After a four-game absence, LSU women’s basketball star forward Angel Reese made a powerful return to the court last night but felt her time off was necessary to recharge and refocus. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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If you’re looking for the perfect festival to get you in the holiday spirit and knock out some of your shopping, you need to head to downtown Alexandria. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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LSU All-American forward Angel Reese scored 19 points and had nine rebounds last night as the 7th-ranked Lady Tigers defeated ninth-ranked Virginia Tech 82-64. After a four-game absence, the Bayou Barbie says it felt good to be back.

Cut 3 (11) “….with them.”

For unknown reasons, Reese missed a home game against Texas Southern. She also missed games at SLU and two contests in the Cayman Island Classic.

Reese says she used her time away to reset and refocus. She says LSU legend Shaquille O’Neal was her daily motivator.

Cut 4 (15) “…I am.”

Reese made 9 of 16 free throws against the Hokies which contributed to Coach Kim Mulkey’s 700^th career victory. Mulkey feels Reese’s return was good for Reese, the team, and Tiger Nation.

Cut 5 (13) “ …she’s comfortable.”  

The Lady Tigers take a break for final exams and will play again on December 10th when they host the Lady Cajuns.

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Alexandria’s favorite Winter Festival is back for the seventh year and there’s plenty of free-family-friendly entertainment. AlexWinterFete event manager Cathy Spiller says they even have an ice-skating rink with real ice, Santa Claus, a petting zoo, plenty of inflatables for the kids, and more….

Cut 6 (09) “…shopping vendors.”

Spiller says the ice-skating rink is a crowd favorite and you can buy a $10 fast pass that allows you to wait in a shorter line.

Cut 7 (12) “…don’t get” 

AlexWinterFete, which attracts an average of 30 thousand attendees, is a companion festival to the city’s spring event RiverFete. Spiller says WinterFete also has live music, and the festivities continue rain or shine…

Cut 8 (10) “…F-E-T-E.” 

The hours on Friday in downtown Alexandria are four to ten and on Saturday 10 am until 10 pm.

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Louisiana residents can now request an “Autism Spectrum Disorder” or a “Needs Accommodation” decal for their vehicle at no cost from the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the decal will indicate to law enforcement that an individual has a disability.

Cut 9 (13) “…the stop.” 

The sticker will be placed on the rear window of the occupant’s vehicle.

Boudreaux says customers must provide a statement from a qualified health professional verifying their diagnosis. But if you already have a driver’s license or identification card with Autism or Needs Accommodation indicator…

Cut 10 (09) “…the decal.”  

He says the indicator can removed at any time without documentation. Boudreaux says this will have a great effect on people on both sides.

Cut 11 (07) “…huge impact.”

To make an appointment with OMV, visit expresslane.org.

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A ruling is not expected until next week in Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson’s lawsuit challenging the result of the November election. Nickelson lost by one vote, to Henry Whitehorn. Political analyst Scott Hughes says Nickelson’s attorneys presented the judge with some compelling evidence…

Cut 12 (12)  “…proper form”  

Retired Louisiana Supreme Court Justice Joseph Bleich is hearing the case. He’s asked the attorneys for both candidates to provide more written evidence. Hughes says Whitehorn believes he’s the undisputed winner, but NIckelson’s attorneys believe they’ve uncovered some questionable ballots…

Cut 13 (12) “…determine the winner.”

Retiring sheriff Steve Prator’s term does not end until June 30th. Hughes says if Judge Bleich rules another election should take place, it would occur in March…

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”

A hearing in Caddo Parish today will decide if the election results by a single vote margin stand in the Sheriff’s race or if another runoff will be held. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A federal judge is giving state lawmakers a little more time to redraw a Congressional district map that must have two majority-minority districts to comply with the Voting Rights Act. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says he’ll ask lawmakers next year to approve 43 million dollars for new firefighting equipment and personnel after the state’s worst wildfire season in history. Strain says he has prioritized a list of equipment.

