With the holiday shopping season up and running for over a week now, economists are predicting spending this year to increase anywhere from six to eight percent from last year.  LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice says online shopping is up two percent from last year and the majority of online transactions are purchased via a smartphone versus a tablet.

Cut 14 (11)  “…mobile device.”

After losing in the SEC Championship game, LSU will have an opportunity to win its tenth game of the season in Orlando when they play Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on January second at noon. Coach Brian Kelly believes it’s already been a successful season winning the SEC West, but getting to ten wins would be really sweet…

Cut  16 (10)  “…about it.” 

Federal officials say inflation has slowed somewhat in recent weeks. But is it enough to be felt at street level, by the average consumer?

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Early voting tallies are in from the Secretary of State’s office. More than 110-thousand ballots were cast, about 65 percent were in person the remainder absentee. About 47 percent were registered Democrats and 39 percent were Republicans. For more voting locations for the December, 10^th elections visit geauxvote.com

The race for Louisiana Public Service Commission’s third district is getting national attention. Fifty-seven-year-old incumbent Lambert Boissiere the third is facing off with thirty-year-old activist Davante Lewis. “LAPolitics.com “publisher Jeremy Alford says a major infusion of out-of-state donations is helping Lewis’ campaign and that are from environmental activists who want the energy industry to shift away from fossil fuels.

Cut 6 (09)  “…barnburner.” 

Both candidates are Democrats.

Early voting for the December 10th election ended over the weekend and according to the Secretary of State’s office more than 110-thousand ballots were cast during early voting. About 65% of those were in-person and the remainder absentee. It’s predicted that 12 to 15-percent of eligible voters will participate in the December 10^th election overall.

The federal Department of Commerce reports inflation has slowed slightly; now at about 6 percent higher than one year ago.  Despite that, U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the 2022 holiday shopping season is expected to improve from last year…:

Cut 12 (10) “…that’s favorable.”

The LSU AgCenter says it’s possible this year’s sugarcane crop could set a new record if sugar recovery levels continue to perform well. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says early in the season, mills were struggling due to high molasses levels, but it appears the problem has solved itself…

Cut 9 (10)  “…sugar recovery”

According to the American Sugar Cane League, Louisiana’s sugar industry had an economic impact of about three-billion dollars in our state

In October 28-year-old Jordan Marshall, along with two other Americans, died at his Mexico City Airbnb rental from carbon monoxide poisoning. Now their families are suing the vacation rental to hold them accountable for not requiring detectors at their rentals. Attorney Michael Haggard says hotel chains are held to industry safety standards and there’s no reason why Airbnb shouldn’t either.

Cut 7 (04)  “…to prevent.”

Courtez Hall of New Orleans also died as a result at the rental.

Five Ft. Polk soldiers are charged with the November 25^th rape of two women in Rosepine. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the women who he describes as credible, said their drinks were spiked and all five men raped them. Craft says they sought medical help the morning after the attacks.

Cut 4 (08)  “…had transpired” 

The runoff election for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 3 is getting national attention—and a lot of money is being spent. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Marsanne Golsby ”

Early voting ends today at 6 PM for the December 10^th election. For a list of voting locations visit Geaux Vote-dot-com. And at three this afternoon the LSU Tigers face off with the Georgia Bulldogs for the SEC championship. LSU is 1 17-and-a-half-point underdog. Kickoff is a 3:00 o’clock.

Five Fort Polk soldiers are under arrest in Vernon Parish; accused of drugging and raping two Rosepine women. Vernon sheriff Sam Craft says the men allegedly spiked their drinks, then took advantage…:

CUT 03 (11)      “…type scenario.”

Craft says there is both forensic and video evidence of the assault.

28-year-old Jordan Marshall of New Orleans was one of the three Americans who died from carbon monoxide poisoning October 30^th at their Airbnb rental in Mexico City. His mother Jennifer Marshall and the families of the other victims want the vacation rental company to be held accountable and require working carbon monoxide detectors at all of their listings.

Cut 6 (07)  “…of hurt.”

Courtez Hall of New Orleans also died at the rental.

In addition to meeting with state leaders on his trip to New Orleans, French President Emmanuel Macron also met with billionaire and owner of Twitter Elon Musk. The two discussed the social media platform after the European Union warned the company, they must do more to protect users from harmful content. Macron and his wife also took a stroll in the French Quarter on Friday and shook hands with those in the crowd.

The office Christmas party returns to the calendar after COVID limited holiday gatherings, so many of us are out practice. UNO Business professor Mark Rosa says watch your alcohol intake, avoid lewd behavior, be understanding if some choose to wear a mask and avoid shop talk if possible.

Cut 14 (08)   “…best behavior.”

Vernon Parish authorities charge five soldiers at Ft. Polk with drugging and raping two women in Rosepine…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Golsby.”

A drive-by shooting in Opelousas leaves two women dead. Police say it happened just after 10 Thursday night. The victims were in a parked car, when another vehicle pulled up and started firing. The women were pronounced dead at the scene. St. Landry Crimestoppers offers a $1000 reward for a tip that leads to an arrest. 337-948-TIPS.

