Once again this year, Louisiana will have its Celebration Gator float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree this year, according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish there are plenty. Much of the state experienced a fall drought, but he says it didn’t affect the Christmas trees ready for sale…
Cut 27 (07) “…no trouble.”

Are you hitting the highways today for your Thanksgiving destination? AAA predicts nearly 49-million people will travel by car, which is up a half a percent from last year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says if you’re driving for a long distance, take a break every couple of hours.
Cut 6 (11) “…every two hours.”
Redman says the worst time to travel today is 11 AM to 8 PM.

The 49th annual Bayou Classic is Saturday. Grambling State, who has a losing record, is playing for bragging rights, but a win for Southern and they will play in the SWAC Championship game against Jackson State. First year Jaguars coach Eric Dooley was a wide receiver at Grambling and knows the rivalry well…
Cut 15 (12) “.opposite shirts..”
Kick off Saturday is at 1 PM.

According to AAA, just under 55 million people will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday, either by plane, train, or automobile but the majority will be on the road. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says that’s up 2 percent from last year.
Cut 4 (06) “…since 2000. ”

And Grambling and Southern football fans will head to New Orleans this weekend for the Bayou Classic…
cut 3 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

There are 28 floats in tomorrow’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City and for the second year in a row, Louisiana will have its celebration gator rolling through the streets of Manhattan. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the float will promote Louisiana as a tourist destination…
cut 8 (08) “…is incredible”
For the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year’s Day, Louisiana will have a riverboat float.

As folks prepare for their Thanksgiving feast, there are some tips to make sure you don’t overdo it when it comes to overeating. LSU AgCenter Registered Dietitian Jennifer Duhon says make sure half of your plate is fruits and vegetables.
Cut 10 (07) “…decrease those calories”
And with plenty of delicious food to consume, Duhon says go easy on the sauces.

If you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving, AAA says it’s expected to be the third busiest travel period on record since 2000. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s perfect weather to travel today across the Gulf South. But tomorrow is a different story as there’s a slight risk for excessive rainfall for most of the state on Thanksgiving. Three to four of inches of rain could fall across north, central and southwest Louisiana tomorrow.

For the second year in a row, Louisiana will have a float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. The Celebration Gator made its first appearance last year as a way to promote Louisiana as a tourism destination. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s the longest float to ever roll in the parade, measuring 60-feet from mouth to tail….
cut 9 (09) “….of this gator”
New Orleans’ own Trombone Shorty is riding on the float and will perform along the way.

It will be a big tourism weekend in New Orleans as the President of New Orleans Convention Company Dottie Belletto says the Bayou Classic draws about 200-thousand visitors to the city…
cut 13 (12) “…the millions”
The football game between Southern and Grambling is at 1 PM on Saturday, but there are plenty of activities on Friday and Saturday morning leading up to the game.

State Police says a 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. Trooper Derek Senegal says Philip Conner of Homewood was traveling south of Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size S-U-V

Cut 12 (10) “…GMC Acadia.” 

Senegal says after impact both vehicles traveled off the roadway and Conner’s vehicle became engulfed in flames.

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, they are plentiful in Louisiana this year, that’s according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish.  Steele says while growers have faced an increase in supply and fuel costs you’ll save if you buy your tree locally.

Cut 6 (07)  “…the lots.”

Steele says sales have been brisk so far and he’s hopeful for a profitable season.

Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving dinner is expected to cost about 14 percent more this year. And the supply of turkeys is limited especially when it comes to medium to large size birds due to an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Cut 5 (08) “…the economy.”

If you’re cooking a turkey for the holiday, hopefully by now you’ve already started thawing it. And if by chance you have a microwave that can handle the size of your bird, USDA expert Kenneth King says you need to be precise about thawing times.

Cut 11 (09)  “…cook it immediately.”

If you’re thawing it in the fridge, it needs 24 hours for every four to five pounds of turkey.