Cut 3 (10) “….and transports.”

Wildfires in the Bayou State charred 62 thousand acres and destroyed $71 million in forestland from August through October.

Strain says crews from other states would bring their forestry bulldozers and other special equipment. He says a big ticket item to add to the agency’s inventory is air tankers.

Cut 4 (13) “…these fires.”

Strain says funding is critical in preparing for possible wildfires in the future. He says forestry-made bulldozers will also help crews to fight wildfires efficiently.

Cut 5 (11) “ …and engines.”  

The next legislative session begins in March.

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Every parish in the state should see rain today as a wet weather pattern begins, especially for the southern half of Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says there’s a slight risk for flash flooding in central and southwest Louisiana…

Cut 6 (06) “…embedded thunderstorms”

Southwest Louisiana is also under a slight risk for severe weather. Most of the rest is under a marginal risk. Wetherbee says heavy rainfall appears to be the biggest threat from this storm system that’s receiving energy from the Gulf of Mexico…

Cut 7 (09) “…big problem” 

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A retired state Supreme Court Justice is hearing a lawsuit today filed by Caddo Parish Sheriff candidate John Nickelson who lost the election by one vote. During the recount, Nickelson says the Board of Election Supervisors only rescanned mail-in ballots instead of a hand count…

Cut 8 (10) “…is counted.” 

In the runoff and the recount, Henry Whitehorn was declared the winner. He says the results should stand. The Democrat says he’s always been told the person with the most votes wins whether it’s by 1,000 votes or even just one…

Cut 9 (11) “…this election.” 

Whitehorn says the lawsuit is asking the court to disregard the election process.

Nickelson says the will of the people must be respected and that’s why he’s filed the lawsuit…

Cut 10 (08) “…ber certified.”  

Whitehorn says if he had lost the recount he wouldn’t have sought legal action and the lawsuit filed by his opponent is asking the court to disregard the election process and it….

Cut 11 (12) “…doesn’t matter.”

Retired Supreme Court justice, Joseph Bleich, is hearing the case and is expected to deliver a ruling tomorrow.

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A federal judge is now giving the Louisiana Legislature until January 30th to redraw the state’s congressional map to include a second majority-minority district. It’s a two-week extension from the previous deadline of January 15th. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this still presents a challenge for lawmakers

Cut 12 (07)  “…probably create.”  

Under Louisiana law the earliest a special session can take place would be January 15th. Pinsonat says U-S District Judge Shelley Dick should realize January 30th is not enough time…

Cut 13 (09) “…like this.”

Dick has scheduled a February fifth trial date to hear the merits of the current map.

The Congressional districts of Republicans Julia Letlow and Garret Graves most at risk, as a result of a new map.

Pinsonat says this leaves a supermajority of Republicans to redraw a minority seat that would benefit Democrats. He’s unsure if new lawmakers can create a second majority-black district.

Cut  14 (09) “…very difficult.”

Governor-Elect Jeff Landry and new lawmakers will be sworn in on January 8th.

DeSoto Parish  “Spirit of DeSoto Tree” located behind Stonewall Government Plaza is believed to be the tallest Christmas tree structure in the world. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry announces his choice to serve as the next Superintendent of State Police and a partnership to help reduce crime in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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If you want to see the world’s tallest Christmas tree structure, just make your way toward north Louisiana to DeSoto Parish which now holds the world record with its 300-foot-tall tree structure. Sheriff Jayson Richardson says the idea hit him last year while looking at Christmas lights with his family.

Cut 3 (13) “….exceeded that.”

The 28-story tall structure is a communications tower covered with more than 10 thousand LED lights behind Stonewall Government Plaza. Transforming the tower into the $30 thousand “Spirit of DeSoto Tree” was paid for by donations from sponsors and donors.

Richardson says local businessman Perry Thompson helped bring the vision to life. He says construction of the massive festive structure began earlier this year.

