U-S Senator Bill Cassidy announced today he will not run for governor next year. The Republican from Baton Rouge says he has important work in Congress he wants to accomplish. U-L-M Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says now we wait to see if fellow U-S Senator John Kennedy will get in…
cut 4 (08) “…or Democrat”

Louisiana is gaining back 3500 oil and gas jobs by mid-2023. That’s according to a new report from LSU’s Center for Energy Studies.
Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Good news for residents living in and around Avoyelles Parish as the Avoyelles Hospital announces plans for a 25-million dollar renovation that will result in an expansion of health care services….
cut 15 (12) “….brand new”
That’s the CEO at Avoyelles Hospital Tim Curry.

The Golden Band from Tigerland is the first marching band to ever receive a Grammy nomination. The band recorded the album Full Circle with alum Sean Ardoin last spring, and it’s received a nod as Best Regional Roots Music Album. LSU Band Director Dr. Kelvin Jones says it’s historic.
Cut 12 (11) “…like this.”
We’ll find out in February if they won.

The SEC West champion LSU Tigers will host the UAB Blazers on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Saturday’s game will kick off at 8 PM. The Tigers struggled last week in Arkansas and that game kicked off at 11 AM in Fayetteville. Kelly believes his guys will welcome Saturday night in Death Valley…

Cut  16 (12)  “…no doubt”

Law enforcement officers are ready to pass out fines for those not wearing their seatbelts during “Click It or Ticket” during the Thanksgiving traveling period. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says the campaign began over the weekend and wraps up Sunday.

Cut 13 (05) “…as well.”  

The World Cup kicked off over the weekend and today Team USA faces off with Wales. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

In high school football playoff action last night, Denham Springs kicked a last-second field goal to beat Benton 29 to 28. The Yellow Jackets will host Ruston next week who advanced to the quarterfinals. 28th-seeded Breaux Bridge advanced to the quarters with a 33-to-28 over Iota. The tigers will host North Desoto next weekend.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announced on  Friday he won’t be running for governor of Louisiana.  ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says he this is no surprise to him 

Cut 4 (09)  “…or Democrat” 

In his announcement, Cassidy pointed out he is the ranking Republican member in a powerful senate committee on health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Concerns that Twitter could go away surface after reports of mass resignations at the social media company recently purchased by billionaire Elon Musk. Haggai Davis the Third, co-host of the podcast Tech Gumbo, is not ready to predict the demise of Twitter..

Cut 9 (11)  “…breaking soon” 

The Golden Band from Tigerland is the first marching band to ever receive a Grammy nomination.

The 65th Grammy Awards will be presented on February 5th and LSU Band Director Dr. Kelvin Jones says he plans on being there and fingers crossed he and Sean Ardoin will bring home some hardware. But in the meantime, Jones says just the nomination is a huge honor.

Cut 14 (09)  “…really excited.” 

The world cup gets underway this weekend. It’s unusual for the tournament to be played in the fall, but President of the Louisiana Soccer Association Sean Esker doesn’t think it will deter fans to cheer for the US team when they take on Wales Monday.

Cut 10 (10) “…that game.” 

That game begins at 1 pm Monday. Because the World Cup is being played in Qatar this year.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy announced this morning he won’t be running for governor of Louisiana.  ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says he isn’t surprised

Cut 5 (09) “…divided government.” 

In his announcement, Cassidy pointed out he is the ranking Republican member in a powerful senate committee on health care, education, employment, and retirement policies.

Federal labor data released Friday shows Louisiana has again posted a new record low rate of unemployment. Louisiana Workforce Commission Supervisor for Employment Statistics Mark Jones says the numbers are tremendous news…:

Cut 7 (09) “…the unemployment rate.”

Jones says there are over 14-thousand jobs posted on the LWC’s HIRE website (LAWorks.net).

He says we are recovering from the pandemic and employers are ready to hire capable workers.

There is a concern Twitter could go away soon after reports of mass resignations at the social media company recently purchased by billionaire Elon Musk. Haggai Davis the Third, co-host of the podcast Tech Gumbo, is not ready to predict the demise of Twitter but The hashtag R-I-P Twitter trending users are concerned it could shut down. Davis says the potential end of Twitter is forcing many users to contemplate the use of social media platforms…

Cut 11 (09)  “…journalism”

The SEC West champion LSU Tigers will host the UAB Blazers on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. The Bayou Bengals have their ticket punched to play Georgia in the SEC Title game in two weeks, but Coach Brian Kelly says that has no bearing on their game against the Blazers…

Cut 15 (09) “…UAB”

Louisiana is gaining back 3500 oil and gas jobs by mid-2023. That’s according to a new report from LSU’s Center for Energy Studies.
cut 1 (26) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

The state Office of Juvenile Justice is asking judges’ to release certain low-risk offenders to parole, to make room for more incoming violent kids. A number of local DA’s signed off on the letter; saying they badly need the space in juvenile centers. The O-J-J says a factor in the space crunch is that repairs are not completed on a 36-bed dormitory at a Monroe facility damaged badly during a riot.

