The U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu-like illness is at a five-year high. Kace Keischnick has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Sad story out of 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.

This Thanksgiving the National Wildlife Federation wants you to know wild turkeys were almost wiped out. The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says after World War Two Louisiana’s population was down to just 15-hundred wild birds. Wildlife Federation Scientist John Kanter says it wasn’t easy to bring them back.
Cut 4 (10) “…weren’t surviving. ”
Kanter says when breeders started separating members of turkey flocks to reduce the fighting the populations grew and now nationally the population for wild turkeys has exceeded seven million.

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’s a tip for cooks to follow when it comes to thawing…
cut 9 (07) “…of turkey”
So if you have a ten-pound turkey, you should have started thawing it this morning in the refrigerator.

As the holiday season begins the flu bug is making the rounds. According to the CDC, flu-like illnesses are at a five-year high. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease expert Doctor Fred Lopez says many people have a decreased immunity against the flu.
Cut 10 (08) “…against the flu”
Lopez says two-thirds of flu activity is occurring in people young than 25 years of age.

Here’s an update on Next year’s governors’ race, US Senator John Kennedy says he’s highly considering it. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s not running, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he will conduct a poll next month and announce his decision in January.
Cut 13 (06) “…of the year.”
The 63-year-old Nungesser has seved as Lt. Governor since 2016 and is also the former president of Plaquemines Parish.

Click It Or Ticket is underway for those traveling on Louisiana roadways. Whitney Thomas has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Opelousas attorney and former state senator Elbert Guillory is facing a first-offense DWI charge. State Police say he received the charge after he was involved in a minor crash over the weekend where he exchanged information with the over vehicle involved in the wreck. Troopers tracked down Guillory’s vehicle after the wreck and he refused to submit a breath test.

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.

According to the C-D-C, flu-like illnesses are at a five-year-high in Louisiana, which is well above the national average. LSU Infectious Disease Expert Doctor Fred Lopez says the flu bug is not the only virus going around…
cut 12 (08) “….COVID still”
Lopez is concerned about viruses spreading even more with people getting together for the Thanksgiving weekend.

Law enforcement is paying close attention to whether everyone inside a vehicle is buckled up as part of a Click It or Ticket it campaign. Last year during the Thanksgiving holiday period, 18 people lost their lives on Louisiana roadways. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says it was the second deadliest holiday period of 2021.
Cut 8 (09) “…properly wearing it.”
Louisiana law says everyone in the vehicle including the backseat must be properly restrained.

Many of us will be enjoying turkey on Thanksgiving Day. Did you know that the wild turkey population was nearly wiped out. After World War Two, Louisiana’s wild turkey population was down to just 15-hundred, now the population has reached seven million nationally. National Wildlife Federation Senior Scientist John Kanter says Louisiana has a limited wild turkey hunting season…
cut 6 (06) “…do so”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’ll make an announcement in early January on whether he’ll run for Governor….
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana National Guard has fired the commander of its 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. An investigation determined Colonel Scott Desormeaux sent inappropriate text messages to other service members. The Army Times reports Desormeaux presided over the 256th’s 2020-21 deployment to Iraq and Syria.

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 young 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.

Law enforcement has a Click It or Ticket It campaign to coincide with a busy travel week for Thanksgiving. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says they will also be making sure kids are restrained properly, especially small ones who should be in a car seat. Lambert says it might be cold outside, but children wearing heavy coats in car seats is not a good match…
cut 9 (11) “…your seatbelt”
The first fine for not wearing a seatbelt is 50-dollars, subsequent fine is 75-dollars.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, a potential candidate for governor next year, has some strong words for the leaders of the Louisiana Republican Party. Nungesser says state party chair Louis Gurvich should resign for already endorsing Jeff Landry in next year’s governor’s race…
cut 15 (10) “…should resign”
Nungesser says he’ll announce a decision on whether he’ll run by January 10th.

Law enforcement officers are ready to pass out fines for those not wearing their seatbelts during “Click It or Ticket” during the Thanksgiving traveling period. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the campaign wraps up Sunday.
Cut 7 (08) “…fifty dollar fine.”
Lambert says during last year’s Thanksgiving week, 18 people lost their lives on Louisiana roadways.

The U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu-like illness is at a five-year high. Kace Keischnick has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

Visitation will begin Sunday for former First Gentleman of Louisiana and longtime U-L Lafayette administrator Raymond Coach Blanco. The funeral is set for Monday.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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The U-S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says flu-like illness is at a five-year high. Kace Keischnick has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

______________________________________________

Besides Attorney General, Jeff Landry who’s announced he’s running for governor others like Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are still highly considering it. Brooke Thorington

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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This Thanksgiving the National Wildlife Federation wants you to know wild turkeys were almost wiped out. The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says after WW2 Louisiana’s population was down to just 1500 wild birds. The Wildlife Federation says the national population was once two percent of its former numbers. The Wildlife Federation’s John Kanter says it wasn’t easy to bring them back.

