The holiday shopping season begins with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? Kevin Gallagher has that.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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It’s Small Business Saturday this weekend and retailers are hopeful to exceed last year’s profits even with a few hurdles. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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With tomorrow being the final LSU football game of the season, speculation will begin to really ramp up on who the next coach will be. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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We have entered the second Holiday shopping season while in the COVID pandemic, and with record-high inflation. How will that affect your holiday shopping? LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says store shelves could look a bit sparse, with supply chain issues. He feels online shopping will be huge again this year but says, even so, it pays to get started now.

Cut 4 (11) “…into the stores. “

Merchants started their Holiday shopping deals earlier than normal this year, with some advertising Black Friday specials as early as Halloween. Rice says inflation has driven the cost of everything up, so expect the dollars spent to increase accordingly for merchants.

Cut 5 (08) “…the board.”

Rice says holiday shoppers looking for great deals can still find them, but it may take a little research to find them.

Cut 6 (05) “..getting into.”

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Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Dawn McVea says this year it’s more important than ever to shop locally. Last year $19.8 billion was spent at small retailers and they hope to exceed that this year.

Cut 7 (07) “…shop small.”

Small Business Saturday is an initiative that began in 2010 by American Express to encourage shoppers to support independent retailers the day after Black Friday.

Supply chain issues are not only impacting large retailers but small ones as well. McVea says about half of their members report they are feeling the effects of shipping delays.

Cut 8 (09) “…to everybody.”

McVea says everyone is experiencing disruptions whether it be slow to get to the shelves or not getting what they need in a timely fashion.

With COVID cases decreasing, along with government restrictions and mandates being lifted, McVea says small retailers were hopeful things would return to pre-pandemic levels.

Cut 9 (04)  “…out there.”

If you prefer to shop online McVea encourages you to seek out small retailers as many added online shopping to their business during the pandemic.

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The Bayou Classic is back in New Orleans and Dottie Belletto, CEO of N-O-C-C-I, the management company of the event, says they are thrilled to be in the newly renovated Ceasars Superdome. She says besides the game between Southern University and Grambling State there’s plenty to do like…

Cut 10 (10)  “…thrown for that.”

The parade will be followed by Fanfest with bands performing on Champion Square before kickoff which is free to the public.

But before the parade Saturday morning there will be a Black Chamber Business Showcase at the Hyatt Friday along with a return of the Battle of the Bands tonight. After a two-year absence, Belletto says to expect one heck of a show.

Cut  11 (11)  “…Battle of the Bands.”  

And besides the game which kicks off at 4 pm, Belletto says you’ll definitely want to be in your seats for the halftime show.

Cut 12 (08) “…on game day.”

And the Crescent City All-Stars Band which is composed of 174 student musicians will perform the National Anthem.

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Speculation is really ramping up on who will be LSU’s next football coach with the college football regular season-ending tomorrow. ESPN college football senior writer Chris Low believes LSU athletic director Scott Woodward’s first choice is Texas A-and-M head coach Jimbo Fisher…

Cut 13 (11) “…who knows.”

Woodward hired Fisher at Texas A-and-M when he was the A-D for the Aggies. Fisher has emphatically said he has no interest in leaving College Station. Low says Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Reiley is also still in play and would be the splash hire that Woodward is looking for….

Cut 14 (11)  “…highest levels.”

Woodward is 55-9 at Oklahoma and has led the Sooners to three college football playoff appearances. Baylor Coach Dave Aranda’s name has also come up. But Woodward believes the former LSU defensive coordinator might be a better candidate for Washington or USC.

Florida is reportedly very interested in U-L Lafayette’s Billy Napier and Napier’s name has also been connected to LSU’s opening. Napier says he has not made a decision on his future and the rumors of him leaving come with the territory of having a winning program

Cut 15 (12)  “…tail off.”

