The Republican side of the 2019 governor’s race is now wide open after Senator John Kennedy bowed out, leaving the GOP with no clear standard-bearer to lead the charge against the southeast’s only Democratic governor. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says not having to face Kennedy is a major boost to Edwards’ re-election chances.
Cut 4 (07) “the vote″
Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone is the only Republican to officially join the race, but Congressman Ralph Abraham is expected to get in.

The Louisiana health department has released six recommendations that a panel of experts believes can address the opioid epidemic . Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says the recommendations call for improving access to non-opioid treatments for pain and treating addiction as a chronic illness…
cut 8 (10) “…addicition”
Over 400 Louisianians died of opiod overdose in 2017, a 20-percent increase over 2016.

A doctor in St. Landry Parish is recovering after he was shot in what authorities are calling a home invasion. At last report, Doctor John Vallain was said to be in critical condition after he was shot in his home. Witnesses told deputies they saw someone walking from the victim’s home carrying something in their hands.

Cool Canadian air is back in Louisiana this morning, after an unusually warm streak of weather to start December. State Climatologist Barry Keim says north Louisiana is seeing temperatures in the mid 30s this morning, while south Louisiana is in the 40s, about 10 to 20-degrees colder than yesterday. And it will be even colder tomorrow….
Cut 10 (09) “…low 50s.”
But Keim says it will warm up later in the week, but there’s also the potential for locally heavy rainfall as we head into the weekend.

Senator Kennedy’s decision to stay out of the governor’s race may have been a big boost to Governor Edwards’ re-election chances…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has released six recommendations to fight the opioid crisis in the state.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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A poll of the Secretary of State’s race shows a close contest…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle”

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The Republican side of the 2019 governor’s race is now wide open after Senator John Kennedy bowed out yesterday, leaving the GOP with no clear standard-bearer to lead the charge against the southeast’s only Democratic governor. UL Lafayette Poli Sci Professor Pearson Cross says not having to face Kennedy is a major boost to Edwards’ chances.

Cut 4 (07) “the vote″

So far the only Republican to have officially joined the race is Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone. Rispone has offered up five million dollars of his own money to fund his race, but Cross says he’ll need more than just moneybags to win the mansion.

Cut 5 (09) “…or fourth”

Rispone is a major proponent of charter schools, and a frequent participant at the Capitol in legislative discusses surrounding education.

The decision leaves many analysts considering Congressman Ralph Abraham the current GOP frontrunner, if he announces. Cross says Abraham’s name recognition in south Louisiana is severely lacking, but he does have support from the base.

Cut 6 (08) “…around.”

Treasurer John Schroder and State Senator Sharon Hewitt have also stated their interest in running in 2019.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has released six recommendations of an expert panel on steps to fight the opioid epidemic, much of which Assistant State Health Officer for LDH Dr. Joseph Kanter says is common sense.  Kanter says the state has a long way to go in expanding access to effective treatment and look into other means of treating chronic pain.

Cut 7 (08) “…with non-opioid alternatives.”

Kanter adds the state has to establish a quality improvement program.

Cut 8 (10) “…by opioid addiction.”

Kanter says behind every one of the recommendations are a series of measurable items that can be used to gauge the state’s progress.

Cut 9 (08) “…and measurable actions.”

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Canadian air is back in Louisiana this morning, causing temperatures to plummet after an unusually warm streak of weather to start off the month of December. State Climatologist Barry Keim says north Louisiana is suffering near freezing temperatures, while the south sits around the 40s. And it gets even colder tomorrow….

Cut 10 (09)   “…low 50s.”

But, the good news things will warm up a bit as we head later into the week, and the December see-saw weather pattern continues…

Cut 11 (08) “…morning.”

It’s a notable change of pace from last year where the state was coming in and out of snow events during the early winter months. Keim says that doesn’t appear to be the case this year, but never say never.

Cut 12 (09)   “get it.”

