The Governor’s race is over and Louisiana’s politicos turn their attention to the 2020 races. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________________

Louisiana sees its first casualty to vaping as part of a larger national outbreak of illness and death.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

__________________________________________________

Governor Edwards activates the state’s cybersecurity team in response to an attack on state government computer systems. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

____________________________________________

This year’s big race is over but it’s never too soon to start looking towards 2020. Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is up for re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Dr. Joshua Stockley says even though Democratic Governor Edwards just won re-election, don’t expect another statewide upset for the party…

Cut 4 (10) “right now.”

Cassidy was first elected in 2014, beating Democratic incumbent Mary Landrieu 56 to 44.

The President put a lot of time and effort into flipping the Governor’s Mansion but ultimately failed. Stockley says even though Rispone ran as a Trump proxy…

Cut 5 (13) “…in play.”

In 2016 President Trump won the state 58-38 over Hillary Clinton.

All of Louisiana’s U-S House delegation is up for re-election in 2020, but Stockley says none of the incumbents will face a real threat. The only question is whether  Congressman Ralph Abraham will retire. Stockley says a decision needs to be made soon…

Cut 6 (08) “decisions”

_________________________________________

Louisiana sees the first death from the outbreak of vaping related illness.  Nationally, over 2,000 cases of illness have been detected and are to blame in 40 deaths.   Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says so far, thirty cases of vaping lung injuries have been diagnosed in the state.

Cut 7 (09) “…that they deserve.”

The identity of the deceased has not been released due to privacy laws.  The median age for victims is 29-years-old, with the youngest person being 17 and the oldest being 71.  Kanter says there is still much mystery surrounding vaping and what is causing the lung injuries to happen.

Cut 8 (10) “…nicotine in it.”

55 percent of those reporting lung injuries stem from vape products that contained the combination.  One in five individuals reported using nicotine alone.  Recent data indicates middle and high school vaping rates have doubled since 2017 in Louisiana. In 2019, an estimated 32 percent of high schoolers and 15 percent of middle schoolers reported using vape products more than once.

Kanter says there is only one recommendation in mitigating the risk of lung injuries from vaping.

Cut 9 (11) “   …addiction to quit.”

Kanter adds the Louisiana Quit Line, often used by cigarette smokers, can help provide resources to those who want to stop vaping as well.

_____________________

Livingston and Albany, two towns in Livingston Parish ended their prohibition on liquor sales in overwhelming votes Saturday.

Albany Mayor Eileen Bates-McCarroll says the processed started last year at a Livingston Chamber of Commerce meeting when area leaders agreed it was time to put the issue up for a vote.

Cut 10 (10) “…Margarita.”

25 percent of the electorate in Albany had to sign a petition to get the issue on the ballot.

Bates-McCarroll says the vote will help out the local economy by incentivizing development along their I-12 exit, and hopefully bring a few new restaurants into town.

Cut 11 (10) “decision”

Opponents of the ordinance believe the law change could result in more incidents of drunk driving.

Bates-McCarroll has lived in town long enough to watch attitudes change as different folks move in and out, and…

Cut  12 (10) “option” 

The Mayor says the liquor ban was originally passed in Albany about half a century ago.

__________________________

A ransomware attack brought most of the state government to a halt on Monday.   The attack forced the shutdown of state agency websites as well as email and internet access. Division of Administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says upon detection, the Office of Technology Services initiated security protocols.

Cut 13 (05) “…state’s network traffic.”

A hacker can use ransomware to block a user’s access to a computer system until the target pays whatever price tag is set on a ransom. Governor Edwards tweeted no ransom has been paid. Edwards has activated the state’s cybersecurity team in response to the attack.

Berry says a similar attack took place over the summer with some of the state’s school systems.

Cut 14 (05) “…kind of thing.” 

The issue shut down operations at the state’s 79 OMV locations. Berry says no personal data has been leaked as a result of the attack.

Cut 15 (11) “…one by one.”

Edwards tweeted full restoration of services may take several says.

_____________________________________

An LSU win on Saturday against Arkansas and the Tigers will clinch an SEC West title and punch their ticket into the SEC Championship game. Coach Ed Orgeron says he hasn’t really thought about postseason play yet

Cut 16  (13)  …beat Arkansas.  

The oddsmakers are not expecting much of a game on Saturday. LSU is a 44.5 point favorite.

LSU will spend this working on improving a defense that allowed 402 yards rushing in a victory over a four-win Ole Miss team. Orgeron says they had guys out of position on some of those long runs, so getting guys in the right position is critical

Cut 17  (15)  me first” 

Is it possible LSU doesn’t have the personnel to be a great defense? They seem to be missing All-American linebacker Devin White, who is now with the Buccaneers. Orgeron still believes in his guys…

cut 18  (25)  the season strong” 

Governor Edwards can thank a surge in African American voter participation for keeping him from loading up a U-Haul and leaving the Mansion. Power Coalition for Justice and Equity Executive Director says they knocked on hundreds of thousands of doors to push voter turnout, but President Trump’s three visits to Louisiana during the campaign also energized minority voters…

Cut 5 (10) “…vote” 

Shelton made the statements on Talk Louisiana.