Two tragic stories out of southwest Louisiana. First, a 16-year-old boy died last night in a fiery crash in Lake Charles, after running a stop sign on state Highway 397. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says young Phillip Conner, of Holmwood, was hit by an oncoming SUV and did not survive the wreck. Senegal says troopers are investigating why the teen didn’t stop at the intersection…:

CUT 14(08)      “…ever applied.”

And deputies in Calcasieu Parish say a local woman who went missing early Saturday morning has been found; dead inside her submerged vehicle in Bayou D’Inde. The coroner is determining 32-year-old Stephany Fong’s cause of death. She was last seen leaving a local video poker place and then getting gas at about 5 am Saturday. A GoFundMe account has been set up for her interment expenses.

Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there’s plenty from which to choose…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

If you’re making a frozen turkey Thursday and it’s not thawing out now…get at it. USDA expert Kenneth King says you can fast thaw the bird in cold water for a shorter time, but…:

CUT 10(05)      “…after thawing.”

Bon apettit.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving dinner is going to cost more, probably enough to notice. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

______________________________________

Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there’s plenty to choose from. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

______________________________________

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving is expected to cost about 14 percent more this year.

Cut 3 (07) “…sixteen point seven.” 

Strain says prices of everything from flour to canned corn to butter and cranberry sauce are higher. He says this year the supply of turkeys is also smaller.

Cut 4 (08)  “…medium range.” 

Strain says the turkey supply was badly hit by an outbreak of Avian Flu.

Cut 5 (08) “…the economy.”

___________________________________________________

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, they are plentiful in Louisiana this year, that’s according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish.  Steele says while growers have faced an increase in supply and fuel costs you’ll save if you buy your tree locally.

Cut 6 (07)  “…the lots.”

Steele says the dry weather this fall did not affect the Christmas trees ready for sale, because they are most vulnerable as a seedling.

Cut 7 (07)  “…no trouble.”

And depending on if you’re looking for a full tree or you prefer one that’s more open, Steele says there’s plenty to choose from this year.

Cut 8 (09)  “…into the tree.“

Steele says sales have been brisk so far and he’s hopeful for a profitable season.

_______________________________________

With Thanksgiving Day two days away, getting that frozen turkey thawed is a top priority for the chef in your household. USDA expert Kenneth King says there are a few tips for cooks to follow when it comes to thawing and cooking.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of turkey.” 

Experts say to thaw the turkey breast side up with the wrapper unopened. And it’s vital the fridge be forty degrees or below.

King says if you are using the cold water method it’s a bit more work because you have to change the water every 30 minutes. You should thaw the breast turkey side down, with enough cold water to completely cover the turkey.

Cut 10 (05) “…after thawing.” 

And if you have a microwave that can handle a big bird, King says you need to be very precise about thawing times.

Cut 11 (09)  “…cook it immediately.”

King says it actually is possible to cook a frozen turkey, but you have to cook it fifty percent longer than if it was thawed. King says a turkey that was thawed in the fridge can stay in the fridge for one to two days before cooking

_______________________________________________

State Police says a 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. Trooper Derek Senegal says Philip Conner of Holmwood was traveling south of Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size S-U-V

Cut 12 (10) “…GMC Acadia.” 

Senegal says after impact both vehicles traveled off the roadway and Conner’s vehicle became engulfed in flames

Cut 13 (07) “…dead at the scene”  

Conner was a student at St. Louis Catholic High School, where he played soccer for the Saints. Senegal says the investigation continues into why he didn’t stop at the stop sign

Cut 14 (08)   “…ever applied.” 

___________________________________________

Cut 15 (09) “…UAB”

Cut  16 (12)  “…no doubt”

A 16-year-old who ran a stop sign in Lake Charles died in a fiery crash last night. State Police Trooper Derek Senegal says Phil Conner of Homewood was on Highway 397 when he collided with a mid-size SUV…:

CUT 12(10)      “…GMC Acadia.”

He says LSP is investigating why Conner failed to stop.

Your Thanks giving turkey will cost you – on average – 14-percent more than last year, says state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain. He says this year’s turkey are also smaller overall…:

CUT 04(09)      “…medium range.”

If your turkey is frozen and it’s not already thawing, get on that right now.

