6:30 am Newscast

Louisiana is the 10th most expensive state for groceries, with residents spending an average of 283 dollars per week in 2023, compared to the national average of 270 dollars. UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says despite a slowdown in inflation over the past year, it still feels like prices are rising for many in Louisiana since costs are still higher than they were before 2021.

Cut 10 (07) “…gone away.”

As you get ready to cook all that food for Thanksgiving, be 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.”

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The 51st annual Bayou Classic is this Saturday at the Superdome. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Whether you’re headed to the game, grandma’s, or anywhere else, be aware the Click it or Ticket campaign is underway this holiday weekend. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission  says if you’re caught not wearing your seatbelt, it will cost you.

Cut 15 (05) “…75 for consecutive.”

Updated LRN AM Newscall November 27 ###New Cut 19###

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

Cut 1 (36)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The 51st annual Bayou Classic is this Saturday at the Superdome. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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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.”

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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.”

Duhon says whatever you do, do not thaw your turkey at room temperature, since you would run the risk of spreading germs throughout the kitchen. As for what goes inside the turkey…

Cut 5 (17) “…also your stuffing.” 

And Duhon says be sure to properly store any leftovers in the refrigerator before the tryptophan puts you in a food coma.

Cut 6 (07) “…be concerned about.”

You can refrigerate your leftovers for up to five days, or you can freeze them.

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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.”

Brock 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.”

The festivities continue with several events Friday, including the Battle of the Bands. And for the third year in a row, there will be a high school battle of the bands, featuring bands from two New Orleans high schools – G.W. Carver High School and Abramson Sci Academy – as well as two bands from out of state high schools – Craigmont High School of Memphis and Westbury High School of Houston.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in the band.”

Southern enters the game at 7-and-4, while Grambling enters at 5-and-6.

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Louisiana ranks as the 10th most expensive state for groceries, with residents spending an average of 283 dollars per week in 2023, compared to the national average of 270 dollars. Other Southern states also faced high costs, such as Mississippi around 290 dollars, and Texas around 286 dollars. UNO Professor of Economics Walter Lane says despite a slowdown in inflation over the past year, many Louisiana residents still perceive rising prices due to costs remaining significantly above pre-2021 levels.

Cut 10 (07) “…gone away.”

Thanksgiving serves as a key indicator of grocery trends. This year, a 15-item Thanksgiving meal costs 65 dollars on average, down three percent from 2023 but up 42-percent higher than in 2019. Land says Thanksgiving is getting cheaper year over year…

Cut 11 (08) “…last couple of years.”

As prices stabilize but remain elevated, many Louisiana shoppers continue to feel financial strain at the checkout line, but Lane says compared to eating out its much cheaper.

Cut 12 (09) “…substantial.”

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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.”

Fischer says not wearing your seatbelt can have very dire consequences.

Cut 14 (12) “…wearing a seatbelt.”

In Louisiana, not wearing your seatbelt is a primary offense, meaning officers can pull you over just for not wearing your seatbelt and without committing any other moving violation. And if you’re caught not wearing your seatbelt, it will cost you a little money. 

Cut 15 (05) “…75 for consecutive.”

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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 the Crimson Tide have the best shot…

Cut 16 (13) “…in years.”

Dodd says the quality across the SEC has slipped this season without a clear favorite. Texas A&M could still compete in the conference championship game and earn a CFP spot with a win against Texas on Saturday…

Cut 17 (21) “…all at the same time” 

BIG 10 and SEC fans have argued over whether 11-and-1 Indiana deserves to get in over two and three loss SEC teams with tougher schedules, but after last weekend’s chaos, Dodd isn’t hearing the arguments

Cut 18 (17)   “…happened here.”

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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.”  

Tech is also playing for pride. The Bulldogs are 4-and-7 and Cumbie says he wants the players to finish on a high note…

Cut 20 (15) “…for our guys.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says it positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything that the state has to offer naturally.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

President Biden makes it official – the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville is now known as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Letlow’s widow, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, says she is flooded with emotion

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Saturday’s game against Oklahoma marks the final regular-season game of the year for the LSU Tigers, and it’s Senior Night. Coach Brian Kelly and the program will say goodbye to 21 seniors.

Cut 18 (20)   “…great things.”