The Milken Center ranks Louisiana 49th in overall prosperity. Some areas of the state are more prosperous than others, like St. Tammany, Lafayette and St. Charles. Among the lowest ranking, East Carroll, West Carroll, Madison, Avoyelles, and Washington Parishes. Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream, Farah Pandith, says Claiborne Parish deserves recognition for the most improved…
cut 12 (09) “….a really good story”

According to a study by Kindness.org Louisiana is among the top ten in generosity. The survey, conducted in partnership with Verizon and NextDoor, questioned 10-thousand people from all 50 states about kind acts they would do for their neighbors. Verizon spokesperson Andrew Testa…
Cut 7 (08) “…number six.”
He says the rankings are configurated by a kindness quotient and neighbors who say they will do things like return a lost item or forgive a neighbor’s debt, receive a higher ranking

Louisiana ranks 49th among states for its overall quality of life. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The F-B-I is reportedly looking at New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell for a series of clothing purchases made by a local salon owner who is the personal shopper and stylist for Cantrell. Fox 8 TV says the FBI has subpoenaed receipts and documents from high-end New Orleans fashion retailer Ballin’s Limited and some of the clothing purchases examined date back to 2017.

A new report from LSU’s Center for Energy Studies predicts Louisiana will regain thousands of jobs in the oil and gas industry by the middle of next year. Research professor Greg Upton says this year Louisiana has already gained 2500 jobs that involve extracting oil and gas from the ground.
Cut 4 (12) “…levels off.”
He says the state lost 8,700 upstream oil and gas sector energy jobs during the pandemic.

Kindness-dot-org ranks ranks Louisiana as the sixth kindness state in the country. Verizon and NextDoor questioned 10-thousand people across the U-S and asked if they would do things like return a lost item to a neighbor or forgive a neighbor’s debt. Verizon spokesperson Andrew Testa…
cut 8 (04) “…one to 50″
Among the top five are Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas and Utah.

Louisiana is gaining back 3500 oil and gas jobs by mid-2023. That’s according to a new report from LSU’s Center for Energy Studies. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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A survey on kindness ranks the Bayou State in the Top Ten. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana ranks 49^th among states for its overall quality of life. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A new report from LSU’s Center for Energy Studies predicts  Louisiana will regain thousands of jobs in the oil and gas industry by the middle of next year. Research professor Greg Upton says this year Louisiana has already gained 2500  jobs that involve extracting oil and gas from the ground.

Cut 4 (12)  “…levels off.”

He says the state lost 8700 upstream oil and gas sector energy jobs during the pandemic. Now he says the worldwide demand for energy has bounced back in a big way.

Cut 5 (12) “…after that.”

He says Louisiana refining and chemical manufacturing jobs are increasing because we refine many of the raw materials produced in other parts of the country and prepare them for export to the developing world, particularly Asia. He says that increased worldwide demand makes up for the drop in demand in the United States.

Cut 6 (08)  “…energy efficiency.” 

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According to a study by Kindness.org Louisiana is among the top ten in generosity.  The survey, conducted in partnership with Verizon and NextDoor, questioned 10-thousand people from all 50 states about kind acts they would do for their neighbors. Verizon spokesperson Andrew Testa…

Cut 7 (08) “…number six.”

He says the rankings are configurated by a kindness quotient and neighbors who say they will do things like return a lost item or forgive a neighbor’s debt, receive a higher ranking.

Cut 8 (04)  “…one to 50.”

Among the top five are Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, Arkansas, and Utah.

With Giving Tuesday and Thanksgiving around the corner Testa says among some of the kindest things you can do for your neighbor are…

Cut 9 (09)  “…things like that.”

Testa says while kindness doesn’t cost much it does make a big impact.

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Louisiana ranks near the bottom among states for the overall prosperity of its people, according to the annual American Dream Prosperity Index published by the Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. MCAAD Senior advisor Farah Pandith (FAR-uh PAN-dith) says the news for Louisiana isn’t completely bad however…:

Cut 10 (09) “…in various areas.” 