Office holiday parties are back this year after the pandemic made them off-limits for two Christmases. So, with most of us out of practice…how should we behave? UNO business professor Mark Rosa says – first – don’t overdo it on the alcohol, and if someone chooses to still wear a mask at the party, keep your opinion to yourself…:

CUT 13(05)      “…mask on.”

Rosa says, if the boss invites you, it’s wise to attend.

LSU faces top-ranked Georgia this afternoon for the SEC Championship, with the Tigers a 17 & a half point underdog. Head coach Brian Kelly acknowledges the Bulldogs mighty defense, but says their offense – led by QB Stetson Bennett – is formidable…:

CUT 10(11)      “…in the pocket.”

Kickoff is at 3pm on CBS TV.

In October 28-year-old Jordan Marshall, along with two other Americans, died at his Mexico City Airbnb rental from carbon monoxide poisoning. Now their families are suing the vacation rental to hold them accountable for not requiring detectors at their rentals. Attorney Michael Haggard says hotel chains are held to industry safety standards and there’s no reason why Airbnb shouldn’t either.

Cut 7 (04)  “…to prevent.”

Courtez Hall of New Orleans also died as a result at the rental.

LSU is a 17-and-a-half-point underdog for Saturday’s SEC championship matchup against Georgia. Coach Brian Kelly says the point spread should not be the sole source of motivation for the Tigers.

Cut 9 (09) “…to think” 

The game will be broadcast on CBS kickoff is at 3 PM.

Vernon Parish authorities have charged five soldiers stationed at Ft. Polk with drugging and raping two women in Rosepine. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1(29)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Five Ft. Polk soldiers are in custody charged with the November 25^th rape of two women in Rosepine. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the women who he describes as credible, said their drinks were spiked and all five men raped them. Craft says they sought medical help the morning after the attacks.

Cut 4 (08)  “…had transpired” 

28-year-old Jordan Marshall of New Orleans was one of the three Americans who died from carbon monoxide poisoning October 30^th at their Airbnb rental in Mexico City. His mother Jennifer Marshall and the families of the other victims want the vacation rental company to be held accountable and require working carbon monoxide detectors at all of their listings.

Cut 6 (07)  “…of hurt.”

Courtez Hall of New Orleans also died at the rental.

For the first time in over 40 years, Louisiana is being visited by a President of France today. Kevin Gallagher has more on Emmanuel Macron’s arrival in New Orleans…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

After complaints of nude bathing 70-year-old Lee Segura of Franklin faces obscenity charges. Franklin Police say they received six complaints in a 24-hour period on Wednesday and when they arrived at his residence, they found Segura naked on the roof.

Authorities say the double murder suspect, Antonio Tyson, did not have a connection with his victims before he allegedly burned them beyond recognition.

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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For the first time in over 40 years, Louisiana is being visited by a President of France today. Kevin Gallagher has more on Emmanuel Macron’s arrival in New Orleans…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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The Queen of Country Pop adds New Orleans to her 2023 tour and tickets go on sale today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote yes on constitutional amendment number one on the December 10^th ballot. A yes vote would prohibit non-citizens from voting in Louisiana, even though it’s already unlawful for them to vote in state and federal elections.

Cut 4 (09)  “…their elections.”

When registering to vote there’s a box to check attesting citizenship. Ardoin says there have only been a few incidents where a non-citizen has voted or attempted to vote in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (07) “…and foremost.”

The amendment was placed on the ballot after a bill authored by Kenner Republican Representative Debbie Villio, passed in the 2022 regular legislative session. Ardoin says current language in the state constitution could be construed to allow non-citizens to vote in municipal elections.

Cut 6 (05)  “…our elections.” 

Early voting for the December 10^th election ends tomorrow.

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Authorities are not releasing a motive in the double homicide of a retired priest and a longtime church worker at St. Peter Catholic Church in Covington. Covington Police Lieutenant Kevin Collins says Father Otis Young and Ruth Prats were standing outside in the neighborhood on Sunday when they casually passed words with the suspect Antonio Tyson. Moments later things took a drastic turn.

Cut 7 (13) “…Pratts residence.”

Collins says the bodies of Young and Prats were found Monday morning behind a business in downtown Covington burned beyond recognition.

St. Tammany Parish Coroner Charles Preston says the autopsies confirmed the cause of death.

Cut 8 (14)  “…death homicide.”

Ruth was a member of the St. Peter church for decades, as a minister and pastoral assistant while Young led the church as the pastor for 10 years. Father Daniel Brouillette, the current pastor of St. Peter says the two victims were passionate about the community.

Cut 9 (13)  “…his people.”

Authorities say they arrested Tyson in Prats’ vehicle at a Walgreens, but detectives do not believe Tyson knew his victims before Sunday’s deadly encounter.