Governor Edwards tweets that the cyber-attack on state websites that shuttered them, and closed down the OMV today was the result of a ransomware attack. The attack was initially discovered on one state website, and in order to stop it from spreading across the rest of the network the decision was made to shut down all state sites. The Division of Administration reports that no data was compromised, and no ransom was paid as a result of the attack.

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh criticizes his party’s inability to flip the Governor’s mansion but celebrates the substantial gains the GOP made in the Legislature. This election cycle saw the GOP take a supermajority in the Senate and a near super-majority in the House. Seabaugh says if the Governor felt he had trouble working with GOP legislative leaders in his first term, he hasn’t seen anything yet.

Cut 7 (08) “…in both Houses.”

Seabaugh is a candidate to be the next House Speaker.

The state Department of Transportation announces work will begin in January on improving the 1-20 bridge over the Mississippi River.  The two-mile bridge connects Madison Parish to Warren County, Mississippi and it was built in 1973.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says crews will make several significant repairs.

Cut  12 (09) “…LED-type lighting system.” 

African American voter participation jumped six percent from the primary to the run-off, a major reason why Governor Edwards will be returning to office for another four years. The Power Coalition was at the center of that effort, and Executive Director Ashley Shelton says this year’s minority turnout will help keep minority priorities in the conversation in Baton Rouge, regardless of party affiliation.
Cut 4 (10) “…vote.”
Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh criticizes his party’s inability to flip the Governor’s mansion. Seabaugh says GOP challenger Eddie Rispone had multiple flaws, from his reliance on President Trump to having young political consultants who had no idea about Louisiana politics.

Cut 6 (08) “…the Republican side.”

Seabaugh is a candidate to be the next House Speaker

Folks who come down with the flu can turn to Baloxivir (bal-OX-uh-veer), an anti-viral treatment that’s been out a little over a year publicly. LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Fred Lopez, says the drug can reduce the severity and amount of time you’ll be sick…
Cut 9 (10) “…symptoms.”
The treatment is approved for anyone over the age of 12.

The state Department of Transportation announces work will begin in January on improving the 1-20 bridge over the Mississippi River.  The two-mile bridge connects Madison Parish to Warren County, Mississippi and it was built in 1973.  DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the structural integrity of the bridge is not in question.

Cut 14 (07) “…a 50-year-old bridge.”

The work will require single lane closures during the project.

Black voter turnout propels Governor Edwards to a second term, and the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice was at the heart of that effort. Executive Director Ashley Shelton says the group knocked on over 298,000 doors, sent 375,000 text messages, and made over 350,000 phone calls.

Cut 3 (07)   “…old school” 

Democrats may have maintained the Governor’s Mansion but Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says the near Republican supermajority in the Legislature will curtail much of Edwards’ agenda…

cut  2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

_______________________________

Folks who come down with the flu can turn to Baloxivir (bal-OX-uh-veer), an anti-viral treatment that’s been out a little over a year publicly. It’s not the only post-infection flu medication out there, LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Dr. Fred Lopez says unlike the others it’s just a single dose in pill form, and it’s newer…

Cut 10 (11) “…viruses.”

That being said Lopez says there’s no substitute for the flu vaccine.

The state Department of Transportation announces work will begin in January on improving the 1-20 bridge over the Mississippi River. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says contractors are in the assembly period to get everything they need to get the work done into place.

Cut 13 (07) “..early 2021.”

The two-mile bridge connects Madison Parish to Warren County, Mississippi and it was built in 1973.

Black voter turnout powered Governor Edwards reelection victory, and the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice was one of the major drivers of that effort, knocking on 298,000 doors, sending 375,000 texts, and making 350,000 phone calls to minority voters. Executive Director Ashley Shelton says this year’s minority turnout will help keep minority priorities in the conversation in Baton Rouge, regardless of party affiliation.

Cut 4 (10) “…vote.”

Folks who come down with the flu this season will likely be turned onto Baloxivir, an anti-viral treatment that’s been out a little over a year publicly. LSU Health New Orleans Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says if you get infected, the treatment can help reduce the severity and amount of time you’ll be under the weather…

Cut 9, 10 seconds, symptoms

Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh says despite having a Democratic victory over the Governor’s mansion, there is still a strong GOP counterbalance in the state legislature. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

cut  2 (25) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”    

State websites are down due to a technical problem and the OMV has canceled service for the day.

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards beats back a hard challenge from Republican and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone. Kevin Barnhart has reaction from Edwards’ election night headquarters…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

The Edwards team is celebrating now, but while he won reelection, Republicans ended the night just two seats shy of a supermajority in the House, with a supermajority already in the Senate. LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 13 (07) “…through”

African American voter participation jumped six percent from the primary to the run-off, a major reason why Governor Edwards will be returning to office for another four years. The Power Coalition was at the center of that effort, and Executive Director Ashley Shelton says the group knocked on over 298,000 doors, sent 375,000 text messages, and made over 350,000 phone calls.

Cut 3 (07)   “…old school” 

JMC Analytics says voter turnout in 70 percent black precincts was up 13 percent over the primary, compared to just 1.5 percent in white precincts.