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Pollster Bernie Pinsonat has this Saturday’s Secretary of State’s election at 43-40 for Republican Kyle Ardoin of Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup, with 17 percent still undecided. The close numbers may be a bit surprising for a race most assume Ardoin will win handily, but Pinsonat says a lot of it has to do with voters who are still up in the air.

Cut 13 (07) “…party affiliation”

But Pinsonat expects the numbers to start tipping notably in Ardoin’s favor as we get closer to voting day, and the Interim Secretary of State’s substantial cash advantage increases.

Cut 14 (12) “…an advantage”

At the end of the day though, the most notable part of the race is that most folks just aren’t familiar with either candidate, including the Interim Secretary who took over earlier this eyar after his boss, Tom Schedler, resigned following a sexual harassment and stalking scandal…

Cut 15 (06) “…an R”

Collins-Greenup is a minister from East Feliciana Parish who worked at the elections office.

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The Ragin Cajuns will head to Orlando next week where they’ll play Tulane in the AutoNation Cure Bowl. UL Lafayette Coach Billy Napier says it’s a good reward for his team, who battled hard to win the West Division of the Sun Belt Conference…

Cut 16 (14) show up”

The Cajuns received their official invite to the Cure Bowl following the team’s 30-19 loss to Appalachian State in the inaugural Sun Belt Conference football championship game. Napier says they can take away a lot of valuable lessons from that game…

Cut 17 (23) “the ball”

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After throwing for 348 yards and two touchdowns in a win over Memphis on Saturday, Central Florida will start Daniel Mack at quarterback against LSU. Mack has replaced Heisman Trophy candidate McKenzie Milton, who went down with a gruesome ankle injury. U-C-F Coach Josh Heupel says eveyone has confidence Mack can get the job done…

Cut 18 (15)  extremely well“

UCF has won 25 games in a row, but for the second straight year, they didn’t get a chance to compete in the four-team playoff. But Heupel says they still have a great opportunity in front of them…

Cut 19 (19)   “…play football”

After law enforcement made the discovery of more than a dozen horses that all appeared to be emaciated on her property in Lockport, the Lafourche Humane Society President, Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux, have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says this is not a unique situation.
Cut 5 (13)  “…was her property.” 
George and Gautreaux, have been booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on a $2000 bond each.

White says he has unfinished business and that’s why he’s made the decision to play in the Fiesta Bowl. Moran says the Tigers need him, because they’ll be without Williams, Kristian Fulton and Bredein Fehoko, because of injuries and Jacob Phillips, who will sit out the first half because of a targeting suspension
Cut 15 (10) “…to play”

Senator John Kennedy says after much consideration, he will not be running for governor, ending months of speculation that he would challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in the 2019 contest. Kennedy expects someone else will step up to the plate and beat Edwards.
Cut 7 (11) “…a liberal.”

Edwards and Kennedy have publicly battled since the Governor’s 2015 election.  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a shock announcement considering his not-so-subtle public interest in the position.

Cut 8 (11) “…interested in.”

Other names are being discussed for the ballot, including State Treasurer John Schroder who says the announcement took him by surprise.

Cut 11 (07) “…thinking about it.”

Senator John Kennedy says his decision to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race wasn’t easy. Matt Doyle has this exclusive interview…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

Other names are being discussed for the race, including John Schroder, who currently serves as the state treasurer.  He says there are now plenty of possibilities with Kennedy out of the picture.

Cut 10 (09)   “…going to look at it.”

After law enforcement made the discovery of more than a dozen horses that all appeared to be emaciated on her property in Lockport, the Lafourche Humane Society President, Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux, have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says the investigation began in early November.

Cut 3 (11) “…on the spot.”

LSU star cornerback Greedy Williams will not play in the Tigers bowl game against UCF as he’s declared for the NFL draft. Williams is considered to be a top five pick and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says not playing in a bowl game, is a growing trend for future first round picks

Cut 13 (13) “…bowl game”

Senator John Kennedy announces he’s staying put in the U-S Senate and will not run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards responded to Senator Kennedy’s decision today by saying Kennedy’s flirtation with running for governor was to put the spotlight on himself. Edwards says he now hopes Kennedy and the entire Congressional delegation can work with him to get things done for the hard working families in Louisiana.