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The President of France visits New Orleans today; the first time a French leader has done so since 1976. President Emmanuel Macron will meet with Governor John Bel Edwards and other officials, tour the French Quarter and attend a special dinner with film and entertainment figures. Faycal Falaky (Fie-sul fa-LAH-key) is a professor of French at Tulane University. He says Macron’s visit makes sense because Louisiana remains tied culturally to everything French…:

Cut 10 (07) “…talk about that.” 

Macron will meet with New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, then stroll through the French Quarter and meet with Governor John Bel Edwards. Falaky says the leaders have a lot to discuss…:

Cut 11 (07)  “…in Louisiana and New Orleans”

Falaky says Macron and local leaders are expected to address transitioning to “green” energy and climate change concerns…:

Cut 12 (12) “…sign some treaties”

Macron will also talk about preservation of French culture and language in Louisiana. Falaky says he will attend a reception for the French President.

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The top-selling country female artist of all time will make a stop in Louisiana on her 2023 world tour. Tickets for Shania Twain’s July 24^th New Orleans concert go on sale today at 10 AM.  Shania broke records and boundaries in the 90s and Baton Rouge 100-point-7 The Tiger DJ Abby Leigh says her fan base runs the gamut.

Cut 13 (08) “…millions of fans.”

When Shania burst onto the country charts the Canadian singer was also able to successfully crossover to the pop charts. Leigh says Shania was the trailblazer for country music female artists.

Cut 14 (05)  “…Taylor Swift.”

There was such an overwhelming response for tickets to The Queen of Me tour that Shania added five stops and one of those is New Orleans. The Queen of Country Pop is known for hits like “You’re Still the One,” and Leigh says her 1999 release of “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” also spawned a memorable music video.

Cut 15 (05)  “…what it is.”

Mickey Guyton, the first Black woman to ever be nominated for a Grammy in Best Country Solo Performance category will open for Shania in New Orleans.

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LSU looks to be at full strength for tomorrow’s SEC Championship game against unbeaten and top ranked Georgia. Quarterback Jayden Daniels is fine after injuring his ankle last week, cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse has returned from a concussion and Coach Brian Kelly says leading rusher Josh Williams appears ready to go

Cut  16 (19)  “….effective” 

This is the second straight year Georgia enters the SEC Championship game undefeated. Last year they were knocked off by Alabama. Kelly says his team understands the challenge they face Saturday…

Cut 17 (22) “…as well.” 

The College Football Playoff announced it will expand to 12 teams starting with the 2024 season. Kelly likes having more teams involved in the playoff…

Cut 18 (18) “…college football.” 

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Tulane hosts UCF tomorrow as the Green Wave try to win their first conference championship since 1998 as they look to win the American Athletic Conference. Green Wave Coach Willie Fritz hopes this is just the first of many tries to win a conference title in the years to come…

Cut 19 (17) “…whole program”

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The Saints will face Tampa Bay on Monday. New Orleans was shutout last Sunday and Quarterback Andy Dalton expects they’ll execute better against the Buccaneers….

Cut 20 (20) “…good place”

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner has identified Ruth Prats as the second victim who along with Father Otis Young, both of their bodies were found Monday and burned beyond recognition. The cause of death for both victims is blunt force trauma. Antonio Tyson has been arrested and charged with the murders.

Federal authorities are searching for potential victims from an online child exploitation scheme that started in Northeast Louisiana in 2021.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is urging voters to vote yes on constitutional amendment number one on the December 10^th ballot. A yes vote would prohibit non-citizens from voting in Louisiana, even though it’s already unlawful for them to vote in state and federal elections.

Cut 4 (09) “…their elections.”

Amendment one is one of three on the December 10^th ballot. Early voting ends tomorrow.

State Treasurer John Schroder says he will not run for governor in 2023 if Senator John Kennedy runs…

Cut 6 (12)  “…in 2023.”
Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is in the same position, while Attorney General Jeff Landry has already announced and has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party.

The St. Tammany Parish Coroner has identified Ruth Prats as the second victim who along with Father Otis Young, both of their bodies were found Monday and burned beyond recognition. The cause of death for both victims is blunt force trauma. Antonio Tyson has been arrested and charged with the murders.

Federal authorities are searching for potential victims from an online child exploitation scheme that started in Northeast Louisiana in 2021. Whitney Thomas Reports

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Republican State Treasurer John Schroder says he will not run for governor in 2023 if U.S. Senator John Kennedy does. Schroder also says the state Republican party’s endorsement of Attorney General Jeff Landry has no bearing on his decision, but he is hoping Kennedy clears the air soon.

Cut 8 (07)  “…benefit anybody.“

A Greater New Orleans Crimestoppers tip leads to the recovery of 16 vehicles and the arrest of David Darby of Texas and Haley Smith of New Orleans.  Trooper Kate Stegall says the tip led them to an Algiers abandoned apartment complex and eight stolen cars. Then a traffic stop of Darby prompted a search of his apartment at the same complex.

Cut 12 (07) “…and Smith.” 

She says those stolen vehicles are valued at more than $300-thousands and the search also found several stolen guns.