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.”

——————–

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”

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.”

————————–

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.”

_____________________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_____________________________________________

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.”

_____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________________

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”