As you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day know that Terrebonne Parish and its residents are still in recovery mode after Ida’s thrashing some three months ago.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Two adults and an infant were killed in a crash in St. James Parish shortly after 5 PM Wednesday. State Police say the crash on US 61, south of Interstate 10 claimed the lives of 31-year old Keayette Wilkins, 52-year old Angela Wilkins, and 10-month old Jacon Wilkins. The crash remains under investigation.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year for brick-and-mortar stores. Jill Gonzales with Wallet-hub says just as many great deals can be found online as they could be found in stores…

Cut 7 (11) “…at home.”
Gonzales says their research has determined that Macy’s, JC Penny, and Belk have the best Black Friday deals. She says the average discount is 32-percent.

14-year old Zaila Avant-garde of Harvey is not only known for winning the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee she’s now Sports Illustrated SportsKid of the Year. In addition to her spelling skills, she’s quite the basketball phenom and you can see her dribbling talents by searching videos online. Congrats on your latest accomplishment Zaeela.

There’s plenty of activity going in the kitchen today as folks prep for Thanksgiving and hopefully, you won’t have to call 9-1-1 as a result. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says one way is to make sure your kitchen is clean of any grease buildup before you cook to avoid a grease fire and while things are cooking…

Cut 3 (06) “…react to it.” 

And never use water to put out a grease fire.

On this Thanksgiving Day, some three months after Hurricane Ida, places like Terrebonne Parish remain in recovery mode. A snapshot of the situation there from parish president Gordon Dove:

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of folks.”

He says electricity is back on to everyone who can be connected, as well as water and gas. And, a lot of people still aren’t able to move back into their damaged homes.

Senator John Kennedy says it’s been a difficult time for Louisiana since the pandemic reached the United States in March 2020. But Kennedy says there is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving…

Cut 10 (12)  “…by God’s grace.”
The holiday shopping season officially begins tomorrow, and Wallethub’s Jill Gonzales says the pandemic will have an impact with labor shortages, supply chain issues and pent-up demand to purchase goods…

Cut 8 (09) “…this year.”
According to WalletHub’s 2021 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, one in four are foregoing gifts this year.

To keep your Thanksgiving meal safe and avoid calling 9-1-1, Kevin Gallagher has a few tips from the State Fire Marshal.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

In his Thanksgiving message to Louisiana, Senator John Kennedy recounts the trial of storms and a pandemic its residents have gone through over the past year and cited the Bible for their resiliency.

Cut 9 (11)  “…improve our faith.”

WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says with sales starting earlier now it’s more like Black November instead of the traditional Black Friday. But if you’re venturing out tomorrow WalletHub looked at all of the Black Friday deals at the top 20 US retailers and the top four for the best bargains are….

Cut 6 (11) “…below 50-percent.”

Gonzales says the average discount is 32-percent so if you’re not getting a deal you might want to shop somewhere else.

Drew Brees will be back in the Superdome tonight for the Saints-Bills game. The retired quarterback will be in the broadcast booth providing analysis on NBC television with play-by-play man Mike Tirico. Even though Brees played for the Black and Gold for 15 seasons, he will not show favor to the Saints…

Cut 15 (13)  “…alongside Mike.”

This Thanksgiving Day is different for those who live in the hardest-hit areas of Hurricane Ida as there are thousands of families unable to live in their homes because of storm damage. Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove says travel trailers brought in by the state are providing some shelter for Ida victims…
cut 13 (11) “…from FEMA itself”
The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness says they have over 700 units being inspected and prepared for deployment to seven parishes hardest hit by Ida.

In a Thanksgiving address, Senator John Kennedy acknowledges it’s been a tough year and a half for Louisiana, but he says at least we are living in the greatest country in all of human history…
cut 11 (08) “…blessings too”

Kitchens across the state will be busy today cooking that Thanksgiving feast. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says if something goes wrong on the stovetop…
cut 4 (10) “…the fire”
Browning says keep children out of the kitchen and if you are frying a turkey, make sure the fryer is 20-feet away from anything combustible.

Drew Brees will be back in the Superdome tonight for the Saints-Bills game. The retired quarterback will be in the broadcast booth providing analysis on NBC television with play-by-play man Mike Tirico. Even though Brees played for the Black and Gold for 15 seasons, he says he will not show favor to the Saints…
Cut 15 (13) “…alongside Mike.”
Kick-off is at 7:20.