Cut 4 (10)  “…weren’t surviving. ”

Kanter says when breeders started separating members of turkey flocks to reduce the fighting the populations grew.

Cut 5 (12) “…former range.”

Kanter says nationally the population has reached 7 million birds. He says Louisiana doesn’t track the total population but reports it is declining. Louisiana does have a limited wild turkey hunting season. He estimates about 20 thousand Louisiana hunters hunt the birds.

Cut 6 (06)  “…can do so.” 

 ___________________________________________

Law enforcement officers are ready to pass out fines for those not wearing their seatbelts during “Click It or Ticket” during the Thanksgiving traveling period. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the campaign began over the weekend and wraps up Sunday.

Cut 7 (08) “…fifty dollar fine.”

Last year during the holiday period, which begins the Saturday before Thanksgiving and ends on Sunday after the holiday, 18 people lost their lives on Louisiana roadways. Lambert says it was the second deadliest holiday period of 2021.

Cut 8 (09)  “…properly wearing it.”

Louisiana law says everyone in the vehicle including the backseat must be properly restrained.

And with it being colder than usual this Thanksgiving Lambert says to be sure to buckle up children in their car seats without a thick coat on.

Cut 9 (11)  “…your seatbelt.”

The first fine for not wearing a seatbelt is $50 and a subsequent fine is $75.

_________________________________________________

As the holiday season gets underway Thursday the flu bug is making the rounds. Based on the latest CDC data, flu-like illnesses are at a five-year high. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease expert Doctor Fred Lopez says many people have a decreased immunity against the flu.

Cut 10 (08) “…against the flu” 

Lopez says the current strain is hitting younger age groups hard. He says two-thirds of flu activity is occurring in people young than 25 years of age. So Lopez advises staying home when 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 this weekend. And he says the flu bug is not the only virus going around

Cut 12 (08) “…COVID still.”

________________________________________________

So far Attorney General Jeff Landry has formally announced his candidacy for governor and US Senator John Kennedy says he’s highly considering it. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s not running, and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s going to conduct polling next month and announce his decision in January.

Cut 13 (06) “…of the year.”

The 63-year-old New Orleans native has served as Lt. Governor since 2016 and is also the former President of Plaquemines Parish. When asked if he would run against fellow Republican John Kennedy, Nungesser says he plans to talk to him first.

Cut 14 (09)  “…plans are.”

The state GOP formally announced their endorsement of Landry earlier this month and Nungesser called for LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich and others to resign. Nungesser who he says his own father helped build in the state party, says he’s disgusted over how the party has evolved.

Cut 15 (10)  “…should resign.”

Nungesser says he plans to announce his intentions by January 10^th.

________________________________________________

The SEC West Champion Tigers will close out the regular season Saturday in College Station. Coach Brian Kelly has led the Bayou Bengals to a 9-2 record with a chance at the College Football Playoffs in his first season. Kelly, who said he came to the SEC for the chance to win a national championship, says the conference lived up to his expectations…

Cut  16 (12)  “…lived up to that.”

The Tigers have struggled against an off-the-field opponent the last couple of weeks as the flu has swept through the team. Despite the sickness, many players still try to see the field and freshman phenom Harold Perkins had his breakout game with the illness. Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte tried to play Saturday night while sick but wasn’t able to go. Kelly says the team has been fortunate so far…

Cut 17 (15) “…play for us.”

The Tigers prepare for rivalry week against Texas A&M. The Aggies were ranked sixth in the preseason polls and boasted the top recruiting class in the country, but have had a disappointing 2022 season going 1-6 in conference play so far. Kelly says the team is very talented but inexperienced…

Cut 18 (19) “…all together.” 

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UL-Lafayette will visit Texas State after their 49-17 loss to FSU last weekend. The Cajuns will need to win their final game of the season for bowl eligibility. Head Coach Michael Desormeaux says the team is treating this game like a playoff game…

Cut 19 (13) “…want to do.”

Cajuns quarterback Ben Woolridge will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL. He earned the starting spot after sophomore Chandler Fields suffered an upper bowl injury. Fields has reclaimed the starting spot with Woolridge sidelined, but Desormeaux couldn’t overstate the importance he still has on the team on the sideline as a leader and mentor…

Cut 20 (17) “…to him.”

Authorities have identified 31-year-old Ruben Ernesto Dorado of Miami as the man who stabbed DOTD worker Darrell Guillory Sunday along I-10 near Port Allen. Guillory was a Motorist Assistance Patrol worker and DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says they perform services to assist stranded motorists.