Cut 4 (09) “…Christmas tree.”

Richardson says the tree is lit from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm every night. He says hundreds of people have already come to Stonewall to see the light setup.

Cut 5 (13) “ …the community.”  

The Christmas display will remain lit until the first week of January.

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An 11-year-old girl has been arrested for the murder of a 36-year-old man. Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Katherine Breaux says the girl, a former resident of Iberia Parish, was taken into custody by the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office…

Cut 6 (06) “…Lafayette Detention Center”

Breaux says she’s accused of killing Kameran Bedsole on November 14th. Bedsole died from several gunshot wounds. His body was found in the 47-hundred block of Jasper Road in New Iberia. Breaux says the sheriff’s office is not providing any other details at this time…

Cut 7 (04) “…are expected.” 

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Governor-elect Jeff Landry has announced the next leader of State Police when he takes office in January. Major Robert Hodges, a 28-year veteran of LSP and a New Orleans native will be the next superintendent of the state’s leading law enforcement agency.

Cut 8 (08) “…state safe.” 

Landry made the announcement at the Caesars’s Superdome in New Orleans and that he’s created a partnership with Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams that would allow the state attorney’s office to prosecute any case led by State Police…

Cut 9 (09) “…deserve.” 

The governor-elect says he will bring in as much of a law enforcement presence into the city as necessary to keep the entire city safe…

Cut 10 (08) “…be there.”  

Landry says he’s also met with Mayor LaToya Cantrell and he pledges to work with her on his security and safety plans for the city. He says it’s vital that crime numbers come down with New Orleans set to host the Super Bowl in February 2025.

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The Department of Children and Family Services is urging EBT cardholders to immediately change their PIN. DCFS fraud director Rhonda Brown says EBT cardholders should take this action, because multiple skimming devices at various retailers have been discovered around the state

Cut 11 (08) “…a victim”

A skimmer is a device installed on card readers that allows a thief to steal a customer’s information, including their PIN number.

Brown says if you need help changing your EBT card PIN,  you can visit life-in-check-EBT-dot-com and there’s also a toll free number…

Cut 12 (12)  “…EBT.”  

Brown urges EBT card holder to regularly review their card transactions using the Life  In Check EBT mobile app or visit their website…

Cut 13 (10) “…for months.”

Tickets to check out Rock legends The Rolling Stones at the 2023 Jazz Festival go on sale today at 1 pm. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Governor Elect Jeff Landry is talking safety and security in New Orleans today. Colleen Crain has the story

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has met more than 90 percent of its 45 Fiscal Year 2023 goals. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Rolling Stones are coming to the New Orleans Jazz Festival and Louisiana residents get the satisfaction of purchasing tickets first. Festival producer Quint Davis says Louisianans can purchase tickets at N-O-Jazz-Fest dot com starting at 1 pm today.

Cut 4 (12) “…a presale.”

Louisiana residents can snag up to six pre-sale tickets. Davis says the Stones want to play in the Big Easy. He says the festival will be the second stop on their US tour.

Cut 5 (12) “…here everything.”

There will be a limited number of one-day tickets. After being rebooked several times, Davis says the Stones will play on Thursday, May 2^nd.

Cut 6 (09) “…real one.”

Tickets for the general public will go on sale December 1 at 10 am. The full lineup will be released around January 15.

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Governor Elect Jeff Landry is holding another transition press conference Wednesday on Louisiana State Police Appointments and other Safety and Security Appointments but this press conference won’t be in Lafayette. LA Politics Dot Com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there’s a reason for that…

Cut 7 (07) “…in New Orleans.”

Alford says, Landry has been open about his opinion of the issues he sees in the state’s largest city. And though he cannot act on his appointments until he takes office next year, Alford believes Landry will make his plans clear…

Cut 8 (11) “…to be problems.” 

