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 ”

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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.”

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 The holiday shopping season got off to a good start for retailers and it’s anticipated to continue. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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 a stiff challenge from thirty-year-old activist Davante Lewis in the December 10^th runoff election. Both are Democrats.  “LAPolitics.com “publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis has raised so much money that Lambert is taking note.

Cut 4 (09)  “…election.”

Alford says campaign finance reports show Lewis raised $30,000 in one three-day period last week. A high-profile Super PAC has about $1.1 million and is using it to attack Boissiere. The five-member commission regulates utilities and sets electric rates.  Alford says Lewis’s support is likely rooted in anger over skyrocketing electric bills.

Cut 5 (08) “…at it.”

Alford adds a major infusion of out-of-state donations is helping Lewis. Many are from environmental activists who want the energy industry to shift away from fossil fuels.

Cut 6 (09)  “…barnburner.” 

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The LSU AgCenter says its 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 a couple of dry months in the harvest season, allowed this season’s sugarcane harvest in south Louisiana to get off to a fast start…

Cut 7 (10) “…for harvest”

Gravois says it looks like the crop will produce some 245 pounds of sugar for each ton of sugarcane harvested, which could lead to a record crop…

Cut 8 (06)  “…crop.”

Early in the season, mills were struggling due to high molasses levels, but Gravois says 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, with nearly 17-thousand jobs throughout Louisiana supported by sugarcane.

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The federal Department of Commerce reports inflation has slowed slightly; now at about 6 percent higher than one year ago. Rising costs and prices had been at over 8 percent recently, posting 40-year highs. Will this small decrease be enough to be felt by consumers? U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner says the answer is probably “no”…:

Cut 10 (12) “…at least into 2023.” 

The Fed has raised interest rates benchmark interest rates six times since March to try to slow runaway inflation, and this latest indicates there is some success. However, Wagner thinks the labor market will continue to slow, meaning the economy will continue to worsen…:

Cut 11 (11)  “…real consistent yet.”

Despite that, Wagner says the 2022 holiday shopping season is expected to be improved from last year…:

Cut 12 (10) “…that’s favorable.”

Last week, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said more interest rate hikes are coming, but will likely be smaller than the six three-quarters-of-a-percent jumps seen earlier this year.

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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 the prediction also has to account for record inflation.

Cut 13 (11) “…up seventeen percent.”

Rice says online shopping is up two percent from last year because more people are using their phones to make online purchases. Rice says the majority of online transactions are purchased via a smartphone versus a tablet.

Cut 14 (11)  “…mobile device.”

Shopping trends have proven fruitful for Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday this year. Rice says more retailers are extending their sales period and customers are responding.

Cut 15 (08)  “…earlier and earlier.”

And barring any supply chain disruptions, an increase in fuel costs, etc., Rice expects sales to continue to go well for most retailers.

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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 (18)  “..on the back” 

There’s a chance some major contributors to the 2022 team will not play in the bowl game and instead prepare themselves for the NFL draft. Kelly says they’ll have those discussions with those players…

Cut 17 (19) “….their choice” 

The NCAA transfer portal opens today and LSU hit the portal hard to help create the 2022 season. Kelly says they’ll get some guys out of the portal again this year, but they really want to build the program with players they sign out of high school…

Cut 18 (17) “…and develop” 

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After winning the American Athletic Conference, Tulane will play in the Cotton Bowl and face USC on January 2nd. Coach Willie Fritz says he can’t wait to take on the Trojans…

Cut 19 (18) “….to it”

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The Saints visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tonight in Monday night football. New Orleans is four and eight, but still alive to win the NFC South as the Bucs are in first place with a five and-six record. New Orleans defensive end Cam Jordan says they can’t suffer any more losses…

Cut 20 (11) “…on that”

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

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Two of the three Americans who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at their Mexico City Airbnb are from New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more from a mother who wants to hold the rental company accountable

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Five soldiers stationed at Ft. Polk are in the Vernon Parish Jail today, charged with raping two women in  Rosepine on November 25^th.Sheriff Sam Craft says the women knew one of the soldiers, and that all five of them gave the two spiked alcohol. He says once the women were incapacitated the men raped them.

Cut 3 (11) “..type scenario.” 

Craft described the women as very credible witnesses.  He says they sought medical help the morning after the attacks.

Cut 4 (08)  “…had transpired” 

Craft says forensic evidence collected at the hospital confirmed the assaults. He says there is also video evidence. He says sheriff’s office investigators have received help from the Army’s criminal investigation division.

Cut 5 (09) “…to us”

Craft says the five soldiers are being held in the Vernon Parish Jail.

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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 (06)  “…of hurt.”

Attorney Michael Haggard says hotel chains are held to industry standards and must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and there’s no reason why Airbnb shouldn’t either.

Cut 7 (04)  “…to prevent.”

In 2021 Airbnb reported an annual gross profit of $4.8 billion.

Jennifer Marshall wants to bring about awareness of the issue and she highly encourages vacationers to pack their own carbon monoxide detectors so they can avoid a similar fate.

Cut 8 (11)  “…their families.“

Jordan Marshall, a 12th-grade English teacher at Rosenwald Collegiate Academy, and 33-year-old Courtez Hall, who taught social studies at KIPP Morial Middle School, died along with 28-year-old Kandace Florence of Virginia.

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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 motivatation for the Tigers.

Cut 9 (09) “…to think” 

Georgia leads the nation in scoring defense, holding opponents to eleven points a game. But Kelly says the Bulldogs are good on offense as well, led by a veteran quarterback in Stetson Bennett…

Cut 10 (11) “…do not” 

LSU defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says getting pressure on Georgia’s quarterback is a key…

Cut 11 (11)  “…in the pocket”

Kick-off Saturday is at 3 PM.

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After two years of the pandemic, for many, the traditional office Christmas party is making a return. And while many of us are out of practice, UNO business professor Mark Rosa has some sound advice. While some might be hesitant to socialize with their work colleagues, Rosa says if your employer is hosting one you should attend.

Cut 12 (11) “…wise one.” 

Rosa says it should go without saying to limit your alcohol intake and refrain from lewd behavior at the office party. He says to also be mindful and respectful of those who choose to socially distance themselves and wear face masks at the party.

Cut 13 (04) “…mask on.”  

The office holiday party provides employees with the opportunity to mingle socially and for many, it will be the first time to do so face-to-face. Rosa says to keep it light and avoid discussing business if you can.

Cut 14 (08)   “…best behavior.”

And if you’re able to bring your significant other to the party to introduce them to your office mates and it’s also best if they too limit their alcohol consumption.