Saturday is Election Day in many parts of Louisiana, but there are only ballots to be cast in 34 parishes; LaPolitics.com editor Jeremy Alford says one race to watch is in Monroe, in Ouachita Parish, and an attempt to recall Mayor Gerald Brown …:

She says when all else fails, there’s no shame in settling for a gift card.

One of the biggest items on a ballot Saturday for Election Day is whether to build a casino in Slidell. Gaming has been banned in St. Tammany Parish since the late 1990s. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says he expects a big turnout for that one…:
Cut 6 (13) “a lot of interest there”
State gaming officials have approved the casino license, but they won’t move forward if voters reject it. Polls will be open in 34 Parishes Saturday.

State Meteorologist Barry Keim says we’re seeing record breaking high temperatures today, but a cold front is moving in and there’s a potential for severe weather:
Cut 9 (09) “…of the state.”

If you’re struggling with ideas for those down-to-the-stretch Christmas purchases, reporter Dave Brannen has some recommendations from a tech expert…:
Cut 3 (34) “I’m Dave Brannen”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries have just located the body of a missing boater who was lost in a double fatal boating accident on November 29th. Agents recovered 47-year-old Eric Williams of Holden from the Pearl River in Washington Parish. The other man was recovered the night of the accident which is being investigated by LDWF.

Saturday is Election Day, but not everywhere in Louisiana. Kevin Gallagher reports there are several key races to watch, though…:
Cut 1 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

It does not feel like December 10th outside this morning, and in some cases, temperatures are about 25 degrees above normal. State Meteorologist Barry Keim it’ll be wet tomorrow before it cools off…:
Cut 8 (08) “so plan accordingly”

If you’re looking for a simpler way to book a hunting or fishing trip, introducing a new one-stop-shop service based in Louisiana. It’s called Mallard Bay and founder Logan Meaux, the son of Waitr founder Chris Meaux, says in the same spirit of keeping things easier on consumers, this is like an Air BnB for outfitters and sportsmen…:
Cut 11 (09) “every day”
Mallard Bay packages trips to include lodging, meals, duck hunting & deer hunting, fishing and more. MallardBay.com is the website.

There are only two weeks left before Christmas and if you’re still scrambling for present ideas, gift cards are where lots of folks turn. Tech Expert Andrea Smith:
Cut 13 (07) “the person likes”

LSU Running backs coach Kevin Faulk will reportedly not be retained on the staff of new head football coach Brian Kelly. No word on whether the Tigers all-time leading rusher will be transitioned to an off-field role.

Temperatures across the state are already breaking records this morning…:
CUT 7 (08) “un-December like obviously”
State Climatologist Barry Keim says this balmy weather will be gone by Sunday with temperatures dipping into the 30s and 40s under clear skies.

Saturday is Election Day in 34 parishes with local matters, tax proposals and runoff races to decide. “LAPolitics.com” editor Jeremy Alford says one matter to watch is in Caddo Parish, where voters must decide on a $237-million bond package for investments in the water system, technology, infrastructure & public safety. He says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is in favor, but is facing push-back:
Cut 4 (08) “referendum on the mayor”
Another big ballot tomorrow is in St. Tammany on whether to build a casino in Slidell.

A Louisiana-based company with Waitr roots wants to be your guide to booking your next hunting or fishing trip. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Tickets for the April 30th Garth Brooks concert in Tiger Stadium go on sale this morning at 10am.

A man sought in connection with a double homicide in Shreveport this past Monday is in custody in Mesquite, Texas. Police say 31-year-old Jamarcus Richardson surrendered to authorities late last night. He’s accused in the shooting deaths of Teola Booker and D’Angelo Hinton, both 41. Their bodies were discovered inside a vehicle in the Mooretown neighborhood. Richardson faces two counts of first-degree murder. No word on the motive for the deadly shootings.

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving vehicle in Red River Parish. But, as Adam Einck with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, the vehicle the four were in was a Coushatta Police Department patrol unit and one of those arrested, officer Javerrea Pouncy could wind up facing charges or disciplinary action from other law enforcement agencies, including the Coushatta Police Department.

Cut 7 (08) “…to commit crimes.”  

LDWF cited Pouncy for night hunting and hunting without a license.

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. In addition to staying open after Ida, Nungesser says the hospital also provided meals for residents and first responders.

Cut 4 (08) “…so proud.”

Thibodaux Regional Health System is one of the largest employers in the state and was the only fully functioning hospital in the Bayou region after Hurricane Ida.

The 40th annual LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close-knit family.”  

Kick-off is at noon.

Four men face illegal deer hunting charges after being caught night hunting for deer in Red River Parish – from a moving vehicle. But, as Adam Einck with the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries explains, there’s a twist…:

CUT 06(12)      “…Coushatta Police Department”

Ruh-roh…off-duty cop Javerrea Pouncy was among those arrested.