Pamela George, known for her work as President of the LaFourche Humane Society, has been arrested on animal cruelty charges. Lt. Brennan Matherne with the LaFourche Sheriff’s office, says deputies found over a dozen horses emaciated on her property and one of them was already dead, two others had to be euthanized….
cut 4 (09) “…on the property”
George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux were arrested on animal cruelty charges.

A few days after riding his horse on the LSU campus, linebacker Devin White announced today he will play in LSU’s bowl game against U-C-F, even though he could be a top 10 pick in next year’s N-F-L draft. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s not a surprise…
cut 14 (12) “…targeting suspension”
But LSU cornerback Greedy Williams will not play, as the likely top 5 pick has decided to turn pro.

Senator John Kennedy says he will not run for governor, ending months of speculation that he would challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019. Kennedy says after much consideration, he’s decided he can get the most done for Louisiana, and the country, in the US Senate.
Cut 6 (10) “…right now.”
Kennedy’s decision opens the door for several Republicans to think more seriously about running for governor. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this could be a great opportunity for GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham to take the next step in his political career…
cut 9 (12) “….good chance”
State Treasurer John Schroder says he’s also looking at possibly running and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she’ll also looking at challenging Governor Edwards.

Jeff Hall was sworn in as the new mayor of Alexandria today. Hall is the first African-American to lead the city as he replaces Jacques Roy, who opted not to run for re-election after 12 years. Hall is a graduate of Grambling State University and worked at Cleco for 32 years as a Senior V-P and then served as an accountant for the City of Alexandria.

LSU cornerback Greedy Williams has made the decision to turn pro, so he will not play in the Tigers bowl game against UCF. But star linebacker Devin White says he is playing. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the Tigers need White, because they’ll be without Williams, Kristian Fulton and Bredein Fehoko, because of injuries and Jacob Phillips, who will sit out the first half because of a targeting suspension
Cut 15 (10) “…to play”
LSU will make its first appearance in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day.

Senator John Kennedy announces he’s staying put in the U-S Senate and will not run for governor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Senator John Kennedy says his decision to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race wasn’t easy. Matt Doyle has this exclusive interview…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

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After law enforcement made the discovery of more than a dozen horses that all appeared to be emaciated on her property in Lockport, the Lafourche Humane Society President, Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux, have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says the investigation began in early November.

Cut 3 (11) “…on the spot.”

Matherne says as the investigation continued, authorities assisted the Human Society in trying to get the horses back to health and to find new homes.

Cut 4 (09) “…on the property.″

Matherne says George is well known in the community for being an advocate for animals.  He adds this is not a unique situation.

Cut 5 (13)  “…was her property.” 
George and Gautreaux, have been booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on a $2000 bond each.

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Senator John Kennedy says he will not be running for governor, ending months of speculation that he would challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in the 2019 contest. Kennedy says after much consideration, he’s decided he can get the most done for Louisiana, and the country, in the Senate.

Cut 6 (10) “…right now.”

The Senator says “I hope someone runs who understands Louisiana state government doesn’t have to be a big, slow, dumb, wasteful, sometimes corrupt, anti-taxpayer, top-down institution.” Kennedy expects someone else will step up to the plate and beat Edwards.

Cut 7 (11) “…a liberal.”

Edwards and Kennedy have publicly battled since the Governor’s 2015 election.

ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s a shock announcement considering the recent positive polling for the Senator, and his not-so-subtle public interest in the position.

Cut 8 (11) “…interested in.”

And that decision will likely blow the race wide open, with a number of different Republican’s seeing it as an opportunity to carry the GOP torch in the 2019 race. Stockley says this could be a great opportunity for Congressman Ralph Abraham to take the next step in his political career.

