Voters will not have a chance to see the US Senate runoff candidates debate. Don Molino explains why…

Cut 1 (24) “I’m Don Molino”

Nearly 49 million Americans will travel this holiday weekend, according to AAA. It’s the highest number since Thanksgiving of 2007 and a nearly 2% increase over last year. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says driving is the most popular mode of travel, as more than 89% of Thanksgiving travelers will get behind the wheel. He adds that the statewide average for a gallon of gas is $2 a gallon.

The City of Baton Rouge has settled with protestors who were arrested during protests that erupted after the death of Alton Sterling. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they’re pleased, because the protestors’ constitutional rights were violated by police.

Cut 6 (08) “first place”

Baton Rouge City Council member John Delgado voted against the settlement because he says it encourages bad behavior from protestors.

State Police’s Click It or Ticket Campaign is in effect for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Trooper Melissa Matey says law enforcement will look for drivers who are not properly buckled and children who are not correctly restrained because the seat-belt provides many different protections.

Cut 10 (09) “your body”

Drivers can visit 511.la.org for traffic updates.

The Office of Motor Vehicles says they will begin accepting cash for certain transactions, beginning December 5th. OMV Commissioner Karen St. Germain says they’ll only accept cash for driver’s licenses and vehicle registrations.

Cut 15 (09) “different transactions”

The OMV began a no cash policy on November 1st, but it drew complaints from legislators, who said not everyone carries debit or credit cards.

The December 2 debate between the US Senate candidates has been cancelled because Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell can’t agree on debate terms. LSU political communications Professor Martin Johnson doesn’t think the debate would have changed many voters’ minds, but frontrunners tend to think not debating benefits them.

Cut 5 (09) “avoid it”

The Baton Rouge city council has approved a $100-thousand settlement with the protestors who were arrested after Alton Sterling’s death. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

AAA projects nearly 49 million Americans will travel this holiday weekend, a nearly 2% increase over last year. It’s also the highest number since the Thanksgiving of 2007. AAA Spokesperson Don Redman says riving remains the most popular mode of travel with more than 89% of Thanksgiving travelers getting behind the wheel.

Beginning December 5, the Office of Motor Vehicles will once again accept some cash payments. OMV Commissioner Karen St. Germain says they originally decided not to accept cash because it was a burden on employees if they came up short.

Cut 14 (10) “was there”

Legislative audits from 2014 and 2015 founds $280-thousand in stolen or misappropriated funds.

The December 2 debate between US Senate Candidates Foster Campbell and John Kennedy has been cancelled. LSU political communications Professor Martin Johnson says it’s unclear if either candidate will benefit from not having a debate

Cut 4 (11) “pretty important”

The debate was called off because the candidates couldn’t agree on debate terms.

Ninety-two protestors who were arrested after the death of Alton Sterling will receive $230 each as a result of a $100-thousand settlement. Baton Rouge City Council member John Delgado did not vote for the settlement because he says it sets a terrible precedent.

Cut 8 (10) “their case”

The ACLU of Louisiana is pleased because they say protestors’ first amendment rights were violated.

As people hit to road this holiday weekend, police will be on heightened alert for drivers who are not buckled up. State Trooper Melissa Matey says they’ll also be looking out for drunk drivers.

Cut 12 (10) “impaired drivers”

Motorists can get traffic updates at 511.la.gov.

Baton Rouge has settled with protestors who were arrested during protests that erupted after the death of Alton Sterling. Louisiana ACLU Executive Director Marjorie Esman says they’re pleased, because the protestors’ constitutional rights were violated by police.

Cut 6 (08) “first place”

Baton Rouge City Council member John Delgado voted against the settlement, saying it encourages bad behavior and litigation from future protestors.

The December 2 debate between the US Senate candidates has been cancelled because Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell can’t agree on debate terms. LSU political communications Professor Martin Johnson doesn’t think the debate would have changed many voters’ minds, but frontrunners tend to think not debating benefits them.

Cut 5 (09) “avoid it”

Louisianan’s congressional delegation is continuing to fight to get a $3 billion flood recovery package approved. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says this money is badly needed because FEMA’s support so far has been inadequate.

Cut 14 (10) “unacceptable”

Graves is confident the request will be approved.

State Police’s Click It or Ticket Campaign is in effect for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Trooper Melissa Matey says law enforcement will look for drivers who are not properly buckled and children who are not correctly restrained.  She says the seat-belt provides many different protections.

Cut 10 (09) “your body”

Matey says motorists can visit 511.la.org for traffic updates.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain has safety tips for home chefs this Thanksgiving. Halen Doughty has more…

CUT 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The Thanksgiving 2016 AAA travel projections forecast that 2% more people will be traveling for the holiday over last year. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Michelle Southern”

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The White House has asked Congress to approve Governor John Bel Edwards request for an additional 3.1 billion dollars in federal disaster assistance. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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The festivities for the 43^rd Annual Bayou Classic are already underway. Grambling State and Southern, who are undefeated in the SWAC , will go head to head this Saturday in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Bayou Classic spokesperson Angela Young says today they’ll celebrate in Joe Brown Park in New Orleans.

cut 4  (11) “the community” 

Friday, a Career and College Expo will be held at Hyatt Regency to give students the chance to apply and interview for jobs, before the Greek Show and the Battle of the Bands later that day. Young says tickets are going fast, as they’ve already sold over 40-thousand tickets to the game.

