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 he’s had dozens of people ask him if he would consider running…:
Cut 7 (12) “…the race right now.”
Graves says he’ll spend a lot of time thinking about it over the Thanksgiving holiday. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt is also a possible candidate. Hewitt says she’ll announce her decision in January. She says she is deeply concerned about the direction of the state…:
Cut 10 (12) “…greener pastures.”

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.”

A survey finds a Thanksgiving dinner cooked in a home in Louisiana will cost less than the national average.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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 56^th 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”

Flu activity in Louisiana is twice the national average. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the flu vaccine takes effect relatively quickly and urges people to get vaccinated, especially with the holidays approaching.

Cut 11 (11)  “…very strong flu season.”

School performance scores indicate Louisiana schools are back at pre-pandemic levels Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley made the announcement this morning and says the statewide performance score in 2019 was 77-point-1 and for 2022 the state has bounced back.

Cut 3 (11) “…77-point-1” 
He credits a collective focus on attendance and well-being and professional learning for teachers for the increase in scores.

Two Louisiana members of Congress are preparing for bigger roles when the 118^th Congress convenes next year. District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise will be the House Majority Leader. He says he’ll work on crime, inflation, and the border…:

Cut 7 (11)  “…struggling”

District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson, who was re-elected without an opponent, will be vice-chair of the House Republican Caucus. He says it will give Louisiana a stronger voice on committee assignments and such…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…whole country.“

Congressmen Garret Graves, Clay Higgins, Julia Letlow, and Troy Carter are also expected to advance in their committee assignments.

Flu season is hitting Louisiana early, and hard. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says flu activity here is nearly twice the national average…:

CUT 10(10)      “…signs of slowing yet.”

He says flu shots are available everywhere and they’re even free to those that cannot afford them. For information, visit “ldh.la.gov.”

District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise won re-election last week and has also been elected the next House Majority leader, after Republicans take control in January. Scalise says he’ll work on the issues that are important to hardworking Americans…:

CUT 06(11)      “…communities safe.”

Hale Boggs was the last U.S. Representative from Louisiana to serve as majority leader…about 50 years ago.

School performance scores for K-12 return to pre-pandemic levels. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

An administrator with New Orleans’ Regional Transit Authority has been found to be covertly holding a similar job in Tampa Bay…simultaneously. Teri Wright’s combined salaries from both jobs is reportedly over $2350-thousand. Wright is on paid administrative leave, pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

State health officials say more people in Louisiana are getting the flu this year, and they’re getting it early…:

CUT 02(27)      “…Golsby.”

It seems the question isn’t “who is running for Governor next year?” but rather “who isn’t running?” A.G. Jeff Landry has the state GOP endorsement, but now both U.S. Senators, John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy say they are seriously considering getting in. Both says they’ll announce their intentions by the weekend. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, s Treasurer John Schroder, state Senator Sharon Hewitt and more are reportedly considering it.

Two Louisiana members of Congress are preparing for bigger roles when the 118^th Congress convenes next year. District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise will be the House Majority Leader. He says he’ll work on crime, inflation and the border…:

CUT 07(11)      “…struggling.”

District 4 Congressman Mike Johnson, who was re-elected without an opponent, will be vice-chair of the House Republican Caucus. He says it will give Louisiana a stronger voice on committee assignments and such…:

CUT 08(10)      “…whole majority.”

Congressmen Garret Graves, Clay Higgins, Julia Letlow, and Troy Carter are also expected to advance in their committee assignments.

New Orleans cops investigating a man hit and killed by a train found the victim was actually shot first, then left on the train tracks to die. A murder investigation is now underway.

Here’s some positive news: school performance scores in Louisiana have returned to pre-pandemic levels. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Thorington.”

Deputies in Acadia Parish seek the person or persons who broke into a home in Rayne, and stole over $7-thousand worth of firearms. 14 handguns, rifles and shotguns were taken. Acadia Crimestoppers offers a $1000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call 337-789-8477.

District 1 Congressman Steve Scalise was easily elected by colleagues to be the U.S. House Majority Leader in the 118^th Congress. He says he looks forward to going to work in a Republican majority on issues most important to working Americans…:

CUT 06(11)      “…communities safe.”

Hale Boggs was the last U.S. Representative from Louisiana to serve as majority leader.

With flu season here and hitting hard, the state Department of Health urges you to get your annual flu shot. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says don’t let cost get in your way. If you don’t have health insurance or are low on cash, you can get one for free…:

CUT 12(07)      “…health units.”

Information of free flu shots is online at “ldh.la.gov.”

First District Congressman Steve Scalise from Jefferson Parish has been elected as Majority Leader in the 118th Congress, which will be controlled by Republicans starting in 2023. Scalise says as majority leader he looks forward to bringing legislation to the House floor that will reduce inflation, lower energy costs, secure the border, and help law enforcement officers keep our communities safe…

Cut 7 (11)  “…struggling”

Congressman Mike Johnson will keep his current position as vice-chair of the Republican caucus. When ask what it means for the state Johnson says it gives Louisiana more of a voice on steering committees and committee chair appointments.

Cut 8 (10)  “…whole country.“

School performance scores indicate Louisiana K-12 schools are back at pre-pandemic levels. Superintendent Cade Brumley believes if they stay the course on literacy, refresh the way they think about math, continue to transform our high schools and…

Cut 5 (09) “…in the state of Louisiana.” 

State health officials say more people in Louisiana are getting the flu this year, and they’re getting it early. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (27)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”