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The Bureau of Economic Analysis has announced the Gross Domestic Product grew in Louisiana for the second quarter of 2018, making it the 12th fastest economic growth in the nation.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry announces he’s running for re-election, after dancing with the idea of running for governor in late summer. The former Republican Congressman has served in the office since 2016. Political Analyst Clancy DuBos says the declaration was unambiguous, and timely for a reason.

Cut 4 (09) “…attorney general″

It’s certainly a boon for other Republicans who may be aspiring to run for Governor in 2019, people like Congressman Ralph Abraham, Senator John Kennedy, and the officially announced Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone. DuBos says less competition helps their chances.

Cut 5 (10)  “out there” 

Landry has spared with Governor Edwards since the two came into statewide positions in 2016, and DuBos says Landry’s decision means that fight likely won’t be ending any time soon. DuBos says the decision is a mixed bag for Edwards.

Cut 6 (11) “…other ones”

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Congressman Steve Scalise will be House Minority Whip for the 116^th Congress after winning in a unanimous vote. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says as the current Majority Whip, it’s a role Scalise is very familiar with. 

Cut 7 (08) “…delegation”

California Congressman Kevin McCarthy is taking the reins of Minority Leader in the House next year. There were some reports that Scalise might push for the top spot, but Cross says that move could have tanked his popularity in the caucus.

Cut 8 (06) “…aside”

A leadership vote for Speaker has not been held yet by the Democrats, but reports say current House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi is the favorite.

With the House under Democratic control starting next year, five of the Louisiana delegations six members will have diminished roles. Cross says important Louisiana issues like coastal erosion and flood protection will need the backing of Democrats.

Cut 9 (11) “…for Louisiana”

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Today is recognized as the Great American Smokeout, an observation started by the American Cancer Society in 1975.  Spokesperson for Louisiana’s Smoking Cessation Trust Jim Pittman says the observation was started in an effort to get tobacco users to kick the habit in favor of using money spent on smoking toward charity.

Cut 10 (09)   “…a favorite charity“

According to a recent report, about 23% of adults in Louisiana smoke.  Pittman says he believes the organization is winning in the battle to get smokers to make the effort to quit.

Cut 11 (12) “…enrollees every month.”

Pittman says for those that are looking to quit, the Smoking Cessation Trust has 95-thousand people in its program, and have the resources to help even more quit smoking.

Cut 12 (07)   “…addiction to cigarettes.”

To find more info, visit the organization’s website SmokeFreeLA.org

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The Bureau of Economic Analysis has announced the Gross Domestic Product grew in Louisiana for the second quarter of 2018, making it the 12th fastest economic growth in the nation, and third among the 12 states of the southeastern region.  LSU economist Loren Scott says the state’s percentage rate of growth just barely outpaces the national average.

Cut 13 (12) “…nondurable goods manufacturing.”

Scott says Louisiana is way higher than the rest of the country in the contributions to the construction sector.

Cut 14 (09) “…our history frankly.”

Scott says the news creates optimism for the state, even in the oil patch, where recent years have not been kind to the industry.

Cut 15 (08) “…bit of growth there.”

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Nicholls State can clinch a berth in the F-C-S playoffs tonight with a win over Southeastern Louisiana. The Colonels enter the contest with a 6-2 conference mark and Coach Tim Rebowe is hoping for a special night at John L. Guidry Stadium…

 

Cut 16 (18) “…for our guys.”

The F-C-S playoff pairings will be released Sunday. Nicholls received an at-large berth last year, but this season they want to receive an automatic bid. Rebowe says the keys tonight will be to win the turnover battle and not give up the big play…

Cut 17 (12) “big run”

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A struggling Eagles team comes to the Superdome Sunday to take on the Saints. Philly has been battling a Super Bowl hang over, but tight end Zach Ertz remains one of the game’s best offensive weapons. Coach Sean Payton says Ertz reminds him of former Saints receiver Lance Moore, because he knows how to get open

Cut 18 (13) “natural receiver”