Congressman Garret Graves proposes federal legislation to punish those who stage traffic accidents to get insurance money. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brannen.”

Now that St. Tammany Parish has rejected a proposed casino resort in Slidell, will that license remain where it started – in Bossier City? State gaming officials OK’ed the Diamond Jacks in Bossier so the license could go to the southeast, but now what? The license holders say Diamond Jacks will resume business where it is.

Saturday’s election results were historical with Louisiana’s  – and Orleans Parish’s – first ever female sheriff elected. UNO Political analyst Ed Chervenak says Susan Hutson’s victory over incumbent Marlin Gusman was quite a feat…:

CUT 12(07)      “…17-year-incumbent.”

Hutson ran on challenging Gusman’s performance running the parish jail; resulting in suicides and deaths.

The United Cajun Navy is boots on the ground in Kentucky, to help with rescue and recovery after tornados ravaged the landscape and killed dozens. Spokesman Brian Trascher says the devastation is hard to describe, and he’s posting photos from team members that are onsite to their Facebook page. He says right now those in Mayfield and surrounding towns need prayers first and foremost…:

CUT 10(11)      “…it looks more like that.”

To help, search Facebook for United Cajun Navy.

Sad news about what was already a deadly Thanksgiving holiday weekend for motorists; even more persons have died from injuries in traffic crashes – bringing the total crashes to 15 and the total dead to 26 people. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett data from law enforcement shows a majority of the wrecks were caused by speeding and/or impaired or distracted driving; all of which are preventable…:

CUT 10(07)      “… help us a lot.”

Remember you can still dial *LSP from most any cell phone to report a crash or impaired driving.

More on the death of former New Orleans Saint Glenn Foster. Foster was driven to a medical facility, after he reportedly attacked a cellmate in the Pickens County jail. By the time that police cruiser arrived, Foster was dead in the back seat. Foster’s family says he was bipolar and likely had a breakdown. They have hired well-known civil right attorney Ben Crump to get to the bottom of what happened.

Saturday is Election Day in 34 of the state’s 64 parishes. Across the state, voters will be asked to decide matters like civic spending proposals, runoffs for local judgeships and other offices. That – combined with expected lousy weather – is why Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin expects very low voter turnout. That is except in St. Tammany where a big vote on allowing a huge casino resort in Slidell is on the ballot…:

CUT 13(09)      “…and vote.”

Orleans Parish has a big runoff in the race for Sheriff; pitting 4-term incumbent Marlin Gussman against Susan Hutson, a fellow Democrat with heavy party backing.

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is asking voters to approve upgrades for roads, underground pipes, public safety and more when they go to the polls. The five propositions total $237-million.  There are also a handful of other races and issues that will be on local ballots. You can always download the free “Geaux Vote” app to get a sample of your ballot.

Consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent in November compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist emeritus Dr. Loren Scott says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation…:

CUT 06(11)      “…return to normal.”

He says that’s unlikely. Scott blames the Federal Reserve’s unwise fiscal policies – printing more money to pump into the economy – for the current inflationary trend.

What we thought was a record for deadly crashes over the Thanksgiving holiday, has proven even worse. There were 15 crashes on state roadways, and since the holiday many persons injured in them have since died. The total now for the Thanksgiving weekend is at 26. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson…:

CUT 09(09)      “…900 fatalities in 2021.”

Recent numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. Extra unemployment for people staying home to avoid spreading COVID ended over 3 months ago, and many are now looking to get income flowing again. And what of COVID shots mandates and jobs lost there? U.S. Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says he doesn’t believe it will deter those who want to work…:

CUT 05(08)      “…thing go back.”

A 28-year-old Shreveport man is behind bars; accused of possessing and distributing child pornography. State Police say Joshua Turner had dozens of illegal images and was sharing them on social media. No word on bail. The investigation is still underway.

St Tammany Parish residents go to the polls tomorrow to decide the fate of a proposed gambling casino resort complex in Slidell. St. Tammany has been gaming-free since 1998.

Encouraging new figures from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the state’s unemployment rate is nearing pre-pandemic levels. This while many says why get a job, when the government pays me to stay home. Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says “not true”; pandemic related benefits ended three months ago…:

CUT 03  (06)        “….unemployment benefits.”

So folks are going back to work, just maybe not in their chosen field.

Tomorrow is Election Day in 34 parishes across the state. Many runoffs for local positions, ordinances and proposals and more. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he’s expecting pretty low voter turnout…:

CUT 12  (09)        “…usually it does…”

There’s a runoff for Sheriff in Orleans Parish; pitting a 4-term incumbent against a fellow Democrat with a lot of party-based backing.

With inflation up 6.8 percent from a year ago – the biggest jump in 39 years – the finger of blame is being pointed at supply chain issues, supply-and-demand and monetary and fiscal policy. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Brannen.”

Canadian Pacific railroad says it’s committed to establishing passenger-rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. CP is about to merge with Kansas City Southern, who currently control the rail lines on that route. A daily bus service between the cities – started after Hurricane Katrina – was ended due to low ridership.

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.

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.