1:30 LRN Newscast

It’s the busiest travel day of the year and Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is bustling with activity. Louis Armstrong’s new terminal turned five years old earlier this month and most travelers like it, but one person we spoke with is not happy with the convenience of getting or dropping off a rental car…

Cut 13 (06) “…rental cars”

It’s a warm Thanksgiving Eve, but LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front arrives tonight and after it moves through Louisiana tomorrow, temperatures will drop….

Cut 4 (10) “….mild day”

Keim says this front will bring a little bit of rain and then chilly temperatures for the weekend.

The National Federation of Independent Business says the legislation approved in the tax reform special session will help small businesses drive economic growth and create jobs. NFIB state director Leah Long says the passage of a flat 3% individual income tax rate, a flat 5.5 percent corporate income tax rate and the elimination of the franchise tax will help small businesses.

Cut 10 (10) “…and LLC’s too.”

Long says she’s also glad legislators did no touch the inventory tax credit for unincorporated businesses.

Small businesses are gearing up for Small Business Saturday. Bankrate’s Ted Rossman says a recent survey they conducted found that younger shoppers are more into Small Business Saturday…

Cut  8 (13) “….of Boomers

LRN PM Newscall November 27

It’s the busiest travel day of the year. Our own Andrew Greenstein is at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Small businesses support what lawmakers did in the tax reform special session.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It’s warm today, but a cold front will move through the state during the overnight hours and into tomorrow morning, bringing fall like weather to the Bayou State. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the front will also bring us a little bit of rain, but the chilly temperatures through the weekend and into early next week is the big story

Cut 3 (09) “…cooler temperatures.”

Keim says if your Thanksgiving includes outdoor plans, make sure you dress appropriately…

Cut 4 (10) “…mild day.”

There are quarterfinal high school football games on Friday night and three outdoor college football games in the state on Saturday. Keim says you don’t have to worry about rain, but dress warm…

Cut 5 (09) “…out there.”

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This holiday season, many Americans are tightening their budgets as they face lingering inflation and elevated costs for goods compared to pre-pandemic levels.  Bankrate Analyst Ted Rossman says despite higher costs this weekend will see a lot of shoppers.

Cut 6 (15) “…it is still growth.”

In 2023, 54-percent of U.S. adults made at least one impulse purchase during the holidays.  Rossman says it’s an important weekend for retailers around the country this year too.

Cut 7 (08) “…Small Business Saturday.”

Rossman says one surprise was younger generations, particularly Gen Z and Millennials compared to older shoppers and where they are shopping.

Cut 8 (13) “…40% of Boomers.”

Cyber Monday is expected to be the most popular Thanksgiving weekend shopping event.

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The National Federation of Independent Business says the legislation approved in the tax reform special session will help small businesses drive economic growth and create jobs. NFIB State Director Leah Long says Governor Jeff and legislative leaders passed tax reforms that provide critical support to small businesses….

Cut 9 (09)  “…here in Louisiana.”

Long says a flat 3% individual income tax rate, a flat 5.5 percent corporate income tax rate and the elimination of the franchise tax will help small businesses.

Cut 10 (10) “…file that way.”

Key provisions preserved include the inventory tax credit for unincorporated businesses ensuring cash flow, and vendor compensation for timely sales tax payments, capped at $750 per month. Long says small business owners are grateful the Legislature chose not expand sales on services that are currently not taxed.

Cut 11 (11) “…economy with inflation.”

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If you’re flying today, you’re by no means alone. Today is the busiest travel day of the year. As such, it may be a little wait to get through TSA screening. At Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, this woman said the airport has greatly improved the screening process.

Cut 12 (06) “…this time.”

This man said getting through security was pretty easy, but it was something else that he says needs a little better organization.

Cut 13 (06)  “…rental cars.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Small businesses support what lawmakers did in the tax reform special session.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

This Saturday is Small Business Saturday as small businesses will have deals to get holiday shoppers in their stores on Saturday. Bankrate analyst Ted Rossman says their survey shows around half of the country will be buying something over the next few days…

Cut 7 (08) “…Small business Saturday”

It’s warm today, but a cold front will move through the state during the overnight hours and into tomorrow morning, bringing fall like weather to the Bayou State. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the front will also bring us a little bit of rain, but the chilly temperatures through the weekend and into early next week is the big story

Cut 3 (09) “…cooler temperatures.”

