Will he or won’t he run for governor? A political scientist says the sooner Senator John Kennedy announces the better. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne pleaded “no contest” to 2 of 5 criminal charges Monday. Kace Kieschnick speaks with District Attorney Tony Clayton about the case…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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There’s a strong possibility for severe weather today. Whitney Thomas spoke with State Climatologist Barry Keim…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”
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The Louisiana Department of Health is urging Louisiana residents to get health screenings to determine if they are pre-diabetic or have diabetes. Director of Well Ahead Louisiana, Melissa Martin says adults over a certain age should be more mindful of the risk of diabetes.
LDH says diabetes affects 14% of Louisiana residents. Also about 1 in 3 Louisiana residents are pre-diabetic with blood sugar levels higher than normal.
Martin says residents who are at risk have access to resources with the state’s Well-Ahead program, which partners with six community sites throughout Louisiana to assist residents with diabetes prevention.
Diabetes is a largely preventable condition, Martin says residents can simply visit WellAheadLa.com.
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Days after he was re-elected, U.S. Senator John Kennedy announced he was seriously considering a run for governor in 2023. But when should we expect an official announcement? University of Louisiana at Monroe political science professor Dr. Joshua Stockley expects an announcement soon…
Cut 7 (08) “…running for governor.”
Other potential GOP contenders, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and State Treasurer John Schroder say they will make a final decision in January. Stockley says they are not the only ones awaiting Kennedy’s decision.
Cut 8 (11) “…campaigning for.”
Stockley believes Kennedy is seriously considering a run for the state’s highest office, and because Democrats will have control of the Senate, the hardline Republican can do more in-state versus DC.
Cut 9 (07) “…opposed to senator.”
Stockley says the sooner Kennedy makes his intentions known the better for the state GOP and other potential candidates. So far only Jeff Landry has made his announcement and he’s already received the state party’s endorsement.
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Plaquemines Police Chief Kenny Payne resigned from office after pleading “no contest” to two counts of malfeasance a week after a grand jury indicted him. Payne admitted to asking a woman for sex in exchange for dismissing charges against her fiancé and contacting the sheriff to cover up the investigation. District Attorney Tony Clayton says these two charges were the primary ones in the case against him.
Cut 10 (08) “…of those charges.”
Payne was given a three-year suspended sentence, and part of his plea deal is that he won’t serve the three years in jail given he resigned by 4:30 Monday and meets a plethora of other requirements set by the judge. Clayton says this is standard practice for a case of this nature…
Payne accepted the plea deal and submitted his resignation, avoiding a court case Clayton says could have cost over $600,000 in taxpayer money. Clayton says this case is a perfect example that no one is above the law…
Cut 12 (10) “…but it’s efficient.”
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Forecasters are predicting severe weather conditions for Louisiana today with the biggest concern being Northeast Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a collision between warm and cool air masses brings the threat of damaging winds, heavy rainfall, hail, and potential for tornadoes.
Cut 13 (12) “…tornadic activity.”
The weather is expected to worsen around noon today and continue into the night. The National Weather Service has placed the northeast corner of the state at both Moderate (Level 4 out of 5) and Enhanced (Level 3 out of 5) risk categories.
Keim says Northeast Louisiana will face the worst conditions, but Southeastern Louisiana residents should prepare for extensive rainfall.
Forecasters are urging residents to keep emergency alerts on and charge useful electronic devices ahead of time.
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LSU suffered a disappointing 38-23 loss Saturday to Texas A&M. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says the team knows they didn’t play up to standard and isn’t worried about a let-down game in the upcoming SEC Championship…
Cut 16 (17) “…their standard.”
With the loss, the Tigers fall to 9-3 on the season, eliminating them from playoff contention. Still the SEC West Champions, LSU will face number one Georgia next week in the SEC Championship. Kelly says an SEC Championship victory in his first season is still a tremendous accomplishment even without the tiger’s playoff hopes…
Cut 17 (20) “…football program.”
The undefeated Bulldogs are the defending National Champs and represented the East in last year’s SEC Championship in a loss to Alabama. Kelly says they will take on a confident Georgia team…
Cut 18 (19) “…overcome that as well.”
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The Saints fell to 4-8 on the season after a 13-0 loss in San Francisco. The defense showcased impressive red zone defense and the offense was able to move the ball well but had two trips inside the five-yard line resulting in zero points. Head Coach Dennis Allen says the team was successful in creating opportunities but couldn’t capitalize against a good team…
Cut 19 (17) “…has to increase.”
The Saints are last in the NFC South but are only one game behind the 5-6 division-favorite Buccaneers. With five games left in the season, three of which are against NFC South opponents, the Saints are still in the hunt for an NFC South title. Allen says the focus needs to stay on getting ready for Tampa Bay Monday night…