If you are frying a turkey on Thanksgiving Day. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says place the fryer at least 20 feet away from anything combustible and be sure the bird is defrosted…
cut 5 (10) “….significant fire”
For those working in the kitchen, Browning says never use water to put out a grease fire.

Tomorrow is Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year for Brick and mortar stores. Jill Gonzales with Wallet-hub says just as many great deals can be found online as they could be found in stores…
cut 7 (11) “…at home”
Gonzales says their research has determined that Macy’s, JC Penny and Belk have the best Black Friday deals.

On this Thanksgiving Day, Terrebonne Parish and its residents are still in recovery mode after Hurricane Ida.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

An infant and two adults were killed last night in a three-vehicle crash on Highway 61 in St. James Parish. State Police say 31-year-old Keayette Wilkens’ Chevrolet crossed the center lane for unknown reasons and struck two vehicles, killing Keayette and 52-year-old Angela Wilkins and 10-month-old Jacon Wilkens of Laplace. Authorities say they were not restrained.

To keep your Thanksgiving meal safe and avoid calling 9-1-1, Kevin Gallagher has a few tips from the State Fire Marshal.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Senator John Kennedy says it’s been a difficult time for Louisiana since the pandemic reached the United States in March 2020. But Kennedy says there is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving…
cut 10 (12) “…..by God’s grace”

It’s a different Thanksgiving for those who live in the Bayou where Hurricane Ida destroyed thousands of homes in Lafourche, Terrebonne and St. Charles parishes. Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove says getting more and more people back in their homes after Ida is the number one goal….
cut 14 (10) “…..coming along nicely”
GOHSEP says there are nearly 300 trailers serving as a temporary home occupied in Terrebonne parish.

The holiday shopping season officially begins tomorrow and Wallethub’s Jill Gonzales says the pandemic will have an impact with labor shortages, supply chain issues and pent-up demand to purchase goods…
cut 8 (09) “…..this year”
According to WalletHub’s 2021 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, one in four are foregoing gifts this year.

To keep your Thanksgiving meal safe and avoid calling 9-1-1, Kevin Gallagher has a few tips from the State Fire Marshal.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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As you enjoy your Thanksgiving Day know that Terrebonne Parish and its residents are still in recovery mode after Ida’s thrashing some three months ago. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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There’s plenty of activity going in the kitchen today as folks prep for Thanksgiving and hopefully, you won’t have to call 9-1-1 as a result. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says one way is to make sure your kitchen is clean of any grease buildup before you cook to avoid a grease fire and while things are cooking…

Cut 3 (06) “…react to it.” 

Browning says and if something does go wrong on the stovetop…

Cut 4 (10) “…smother the fire. “

And while the family and friends are visiting have them entertain children who are present because Browning says it’s best to keep them out of the kitchen to avoid any pots or pans being knocked off the stovetop and scalding them.

And if you are planning on frying your turkey, be sure to have the fryer at least 20 feet away from anything combustible and be sure your bird is defrosted.

Cut 5 (09) “…significant fire.”

Browning reminds you to never use water to put out a grease fire and search for training videos on the proper way to use a fire extinguisher in advance.

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WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says with sales starting earlier now it’s more like Black November instead of the traditional Black Friday. But if you’re venturing out tomorrow WalletHub looked at all of the Black Friday deals at the top 20 US retailers and the top four for the best bargains are….

Cut 6 (11) “…below 50-percent.”

Gonzales says the average discount is 32-percent so if you’re not getting a deal you might want to shop somewhere else.

The pandemic caused online shopping to soar, and Gonzales says the trend continues. If you feel safer staying at home versus joining the masses on Black Friday, she says you shouldn’t miss out on too many bargains.

Cut 7 (11) “…at home.”

Gonzales says however we are still feeling the effects of the pandemic this holiday season with labor shortages, supply chain issues, and pent-up demand to purchase goods.

Cut 8 (09) “…this year.”

According to WalletHub’s 2021 Coronavirus and Holiday Shopping Survey, one in four are foregoing gifts this year.

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In his Thanksgiving message to Louisiana, Senator John Kennedy recounts the trial of storms and a pandemic its residents have gone through over the past year and cited the Bible for their resiliency.