Landry will have many issues to tackle when he takes office. He’s talked about special sessions to address some of them and Alford says, there may be more sessions in Landry’s first year…

Cut 9 (07)  “…in 2024.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health says they met 91 percent of their 45 goals set for Fiscal Year 2023. Deputy Secretary Tonya Joiner says instead of having competing multiple goals they create a framework that allows them to concentrate on specific health issues for the year….

Cut 10 (09) “…those goals.”

Among the biggest challenges facing the state are chronic diseases, maternal health, behavioral health, and overall access to quality healthcare. For maternal health, Joiner says focused on improving early childhood nutrition

Cut 11 (08) “…WIC program.” 

Another goal that made great strides this year, is increasing access to behavioral health. With the launch of the 9-8-8 nationwide suicide and mental crisis hotline in July of 2022, Joiner says they wanted to make sure in-state callers are assisted by local counselors.

Cut 12 (11) “…that call.” 

Joiner says they also increased screening rates and risk assessments for chronic disease through outreach partners in the state.

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Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s working with lawmakers in Hawaii on Disaster Mitigation legislation. He says the bill would help reduce the impact of future storms on the Bayou State and elsewhere in the country.

Cut 13 (13) “…next disaster.”

The state’s senior senator says in the military it’s called a “Hot Wash.” Right after a conflict, you review what worked and didn’t work….

Cut 14 (09) “…the country.”

Cassidy gave examples of how Louisiana has learned from past storms, like pre-positioning fuel trucks where people were evacuating so gas stations could quickly be refueled and prepositioning generators.

Cut 15 (12) “…other natural disasters.”

He says it’s part of his broader commitment to make sure Louisiana is as prepared as possible for future natural disasters.

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Action Network college football reporter and Heisman Trophy Voter, Brett McMurphy knows that his job this year is not about comparing Oregon and LSU as teams, but Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels as individual players and the accomplishments that they have achieved this year. McMurphy says that while Conference Championships are important, players’ statistical data is much more influential to the vote.

Cut 16 (23) “..anybody else.”

McMurphy says that the final PAC-12 Championship game between Oregon and Washington will ultimately help decide whether or not Bo Nix will win the Heisman this year. As unfortunate as it is for Daniels to be sidelined this week with LSU’s 3 losses, McMurphy also says that Daniels could benefit from a poor performance by Nix this weekend.

Cut 17 (18) “…benefit Jayden.”

McMurphy knows that both Bo Nix and Jayden Daniels are having sensational seasons, but he has one statistic that stands out to him in particular when looking at Daniels and the Tigers Offense. That statistic is first downs.

Cut 18 (12)  “…first down.” 

Daniels or “the human first down” has helped lead LSU’s offense to 309 total first downs this season and LSU’s offensive statistics lead Oregon in almost every non-passing statistic this year.

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After two seasons, Hue Jackson is out as the head coach of Grambling State. Jackson went 3-and-8 in his first season at Grambling and then 5-and-6 this season. Grambling Athletics Director Trayvean Scott says he decided to make a move after a couple of sleepless nights following the loss to Southern in the Bayou Classic…

Cut 19 (18) “…moving forward” 

Co-offensive coordinator John Simon has been elevated to interim head coach. Scott hopes to name a permanent head coach in seven to ten days and he says Simon will be considered. The Grambling A-D was asked what he’s looking for in a head coach…

Cut 20 (20) “…that’s significant.”

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.”

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Black Friday holiday shopping has ended and numbers show shoppers spent nearly $10 billion in online sales in the U.S. on Black Friday. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you have an old Google account, make sure to log in this week. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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After losing to Southern Illinois on Saturday, the Nicholls State football team was stranded in a small airport for 22 hours. Nicholls’ Athletic Director Jonathan Terrell said first it was a pilot issue with the chartered flight, then the next flight was canceled. But he says they made the best of it and finally made it home Sunday night.

Cut 4 (11) “…that happened.”

Terrell says the restaurants closed overnight in the small airport, they had no transportation and were unable to book a hotel last minute due to the size of the party.