For example, despite the very low overall rating, Louisiana ranks 17th for Economic Quality.

The ADPI compiles by-state data on 11 so-called “pillars of prosperity” and indicators of such, with an eye to what can be improved with public policy. They look at the economy, education, internet connectivity, employment opportunity and more. Pandith says societal problems plague Louisiana, and they’re the same problems seen everywhere…:

Cut  11 (09)   “…across the country.” 

Pandith says parishes with the strongest QOL include St. Tammany, Lafayette, St. Charles, Livingston and Ascension. Among the lowest ranking: East Carroll, West Carroll, Madison, Avoyelles and Washington parishes. Pandith says Claiborne Parish deserves recognition for the most improved QOL…:

Cut 12 (09) “…a really good story.”

You can read the entire ADPI profile for Louisiana at “americandreamprosperity.com.” Search Louisiana.

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The Avoyelles Hospital is undergoing renovations and expanding its services to better serve both residents of the parish and visitors. The hospital opened in 1938, but has had very little in the way of updates and expansion. Administrator and CEO at Avoyelles Hospital Tim Curry says the renovation is the second and third phase of a prior project that will help to expand numerous parts of the hospital…

Cut 13 (06) “…each department.”

Combined, the renovation is a $25 million private investment. Curry says the investment will improve healthcare for the community…

Cut 14 (11)  “…Avoyelles Parish.”

Curry says this will have a major impact on serving the needs of a rural community like Avoyelles. He says this is a massive step for not just the parish, but rural communities across the state…

Cut 15 (06)  “…throughout the state.”

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LSU will host UAB in their final home game of the season Saturday. In his first season with LSU, Head Coach Brian Kelly has led the Tigers to an SEC West Championship, and fifth-year senior Mich Baskerville reflected on the ups and downs of his time at LSU…

Cut  16 (19)  “…five years.”

This has also been a roller-coaster of a season for the Tigers who didn’t expect to be in the race for an SEC Title and a spot in the CFP Playoffs come the end of November. Except for Kelly that is, who offensive lineman Miles Frazier says knew and encouraged the turnaround the team could make…

Cut 17 (18) “…that system.”

With only two games left before the SEC Championship and an emotional night against UAB ahead, the Tigers aren;t taking their foot of the gas yet. Frazier emphasized the importance of preparing for every opponent with the same attention to detail…

Cut 18 (17) “…at any week” 

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Louisiana Tech will visit Charlotte Saturday for the first time in program history. The Bulldogs won the schools’ first meeting last year 42-32. This year, Charlotte sits alone at the bottom of the Conference USA standings. The 49ers are 0-5 at home this season, but the Bulldogs are 0-6 on the road. LA Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie hopes to break the streak that he blames on a lack of mental fortitude…

Cut 19 (20) “…be engaged.”

The Bulldogs are coming off a 51-7 loss to UTSA last weekend. Freshman quarterback Landry Lyddy made his second start of the season in place of the injured Parker McNeil and will start again this week in Charlotte. Cumbie says he’s excited for the chance to get the freshman more experience.

Cut 20 (21) “…future for us”

Kickoff is at 2:30

We know that Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry is running for Governor next year, U-S Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy could run as well along with a couple of other statewide elected officials and state lawmakers. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says he’s also planning to run…

Cut 12 (12) “…fundamental issues” 

Are you tired of the chilly temperatures? Well, a warm-up is not expected until next week. In fact, State Climatologist Barry Keim says Friday night into Saturday morning there will be a reinforcing cold front.

Cut 7 (06)  “…into Thanksgiving.”
Most of the southern half of the state is under a freeze watch late tonight and into tomorrow morning. Temperatures could be in the upper 20s for central Louisiana tomorrow morning.

An investigative TV reporter in New Orleans questioned Mayor LaToya Cantrell about the amount of time she spends at a city-owned apartment and traveling with a New Orleans police officer assigned to her security detail. Cantrell refused to answer if she thought it was inappropriate.

Cut 11 (08)  “…unmatched.”

The city’s inspector general is investigating if Cantrell has used the apartment for personal use along with the police officer.

Southeastern’s School of nursing has been named the Nursing School of the Year by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation.  Dean of the College of Nursing Ann Carruth says they have programs to train veterans and a telehealth program funded by the US Department of Labor to help improve healthcare access in rural communities.

Cut 5 (06) “…hospital to do.”