Cut 9 (11)  “…improve our faith.”

Kennedy says the “gauntlet” of trials since 2020, saying these blows tested our faith again, and again and again. He and his wife pray that you are able to be with your family today and count your blessings too.

Kennedy says despite all that Louisiana has endured over the past year and a half, there is much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.

Cut 10 (12)  “…by God’s grace.”

On this Thanksgiving, Kennedy says we get to live free in the greatest state and in the greatest country in all of human history.

Cut  11 (08)  “…of blessings too.”  

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On this Thanksgiving Day, some three months after Hurricane Ida, places like Terrebonne Parish remain in recovery mode. A snapshot of the situation there from parish president Gordon Dove:

Cut 12 (09) “…lot of folks.”

He says electricity is back on to everyone who can be connected, as well as water and gas. And, a lot of people still aren’t able to move back into their damaged homes.

Dove says as far as those unable to get into their damaged homes on this Thanksgiving, travel trailers brought in by the state are providing some shelter for Ida victims in Terrebonne.

Cut 13 (11) “…from FEMA itself.”

According to Dove, it seems that getting more and more people back in their homes after Ida is the number one goal.

Cut 14 (10)  “…coming along nicely.”

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Drew Brees will be back in the Superdome tonight for the Saints-Bills game. The retired quarterback will be in the broadcast booth providing analysis on NBC television with play-by-play man Mike Tirico. Even though Brees played for the Black and Gold for 15 seasons, he will not show favor to the Saints…

Cut 15 (13)  “…alongside Mike.”

During halftime, Brees will go down to the field and the Saints say they will use that opportunity for the fans to say thank you to Brees. The future hall of famer expects it will be a special moment, but he says it’s always special in the Dome…

Cut  16 (15) “…great experience”

The state’s Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program is continuing to move forward with more than 13-hundred travel trailers already placed in the hardest-hit parishes for those affected by the storm.

Cut 12 (05) “…families leased in.”  

That’s GOHSEP acting director, Casey Tingle, who says the state purchased nearly 2100 of the trailers under the program announced by Governor Edwards in early October because FEMA’s temporary housing plan was taking too long

According to Triple-A, Thanksgiving travel is up to 13-percent and law enforcement is concerned the increase in travel could lead to a large number of motor vehicle crashes and they are cracking down on drunk driving this holiday weekend. Trooper Ross Brennan says those caught driving under the influence will be arrested…

cut 7 (09) “….out there”

Christmas Tree farmers say there are plenty of pick and cut trees from Louisiana growers even though Ida did leave her mark this summer on local growers. Kay Gersch of Yawn Station Christmas Tree Farm in Livingston Parish says most of their trees had to be re-supported.

Cut  11 (08)  “…a few.”  

Farmers say they are expecting a busy year with more people decorating earlier.

Thousands of families are cooking a turkey for Thanksgiving tomorrow. To make sure your bird is properly cooked, USDA food safety expert Meredith Caruthers says poke a food thermometer in three different places of the turkey…

Cut 5 (15) “..ready to eat.”

Louisiana’s temporary shelter assistance program for victims of Hurricane Ida continues to make progress. Frustrated with FEMA’s ability to get it done quickly, the state took charge; ordering almost 2100 travel trailers for folks whose homes were ravaged by the Labor Day Weekend storm. GOHSEP acting director Casey Tingle says the current pace of the trailers being newly occupied is about 40 a day…:

CUT 13(07)      “…into their units.”

Please drive safely if traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. AAA says they expect a hefty 13-percent increase in highway travel starting … well, now. State Police Trooper Ross Brannen reminds us that law men will be out in force, as part of the federal Click It or Ticket campaign…:

CUT 08(12)      “…that proper seatbelt.”

…and oh yes, they’ll be watching for speeders and impaired drivers as well. Last Thanksgiving holiday eight people died on Louisiana roadways.

Early voting opens Saturday for the Dec. 11 Louisiana open general election and runs through Saturday, December 4th. Polls are closed Sunday. Some areas of the state have literally NO ballot on which to vote. Others have important runoffs and local option votes.

Local Christmas tree farmers say this season is shaping up to be their busiest ever. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”