Republican Senator John Kennedy announces he will not run against Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019. Kennedy released a statement in which he says he loves being in the United States Senate. Kennedy says he’ll continue to work every day in D-C and Louisiana for jobs, economic growth, and cheaper health insurance. He hopes someone runs for governor that understands state government should not big, wasteful, sometimes corrupt and spends money like it was ditchwater.

CDC data indicates drug overdose deaths rose 12% in Louisiana from 2016 to 2017. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Voicer 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse Amy Hirata joined 150 other volunteers to help decorate the White House. Hirata says the decorations are a traditional theme, with reds, golds and greens. She says each room in the White House was decorated to highlight some of the best aspects of American life…
cut 5 (12) “….our country”
She says she’s particularly proud of her work on the library room, which featured her large green plaid and red velvet ribbons.

LSU will play UCF in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, on New Year’s Day. The Knights have won 25 in a row and Coach Ed Orgeron says the Fiesta is the bowl his team was hoping for…
cut 15 (09) “…ready to play’
Kick-off will be at noon central time.