Cut 9 (12) “good chance”

State Treasurer John Schroder and State Senator Sharon Hewitt publicly indicated their interest today. AG Jeff Landry says he’s running for re-election, but could reverse course.

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With the announcement that Senator John Kennedy will not be entering the Governor’s race in 2019, other names are being discussed for the ballot including Sharon Hewitt, Jeff Landry, and John Schroder just to name a few.  Schroder, who currently serves as the state treasurer, says there are now plenty of possibilities with Kennedy out of the picture.

Cut 10 (09)   “…going to look at it.”

Schroder says the announcement took him by surprise and acknowledges several around the state are now contemplating getting into the race.

Cut 11 (07) “…thinking about it.”

Schroder says he believes there is a need for a change in the direction of the state, adding it doesn’t appear Governor Edwards is willing to do that.

Cut 12 (08)   “…is absolutely unaffordable.”

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LSU star cornerback Greedy Williams will not play in the Tigers bowl game against UCF as he’s declared for the NFL draft. Williams is considered to be a top five pick and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says not playing in a bowl game, is a growing trend for future first round picks

Cut 13 (13) “…bowl game”

But junior linebacker Devin White will play in the bowl game, even though he’s a potential Top 10 pick, if he elects to forgo his senior season. Moran says it’s not a surprise to see White elect to play, despite the injury risk

Cut 14 (12) “…targeting suspension.”

White says he has unfinished business and that’s why he’s made the decision to play in the Fiesta Bowl. Moran says the Tigers need him, because they’ll be without Williams, Kristian Fulton and Bredein Fehoko, because of injuries and Jacob Phillips, who will sit out the first half because of a targeting suspension

Senator John Kennedy says he will not be running for governor, ending months of speculation that he would challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in the 2019 contest. Kennedy says “I hope someone runs who understands Louisiana state government doesn’t have to be a big, slow, dumb, wasteful, sometimes corrupt, anti-taxpayer, top-down institution.” Kennedy expects someone else will step up to the plate and beat Edwards.

Cut 7 (11) “…a liberal.”

With the announcement that Senator John Kennedy will not be entering the Governor’s race in 2019, other names are being discussed for the ballot including Sharon Hewitt, Jeff Landry, and John Schroder just to name a few.  Schroder, who currently serves as the state treasurer, says the announcement took him by surprise and acknowledges several around the state are now contemplating getting into the race.

Cut 11 (07) “…thinking about it.”

After law enforcement made the discovery of more than a dozen horses that all appeared to be emaciated on her property in Lockport, the Lafourche Humane Society President, Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux, have been arrested and charged with animal cruelty.  Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lt. Brennan Matherne says George is well known in the community for being an advocate for animals.  He adds this is not a unique situation.

Cut 5 (13)  “…was her property.” 
George and Gautreaux, have been booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on a $2000 bond each.

LSU star cornerback Greedy Williams will not play in the Tigers bowl game against UCF as he’s declared for the NFL draft. Williams is considered to be a top five pick and Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says not playing in a bowl game, is a growing trend for future first round picks

Cut 13 (13) “…bowl game”

Senator John Kennedy says his decision to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race wasn’t easy. Matt Doyle has this exclusive interview…
Voicer 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

Kennedy’s departure means there are Republicans who were not considering running for governor, not thinking about it. State Treasurer John Schroder is one of those potential candidates..
cut 10 (09) “…look at”
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she’s also looking at it.

A woman known for her work as President of the LaFourche Humane Society has been arrested on animal cruelty charges. Lt. Brennan Matherne with the LaFourche Sheriff’s office, says deputies found over a dozen horses emaciated on her property and one of them was already dead, two others had to be euthanized….
cut 4 (09) “…on the property”
Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux were arrested.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s office says a local doctor is in critical condition after he was shot during a home invasion during the over night hours. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz his detectives are hoping to interview Doctor John Vallain to find out what happened.