Keim says if you have outdoor activities tomorrow, plan on temperatures dropping as the day goes along.

And law enforcement is urging motorists to wear their seat belts over this holiday weekend. It’s a Click it or Ticket It weekend so officers are doubling down on seat belt enforcement. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesperson Greg Fisher says if you’re caught not buckled up, it will cost you…

Cut 15 (05) “….75 for consecutive”

Fisher says the Click It or Ticket it campaign aims to promote safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The College Football Playoff rankings were released last night. Alabama, Ole Miss, and South Carolina sit at 13, 14, and 15 with three losses each. Some SEC fans argued their tough schedules should put them over some one-loss Big 10 and ACC teams, but CBSSports’ Dennis Dodd disagrees…

Cut 18 (17) “…happened here.”

The Saints will hope to keep the momentum they had before the bye under interim Head Coach Darren Rizzi as they host the Rams Sunday. Los Angeles defensive end Jared Verse is the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, and Rizzi says he’s been key to their recent success…

Cut 28 (13) “…very well.”

The LSU women’s basketball team will have their toughest test of the season today as they face 20th-ranked NC State in the Baha Mar Pink Flamingo Championship final. The 4-and-2 Wolfpack have losses against South Carolina and TCU and have yet to beat a power four conference team. Tip-off is at 12:30.

Louisiana Tech will wrap up it’s season in Ruston against Conference USA newcomer Kennesaw St Saturday. The Bulldogs are playing for pride at 4-and-7 despite boasting the nation’s 22nd-ranked defense. Coach Sonny Cumbie says first-year D-Coordinator Jeremiah Johnson transformed the 110th-ranked defense from a season ago…

Cut 19 (13) “..whatever reason.”

Kickoff is at 3:00

The Tech men’s basketball team remained undefeated with a 65-62 comeback win over Richmond yesterday.

Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray is expected to make his return tonight against the Raptors after suffering a left hand fracture in the team’s first game. tip-off is at 7:00.

11:30 LRN Newscast

This holiday season, many Americans are tightening their budgets as they face lingering inflation and elevated costs for goods compared to pre-pandemic levels. But Bankrate Analyst Ted Rossman says this weekend will still see a lot of shoppers.

Cut 6 (15) “…it is still growth.”

Bankrate has found that a higher percentage of U-S Adults will shop on Cyper Monday over Small Business Saturday and Black Friday.

Louisiana small businesses are thankful for what legislators accomplished in the recently completed tax reform special session. NFIB state director Leah Long….

Cut 9 (09) “…here in Louisiana”

Long says a flat 3% individual income tax rate, a flat 5.5 percent corporate income tax rate and the elimination of the franchise tax are all good things.

 

When preparing your Thanksgiving feast, be sure to practice proper food safety. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

 

Grocery stores will be packed today with shoppers getting those last minute items for their Thanksgiving feast. UNO Economics professor Walter Lane on grocery store prices…

Cut 12 (09) “….substantial”

Thanksgiving Eve is usually big a revenue generator for restaurants.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Ranked as the 10th most expensive state for grocery prices, with Louisiana residents spending an average of 283-dollars per week in 2023, compared to the national average of 270-dollars.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Jeff Landry is calling on LSU to censure a law professor over his alleged comments about Donald Trump a day after the election. Professor Nicholas Byner’s comments were directed at students who supported Trump and told them there are black students who feel uncomfortable. Landry says a professor or instructor imposing their politics onto a student is strictly prohibited by state law.

As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, make sure you’re practicing food safety. By now, you should be thawing your frozen turkey. But Jennifer Duhon, a registered dietician at the LSU Agricultural Center, says if you didn’t give your turkey enough time to completely thaw out, you do have another option.

Cut 4 (13) “…to be cool.”

It’s Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans as Southern and Grambling meet in their annual showdown on the football field in the Caesars Superdome on Saturday afternoon. Candace Brock with the Bayou Classic says the festivities kick off at three Thursday afternoon with a Thanksgiving parade starting at the Superdome…

Cut 8 (12) “…parade as well”

9:30 am Newscast

When it comes to the cost groceries, Louisiana is the 10th most expensive state right now.   Prices are down from last year, but still considerably higher than they were in 2021. Still, UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says compared to eating out, groceries are much cheaper.

