People are hitting the road in near record-breaking numbers for Thanksgiving. Michael Farrar has the story.
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Michael Farrar.”
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Would you know the difference between a natural diamond and one cultivated in a lab? Kevin Barnhart speaks to a diamond expert to get the details.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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If you’re prepping the bird for tomorrow’s feast don’t forget to follow proper food safety guidelines. Brooke Thorington has more.
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Across the nation, AAA forecasts over 55 million people are traveling for the holiday weekend, about a 3% increase over last year. AAA spokesperson Don Redman say in the Gulf States region, about 13 million will be traveling, with many of them opting for driving over flying.
Cut 4 (08) “…on the roadway.”
Nationally, air travel will see the biggest increase in volume with a nearly 5% growth as 4.5 million will take to the skies. Redman says those choosing to fly out of the newly-opened terminal of Louis Armstrong Airport in New Orleans need to pack their patience and get to the airport much earlier than might be expected.
Cut 5 (09) “…the flight departure.”
The statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is $2.22, just a few cents cheaper than last year. But Redman says travelers should budget more for rental cars as the average price is $75 per day, a new record for the Thanksgiving holiday. Hotel rates are also up.
Cut 6 (06) “…out that money.”
AAA is expecting to respond to over 368,000 roadside assistance calls over the holiday with dead batteries, flat tires, and lockouts leading the list of car troubles.
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Imagine buying a diamond for a loved one this holiday and finding out later that you bought a stone that isn’t from the earth, it’s from a lab. Diamond expert Grant Mobley says while the products look similar to the naked eye, they have drastically different values.
Cut 7 (11) “…totally different products.”
Mobley says it is important to ask questions about the origin of a diamond adding that a local retailer will likely be truthful about the source of the stone.
Cut 8 (07) “…when buying online.”
Mobley says natural diamonds are inherently valued because they are a finite product and they maintain and increase in value over time. But Mobley compares a lab-grown diamond to a plasma TV that cost a grand a decade ago.
Cut 9 (10) “…continue to grow.”
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More than 46-million turkeys will be cooked this week for Thanksgiving according to the USDA. The Department of Agriculture wants to encourage food safety so leftovers are all that linger after the traditional meal. USDA Food Safety Expert Janice Lopez-Munoz says always clean your hands and surfaces while prepping, but don’t clean the turkey.
Cut 10 (10) “…prepared.”
When it comes to your chilled items on the menu you want to take precautions with them as well. Lopez-Munoz says to watch the clock on how long they are out of the refrigerator.
Cut 11 (07) “…two hours.”
Raw meat and poultry can be a culprit of foodborne illness so Lopez-Munoz recommends that you carefully trace the path of raw meat while prepping and clean accordingly.
Cut 12 (09) “…ready to eat.”
If you have any food safety questions you can call the USDA hotline weekdays from 9-5 and on Thanksgiving Day 7 am until 1 pm at 1-888-674-6854 or visit online at Food-Safety-dot-gov
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LSU Heisman Trophy candidate quarterback Joe Burrow will play in his final game in Tiger Stadium on Saturday. Burrow, who has been on campus for less than a year and a half, wishes he had another season left to play at LSU…
Cut 13 (12) “..last one”
Burrow will likely get a huge ovation when he’s introduced prior to the Texas A-and-M game when he jogs on the field for the senior day ceremony. Burrow says he and his family have been treated great by Tiger Nation…
Cut 14 (13) “…on Saturday”
During Burrow’s time at LSU, he’s thrown for six-thousand yards, 57 touchdowns. He’s also 21 and 3 as a starter. He’ll face a defense on Saturday that ranks in the middle of the pack in the SEC in defense
Cut 15 (20) “..picked up”
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ULM heads into Saturday’s game against the Ragin Cajuns as a three-touchdown underdog. Last year, the Warhawks lost to U-L Lafayette by three points. ULM Coach Matt Viator says the Cajuns are a better team on defense this year
Cut 16 (19) … Ron can do”
If the Warhawks pull off the upset, they would be bowl eligible. Viator says he hasn’t spent any time thinking about bowl possibilities…
Cut 17 (19) have time”