6:30 LRN Newscast

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.

AM LRN Newscall Nov 17

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 49th 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

5:30 LRN Newscast Nov 17

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.” 

4:30 LRN Newscast Nov 17

If you were hoping Louisiana would get a break from the chilly temps anytime soon, well you’re out of luck. State Climatologist Barry Keim says tonight will be the coldest of the current grip Old Man Winter has on the Bayou State with temps hovering around freezing…:

CUT 06(12)      “…next week.”

Another person has entered the race to be Louisiana’s next governor; Mandeville Republican state Representative Richard Nelson says he will run on a platform of progress for the state via tax reforms, which includes ending state sales tax. At 36 years of age, he feels youth is to his advantage…:

CUT 14(09)      “…do that.”

Nelson joins Attorney General Jeff Landry in making his intentions public. At least six others are interested but have not made a final decision.

 

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell was combative with a reporter after being questioned about her time spent traveling, and use of a city-owned apartment with an NOPD officer…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

A Livingston parish school teacher is arrested for alleged inappropriate behavior with students. 23-year-old Kayla Calicott is accused of sending explicit texts to one student and gifting another with a vape pen. Calicott reportedly has resigned her job at Denham Springs High.

3:30 LRN Newscast Nov 17

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell went off on FOX 8 investigative reporter Lee Zurik, after he questioned her about time spent in a city-owned French Quarter apartment with a New Orleans cop. Zurik has been running a series of reports pertaining to Cantrell’s use of a city-owned apartment and has more than 600 hours of recordings of her entering and leaving. Cantrell dismissed Zurik when he asked a follow-up question…:

CUT 10(11)      “…thank you very much.”

The city’s inspector general has also launched an investigation into Cantrell’s use of the apartment.

Candidates for Louisiana Governor are starting to pop up left and right, ever since Senators Kennedy and Cassidy admitted they are weighing the idea. The latest of Mandeville state Representative Richard nelson, who says, if elected, he’d work to end state income tax…:

CUT 13(10)      “…last census.”

Nelson is young; 36…which he feels is to his advantage.

 

Rapides Parish deputies arrest an elderly Oklahoma man, after finding 90 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle. 73-year-old Thomas Huynh was pulled over on I-49, and the officer detected the smell of weed, which was seized. Huynh says he was paid to deliver the pot to New Orleans. He was booked and released on bond.

It’s felt more like January instead of November and the chilly weather is not going away anytime soon…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Palermo.”

2:30 LRN Newscast Nov 17

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell locked horns with a reporter who questioned her traveling, and use of a city-owned apartment…with an NOPD officer…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

The state Office of Juvenile Justice is asking juvenile court judges’ permission to release certain low-risk offenders to parole, to make room in facilities 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.

 

If you were hoping Louisiana would get a break from the chilly temperatures, well…it won’t.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says overnight lows could get down near freezing over most of the state through Saturday, when another cold front moves in…:

CUT 08(12)      “…below normal, obviously.”

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.”

Nelson is a supporter of eliminating the state’s income tax and replacing lost revenue with tax breaks and some expanded sales tax bases.

1:30 LRN Newscast

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell answered questions Wednesday about issues surrounding her leadership. FOX 8 investigative reporter Lee Zurik questioned if Cantrell’s use of city-owned French Quarter apartment and excessive travel was a detriment to her leadership.
Cut 9 (06) “…my opinion.
Zurik has been running a series of reports pertaining to Cantrell’s use of a city-owned apartment and has more than 600 hours of recordings of her entering and leaving the apartment.

Who’s running for governor in 2023 has made the headlines this week, but Governor John Bel Edwards still has 14 months left in office and he has some items on his to-do list. For example, continued strides with education.
Cut 21 (13) “…far too long.”
Edwards made the comments on his monthly call-in radio show.

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 Lousiaina tomorrow morning.

Inflation has been at a 40-year high but your Thanksgiving dinner will not break the bank. According to the American Farm Bureau price survey Louisiana residents can expect to pay $13.62 less than the national average for a classic Thanksgiving dinner for ten. Farm Bureau of Louisiana spokesperson Avery Davidson…
Cut 14 (07) “…sweet potatoes.”
Davidson says the average price for a 16-pound turkey is nine dollars less than the national average.

12:30 newscast

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 far…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Us Senator Bill Cassidy is expected to make an announcement by the end of the week. This morning he pointed out he is in line to become the ranking member of the senate health committee in the next Congress.

 

Southeastern Louisiana’s nursing school has been named nursing school of the year by the Louisiana Nursing Foundation. Dean Ann Carruth says their nursing students excel on key nursing exams and do clinical teaching all over southeastern Louisiana.

Cut 4 out A:as well:10

This is the fifth year the school has won the award.

 

Despite inflation, your Thanksgiving Dinner might cost less than last year’s. The American Bureau Federation Thanksgiving Dinner Price survey says Louisianans will actually spend 13 dollars less than the national average for a classic Thanksgiving dinner for ten people. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson…

cut 15 (13) “….food source”

Davidson says the average price for a frozen turkey is just under 20-bucks.

 

 

11:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana’s suicide prevention coordinator Robyn Thomas at the Louisiana Department of Health says the new 988 national suicide prevention and crisis hotline has seen a 50-percent increase in calls since it replaced a ten-digit number in July. Thomas says counselors can connect callers with additional resources if they are needed…
cut 28 (11) “….confidential”
And again that number is 9-8-8.

Who will run for governor next year is a big topic in Louisiana politics? Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt is a possible candidate. The chairwoman of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee says she’s looking at her options…
cut 9 (07) “…in January”
A decision by Senator Bill Cassidy is expected by the end of the week.

Southeastern Louisiana University’s School of nursing has been named the Nursing School of the Year by the Louisiana Nurses Foundation. Ann Carruth is dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
Cut 3 (06) “…graduation”
This is the fifth year the school has won the award. The competition is evaluated by a panel of out-of-state judges that look at accreditation status, innovations in education and teaching, and nursing exam passing rates.

If you were hoping Louisiana would get a break from the chilly temps anytime soon, well you’re out of luck. State Climatologist Barry Keim says tonight will be the coldest of the current grip old man winter has on the Bayou State with temps hovering around freezing.
Cut 6 (12) “…next week.”
Most of southern half of the state is under a freeze watch late tonight into tomorrow morning.

10:30 LRN Newscast Nov 17

Among the possible 2023 gubernatorial candidates are Senator John Kennedy who said he’s highly considering it, and Senator Bill Cassidy said he’d announce his decision by the end of the week. The state GOP has already endorsed AG Jeff Landry and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she’ll announce her decision in January…

Cut 10 (12) “…greener pastures.” 
Congressman Garrett Graves is also considering a run for the state’s highest office.

For his final year in office, Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s still a lot he wants to get accomplished. For example, passenger rail service from New Orleans to Baton Rouge…

Cut 13 (11) “…about that.”

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 in July calls increased by nearly 50 percent. Robyn Thomas says when people call 988 they reach a trained professional in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (11)  “…feel better.”

You’ll be happy to know that the average price for a Thanksgiving home-cooked meal for 10 people in Louisiana is $13.62 less than the national average. Avery Davidson with Louisiana Farm Bureau says you can get a Young Tom Turkey for under $20 here and he gives credit for the Bayou State’s strong agricultural industry. As for all the sides…

Cut 16 stores :06

The National Average is $64 almost $11 dollars higher than less year.