Cut 5  (09)  “complete sellout”

The game kicks off at 4 pm, and the Official Battle of the Bands After Party and WILD’N OUT Karaoke event hosted by Nick Cannon will follow. Young encourages everyone to download the Bayou Classic app to stay up to date on all the festivities. She says people from all over the country are coming to the Bayou Classic.  

Cut 6 (10) “it’s amazing”

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As Louisiana families prepare to cook their Thanksgiving feasts, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain has safety tips for home chefs. Strain cooks should make sure the turkey is fully defrosted before it goes in the oven. But he says it’s important not to wash the turkey before cooking.

CUT 7 (10)  “feet away”

Strain says it will take 24 hours for every five pounds of weight for a turkey to safely defrost in the refrigerator. If defrosting in cold water, he says people should change the water every 30 minutes. He says the only way to determine if a turkey is fully cooked is with a meat thermometer.

Cut 8 (12) “these places”

Strain says the juices will only run clear if the turkey is overcooked. He advises people to cut the turkey off the bone and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.

Cut 9 (08)  “and freeze”

Strain says leftover turkey lasts up to four months in the freezer. He says people can get more tips at FoodSafety.gov.

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The Thanksgiving 2016 AAA travel projections forecast that 48.7 million Americans will be traveling for the holiday, a nearly 2% increase over last year. AAA Spokesman Don Redman says they haven’t seen numbers this good since Thanksgiving 2007…:

Cut 10 (07)  “this holiday”

The Thanksgiving Holiday travel period is defined as Wednesday through Sunday. Redman says so many people are choosing to hit the road because of improvements in the economy, but also because families are saving so much money at the gas pump…:

cut 11 (10) “the economy”

Redman says they project that gas prices will stay below $2 a gallon throughout the holiday season. He says driving remains the most popular mode of travel for Thanksgiving with more than 89% of people getting behind the wheel…:

cut 12 (10) “on the roadway”

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The White House has urged Congress to award Louisiana with a 3.1 billion dollar disaster assistance package to help Louisiana flood victims. Congress will consider the President’s request after the Thanksgiving holiday. U.S. Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge says Louisiana’s Congressional delegation continues to lobby federal lawmakers about the need for assistance.

Cut 13 (10) “successful”

Graves says this money is badly needed, because what FEMA has provided so far has been inadequate.

cut 14 (10) “unacceptable”

But Graves is confident the request will be approved. Communications Director for the Governor’s Office, Richard Carbo says they are very encouraged by the White House’s request. He says Governor Edwards has received positive response about the second installment of aid while visiting D.C.

Cut 15 (10) “our request”

Congress has already approved 438 million dollars in flood aid for the Bayou State. Carbo says the governor will return to Washington D.C. next week in an effort to convince members of Congress to approve the funding contained in the President’s request…

Cut 16 (05)” larger amount”

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Scott Farmer is out as UL Lafayette’s athletic director. He stepped down after five years. There were a lot of successes during that time. The football team won four straight bowl games, multiple NCAA Tournament appearances by the baseball and softball programs. Farmer wishes his successor the best of luck….

Cut 17 (16)      “or her advice “

School president Joseph Savoie he’ll make the final decision on a new athletic director. He’s hired ex-Missouri A-D Mike Alden as a consultant and they expect to hear from a lot of great candidates…

Cut 18 (12) “ potential candidates”

For LSU to win tomorrow, they’ll have to contain one of the best pass rushers the SEC has ever seen. Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett has over 30 sackles in his career and is coming off a 4.5 sack performance against Texas-San Antonio. LSU Guard Will Clapp says they have great respect for Garrett….

Cut 19 (12)   “their defense”

After a frustrating loss to Florida, Clapp says the team is anxious to play in this Thanksgiving game…

cut 20 (13) “prepare this week”

State auditors are trying to find out where $25 million in the Attorney General’s escrow fund has gone. AG Jeff Landry blames his predecessor’s poor record keeping for why his office can’t account for 28 transactions. But Beth Davis with the legislative auditor’s office says the transactions took place over the span of two fiscal years.

Cut 14 (08) “current administration”

Davis says the fund contains money from court settlements, fines, and other penalties.

The National Retail Federation finds 74-percent of consumers will be shopping in store or online on Black Friday. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says folks of all ages will shop on Black Friday, especially Millennials, as they estimate 86-percent of 18-24 year olds plan to shop.

Cut 4 (09) “and deals”

The December 2 US Senate candidate debate has been cancelled after the two candidates heading to the runoff couldn’t agree whether or not to hold the televised debate in front of a live audience. Republican John Kennedy reportedly did not want a live audience present, while Democrat Foster Campbell did. It looks like voters won’t get to hear from the candidates again before the December 10 runoff.