Cut 12 (09) “…substantial.”

Speaking of food, as you start preparing for your Thanksgiving feast, be sure to keep food safety top of mind. By now, your turkey should already thawing, but Jennifer Duhon warns you should never do that at room temperature. And As for what goes inside the turkey…

Cut 5 (17) “…also your stuffing.”

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College Football is set for perhaps its highest stakes Rivalry Week ever this weekend as teams vie for a spot in the 12-team playoffs. Three SEC bubble playoff teams in Alabama. Ole Miss, and Texas A&M suffered potentially season ending upsets last weekend. Of the three, Dennis Dodd of CBS sports says Alabama the best shot…

Cut 16 (13) “…in years.”

The 51st Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern is set for this Saturday.  The festivities kick off Thanksgiving Day with a parade, followed by several events on Friday, including the Battle of the Bands.  For the third year, there will be a high school band battle, featuring two New Orleans schools, one from Memphis and one band out of Houston.  Bayou Classic’s Candace Brock…

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the band.”

8:30 am Newscast

Thanksgiving means it’s Bayou Classic Weekend as Grambling and Southern go head to head this Saturday in the 51st Bayou Classic. Candace Brock with the Bayou Classic says says the festivities kick off at three Thursday afternoon with the Thanksgiving Day parade, and it will be a spectacle.

Cut 8 (12) “…parade as well.”

Wherever you’re traveling this holiday weekend, be sure to wear your seatbelt.  The nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” enforcement period started last weekend and runs through Sunday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission reminds us all that not wearing your seatbelt can have very dire consequences.

Cut 14 (12) “…wearing a seatbelt.”

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Louisiana is the 10th most expensive state for grocery prices right now.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

As you prepare your Thanksgiving feast, make sure you’re practicing food safety. Jennifer Duhon, a registered dietician at the LSU Agricultural Center says you should never thaw your turkey at room temperature…and be sure to store leftovers.

Cut 6 (07) “…be concerned about.”

7:30 am Newscast

Law enforcement has a warning for you as you hit the road for your Thanksgiving travels – wear your seatbelt, or else. The nationwide “Click It Or Ticket” enforcement period started last weekend and runs through Sunday. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says there are more officers on the road, and they’re specifically looking for people not wearing their seatbelts.

Cut 13 (12)  “…for traffic enforcement.”

Louisiana ranks as the 10th most expensive state for groceries.  Thanksgiving serves as a key indicator of grocery trends. This year, a 15-item Thanksgiving meal costs 65 dollars on average. That’s three percent lower than last year, but still 42 percent higher than in 2019.  UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says

Cut 11 (08) “…last couple of years.”

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When preparing your Thanksgiving feast, be sure to practice proper food safety. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (36)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The 51st Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern takes place at the Superdome Saturday afternoon. Candace Brock with the Bayou Classic says the event goes far beyond just football.

Cut 7 (10) “…colleges and universities.”

6:45 LRN sportscast

The Saints are back at work following their bye week as they get ready for Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Rams. New Orleans is 4-and-7, and just two games back of Atlanta for first place in the NFC South. But interim head coach Darren Rizzi says his team should not be focused on the standings…

Cut 22 (18) biggest focus”

Saints center Erik McCoy did not practice yesterday after re-injuring his groin in the win over the Browns on November 17th.

The LSU women’s basketball team faces its first ranked opponent of the year today when they take on 20th ranked North Carolina State in the Bahamas. The Lady Tigers are undefeated while N-C State has two losses.

Louisiana Tech men remain undefeated after beating Richmond 65-62. Kaden Cooper had 16 points.

Louisiana Tech will close out its regular season on Saturday by hosting Kennesaw State. The Bulldog are 4-and-7, despite being ranked 22nd in the country in total defense. Last year Tech ranked 110th in total defense. Coach Sonny Cumbie gave his thoughts on the 2024 campaign…

Cut 19 (13) “…whatever reason”

Kick off is at 3 PM.

The latest College Football Playoff rankings are out. Oregon is one, Ohio State is two, Texas is three. Georgia is seven, Tennessee is eight and Alabama is 13th. CBS Sports College Football reporter Dennis Dodd says there’s still a chance for the Crimson Tide to get in the 12 team playoff…

Cut 16 (13) “…years”