Sad news in southwest Louisiana. The body of a missing Lake Charles woman was found inside a submerged vehicle in Bayou d’Inde. 32-year-old Stephany Fong was last seen leaving the Wagin Cajun casino in Sulphur early Saturday morning and then stopped at a nearby gas station.

Louisiana Christmas tree farmers are hopeful for a profitable season and a Washington Parish farmer says there are plenty from which to choose…:

CUT 02(29)      ‘…Thorington.”

Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture Mike Strain says your Thanksgiving meal is expected to cost about 14 percent more than last year.

Cut 3 (08) “…sixteen point seven” 

Strain says prices of everything from flour to canned corn to butter and cranberry sauce are higher. He and the supply of turkeys is also smaller due to an outbreak of Avian flu.

With Thanksgiving Day two days away, getting that frozen turkey thawed is a top priority for the chef in your household. USDA expert Kenneth King says there are a few tips for cooks to follow when it comes to thawing and cooking.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of turkey” 

Experts say to thaw the turkey breast side up with the wrapper unopened. And it’s vital the fridge be forty degrees or below.

Hopefully, you’ll only be passing plates of food around the dinner table and no germs this Thanksgiving as flu cases are at an all-time him. And LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease expert Doctor Fred Lopez says the flu isn’t the only virus going around this season.

Cut 12 (08) “…COVID still.”

He advises getting your flu shot, update your COVID vaccines, and to frequently wash your hands, and if you’re sick stay home.

Christmas tree sales are already brisk according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish. And depending on if you’re looking for a full tree or you prefer one that’s more open, Steele says there’s plenty to choose from this year.

Cut 8 (09)  “…into the tree.“

Steele says you’ll save money if you go to a tree farm versus at tree lot.

So far, the state GOP has endorsed Jeff Landry for governor in 2023 but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who’s also considering a run says party chairman Louis Gurvich and others should step down. Nungesser says his own father helped build the state Republican party and he’s disgusted at how the party’s evolved.

Cut 15 (10)  “…should resign.”

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree in Louisiana this year, according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish there are plenty. Even though much of the state experienced a fall drought, he says it didn’t affect the Christmas trees ready for sale, because they are most vulnerable as a seedling.

Cut 7 (07)  “…no trouble.”

He says you’ll save money if you visit a tree farm versus picking one up for a lot.

Click It Or Ticket is underway for those traveling on Louisiana roadways. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 30 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

State police are investigating the death of a teen who died in a fiery crash in Calcasieu Parish last night. The victim is 16-year-old Philip Michael Conner of Homewood.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’ll run a poll next month and then announce on January 10th if he’ll run for governor. Attorney General Jeff Landry is running and already has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party and Senator John Kennedy will make a decision soon. Nungesser says he plans to meet with Kennedy…
cut 14 (09) “…plans are”
Senator Bill Cassidy announced last week he’s not running.

If you are cooking a turkey for Thanskgiving, remember to allow at least one day of thawing for every four pounds of turkey if refrigerator thawing. USDA specialist Kenneth King says for those using cold water to thaw their bird, it will take 30 minutes of thawing per pound of turkey and thaw the turkey breast side down and change the water every 30 minutes…
cut 10 (05) “…after thawing”

Flu-like illnesses in Louisiana are at a five-year high according to the C-D-C. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease expert Doctor Fred Lopez says two-thirds of flu activity is occurring in people younger than 25 years of age. So Lopez advises staying home if sick, washing hands frequently, and getting the flu vaccine…
Cut 11 (09) “…hospitalization.”
Lopez says health officials are concerned about influenza spreading even more with people getting together for Thanksgiving.

If you’re looking for a fresh-cut Christmas tree, they are plentiful in Louisiana this year, that’s according to Kevin Steele of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish. Steele says while growers have faced an increase in supply and fuel costs you’ll save if you buy your tree locally
Cut 6 (07) “…the lots.”
Steele says the dry weather this fall did not affect the Christmas trees ready for sale, because they are most vulnerable as a seedling and we were not in a drought then.