the community and come together to combat human trafficking.

Cut 10 (07)  “…and recovery.”

Louisiana is one of two states selected for the 2021 grant and two years ago received a $1.2 million award. Hunter says the multi-year grant will fund the Louisiana Child and Youth Trafficking Collaborative and Accessibility Initiative.

Cut 11 (11) “…care coordination.”

In addition to providing protection for victims, Hunter says the office will also use the grant to fund prosecution, build partnerships, and the prevention of trafficking. For example, educate more law enforcement, especially in rural areas to recognize the crime.

Noting that the I-20 I-10 corridor does increase the ability for out-of-state victims to easily enter Louisiana, Hunter says however the majority of child trafficking victims are homebred, meaning they are groomed and lured into the crime locally.

Hunter says that Louisiana has some of the toughest laws to combat human trafficking, but her office wants to revisit those laws and also educate municipalities and law enforcement about them.

Cut 12 (09) “…enacted.”

To report a crime of human trafficking you can call the Louisiana State Police Fusion hotline at 1-800-434-8007 or local law enforcement.

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Alexandria State Representative Lance Harris has been named the new Chairman of the House Education Committee. Harris has been in the Legislature since 2012 and has served on key committees like Appropriations, Retirement, and the Joint Budget Committee. He says he looks forward to the challenges of chairing Education…:

Cut 13 (14) “…where we are going.”

Harris says he’ll “hit the ground running” as Education Committee Chairman…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…state education system.”

One big education issue Mr. Harris says he is ready to tackle is whether or not Louisiana schools should teach Critical Race Theory…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…decisions on it.”

Harris feels the delicate matter can be debated professionally and calmly. He starts as Education Committee Chair right away.

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The Saints gave up 242 rushing yards and turned it over three times as they lost their third straight yesterday as Philadelphia pounded the Black and Gold 40-29. New Orleans Coach Sean Payton says they didn’t do the things needed in order to win in the NFL…

Cut  16 (15) “..better job”

Saints Quarterback Trevor Siemien was intercepted twice. Darius Slay returned one of the interceptions 51 yards for a touchdown right before halftime to give the Eagles a 20-point lead. Siemien says they made too many mistakes…

Cut 17 (17) “ so small” 

Siemian and the Saints were missing four-time Pro Bowl running back Alvin Kamara and starting tackles Terron Armstead and Ryan Ramczyk are also hurt and missed the game. During the game, tight end Adam Trautman went down with a left leg injury. New Orleans doesn’t have much time to heal as they host the Bills on Thanksgiving night. Siemian says they have to rebound…

Cut 18 (18) “..for sure”  

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The LSU Tigers ended their three-game losing streak with a 24-14 win over ULM. Quarterback Max Johnson returned as the starting quarterback and threw for 319 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense still had trouble putting points on the board. Coach Ed Orgeron admits it was not a pretty win…

Cut 19 (19)  ” heck of a game” 

It’s the third straight game the defense held an opponent to fewer than 21 points. The regular season ends Saturday at home against Texas A-and-M. A win for the Tigers will make them bowl eligible, but Oregeron says that will not be the main motivation…

Cut 20 (10) “.motivating factor” 

The Louisiana Supreme Court will be the next stop for two combined cases challenging Ochsner Health’s mandate that all its workers be vaccinated against COVID-19.  More from Jeff Palermo.

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an overnight delay on the vote. Brooke Thorington has more on the $1.75 trillion bill to support working families.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Governor Edwards told U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge the state is ready to spend 595-million dollars in federal disaster recovery funds to help southwest Louisiana rebuild from the 2020 hurricanes. Edwards says they are anxious for the feds to issue rules on how the grant dollars can be used.

Cut 3 (13) “…we get started.”

Edwards much of the money will go to storm victims who need help to rebuild their homes and businesses. He says 90-million dollars of this allocation is also required to pay efforts…

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.”

Edwards was in Washington D-C earlier this week seeking additional money for southwest Louisiana because the 595-million is not enough. He believes the trip will help pay dividends…

Cut 5 (06) “.through Congress.”

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The legal tussle over whether Ochsner Health can require its employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or face termination should be resolved next month by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola University law professor, Dane Ciolino, says in this case that the justices will consider…

 Cut 6 (10) “…them very quickly.” 

A hearing on the matter is set for December 7^th.

Ciolino expressed surprise when the state’s 2^nd Court of Appeals sided with Shreveport Ochsner employees opposed to the vaccine mandate, blocking it last month.

Cut 7 (11) “….and can’t do.”  

Ciolino predicts that Ochsner Health will emerge victorious in the state Supreme Court case given that Louisiana is an “at will” state when it comes to employment.

Cut 8 (07) “…private employer mandate.”

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The Biden Build Back Better Plan passed in the House this morning after an hours-long speech overnight delayed the vote. The $1.75 trillion bill will assist working families with childcare for about 300,000 young children, provide universal pre-school and Pell Grant awards.

Congressman Troy Carter says it’s so important to educate children even before kindergarten during their formative years

Cut 9 (10) “…their education.”

Opponents say the bill will cost an estimated $1.6 trillion and it’s the largest non-emergency spending measure since the 60s. President of business group LABI Stephen Waguespack says Congress needs to stop spending in this economy.

Cut 10 (10)  “…back on track.”

Carter says he respectively disagrees the bill will discourage citizens from re-entering the workforce, he says by assisting with childcare more parents will be able to return to work.

Cut  11 (10)  “…my party.”  

Waguespack says instead of helping the economy, which is at its highest in over 30 years, the BBB will do the opposite.

Cut 12 (07) “…right now.”  

The bill now heads to the Senate.

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Louisiana GOP Congresswoman Julia Letlow is introducing the Parents Bill of Rights Act that’s geared toward further opening the line of meaningful dialog between families and their child’s school.

Cut 13 (12) “…boards and educators.”

Letlow says education is not a job parents or schools can do by themselves, and notes that many schools in the nation and in Louisiana are already practicing what’s in her bill.

Letlow says the legislation would also bring more transparency to a school’s budget and spending.

Cut 14 (11) “…activity at school.” 

Letlow speaks about the reason she finds this legislation important to the educational process.

Cut 15 (09) “…should have input.”