A Monroe family has made a generous donation to State Police Troop F to keep troopers safe in the field. Halen Doughty has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State auditors are trying to find out where the attorney general’s office spent nearly $25 million. Beth Davis with the legislative auditor’s office says they couldn’t tell how the AG spent $24.7 million.

Cut 13 (09) “could locate”
AG Jeff Landry issued a statement blaming his predecessor Buddy Caldwell for the poor record keeping.

The National Retail Federation expects 59-percent of Americans will shop both in-store or online during the Thanksgiving weekend. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says it’s a slight increase from last year.

Cut 3 (10) “as last year” Smith says Black Friday remains the busiest day of the weekend with 74-percent planning to shop that day.

LSU’s Phi Kappa Alpha fraternity has indefinitely suspended operations amid allegations of sexual assault at an event last weekend. LSU police say a female reported she was sexually assaulted by an unknown male early Saturday morning during the fraternity’s “PIKE’s Peak” event in the back yard of the frat house, and the alleged victim is not an LSU student. No arrests have been reported in the incident.

A Monroe family has donated 90 bulletproof vests for all of the troopers and investigators who work for Troop F. Bunzy Bryant, who has been friends with Troop F for 16 years, says they want criminals to know their boys are protected, and they have a message for the public.

Cut 8 (11) “of them”

The vests are strong enough to stop bullets from AK-47.

Voters may not get a chance to hear from the candidates for US Senate before the December 10 runoff, as Republican John Kennedy and Democrat Foster Campbell cannot agree on debate terms. The debate scheduled for December 2 has been cancelled after the two couldn’t agree on whether or not it should be televised in front of a live audience since Kennedy reportedly did not want a live audience, while Campbell did.

A National Retail Federation survey finds nearly six out of 10 Americans will shop either in a store or online or both over Thanksgiving Weekend. Emelie Gunn has more…

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The Attorney General’s Office spent nearly $25 million, and state auditors are trying to find out where the money went. Beth Davis with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says they requested support for 28 transactions totaling $24.7 million from an escrow account.

Cut 12 (07) “were incomplete”

AG Jeff Landry, who took office in January, issued a statement blaming his predecessor for poor-record keeping.

A Monroe couple has donated 90 armored vests to State Police Troop F in Monroe. Bunzy Bryant and his wife Lynn have been friends with the troop for 16 years. Bryant says he considers the troopers family and wants to keep them safe.

Cut 7 (10) “at night”

The high velocity vests even protect against AK-47.

State auditors are trying to find out where $25 million in the Attorney General’s escrow fund has gone. AG Jeff Landry blames his predecessor’s poor record keeping for why his office can’t account for 28 transactions. But Beth Davis with the legislative auditor’s office says the transactions took place over the span of two fiscal years.

Cut 14 (08) “current administration”

Davis says the fund contains money from court settlements, fines, and other penalties.

There’s good news for local businesses this holiday season, as the National Retailers Association finds 24-percent of consumers plan to shop on Small Business Saturday.

Cut 5 (10) “anywhere else”

That’s spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith who says nearly 60-percent of Americans will shop in store or online this weekend.

One man is dead and a woman injured after they were hit by an 81-year-old trucker. State Police Master Trooper Brooks David says 25-year-old Vineeth Keesara of Lafayette was pushing 26-year-old Tanika Adams’ disabled U-Haul trailer out of the road when they were struck.

Cut (09) “critical injuries”

Keesara was pronounced dead at the scene.

A Monroe family is doing what they can to make sure the State Troopers at Troop F are home safe for the holidays. Bunzy Bryant and his wife, Lynn, donated 90 armored vests to the troopers. Bryan says this is extra protection beyond what they normally wear.

Cut 6 (11) “AK-47”

Bryant says they’ve been close with Troop F for 16 years, and they consider the troopers family.

State auditors are unsure if the Attorney General’s Office improperly spent nearly $25 million. Beth Davis with the Legislative Auditor’s Office says they requested support for 28 transactions totaling $24.7 million from an escrow account that receives money from court settlements, fines, and other penalties.
cut 12 (07) “were incomplete”

A survey from the National Retail Federation finds 59-percent of consumers will be shopping in store or online over the Thanksgiving holiday. Spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says Black Friday is the busiest with 74-percent planning to shop that day. She says folks of all ages will shop on Black Friday, especially Millennials, as they estimate 86-percent of 18-24 year olds plan to shop.
cut 4 (09) “and deals”

 
A Monroe family has made a generous donation to State Police Troop F to keep troopers safe in the field. Halen Doughty has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The New Orleans Police Department says a 19-year veteran of the force was allegedly a sexual predator for years. Marcellus White was known as a model officer who won an Angel Award for helping underprivileged kids. White faces numerous charges including first degree rape, second degree rap and false imprisonment. His bail has been set for over 2 million dollars.