Cut 5 (09) “…very seriously

The husband of former governor Kathleen Blanco, Raymond “Coach” Blanco, has passed away at the age of 87. Coach Blanco was the vice president of student affairs at ULL for decades. Current school president, Doctor Joe Savoie says there are hundreds of stories about his larger-than-life exuberance…

Cut 7 (12)  “…unique individual”

According to Gas-Buddy-dot-com, gas prices are falling as we approach one of the busiest travel weekends of the year…

Cut 12 (07) “…for Thanksgiving.” 

Gas-buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says the statewide average is $3.10 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

When you see emergency vehicles on the side of the road or behind you, AAA says Slow Down and Move Over. Spokesperson Don Redman says it’s the law and could cost you $200 in Louisiana. And it’s not just emergency responders who are injured as a result.

Cut 10 (11) “…distracted.” 

Since 2015, 16-hundred people have been struck or killed in the US while outside of a disabled vehicle.

DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says he’s sickened by the Sunday stabbing death of Motorist Assistance Patrol worker Darrell Guillory who was killed by 31-year-old Ruben Ernesto Dorado of Florida. Wilson says the Motorist Assistance Patrol is one of the department’s most popular services.

Cut 4 (14)  “…an accident” 

Louisiana gas prices continue to fall, now down to a statewide average of $3.09 a gallon ahead of the busiest travel week of the year. GasBuddy fuel analyst Patrick Dehaan expects for the next few weeks, prices will continue to fall. He says there’s no certainty when dealing with gas prices, but things are looking good heading into December…

Cut 14 (12)  “…December for now.” 

The former First Gentleman of Louisiana and longtime University of Louisiana at Lafayette administrator Raymond “Coach” Blanco died over the weekend at the age of 87. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Louisiana National Guard has fired Col Scott Desormeaux, commander of its 256^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team after an investigation found he sent inappropriate text messages to other service members. According to Army Times Col Jon Lloyd will take over that position.

State Police has released the name of the man who witnesses say attacked a DOTD worker with a knife killing him on Interstate Ten yesterday, before West Baton Rouge Sheriff Deputies shot and killed the suspect. He’s been identified as 31-year-old Ruben Ernesto Dorado of Miami, Florida. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is mourning the death of 66-year-old Darrell Guillory of Youngsville….
cut 3 (09) “….service mission”
Guillory was a DOTD Motorist Assistance Patrol worker.

Gas prices are falling as we get closer to the Thanksgiving holiday. According to Gasbuddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Patrick De Haan the price at the pump is down 11-cents in the last week to $3.09 a gallon statewide for regular gasoline…
cut 13 (11) “…a barrel”

Civil Rights attorney Ben Crump says footage of the fatal arrest of Derrick Kittling confirms what they suspected the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Deputy, Rodney Anderson, used unnecessary force during a traffic stop on November 6th in Alexandria. State Police released video of the physical altercation between the deputy and Kittling and Colonel Lamar Davis was asked what Kittling’s family thought…..
cut 15 (11) “…to comment on”
Kittling was pulled over because of his vehicle’s window tint and modified exhaust.

Former first gentleman and the husband of former governor Kathleen Blanco, Raymond “Coach” Blanco, has passed away at the age of 87. Coach Blanco was the vice president of student affairs at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for decades. Current school president, Doctor Joe Savoie, says Coach felt it was his moral obligation to listen to students…
Cut 6 (10) “…exists today.”
Coach Blanco served as the school’s vice president of student affairs from 1974 to 2009.

The state Department of Transportation is mourning the stabbing death of a Motorist Assistance Patrol worker on Interstate 10 in West Baton Rouge Parish yesterday. Marsanne Golsby has more..
Cut 1(30) “…Marsanne Golsby”

According to the Gas-Buddy-dot-com, gas prices are falling as we approach one of the busiest travel weekends of the year…
cut 12 (07) “….for Thanksgiving”
Gas-buddy-dot-com petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says the statewide average is $3.10 for a gallon of regular gasoline.

Louisiana’s only First Gentleman, Raymond “Coach” Blanco passed away over the weekend at the age of 87. Blanco, the husband of former Governor Kathleen Blanco, was an institution at U-L Lafayette, serving as the school’s vice president of student affairs for decades. Current university president, Joe Savoie, says Blanco hired him as an administrator at U-L in 1978 after Savoie was a student and a fraternity president…
cut 8 (11) “…student organizations”
Coach Blanco retired from U-L Lafayette in 2009.

As we mentioned earlier in the newscast, there will be a lot of motorists on the road this week taking long drives to see family. AAA’s Don Redman says one way to avoid distractions or keep from daydreaming is to check your mirrors every three to five seconds…
cut 11 (12) “….you’re driving”