Wide receiver CJ Daniels has been playing college football for five years, but has one more year of eligibility left. Kelly believes Daniels will be back next season and he’s also hopeful injured linebacker

Nicholls Evan Roussell has been named the Southland Offensive lineman of the year. Roussell was the anchor of an offensive line that had one of the best rushing attacks in the FCS. Miequele Brock has been named Southland Freshman of the Year after rushing for 479 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 213 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

ULM will host in-state rival UL-Lafayette Saturday. The Warhawks will need to snap a 5-game losing streak to earn bowl eligibility while the Ragin Cajuns try to clinch a Sun Belt West title. Kickoff is at 11 AM on ESPNU, but Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent says his team is ready…

Cut 20 (13) “…ask for.”

Louisiana Tech closed out the regular season by hosting Kennesaw State. Bulldogs quarterback Evan Bullock is coming off a game in which he threw for 190 yards in a loss to Arkansas. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 16 (23) “…have been”

4:30 PM Newscast Nov 26

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois is hailing the tax reform package. She says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois said Louisiana was one of a small handful of states that still have a franchise tax, but that will go away on January 1st.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

It’s time to find that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson spoke with a Christmas tree farmer…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’re planning to bring food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on an airplane, you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says some items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Those include cranberry sauce, gravy, beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and soup. On the other hand, baked goods, meats, stuffing, casseroles and fresh produce can go into your carry-on bag.

3:30 PM Newscast Nov 26

Flying with some of your Thanksgiving feast is possible but you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says if it can be sprayed, smeared, or poured, it will have to be in checked baggage but there are items you can take in your carry-on.

Cut 11 (08) “…fresh fruit.”

International flights have other restrictions.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says having a post office named after her late husband in his home community is a meaningful tribute to his dedication to public service and his enduring impact on Louisiana.

Cut 14 (09) “…who Luke was.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the new tax reform package is transformative. And She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.”

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is attractive for re-investment and new investment.

There are a few things to consider when making a choice between a real or artificial Christmas tree. Co-owner of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish, Kevin Steele Sr.  says one thing to consider is artificial trees are made from PVC, which generates pollution during production and is challenging to recycle. In contrast, real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

Cut 7 (08) “…and it’s biodegradable.”

2:30 PM Newscast Nov 26

The newly passed tax reform package is a game-changer, says Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois. She says it positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything Louisiana offers.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

President Biden has designated the Rayville Post Office on Benedette Street as the Luke Letlow Post Office commemorating the life and legacy of the congressman-elect, who passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020, days before being sworn into office.  His widow, Congresswoman Julia Letlow…

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

If you’re planning on flying with food this Thanksgiving holiday, there are some important things you’ll need to know. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Whether you put your Christmas tree up early or leave it up till January 6th, it’s time to choose a real fragrant tree or a convenient artificial. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says by choosing a locally grown tree over an artificial one you’re not just making a sustainable choice for the planet, but creating memories…

Cut 8 (10) “…the memories we’re creating.”

LRN PM Newscall November 26

It’s time to find that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson spoke with a Christmas tree farmer..

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If you’re planning on flying with food this Thanksgiving holiday, there are some important things you’ll need to know. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.” 

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois says the tax reform package positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything that the state has to offer naturally.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

______________________________________

Many Louisiana residents opt for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says you can enjoy the authentic holiday experience with a real tree. Beyond their environmental benefits, these trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says another reason for a real tree is plastics: artificial trees are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle. In contrast, real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

Cut 7 (08) “…and it’s biodegradable.”

Steele says by choosing a locally grown tree over an artificial one you’re not just making a sustainable choice for the planet, but creating memories…

Cut 8 (10) “…the memories we’re creating.”

Steeles Christmas Tree Farm opens at 2 PM on Thanksgiving day.

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If you’re planning on bringing food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on the airplane, keep in mind that you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Some examples of food items that will need to go into your checked luggage:

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Koshetz says there are certain items that you can take with you in your carry-on baggage.

Cut 11 (08) “…fresh fruit.”

If you’re taking fresh fruit on an international flight, make sure you comply with that country’s agricultural laws.

______________________________________

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

The “Luke Letlow Post Office Building” commemorates the life and legacy of the congressman-elect, who tragically passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020, days before being sworn into office.  Letlow says she is flooded with emotion

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

Letlow says that having a post office named after him in his home community is a meaningful tribute to his dedication to public service and his enduring impact on Louisiana.

Cut 14 (09) “…who Luke was.”

1:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois is hailing the tax reform package. She says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois said Louisiana was one of a small handful of states that still have a franchise tax, but that will go away on January 1st.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

12:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.” 

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

If you’re planning on bringing food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on the airplane, keep in mind that you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Those include cranberry sauce, gravy, beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and soup. On the other hand, baked goods, meats, stuffing, casseroles and fresh produce can go into your carry-on bag.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and many people are going out and finding that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”