Cut 5 (10) “…140 people.”

The players, cheerleaders, and staff ended up sleeping on the floor and in chairs at the small airport.  Terrell says it was a frustrating situation made worse when they weren’t able to get any answers from Eastern Airlines, the charter flight company.

Cut 6 (10) “…for us.”

The team arrived back to campus Sunday night just before 9:30.

Because it was a playoff game the NCAA is in charge of coordinating travel.

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Black Friday sales show online holiday shopping increased by seven percent growth compared to 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.”

The National Retail Federation predicted a three to four percent growth. Consumers appear to be planning on spending more this holiday season but buying less in terms of the number of items according to the NRF.

Rice says many large retailers marketing use to excite shoppers to begin Black Friday shopping at midnight for the best prices. But now marketing trends encourage pre-Black Friday shopping.

Cut 8 (11) “…one day.” 

Online revenue growth during the next two months is expected at nearly five percent compared to a year earlier which is well below the average annual rate of 13 percent growth before the pandemic according to Adobe Analytics.

Rice says Cyber Monday is a bigger spending day compared to Black Friday. But he points out that more shoppers still enjoy the experience of brick-and-mortar stores.

Cut 9 (09)  “…bigger online.”

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Republican John Nickelson, a candidate for Caddo Parish Sheriff, has filed a lawsuit seeking a new runoff election against Democrat Henry Whitehorn, who won after a recount by one vote. Political Analyst Scott Hughes says a district court judge is set to hear the case Thursday and a ruling could be made the next day.

Cut 10 (10) “…in court.”

Out of more than 43 thousand votes, 7 thousand mail-in ballots were rescanned by the Caddo Board of Elections. After recounting all the ballots, an additional three ballots were tallied for each candidate.

Hughes says mail-in votes did not arrive until the Friday before election day He says at least two voters who voted absentee went to check on Election Day and they were allowed to vote a second time…

Cut 11 (13) “…legal challenge.” 

If the district court’s ruling is appealed, Hughes says the case will be heard by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal. He says attorneys for both candidates and several members of the public watched the recount in person.

Cut 12 (11) “…Mr. Whitehorn.” 

If the appellate court’s opinion is appealed, the case would advance to the Louisiana Supreme Court.

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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”

Google’s updated inactive-account policy was announced in May and Google will begin a phased-approach beginning Friday

Davis says, if you’ve logged in to YouTube, g-mail, or your Google Drive associated with the account, you’re ok. He says, Google is concerned about security, not data space.

Cut 14 (09) “…security risk.”

If you have old accounts with other email and cloud providers, Davis says to watch for their inactive account policies to be updated as well.

Cut 15 (07) “…kind of thing.”

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After a bad loss on the road to Atlanta, the hot seat is getting warmer for Saints Coach Dennis Allen. New Orleans is 5-and-6 on the season and fans are expecting more and they would like to see more emotion from Allen, especially after the team plays poorly

Cut 16 (20) “..sense of urgency.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara said after the game, the team does not have an identity and they are consistently inconsistent. But Allen has more of a glass-half-full perspective of the team’s identity.

Cut 17 (19) “…defense.”

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ULM Athletics Director John Hartwell is searching for a new head football coach after firing Terry Bowden following a two-and-ten campaign. Hartwell says after watching the Warhawks lose to the Ragin Cajuns on Saturday, he decided a culture change was needed…

Cut 18 (18)  “…to lose.” 

Hartwell hopes to hire the next head coach of ULM football within seven to ten days. He has this message to the players and recruits who might look elsewhere…

Cut 19 (18) “…to that.” 

ULM has the smallest athletic budget out of all FBS Schools and there are some who suggested the Warhawks should drop down to the FCS level. But Hartwell plans to compete for championships in the Sun Belt…

Cut 20 (16) “…what we all want.”

