Picking sides: Another endorsement has been made in Baton Rouge’s mayoral race, and this time it’s courtesy of former candidate Darryl Gissel. Gissel today endorsed Democrat Sharon Weston Broome, who’s facing Republican state Sen. Mack “Bodi” White in the Dec. 10 runoff election. In a statement, Gissel says he believes Broome can unite the parish, something he’s not convinced White can do. Though White has run as a unifier, the Republican has struggled to distance himself from the controversial effort to create the breakaway community of St. George. Gissel’s statement sought to further tie White to the effort, noting that St. George spokesman Lionel Rainey manages a super PAC that is supporting White’s mayoral bid. White also has been endorsed by former mayoral candidate John Delgado, a critic of the St. George movement.
Building a team: President-elect Donald Trump has named Betsy DeVos, a conservative activist and billionaire philanthropist who has pushed forcefully for private school voucher programs nationwide, as his nominee for education secretary, The Washington Post reports. Along with DeVos, Trump has nominated Republican South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley as ambassador to the United Nations. Both nominations are subject to Senate confirmation. DeVos’ nomination immediately drew opposition from the National Education Association, which says the selection shows how out of touch the Trump administration is “with what works best for students, parents, educators and communities.’’ Read the full story.
Exploring: The tally of active oil and gas rigs in Louisiana remains at 52 this week, The Associated Press reports. The state had the same total a week ago and 64 rigs around this time last year. Meanwhile, the tally of active oil and gas rigs in the U.S. increased by five this week to 593. A year ago, 744 rigs were active. Depressed energy prices have curtailed exploration, although the rig count has been rising in recent weeks. Houston-based oilfield services company Baker Hughes Inc., which keeps the tally, says 474 rigs sought oil and 118 explored for natural gas this week in the United States. One was listed as miscellaneous.
Editor’s note: The offices of Business Report will be closed on Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday and Daily Report will not be published. Daily Report will return on Monday, Nov. 28. Have a safe and happy holiday.
