Mental health officials say crisis calls have jumped by nearly half since a new, shorter number replaced an old ten-digit number. Marsanne Golsby has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”
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A lot of names are being thrown about as possible candidates for Governor in 2023. Kevin Gallagher reports on two of them who’ve been pretty quiet about it so for…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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A survey finds a Thanksgiving dinner cooked in a home in Louisiana will cost less than the national average. Whitney Thomas reports…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”
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Louisiana’s suicide prevention coordinator says she is glad so many Louisianans are using the new mental health and suicide prevention hotline. When the new 988 number replaced an old ten-digit number calls increased by nearly 50 percent. Robyn Thomas says when people call 988 they reach a trained professional.
Cut 4 (11) “…feel better.”
She says counselors can connect callers with additional resources if they are needed.
Cut 5 (11) “…confidential.”
Thomas says there’s been an increase in substance abuse calls, plus calls related to anxiety, depression, and especially financial concerns.
Cut 6 (12) “… financial assistance .”
Again, the number is simply 988
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Political buzz is afoot about who will or will not enter the race to be Louisiana’s next governor in 2023. The state Republican Party announced its support of Attorney General Jeff Landry. Another name being mentioned is District 6 Congressman Garret Graves, who’s been in the House since 2015. Graves says, since the midterm elections, he’s had dozens of people ask him if he would consider running…:
Cut 7 (12) “…the race right now.”
U.S. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy, plus Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder are also considering running for governor. Graves says there are some possible opportunities to better represent Louisiana in Congress in the New Year, and he is weighing his options seriously…:
Cut 8 (09) “…over Thanksgiving.”
Another Republican considering the 2023 race for governor is St. Tammany Parish state Senator Sharon Hewitt, who is a committee chair and has authored numerous bills that became state law. Hewitt says she is also looking at her options…:
Cut 9 (07) “…in January.”
Hewitt says she’ll announce her decision sometime in January. She says she is deeply concerned about the direction of the state, and who will really work to make things better…:
Cut 10 (12) “…greener pastures.”
Hewitt says her decision will be based on where she can be of most & best use to Louisiana.
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And while who’s running for governor in 2023 has made the headlines of late, Governor John Bel Edwards says there are a few things he wants to accomplish in the final year of his second term. For example, continued strides with education.
Cut 11 (13) “…far too long.”
The next legislative session, and Edwards’ final session, will be a fiscal one and he’s hoping lawmakers remain focused on what’s best for the state and not their own agenda considering it’s an election year.
Cut 12 (11) “…their election.”
And Edwards says there have been great strides in making passenger rail service from New Orleans to Baton Rouge a reality in the near future and even more projects are in the works.
Cut 13 (11) “…about that.”
And the state’s 56th governor believes a continued focus on clean energy will only attract more industry and individuals to the state.
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Inflation has been at a 40-year high but your Thanksgiving dinner will not break the bank. According to the 37th annual American Farm Bureau price survey Louisiana residents can expect to pay $13.62 less than the national average for a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people. Fam Bureau of Louisiana spokesperson Avery Davidson says when farmers can save in producing people can save consuming…
Cut 14 (07) “…sweet potatoes.”
Consumers can purchase a frozen self-basting Young Tom Turkey for a little under $20 this year and purchase fresh sweet potatoes for less than $3.00. Davidson says farmers have been working hard to keep consumer satisfaction.
Cut 15 (13) “…in the world.”
Cubed stuffing, Serving rolls, and frozen greens are all under $8.00 this year. Davidson says he’s satisfied with Louisiana food resources.
Cut 16 (12) “…food source.”
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LSU will honor 17 seniors on Saturday night before they face UAB in the final home game of the season. One of those seniors is defensive end Ali Gaye. The native of Gambia says his parents will attend their first game in Tiger Stadium
Cut 17 (16) “…seeing that.”
Gaye has had a nice season, but many people in college football are talking about true freshman Harold Perkins, who has been named SEC Defensive Player of the Week two years in a row. Gaye says Perkins is a special player…
Cut 18 (15) “…for him”
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ULM has won two in a row but face a big test this Saturday when they visit Troy. The Trojans have won seven in a row and holding opponents to 16 points a game. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden says Troy is playing championship defense…
Cut 19 (19) “…every week.”
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The Saints are sticking with Andy Dalton as their starting quarterback for this Sunday’s game against the Rams. Coach Dennis Allen announced his decision after Wednesday’s practice…
Cut 20 (20) “…focus on”