ULM needs a new football coach as Terry Bowden has been fired after three seasons. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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After a recount, Democrat Henry Whitehorn remains the winner of the Sheriff’s race in Caddo Parish. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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If you plan on browsing the web looking for Cyber Monday deals, Carmen Million with the Better Business Bureau says shoppers should be on the lookout for scams. She says be aware of false advertising and before you enter your payment information, make sure it’s a legitimate website.

Cut 3 (10) “….this website.”

Million says to also check that your anti-virus software is up to date before you make an online purchase. She urges shoppers to avoid non-secure sites and when making an online purchase it’s best to use your credit card.

Cut 4 (12) “…return it.”

Million says many major retailers offer loyalty programs and suggest using them for special point offers that could add up. She also advises that you read the fine print and understand return policies before you complete your purchase.

Cut 5 (07) “ …the button.”  

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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 says two in five desire it weekly.

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.

Cut 7 (11) “…for you.” 

Louisiana Fish Fry Products include Louisiana-inspired batters, coatings, seasonings, sauces, and boils.

And while inflation hasn’t diminished the craving for fried chicken, Gray says their chicken products make the southern staple accessible for connoisseurs.

Cut 8 (11) “…own home.” 

Based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Fish Fry Products can be found regionally and at national grocers.

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ULM has fired head football coach Terry Bowden after winning just ten games in three seasons. The Warhawks finished the 2023 campaign on a ten-game losing streak. KNOE-TV Sports Director Aaron Dietrich says despite the losses, it seemed like Bowden had the support of athletics director John Hartwell…

Cut 9 (11) “…pink slip” 

Bowden went 4-and-8 in each of his first two seasons at ULM. This year the Warhawks started 2-0 including a victory over Army. Dietrich says there was a lot of hope heading into the season, but that hope went away as the losses mounted, so the A-D made a move…

Cut 10 (12) “…head coach”  

Dietrich says AD Jim Hartwell has a tough job in front of him, because the athletic department is stretched thin when it comes to finances…

Cut 11 (12) “…head coach on”

Former Grambling Head Coach Broderick Fobbs will serve as interim head coach.

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A recount of the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Race did not change the outcome as Democrat Henry Whitehorn remains the winner by ONE vote over Republican John Nickelson. Political analyst Scott Hughes says the Caddo Board of Elections rescanned the mail-in ballots only, which was about seven-thousand of the more than 43-thousand votes…

Cut 12 (10)  “…this point”  

Hughes expects the loser in the race, Nickelson, will file a lawsuit challenging the election results…

Cut 13 (06) “…the race”

Prior to Monday’s recount, Caddo Clerk of Court Mike Spence, said they found two instances of people inadvertently voting twice, once with a mail-in ballot, the other on election day.

The Louisiana economy is looking up according to one economist, Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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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. The fourth round of the application period opens at noon today. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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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”

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According to University of Louisiana at Lafayette economist, Doctor Gary Wagner, Louisiana’s economy is chugging right along for most of the state. He says it’s been more than 15 years since we’ve seen this kind of job growth…

Cut 4 (11) “…pandemic months.”

Wagner is predicting Louisiana will gain another 30-thousand jobs over the next 12 months. He says job growth is expected to be strong in the Lafayette, New Orleans, Monroe and Alexandria areas. But Wagner is expects the Houma/Thibodeaux area will continue to struggle, because of two major factors…

Cut 5 (10) “…recover from that.”

As Far as the Louisiana housing market is concerned, Wagner says while some areas of the country are seeing a decline in prices he hasn’t seen that here in Louisiana and doesn’t expect to in the near future…

Cut 6 (06) “…relatively flat.”

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Louisiana Fortify Homes Program will open its fourth round of grants today 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.”

The LFHP began with enough funding to award an estimated 3,000 grants. Donelon says residents will have to meet certain requirements to be eligible for upgrading their roof standard including…

Cut 8 (12) “…rare exception.” 