The New Orleans bounced back beating Tampa Bay 34-17 to improve their record to 8-2. Michael Thomas had a strong game with eight catches for 114 yards and a touchdown, and Saints quarterback Drew Brees threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns…

Cut 16  (10)  …every play.  

Governor John Bel Edwards survived a difficult re-election campaign beating Republican challenger Eddie Rispone by two percentage points. Edwards remains the only Democratic governor in the Deep South. During his first four years, the former state lawmaker from Amite, he expanded the state’s Medicaid program, approved a criminal justice reform package that had the support of Republicans. Edwards looks forward to the next four years…

Cut 8 (16) “…minimum wage.”

Rispone says despite the hard-fought loss the Republican Party has nothing to be ashamed of…

Cut 9 (08) “   …(applause fade out).”

Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards wins re-election in a deep red state despite a massive push by state and national Republicans to retake the Mansion.  LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan says Edwards’ blend of cultural conservatism and dedication to popular services like healthcare and education put him at the center of the state’s political gravity.

Cut 11 (12) “voters”

The Transportation Security Administration and the state Department of Public Safety urge the public to get their Real ID driver’s license soon, even though the Real ID requirement to fly domestically is not needed until October 1, 2020. State Office of Motor Vehicles administrator Jill Jarreau says to get a REAL ID, you need to visit your local DMV with various forms in hand…

Cut 5 (11) “…social security card.”

The polls are open across the state and at least 52 percent of registered voters are predicted to cast their votes in the runoff. A second poll released this week shows the race for governor is a virtual tie. The JMC Analytics survey of 600 Louisiana voters finds Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone each getting 45-percent of the vote. Pollster John Couvillon believes voters made up their mind a long time ago, based on his voting polling throughout the race…

Cut 5 (10) “…persuade.” 

Couvillon says north Louisiana and African American voters will have a big say in this election…

Cut 4 (10) “…runoff season.”

Governor Edwards says fishing industry Louisiana has been hit with $258 million in losses due to historic flooding this year. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries conducted an economic impact analysis to determine the flooding impacts. Heavy rains in the Midwest kept the Mississippi at flood stage for extended periods of time and forced the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway twice.

China lifting a ban on poultry imports from the United States is welcomed news for the Bayou State.  In Louisiana, poultry is a $2 billion industry and the decision opens the market for Louisiana producers as the port of New Orleans is one of the largest poultry exporters in America.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain believes Louisiana can meet the growing demand by taking product being held in storage and moving it.

Cut  12 (13) “poised for growth” 

The 2019 governor’s race is a toss-up, today. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The governor’s race in Louisiana will determine the nation’s final gubernatorial race for the year.

The other statewide race to be determined today is for Secretary of State, it’s a rematch between Republican Kyle Ardoin and Democrat Gwen Collins-Greenup. Twenty-nine legislative races will also determine it republicans gain a house supermajority.  A voter turnout of at least 52-percent is predicted.

China lifts a ban on poultry imports from the United States.   In Louisiana, poultry is a $2 billion industry. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says this is welcomed news for the Bayou State. China banned all US poultry imports in January 2015 after a bird flu outbreak in December 2014.  Strain says in 2013, the US was selling about $500 million in poultry annually to China.

Cut 11 (12) “…$4.3 billion worldwide.”

New Orleans is also a leading port for poultry exporters.

In sports, The Bulldogs of La Tech fell to Marshall, last night’s final score 31-10.

McNeese State and Nicholls kickoff at 3 today in a battle for the FCS Playoffs.

The Southern Jaguars take on Jackson State, kickoff is 2 o’clock and the LSU Tigers and Ole Miss kickoff at 6pm.

Correction – Updated

It’s election day in Louisiana as voters go to the poll to make a choice among the runoff candidates. A second poll released this week shows the race for governor is a virtual tie. The JMC Analytics survey of 600 Louisiana voters finds Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards and Republican challenger Eddie Rispone each getting 45-percent of the vote. Pollster John Couvillon says it all comes down to turnout…

Cut 3 (07)   “…both candidates” 

Couvillon says north Louisiana and African American voters will have a big say in this election, he’s predicting a turnout of at least 52-percent.

Also on the ballot is a rematch for Louisiana secretary of state between Kyle Ardoin and Gwen Collins-Greenup. Twenty-four legislative races will also be decided today, it will determine if Republicans gain a House supermajority and the competition to fill a vacant state Supreme Court seat. Polls are open and close tonight at 8.

China lifts a ban on poultry imports from the United States.  In Louisiana, poultry is a $2 billion industry and the decision opens the market for Louisiana producers as the port of New Orleans is one of the largest poultry exporters in America.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it is welcomed news.

Cut 10 (06) “…the foreign markets.”

Many Tiger fans are on the road this weekend to support the top-ranked Bayou Bengals in their matchup with Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi.   Visit Oxford Executive Director Kinney Ferris says the excitement in the town to host the fans is high after the Tigers tamed Bama last week.

Cut 13 (11) “..influx of visitors.”

Kickoff is at 6pm.