The state burn ban which officially went into effect on August 7^th has been lifted. After conversations with the National Weather Service, local fire departments, and the Fire Service the decision was made to remove the ban. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says most of the state remains in drought conditions but 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.

The Bayou State’s “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.  Lt. Billy Nungesser says it’s proven to be a great return on investment for state tourism.

Cut 9 (08) “…tourism industry.” 

The 60-foot-long alligator float will blow confetti out of its mouth and wag its tail along the parade route. The parade will air tomorrow at 8:30 am on NBC.

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.”

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.” 

The State Fire Marshal announced the statewide burn ban issued on August 7th has been lifted.  Louisianans are reminded the only legal items that can be burned in Louisiana are vegetation and ordinary yard waste items like leaves, tree branches, and grass clippings.

More than 46 million turkeys will be cooked this Thanksgiving according to USDA.  USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers says the best way to defrost your turkey is in the refrigerator.  When it comes to stuffing a turkey, Carothers suggests placing the turkey in the oven right away especially when using hot stuffing.

Cut 8 (12) “…cooking process.” 

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.” 

The national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30.

LSU Women’s basketball forward Angel Reese did not play in Monday night’s game as the Tigers defeated Texas Southern 106-47. This was the second game the Bayou Barbie did not play in. Coach Kim Mulkey says this is a locker room issue and it’s not going to slow down her team

Cut 5 (09) “ …coaches do”  

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

You can’t always get what you want but Jazz Fest is hoping to get what you need. After two previous attempts booking the Rolling Stones for the fairgrounds, Times-Picayune and NOLA.com music writer Keith Spera says fingers crossed that third time’s the charm.

Cut 12 (12) “…Jazz Fest.”  

The Stones will play on Thursday, May 2^nd.

The best way to thaw a turkey before Thanksgiving is in the refrigerator according to the USDA. The Department of Agriculture shares safety tips to prevent dangerous foodborne illnesses. The traditional way to cook a turkey is in the oven but many Louisianans prefer to cook it in a deep fryer. USDA Food Safety Expert Meredith Carothers urges Louisianans to make sure the turkey is fully thawed before it goes in a deep-fryer.

Cut 7 (08) “…bubble over.” 

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.85. That’s 45 cents less than the national average for a gallon of regular gas at $3.30.Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the break at the pump this year…

Cut 10 (07) “…personal economy.” 

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.

Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman the statewide average for a gallon of regular gas today is $2.85. 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. Overall Redman says things appear to be much easier on your wallet this Turkey Day…

Cut 11 (07) “…grocery store.”

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” 

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.”

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

In Saturday’s election, Louisianans overwhelmingly voted to place the state’s first females in statewide top positions. Republicans Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as Attorney General and Secretary of State. Rene Amar Founder of Louisiana Women Lead says Louisianans chose two qualified women to shape Louisiana politics…

Cut 4 (07) “…unparallel.”

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.

Secretary of State-elect Nancy Landry plans to upgrade the state’s outdated voting machines after taking office in January. Landry says the legislature has passed laws to give the Secretary of State additional authority beyond canvassing to clean up voter rolls but each time it was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards. With a new administration, Landry feels those laws will finally be enacted.

Cut 9 (11)  “…respond.”

After the 2020 presidential election, voter fraud became a point of contention and new state laws require extra steps for more transparency.  Among the requirements for new voting machines will be a paper record and multiple checks and balances to protect against hacking.

Grambling State President Rick Gallot says the 50^th annual Bayou Classic between Grambling State University and Southern University- is a celebration of football and family.

Cut 13 (12) “…higher education.”

The events leading up to the game kicks off Thursday and the big game is Saturday. Tickets can be purchased at www.mybayouclassic.com.

Rock and Roll legends, the Rolling Stones will headline the 2024 New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on May 2. General admission tickets go on presale on November 29 and 30 for Louisiana residents only. General admission tickets go on sale to the public on December 1.

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.”

Republicans Liz Murrill and Nancy Landry were elected as the state’s first females to hold the positions of Attorney General and Secretary of State. Founder of Louisiana Woman Lead Rene Amar says the state has made great strides to have women at the policy-making table.

Cut 5 (08) “…just phenomenal.”

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

Republican Monique Blanco Boulet, daughter of former governor Kathleen Blanco, is the first female elected as Mayor-President of Lafayette. Boulet bet incumbent Josh Guillory. She 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 promises to have an administration that’s transparent to the public and press. 

Beginning today, extra law enforcement will be patrolling Louisiana’s roadways, looking to make sure you’re buckled up. During Thanksgiving weekend last year, there were 10 fatalities and more than 100 accidents with serious injuries. LHSC spokesman Greg Fisher says the state’s passenger safety law requires everyone in a vehicle to be properly restrained. He says a ticket is better than a tragedy.

