It took three and a half hours, but an Orleans Parish jury has convicted the teenager who dragged a woman to her death in New Orleans in March of 2022, of second degree murder.  18 year old John Honore is facing mandatory life in prison for car-jacking 74 year old Linda Frickey and dragging her seven hundred feet.  Official sentencing is set for January 12^th.

Black Friday sales show online holiday shopping increased by seven percent over last year. Holiday shoppers spent nearly $10 billion in online sales in the U-S on Black Friday. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says holiday shopping is starting to normalize following post Pandemic surge in shopping.

Cut 7 (12) “…percent -ish.”

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If you have an old Google account you want to keep, Haggai Davis of Tech Gumbo Podcast says you need to log in by the end of this week…

Cut 13 (08) “…delete that account”

After losing to Southern Illinois 35-0 on Saturday the Nicholls State football team got stranded in the airport for 22 hours. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU is promoting Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels as a Heisman Trophy candidate. Over 900 voters will receive a ballot today to vote for the prestigious award. LSU Sports Information Department Michael Bonnette has unveiled thatkidjayden dot com, a website that informs voters of all of his accomplishments.

Cut 10 (08) “…about Jayden.”

Daniels will find out next Monday if he’s a finalist and the award is given out on December ninth.

We should know soon who will be the next Sheriff of Caddo Parish as the clock ticks down to the noon deadline. Republican John Nickelson demanded a recount after losing to Democrat Henry Whitehorn head of the Louisiana State Police by one point. Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Mike Spence…

Cut 13 (10) “…days gone”

A winner will be certified at noon today at the Caddo Parish Courthouse in downtown Shreveport. If a tie occurs after the recount, there will be another election held Dec. 10.

It’s Cyber Monday and shoppers are browsing the web for great deals on holiday gifts. Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau says shoppers should avoid non-secure sites and when making an online purchase it’s best to use your credit card.

Cut 4 (12) “…return it.”

Million also advises that you read the fine print and understand return policies before you complete your purchase.

According to a Louisiana Fish Fry Products survey of more than 2,000 people across the country eight out of ten respondents crave fried chick at least once a month or more. Vice President of Marketing Caroline Gray…

Cut 6 (10) “…too expensive.”

The survey was conducted prior to the launch of their products to cook fried chicken at home. Gray says 60 percent of respondents cook fried chicken at home and they’re helping fill the void with their fried chicken tenders, wings, and sandwiches.

The Louisiana Fortify Homes program will award 750 more grants of up to $10 thousand to all homeowners to replace their roofs to withstand extreme winds during a fourth round today at noon. This round is open to all homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon…

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollar grant.”

Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. To apply, visit the Department of Insurance webpage.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette economist Doctor Gary Wagner says there’s been continuous job growth and the state’s economy is moving forward. But Wagner expects the Houma-Thibodeaux area will continue to struggle, because of two major factors…

Cut 5 (10) “…recover from that.”

Wagner is predicting Louisiana will gain another 30-thousand jobs over the next 12 months.

Ballots for the Heisman Trophy go out today and LSU plans to blitz voters with information on why Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels should get college football’s most prestigious award. Jeanne Burns has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I”m Jeanne Burns”

ULM Director of Athletics John Hartwell has fired head forward coach Terry Bowden after three seasons with the football program. The Warhawks went 2 and 10 this year. ULM went 5 and 19 in the Sun Belt Conference during those three seasons.

You still have a chance to receive up to a 10-thousand dollar grant that can be used to fortify your roof against hurricane or wind damage beginning on Monday. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

The LSU football tigers take on the Texas Aggies today at eleven.  A win for Coach Brian Kelly’s team puts them one step closer to a second straight ten win season.  Kickoff is set for 11.

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It’s Small Business Saturday and experts want you to know that when you shop locally, Sixty-seven cents of every dollar stays in the community. In fact Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business says Small Business Saturday brought in seventeen point nine billion dollars last year and since then local businesses have grown after becoming more competitive with online retailers during the pandemic.

Cut 12 (06)  “…purchases now.”  

You may recall, supply chain issues were pretty common during the pandemic. And many wonder if that’s still an issue. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice …

Cut 15 (10) “…holiday.”

The NRF says the average person will spend $875 on gifts, decorations, food, and other seasonal items this year. That’s up $42 from last year.

Today is Small Business Saturday and it’s good news for retailers who’ve faced a tough year. Inflation and labor shortages have been especially tough. But Dawn McVea, state director of the the National Federation of Independent Business says that means you’re more likely to see business owners while you’re shopping this year and can expect great deals…

Cut 11  (08) “…in a big box. 

Of course, Inflation plays a big role as to how much individuals will spend on the holidays and LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says one survey shows consumers plan to spend more this year than last but not on as many gifts…

Cut  14 (12) “…fewer items.”

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You may pay a little more for your fresh Christmas tree this year, but you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one in Louisiana.  That’s according to LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig.  Many have been worried after the drought and a particular fungus that made things worse for some growers. But Nehlig grows more than 500 Carolina Sapphire trees near Bogalusa, and says they were more resistant to the fungus.

Cut 5 (08) “ …they made it”  

The Saints will visit their biggest rival tomorrow when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans is 5-and-5 and thankfully in first place in the NFC South. Atlanta and Tampa Bay are one game back at 4-and-6. Defensive end Cam Jordan says they understand the importance of this game…

Cut 16 (14) “…this game.”

Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its fourth round of grants Monday at noon. 750 grants will be awarded to all homeowners on a first-come, first-served basis. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says interested homeowners should register at LDI dot LA dot GOV slash FORTIFYHOMES.

Cut 7 (11) “…the IBHS.”

Black Friday is behind us, and today is Small Business Saturday. State director of the the National Federation of Independent Business Dawn McVea says while Small Business Saturday about helping small businesses get into the red, in large part, it’s really more about community.

Cut 10 (10)   “…your local community.” 

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Good news for retailers this year. The National Retail Federation says many consumers are not waiting late in the year to find bargains for Christmas. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says it’s a win-win.

Cut 13 (12) “…downturns.”

It was a hot and extremely dry this summer, but that shouldn’t keep you from finding the perfect fresh Christmas tree. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Black Friday gets all of the attention nationally but Small Business Saturday is important too. Colleen Crain has more

Cut 3 (30) “….I’m Colleen Crain.”

Despite the hot and extremely dry summer, there are enough fresh Christmas trees to go around. LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig says there is a little bit of a shortage, but nothing to worry about…

Cut 4 (13) “…the drought”

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It’s Bayou classic Weekend as the Southern Jags and Grambling tigers are set to kickoff at one this afternoon. Before that they’ll also have a family fitness fun walk, a Special Olympics Flag Football game, and a fan festival with a dance party and music.  Bayou classic producer nd director Dottie Belletto says they are kicking it up a notch for their 50^th anniversary.

Cut 9 (11) “…really enjoy.” 

The 14th-ranked LSU Tigers close out the regular season on Saturday by hosting Texas A&M. The unranked Texas Aggies come into Death Valley with a seven and four record.  Coach Brian Kelly’s team is 8-and-3 and a win today and a victory in a bowl game, gets them to their goal of 10 wins….

Cut 17 (10) “…for them.”

Kick off is set for eleven a.m.

According to the National Retail Federation, many consumers are not waiting late in the year to find holiday shopping deals. More retailers are offering big deals in the summer and early fall. Despite inflation, LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says one survey indicates consumers plan to spend more this year than last but not on as many gifts…

Cut  14 (12) “…fewer items.”

The average person will spend $875 this year according to NRF. That’s up $42 from last year.

Tomorrow is Shop Small Saturday.  Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business says Small Business Saturday is about supporting local businesses and helping the community…

Cut 10 (10)   “…your local community.” 

Last year, Small Business Saturday brought in seventeen point nine billion dollars for small businesses across the country.

Consumers have been concerned about the availability of Christmas trees this year with the state’s drought over the summer. But LSU AgCenter research associate Joe Nehlig says there is a slight shortage, but there are enough fresh Christmas trees to go around. He says many tree farmers irrigated this summer to minimize crop losses….

Cut 6 (06) “…this year.” 

Southern Jaguars and Grambling Tigers will face off in the Proctor & Gamble – 50^th Annual Bayou Classic on Saturday but there’s plenty going on today including Business at the Bayou, a Black Small Business Showcase at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans. And tonight, it’s the traditional Battle of the Bands and Step Show at the Superdome. Bayou Classic producer and Director Dottie Belletto says it’s supersized this year…

Cut 8 (08) “…at six.”  

With giant retailers like Amazon offering Prime Days in July and October to motivate consumers, the National Retail Federation says many consumers are not waiting until Black Friday to find bargains for Christmas gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice…

Cut 13 (12) “…downturns.”

Rice says even artificial tree retailers are having Christmas in July sales, and online giant Amazon has Prime Days in July and October to motivate consumers.

After Black Friday, shoppers looking to support local small businesses will be on the lookout for deals tomorrow. Unlike shopping at large national stores, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business Dawn McVea, says consumers can expect a more personal experience on Shop Small Saturday and great deals…

Cut 11  (08) “…in a big box. 

McVea also says, that when you shop locally Sixty-Seven Cents out of every dollar stays in the community.

It was hot and extremely dry this summer, but that shouldn’t keep you from finding the perfect fresh Christmas tree. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Louisiana ranks as one of the least wasteful states in the country when it comes to how much food is thrown away during the holidays according to a study by Cherry Digital. The study shows Louisianans waste $855 worth of food every year compared to the national average of $907. South Carolina is the most wasteful state averaging $13 hundred each year.

The statewide burn ban that went into effect August 7^th has been lifted according to the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the cooler temperatures that have settled in for the fall dramatically reduce the chances of a wildfire erupting…

Cut 7 (12) “…can be.” 

Rodrigue encourages residents to remain vigilant when conducting outdoor burns. Also, know what you can and cannot burn.

State Police are reminding motorists to buckle up and travel safely. Sergeant James Anderson…

Cut 4 (11) “…to see.”

Additional law enforcement will be on the roadway looking for impaired drivers and anyone not wearing seat belts.

The National Retail Federation is predicting as much as a four-percent growth in revenues this year from holiday shoppers. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Louisiana “Celebration Gator” float will crawl down the streets of New York for a third appearance in the 97^th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade tomorrow. The 60-foot-long alligator float will blow confetti out of its mouth and wag its tail along the parade route. Amanda Shaw and Alex Smith are set to perform this year.