What to do about the huge hikes in costs of National Flood Insurance, under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 plan? Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s out of HIS hands, but what FEMA’s doing will put NFIP out of many homeowners’ reach…:

CUT 09(12)      “…become price prohibitive”

LDWF agents have recovered the body of a drowned boater who’d been missing since November 29th from the Pearl River in Washington Parish. 47-year-old Eric Williams and a friend, 50-year-old Joe Newby both drowned while boating together on the river. Newby’s remains were found the next day. LDWF says the investigation is nearing completion.

The 40^th annual LHSAA Prep Football classic starts tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The lineup Friday starts with Ouachita Christian going after an 8^th state title, as they face Southern Lab. The afternoon game is Many vs. Amite for the Class 2A title and the night game is the Westgate Tigers from New Iberia facing Warren Easton in the school’s first-ever football championship. Tigers Coach Ryan Antoine says his team – chock full of seniors – will have all of Iberia Parish rooting for them…:

CUT 14(08)      “…the community.”

Kickoff is at 7pm.

The Covington High student, seen on a viral video attacking & beating a disabled school teacher back in October, says she is not guilty by reason of insanity. That was 18-year-old Larriana Jackson’s plea in court Wednesday. She’s charged with felony battery on a school teacher and cruelty to the infirm. Two others are charged with posting the violent video on TikTok.

Louisiana residents are worried about them. Some have already gotten them. I’m talking about steep increases in the cost of the National Flood Insurance coverage. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, whose office has no control over the FEMA NFIP, says one thing that troubles him is the federal agency has no model for “grandfathering” of lower rates for very low risk properties…:

CUT 11(08)      “…done away with.”

He says it may be possible to shop around a find private flood insurance cheaper than the federal market.

A multi-parish joint sheriff’s operation arrests several individuals they say were responsible for a large amount of the crystal meth being sold on the streets of Iberville, Assumption, Ascension and East Baton Rouge Parishes. Three people – two men and a woman – were taken in and over 25 pounds of drugs confiscated.

There are plenty of storylines to go around as the LHSAA prep classic kicks off tomorrow in the Caesars Superdome. Jeff Palermo has a preview…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

More displaced hospital and medical workers are suing over losing their jobs due to a COVID vaccine mandate. A group of nurses & staff fired last week from Shriners Hospital for Children in Shreveport have lawyered up and plan to file suit. An attorney for the group says Shriner’s actions were (quote) “egregious and lawless.”

A Coushatta cop looks to be in trouble with the law, after state wildlife agents busted up a nighttime deer hunt.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brannen.”

Thibodaux Regional Health has opened its new 80-thousand square foot cancer diagnosis and treatment center. On hand for ceremonies was Lt. Governor Bill Nungesser, who says the facility will serve Lafourche and seven other nearby parishes…:

CUT 03  (09)        “…and service.”

In addition to staying open amid Hurricane Ida’s fury, the center also provided meals for storm victims and first responders.

The LHSAA Prep Football Classic starts tomorrow in the Caesar’s Superdome. Among key games, Many High’s Tigers look to repeat a Class 2A championship, as they face Amite at 3:30 Friday. Many beat Amite’s Warriors 34-30 in quarterfinals last season, and Tigers Coach Jess Curtis expects a similar outcome this year…:

CUT 13  (09)        “…on Friday”

Also on tap: Ouachita Christian vs. Southern Lab at noon, and New Iberia’s Westgate faces Warren Easton in the night game.

Thibodaux Regional Health System celebrates the grand opening of its 80,000 square foot facility to provide advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says the facility provides services to residents of Lafourche and seven surrounding parishes. Nungesser says it’s a joy to recognize such achievements in the state, especially this time of year.

Cut 5 (10) “…Louisiana special.”

Four men are facing deer hunting violation charges after being caught hunting for deer during illegal hours and doing so from a moving police patrol unit in Red River Parish. Adam Einck with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says one of the people in the police vehicle during the hunt was 31-year-old Anthony Caldwell who was arrested for being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and had harvested an eight-point buck.

Cut 8 (09) “…not have licenses.”

Louisiana residents are facing or have already received significant increases in their premiums to be protected by the National Flood Insurance Program. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon, says NFIP’s new Risk Rating 2.0 program proposes to alter premiums as to make them unaffordable to many. He says many of those who live in flood-prone areas in coastal areas of the state do so because of their various livelihoods in order to make a living.

Cut 10 (10)  “…to the coast.”

The 40th annual LHSAA Prep Football Classic kicks off tomorrow in the Ceasars Superdome. Ouachita Christian seeks its eighth state championship as they face Southern Lab in the Division Four-title game. Longtime Eagles Coach Steven Fitzhugh says the chemistry of his team is second to none…

Cut 12 (09) “…close knit family.”  

Kick-off is at noon.