This year’s Holiday Shopping season is going well, and economists are predicting spending could be up 6-8 percent from 2021. LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice says the prediction also has to account for record inflation…:
Cut 13 (11) “up seventeen percent”
And barring any supply chain disruptions, an increase in fuel costs, etc., Rice expects sales to continue to go well for most retailers.

This year’s sugarcane crop could set a new record as sugar recovery levels are performing well. LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says the crop could produce 245 pounds of sugar for each ton of cane harvested…:
CUT 8 (06) “crop”
Nearly 17,000 jobs throughout Louisiana are supported by sugarcane.

The runoff election for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 3 is getting national attention—and a lot of money is being spent…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Bowl games have been set and the LSU Tigers are once again Orlando-bound and will face Purdue for the first time in the Citrus Bowl on January 2nd. LSU has been to the Citrus Bowl five times most recently in a matchup with a Brian Kelly led Notre Dame team in 2018. UL-Lafayette is going to the Independence Bowl in Shreveport for the first time ever to face Houston. And AAC champs Tulane will play USC in the Cotton Bowl.

The race for Louisiana Public Service Commission’s third district is getting national attention. Incumbent Lambert Boissiere the third is facing a stiff challenge from activist Davante Lewis in the December 10th runoff. Both are Democrats. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis has raised so much money that Lambert is taking note:
Cut 4 (09) “election”
He says Lewis is also getting help from out of state environmental activists who want the energy industry to shift away from fossil fuels.

The Secretary of State’s Office says over 110,000 residents in Louisiana participated in the Early voting period ahead of the election.

A cruise ship crewmember is in the hospital after the Coast Guard airlifted her from the vessel just south of New Orleans. She was last reported to be in stable condition, according to a news release.

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”

The Saints will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Monday Night Football action tonight. Despite having a 4 and 8 record, New Orleans is still alive to win the NFC South as the Bucs are in 1st place with a 5-6 record. Kickoff tonight is at 7:15pm.

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”

Gas prices continue to fall in Louisiana. AAA reports the current statewide average is $2.96 which is down from $3.07 from the same time last week, and over 11 cents lower than a year ago.

Inflation has slowed slightly according to the federal Department of Commerce. Rising costs and prices had been at over 8 percent from last year recently, but now is at about 6 percent. U.L.-Lafayette economics professor Gary Wagner thinks the labor market will continue to slow, meaning the economy will continue to worsen…:
Cut 11 (11) “real consistent yet”

The LSU AgCenter says 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 the sugarcane harvest in south Louisiana to get off to a fast start…:
Cut 7 (10) “for harvest”

The federal Department of Commerce reports inflation has slowed slightly; now 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”

But consumers aren’t slowing down their holiday shopping and spending this year is expected to increase 6-8 percent from last year. LSU Marketing Associate Professor Dan Rice…:
Cut 15 (08) “earlier and earlier”
He also attributes the increase in shopping to more people using their phones to make online purchases.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission December 10th runoff in the third district is getting national attention, and out of state dollars. Incumbent Lambert Boissiere is facing a stiff challenge from activist Davante Lewis. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says Lewis’ support is likely rooted in anger over skyrocketing electric bills..:
Cut 5 (08) “at it”
Environmental advocates are keeping a close eye on the PSC race, as the push to shift away from fossil fuels rages.

LSU is headed to the Citrus Bowl and will face Purdue for the first time ever. The game will be on January 2nd. UL-Lafayette will appear in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport for the first time ever and will face Houston on December 23rd. Tulane won the AAC and will play USC in the Cotton Bowl on January 2nd.

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.

Deputies in Vernon Parish say five soldiers from Fort Polk are behind bars; accused of drugging and raping two Rosepine women. Vernon Sheriff Sam Craft says the men spiked the women’s drinks and sexually assaulted the victims once they were unconscious. Craft says Army investigators have been helpful in the case…:

CUT 05  (09)        “…to us.”

Craft says there is medical and video evidence of the crimes.

LSU is a 17 & ½ point underdog in the SEC Championship game against Georgia tomorrow. Tigers defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo says they need to put pressure on Georgia QB Stetson Barrett…:

CUT 11  (11)        “…in the pocket.”

Kickoff is at 3 pm tomorrow.

St. Tammany Parish deputies arrest a 15-year-old and an 18-year-old in connection with the fatal shooting that happened Monday night in Slidell. The younger suspect is in juvenile detention; charged with murder and attempted murder. The older faces the same charges and will be extradited from New Orleans to St. Tammany. The investigation is ongoing.

Chances are you have not been invited to an office holiday party in a couple years, and chances are the pandemic is the reason. Now that Christmas parties with co-workers are back…there are some rules you needs to observe. UNO professor of business Mark Rosa says do NOT drink heavily and do NOT do or say anything vulgar. He also says, if the boss invited you, GO…:

CUT 12  (12)        “……a wise one.”

And ALWAYS tell the boss Monday morning what a great time you had, even if you didn’t. (That one is from me.)

A man wanted for killing the mother of his child in Baton Rouge was shot to death by police in another state less than 24 hours later. 29-year-old Napolean Crane allegedly killed the woman, 28-year-old Da’Ja Davis then fled with their 6-month old daughter in a stolen car. Fast forward to Mercer County Pennsylvania, where Crane was stopped by officers, fired upon them and was shot and killed. The infant was unharmed in the back seat, but is now an orphan.

Five Fort Polk soldiers are in jail; accused of drugging and raping two women in the town of Rosepine. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says the women knew one of the men, who served them drinks spiked with drugs. Once they were incapacitated, the men allegedly took advantage. Craft says the victims are credible witnesses who sought medical help after they came to…:

CUT 04  (08)        “…had transpired.”

Craft says there is medical and video evidence of the crime.

Two of the three Americans who died of carbon monoxide poisoning at their Mexico City AirBNB are from New Orleans. Brooke Thorington reports the mother of one wants to hold the rental app accountable…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Police in Covington confirm the local woman who went missing last weekend WAS the second of two murder victims whose burned bodies were discovered Monday. St. Peters Catholic Church volunteer Ruth Prats and retired Father Otis Young were killed inside her home. Ex-con Antonio Tyson is charged with their murders.

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 last 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 – do not drink heavily, nor do or say nasty stuff. 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 tomorrow 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.