Cut 5 (12) “ …for you.”  

The campaign runs through next Saturday.

Despite the rain this week, the latest drought monitor indicates 99 percent of the Bayou State is still in severe drought. State climatologist Barry Keim..

Cut 11 (10) “…those rains.”

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Three statewide races will be decided Saturday in the run-off for Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer as Louisiana heads to the polls. There’s also a pretty contentious run-off in Shreveport-Bossier city though. It’s a senate race between two current state representatives, Democrats Cedric Glover, and Sam Jenkins. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s just too close to call…

Cut 8 (08) “…big question.”

Tonight’s the final night game of the year in Tiger Stadium as LSU hosts Georgia State. The Panthers are 6-4 on the season and on a three-game losing streak. They have some good skill position players. Georgia State quarterback Dustin Grainger is a three-year starter for the Panthers and he’s thrown for nearly two-thousand yards, 14 touchdowns and five interceptions. Georgia State’s running back Marcus Carroll is the third leading rusher in F-B-S, with 1,206 yards. But the Panthers have struggled on defense. Kick-off is set for 7.

For many, the holiday season has already begun. If you’ll be on the roads, be mindful that the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Click It or Ticket campaign is underway and runs through the Thanksgiving weekend. Spokesperson Greg Fischer says state troopers and local law enforcement will be on the lookout to see if drivers are buckled up…

Cut 3 (11) “….the road.”

Despite all the rain we’ve seen this week, the latest draught monitor sows 99 percent of the Bayou State is still in severe drought…with 40 percent less rainfall than usual for this time of year. More rain is in the forecast for next week…so what will that mean?

Cut 13 (06) “…we’re in.”
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Voters in Louisiana are headed to the polls today and experts say voter turnout could be lower than the dismal 36 percent we saw in the October primary. For areas with legislative or local races in the run-off, Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat does voter turnout will be higher, like the mayor’s race in Lafayette. Incumbent Josh Guillory is in a heated race with the daughter of former Governor Kathleen Blanco. Monique Blanco Boulet…

Cut 7 (06) “…name Blanco.” 

Polls are open to eight p.m. For poll locations and a sample ballot use your GeauxVote app.

The seventh ranked LSU Lady Tigers went on the road last night and defeated Southeastern Louisiana 73-50. But the big story centered around Angel Reese, who was not at the game. The All-American did not make the trip after getting benched for the second half of Tuesday’s game. Coach Kim Mulkey said afterwards that Reese is part of their team and they hope to see her sooner than later.

Louisiana Radio Network.  I’m Jeanne Burns

We’ve seen a lot of rain this week, but 99 percent of Louisiana still remains under severe drought.  Since August 1^st State Climatologist Barry Keim says Louisiana has received 6-point-four inches of rain, but 15-point-seven inches would be considered normal for that time period.

Cut 12 (09) “…really change.”  

But Keim says there’s some hope for the state. We’ll see a warm front followed by a cold front that will produce widespread rain once again.

During Thanksgiving weekend last year, there were 10 fatalities and more than 100 accidents with serious injuries.  It’s why the state’s “Click it or Ticket” campaign, underway now, is so important as 15-percent of people in Louisiana go unbuckled. Spokesperson Greg Fischer

Cut 4 (09) “…every year.”
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It’s election day and we’ll find out who will be Louisiana’s Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer. Brooke Thorington has more on the predictions.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 
Governor elect Jeff Landry is questioning whether Louisiana can afford a new policy that allows state workers who welcome a new child to receive six weeks of paid leave. Landry says he’s asked for the financial details of this new policy….

Cut 10 (08) “…a look at it” 
LRN

It’s election day.  And three statewide races will be decided in the run-off.  After tonight, Louisianans will know who will be their next Attorney General, Secretary of State, and Treasurer. After a voter turnout of only 36 percent in the October primary, political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it could be even lower for the runoff. He says Republicans are favored to win all three.

Cut 6 (08) “…will increase.”

 Governor-elect Jeff Landry has concerns about the potential cost of Louisiana’s new policy that allows state workers who welcome a new child to receive six weeks of paid leave. The state has 70-thousand employees and the benefit begins January 1st. Landry questions whether the state can afford it…

Cut 9 (07) “…pay for it” 

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Beginning tomorrow, extra law enforcement will be patrolling the roads, looking to make sure you’re buckled up. Teiko Foxx has details on the “Click it or Ticket” campaign…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

 Despite the rain this week, the latest drought monitor indicates 99 percent of the Bayou State is still in severe drought. State climatologist Barry Keim..

Cut 11 (10) “…those rains.”