Unemployment in Louisiana is returning to pre-pandemic claims but some 85,000 have not returned to the workforce. Brooke Thorington has more from the Secretary of Labor.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Consumer prices jumped a whopping 6.8 percent in November, the largest annual increase in 39 years. LSU Economist Dr. Loren Scott believes inflation is in part a product of supply-and-demand and discounts the possibility of collusion to boost prices and thus stir up the inflationary pot.

Cut 8 (08) “…experiencing right now.”

Fifteen fatal crashes leading to 26 deaths. That is the updated toll for the long Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The accidents are blamed on a variety of things including distracted driving, driver impairment and speeding. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet asks that if you witness someone behind the wheel who could be impaired or driving aggressively, please call law enforcement.

Cut 11  (09)  “…star-LSP.”

Election day is tomorrow in nearly three dozen parishes in Louisiana with ballot questions that include some tax proposals, candidate runoffs and a casino gambling proposal in the lone parish of St. Tammany.  Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says several races will be decided in Orleans Parish.

Cut 14  (12)  “…Orleans Parish.

Polls open at 7 am and close at 8 pm.

November 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, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation. Scott talks about what he says is the inflationary impact of a very accommodating monetary policy by the Federal Reserve as being a major cause for rising prices.

Cut 7 (11) “…is right now.”  

Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says after reviewing data from law enforcement a majority of the traffic fatalities were caused by speeding, impaired, or distracted driving all of which are preventable.

Cut 10 (07)  “…a lot.”

Tomorrow is Election Day for 34 Louisiana parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few things on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions. In St. Tammany however, Ardoin says early voting there was significant and he expects the largest turnout to be in the southeast parish to decide if they will allow a gaming casino in Slidell.

Cut 13 (09) “…and vote.”

In addition to gaming in St. Tammany, Ardoin says there are several races to be decided in the neighboring parish of Orleans.

MiniPig

November 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, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation.

 Cut 6 (11) “…return to normal.” 

Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. And as we approach another busy traveling period for Christmas and New Year’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the trend doesn’t bode well for the state.

Cut 9 (09) “…in 2021.”

Wilson is reminding motorists to not drive impaired, be distracted, to slow down, and wear your seatbelt.

Saturday is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few things on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.

Cut 12 (09) “…it does.”  

Polls open tomorrow at 7 am and close at 8 pm. Bring your ID and an umbrella.

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 it’s the brainchild of Logan Meaux, who also helped launch Waitr and says it’s like an AirBnB for outfitters and sportsmen.

Cut  11 (10)  “…every day.”  
MallardBay.com is the website.

It sure doesn’t feel like December 10th outside and for some areas of the Bayou State temperatures are about 25 degrees above normal. State Climatologist Barry Keim it’ll be wet tomorrow before it cools off.
Cut 8 (08) “…so plan accordingly.”

A cold front increases the chance of rain overnight and into Saturday, with some possible severe weather, mainly across northern Louisiana.

Saturday is Election Day in 34 parishes and “LAPolitics.com” editor Jeremy Alford says in Caddo Parish, voters will decide on a $237-million bond package for investments in the water system, technology, infrastructure & public safety. Alford says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is in favor, but 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.

There’s only two shopping weeks left before Christmas, and if you’re looking for a computer gift or the ideal gift for the person who works remotely Tech Expert Andrea Smith recommends the Anker PowerConf 330 that can help with ZOOM and similar conference connections.

Cut 15 (12)  “…mean no dropout.”

A Baton Rouge company is making it easier for you to book the perfect hunting or fishing trip. It’s called Mallard Bay and Logan Meaux, who helped his family launch Waitr is the brainchild behind the Airbnb-style service for the outdoorsman. Meaux is even offering a discount for listeners…

Cut 12 (11) “…your trip.”

Visit MallardBay.com for more information.

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.