16- and 17-year-olds are now eligible for booster shots with emergency use authorization from the FDA.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

LSU Agriculture Professor Gerald Myers is facing numerous charges after authorities found videos of child rape and bestiality on the 61-year old’s work on a computer. Campus police began looking into the matter when the school’s IT department was alerted to the disturbing videos. The school says he’s on paid leave and banned from the campus.

Louisiana-based Krispy Krunchy Chicken is one of the largest convenience store foodservice concepts in the nation and now it’s poised to grow even more with backing from a private equity firm. Krispy Krunchy Foods CEO Dan Shapiro says Louisianans should be proud to claim Krispy Krunchy Chicken as one of their own.

Cut 4 (08) “…would be. “

Tennis icon Serena Williams is also a fan of Krispy Krunchy.

During the holidays with consumers out searching for the perfect gift, criminals are also looking for the perfect opportunity to take advantage of you. So, if you’re carrying around more cash than usual during the holidays, Lafayette PD communications officer Jamie Angelle suggests an alternative so you don’t wind up losing it to a thief.

Cut 12 (11) “…carry around cash.”

A rare recall effort in Louisiana failed on Saturday night as the mayor of Richwood Gerald Brown Senior survived an effort to remove him from office. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says 60-percent of the voters in the Ouachita Parish town voted against the recall effort…
cut 15 (07) “….his term”
In Orleans Parish, four-term sheriff Marlin Gusman lost to first-time candidate Susan Huston.

The grinches may be out to get you this holiday season, but there are ways to protect yourself. Jamie Angelle with the Lafayette Police Department advises meet-ups that take place for you to pay for something you bought from another individual should take place outside a police station if possible.
Cut 10 (10) “…taken advantage of.”
And if you’re concerned about “porch pirates” grabbing gifts, company’s like Amazon will deliver packages to Whole Foods or another location you may designate, like a neighbor who might be home when you’re away.

Louisiana’s own Krispy Krunchy Chicken has seen tremendous growth since 2006 and the convenience store eatery is now in 48 states. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans gothic novelist Anne Rice has died at the age of 80. Her son says she died from complications from a stroke. Rice wrote the 1976 novel “Interivew with the Vampire” and she later produced a script for the 1994 movie that started Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

St. Tammany Parish voters soundly rejected a proposed 325-million dollar proposed casino and resort in Slidell. Pacific Peninsula Entertainment was seeking to move a casino license that belonged to a now-closed casino in northwest Louisiana. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the big question now is what happens with that casino license…
cut 14 (09) “…go next”

The CDC has given the go-ahead for 16 and 17-year olds to receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Doctor Fred Lopez says the Pfizer vaccine has shown it’s effective against the different variants…
Cut 7 (10) “…the United States.”
The booster shots for the newly eligible 16 and 17-year olds are available to those who have received the initial two-shot regimen of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.

During the holiday season, online marketplace sellers try to make extra cash as buyers look for a good deal. But Lafayette Police Department spokesperson Jamie Angelle says both parties should be cautious when meeting to exchange items. He says several police departments offer a Safe Exchange location…
cut 11 (13) “…transactions alone”

The number of Krispy Krunchy Chicken outlets continues to grow and the Louisiana-based business now has the backing from a private equity firm. It’s the official fried chicken of the New Orleans Pelicans and Krispy Krunchy Foods CEO Dan Shapiro says there’s a sports icon who refers to their chicken as a guilty pleasure…
cut 5 (07) “…Tik Tok”
Krispy Krunchy’s corporate office is in Alexandria, and they plan to increase their workforce of some 170 people with the expansion to hire more trainers, sales staff, and office personnel.

Louisiana will soon have its first black female sheriff as Susan Hutson defeated longtime Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Hutson, the former independent police monitor for New Orleans, ran on a progressive platform…
cut 13 (11) “….justice reform ballot”
And in St. Tammany Parish, voters soundly rejected a proposed casino for Slidell.

The Louisiana Department of Health is encouraging everyone 16-years and up to get a booster shot if their first two doses were the Pfizer vaccine. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Doctor Fred Lopez…
cut 8 (09) “…..to other individuals”
The state has reported 40 probable and five confirmed cases of the Omicron variant.

There are less than two weeks to go until Christmas and law enforcement is encouraging shoppers to be careful while holiday shopping…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission finds the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels with estimates stating about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a number of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.
Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”
Walsh believes the pandemic gave many workers time to pause and think about their profession and where and what they want their career path to be.
And 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.”
I’m Erik Piccoli
________________________
This Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest in Louisiana with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says areas severely impacted by Hurricane Ida are also facing traffic hurdles and the closer we get to Christmas we’ll have even more drivers on the road and many from out of state that aren’t familiar with the roadways causing even more congestion.
If you witness someone behind the wheel that could be impaired or driving aggressively Mallett says call law enforcement.
Cut 11 (09) “…star-LSP.”
And today is election day in Louisiana with issues ranging from municipal runoffs to gaming. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says in St. Tammany Parish early voting 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 (08) “…and vote.”
Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
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 2 (32)…I’m Dave Brannen.”
Most recent numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. And while some say there’s still a labor shortage because the government is paying people to stay home Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says enhanced benefits ended in August in Louisiana and September for most other states.
Cut 3 (06) “…unemployment benefits.”
As for vaccine mandates, Walsh says he doesn’t believe it will deter those who want to work.
I’m Erik Piccoli
________________________
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.”
Of the fatalities, the majority were caused by speeding, impaired and distracted driving
And today 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 items on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.
Cut 12 (08) “…it does.”
Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
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 US Secretary of Labor.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
And November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent compared to last year. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott says the current Federal Reserve policy that’s pumping more money into the system, coupled with the amount of money the federal government is spending likely dashes any hope for a short-term dance with rising 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.”
I’m Erik Piccoli
________________________
The Thanksgiving weekend was one of the deadliest with 15 crashes responsible for 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.”
A disturbing factor in the number of fatal crashes in Louisiana Mallett says is the lack of seatbelt usage.
And today 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 that several of the races will be decided in Orleans parish.
Cut 14 (12) “Orleans Parish.”
Ardoin says don’t forget to bring your ID along with your umbrella. Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities and officials say we’re on course to have 900 or more traffic fatalities for the year. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says if you see 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 compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says he believes the current monetary policy by the Federal Reserve is a major cause for rising prices.

Cut 7 (11) “…is right now.”  

The Louisiana Workforce estimates about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a variety of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.

Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”

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.