Yesterday, we heard from three of the six Republicans vying for the open seat in the fifth congressional district. Today, we’re hearing from two of the three Democrats in that race. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The National Retail Federation says Halloween spending is up slightly this year, with consumers spending on average 115 dollars per person. Jeff Palermo has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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One of the big three credit rating agencies upgrades Louisiana’s bond rating and revises the state’s overall credit rating outlook from positive to stable. Joe Gallinaro has more.
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While six Republicans are vying for the open seat in the solidly-Republican Fifth District, three Democrats are seeking the seat as well. Two of them – Pat Moore and Dan McKay – appeared at Monday’s candidate forum in Baton Rouge. McKay says Democrats have one major priority should they win control of the House of Representatives, as they’re widely expected to do at this point.
Cut 4 (07) “…controlling Donald Trump.”
The three Republicans on the panel all said they would support a national ban on abortions, with Gabe Firment citing his Christian faith in his viewpoint. McKay says he opposes a national abortion ban.
Cut 5 (05) “…address that subject.”
Moore noted that her own birth was the result of a rape, and she expressed gratitude that her mother did not abort her. She said it’s her duty as a state representative to protect babies while they’re in the womb, and that “pro life” should not end at childbirth.
Moore says she disagrees with Republicans who oppose increasing the wealth cap to protect Social Security.
Cut 7 (06) “…more middle class.”
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For many people, Halloween is one of their favorite holidays. And according to the National Retail Federation, Americans are spending a little more on Halloween this year. N-R-F Senior Analyst Lea Grgich says 74-percent of those surveyed plan to celebrate Halloween, with many expecting to spend more than 100 dollars on the spooky holiday.
Cut 8 (07) “…year’s spending level.”
Grgich says shoppers are expected to spend two-billion dollars on adult Halloween costumes. She says classic Halloween characters remain popular.
Grgich says comic book characters dominate Halloween costume choices for kids. She says nearly half of consumers are using A-I to help with their Halloween shopping this year.
Cut 10 (07) “…during product research.”
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FMOL Health is helping those who can’t easily get to a clinic to get screened for breast cancer by unveiling its new mobile mammography unit. Dr. Chris Funes (FOO-nez), the medical director for ambulatory quality for FMOL Health, says it will help increase the availability for this essential preventative screening.
Cut 11 (09) “…saving potentially screening.”
Dr. Funes says this mobile mammography unit was designed specifically with rural and underserved areas in mind.
The unit is launching its maiden voyage in its Our Lady of the Lake service community, from Baton Rouge to the Northshore. Later, it will visit Acadiana and North Louisiana. Funes says screenings are by appointment.
Cut 13 (10) “…get them screened.”
The mobile mammography unit is equipped with everything that a brick-and-mortar clinic has, and appointments take the same length of time.
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Global credit rating agency Fitch Ratings has upgraded Louisiana’s state credit rating from Double-A negative (AA-) to Double-A (AA), with a stable outlook. State Treasurer John Fleming says a stronger credit rating can help access capital markets on more favorable terms, potentially reducing borrowing costs.
Cut 14 (08) “…for the taxpayer.”
Fitch Ratings upgraded the state’s credit rating based on three successful years of budget policy improvements that started with the revenue policy changes in 2024 that reduced a projected structural budget gap. Fleming says Louisiana has been committed to sound financial management.
Cut 15 (08) “…that we’re showing.”
Louisiana finished last fiscal year with an estimated 565-million-dollar surplus.
Fleming says an improved bond rating is more than a number on a financial report. He says it sends a positive signal about Louisiana’s creditworthiness and ability to meet financial obligations.
Cut 16 (09) “…for everyone concerned.”
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Southern goes on the road for a third straight game after losing to Texas Southern on a last-second field goal last week. The Jaguars will travel to face Florida A&M on Saturday at two p-m. Both teams are 1-and-3 in SWAC play, and Southern coach Marshall Faulk says that is not where the similarity stops.
Cut 17 (21) “…just don’t know.”
Fifth-year senior defensive end Ckelby (“kelby”) Givens had six tackles in his return last week after being sidelined the previous two games with a concussion. Givens has been a star edge rusher for the Jags, but Faulk is determined to use him as an off-ball linebacker as well. He says he will need those skills at the next level.
Cut 18 (17) “…he understands that.”
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Louisiana Tech has an opportunity to tighten its grip on the Sun Belt West lead with a game at second-place South Alabama on Saturday. Bulldogs quarterback Blake Baker is the highest-rated passer in the conference with a 72-percent completion percentage and 10 touchdown passes to just one interception. Head coach Sonny Cumbie says Baker has been in the program for four seasons, but he has made just 12 starts.
Cut 19 (19) “…very high level.”
South Alabama is coming off its first Sun Belt loss and is led by the top rushing offense in the conference. Tech has allowed a league-best 70 rushing yards per game in conference play, and Cumbie says his team will need to be ready for the Jaguars.
Cut 20 (10) “…the play action.”
Kickoff in Mobile is at 2 p.m.