Grant funds are paid directly to contractors. Homeowners are financially responsible for all costs beyond the full grant amount. Grant funding is limited to construction costs.

Donelon says homeowners are required to create a profile in the LFHP system. He says once a profile has been created…

Cut 9 (12)  “…dollar grant.”

Interested residents are urged to apply at www.ldi.la.go/fortifyhomes. 

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Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels has made his case to win the Heisman Trophy. Ballots go out today to the over 900 voters of the prestigious award. Daniels does not play this Saturday, but to keep his Heisman buzz going the LSU Sports Information Department will unveil a website that informs voters of all of his accomplishments. LSU SID Michael Bonnette…

Cut 10 (08) “…about Jayden.”

Daniels is trying to become the third player in LSU history to win the Heisman, joining Billy Cannon and Joe Burrow. Bonnette says anyone in Purple and Gold are doing what they can to tout Daniels’ candidacy…

Cut 11 (11) “…will listen” 

Daniels will not play in a conference championship game this Saturday like his main competition, Oregon quarterback Bo Nix and Washington signal caller Michael Penix will face each other in the Pac-12 title. Bonnette says voters will watch that game, but he also hopes they check out Daniels’ Heisman website for more information on the fifth-year senior from California…

Cut 12 (05) “…on the field” 

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Nearly 7500 mailed-in ballots in the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s race will be rescanned today to determine if the winner is Republican John Nickelson or Democrat Henry Whitehorn. Nickelson demanded a recount after losing to Whitehorn by only one vote. Caddo Parish Clerk of Court Mike Spence….

Cut 13 (10) “…days gone”

Whitehorn who served as the head of the Louisiana State Police, received 21,621.

In Louisiana, Spence says in order to initiate the process a candidate has to request a recount.

Cut 14 (05) “…done correctly.”

According to the Clerk of Court, it was discovered that two people inadvertently voted twice.

Spence says more than 43,000 votes were cast in the race. As it relates to early voting ballots and votes cast on Election Day…

Cut 15 (11) “…mail in.”

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.

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LSU Quarterback Jayden Daniels threw four touchdown passes as he made his final case for the Heisman Trophy in a come-from-behind 42-30 win over Texas A&M on Saturday in Tiger Stadium. Daniels threw for 235 yards and rushed for 120 yards. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says Daniels made a strong closing argument for college football’s most prestigious award…

Cut 16 (16) “..for the Heisman.”

Daniels was held in check in the first half as he only threw for 52 yards and rushed for 59.

Early in the fourth quarter, LSU linebacker Greg Penn intercepted a pass setting up the Tigers’ offense at the Aggies’ 39-yard line. Three plays later, Daniels connected with Brian Thomas Jr. on a 23-yard TD pass as he made the grab over a defender. Daniels says that play got the offense going…

Cut 17 (16) “..coming out of halftime.”

Daniels will find out if he’s a Heisman finalist next Monday. The team will find out on Sunday their bowl game destination and opponent.

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A very frustrating loss for the Saints on Sunday as they fell to the Atlanta Falcons 24 to 15. Kicker Blake Grupe was responsible for all of their points as the rookie made five fields goals. New Orleans was 0 for 5 in the red zone. Coach Dennis Allen thought they had solved their red zone woes that hurt the team earlier in the year…

Cut 18 (13)  “…that’s a problem.” 

The Saints defense kept New Orleans in the game as safety Tyrann Mathieu had two interceptions. The Honey Badger says with a 5-and-6 record they are at least tied with Atlanta for first place in the NFC South

Cut 19 (13) “…right now” 

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The Ragin Cajuns are bowl-eligible for a sixth consecutive season after defeating in-state rival ULM 52-31 on Saturday. Quarterback Chandler Fields threw for two touchdowns and ran for another as the 52 points were the most U-L Lafayette has ever scored against ULM in a home game. Coach Michael Desormeaux is proud of his team for achieving bowl eligibility…

Cut 20 (20) “…for our program” 

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”