Governor Edwards says Senator Kennedy’s decision to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race wasn’t surprising considering his federal responsibilities…

Cut 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”  

Shreveport Police detectives are in the early stages of an investigation into a shooting death.  Officers arrived at the scene just before 4am this morning and found a woman with a gunshot wound to the head, who later died at a hospital.  Authorities detained 30 year old Ramon Adger at the scene.  He’s been charged with 2^nd degree murder.

Good news for Tigers fans looking to attend the Fiesta Bowl: tickets will likely be available through the school for at least the next week for the game against UCF in Glendale Arizona. The University of Central Florida Knights have not lost a game in two years. This is now twice in a row the NCAA has denied the school a chance at the playoffs, a controversy that is sure to pique fans interest for tickets.  Ticket Operations Assistant Director Brian Broussard…

Cut 7 (10) “attraction.”

The FCC is encouraging TV viewers who use an antenna to watch television to rescan their TV as many stations are moving frequencies in an effort to free up airwaves for high speed internet and mobile broadband.  The changes will have an effect in Lafayette, Monroe, Alexandria, and Lake Charles.  Chair of the FCC Incentive Auction Task Force Jean Kiddoo says a TV rescan will not affect where a channel is in the lineup.

Cut 4 (09) “…channel 4 frequencies.″

Governor John Bel Edwards says he hopes Senator Kennedy’s decision to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race and in DC will give the Senator a new-found focus on his federal responsibilities, instead of using his time to verbally spar with state leaders. Edwards responded to the news on Newell Normand…
Cut 9 (10) “it done”
Edwards says he hopes the two can have a better relationship going forward.
Good news for Tigers fans looking to attend the Fiesta Bowl: tickets will likely be available through the school for at least the next week for the game against undefeated UCF in Glendale Arizona. Ticket Operations Assistant Director Brian Broussard has some advice for folks who want to be with other members of the Purple and Gold nation.

Cut 6 (08) “…our maps”

Average temperatures in Glendale that time of year tend to be low 60s by day, low 40s by night.

A state judge will rule in January on whether the man accused of negligent homicide in the alleged LSU hazing death case should be forced to give his cell phone’s passcode to prosecutors. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Here’s a look at your commodities…

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”

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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 is not running for governor.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards responded:

“For Sen. Kennedy, this was never about the people of Louisiana. This was about focusing the spotlight on himself. Now that this is behind us, my hope is that he will make it a priority to work together with me and the entire congressional delegation to get things done for the hard working families of this state.  They deserve to have elected officials who will work together to put Louisiana first.”

A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse had the honor last week of joining 150 of volunteers for the annual Christmas decoration of the White House. Most teams focused on decorating just one of the many historic rooms in the White House, but Amy Hirata says her work can be seen throughout the entire grounds…

Cut 6 (11) “…each room.”

Hirata was one of the seven thousand total applications sent in to join for the festive activities in the nation’s capital.

New CDC data indicates drug overdose deaths rose 12% in Louisiana from 2016 to 2017.  Overdose deaths has contributed to the life expectancy rate declining for  three straight year in the United States, a pattern not seen in 100 years. President and CEO of Trust for America’s Health John Auerbach says part of the problem is a 45 percent increase in Fentanyl deaths.

Cut 11 (09) “…to it’s strength.”

It was announced last night that the 41^st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush has died.  It was in New Orleans that his road to the White House became official when he accepted the nomination at the GOP National Convention at the Superdome in 1988.  It was during his acceptance speech, he uttered words, “read my lips” in his now-famous speech.  While his son George W. Bush was criticized for his response to Hurricane Katrina, the elder Bush was applauded for his efforts in establishing the Bush-Clinton Katrina fund, which he formed with Former President Bill Clinton that donated millions to local schools, libraries, and non-profits.  Bush was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away earlier this year. George H.W. Bush was 94 years old.

Governor John Bel Edwards is meeting with Governors-elect from several states today to highlight results of Medicaid expansion in Louisiana today.  Edwards will tour a New Orleans health center as well as meet with patients who have gained access to health care under the expansion.   The governors-elect will take the information back to their states as they work on health care issues upon taking office in January.

A 23-year-old North Shreveport woman was seriously injured from a gunshot wound she received in the back.  Her two-year-old child is believed to have accidentally discharged the unsecured weapon.  The investigation is ongoing.

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  US Attorney David Joseph says it was a difficult case to clean up.

Cut 6 (12) “…at Camp Minden.”

Holiday traditions and events around the Bayou State are becoming quite the draw for visitors.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Louisiana is more often becoming the place where families congregate for the holiday festivities.

Cut 13 (11) “…all over Louisiana.”

A Louisiana school that produced viral videos showing its students receiving acceptance letters to prestigious universities is now accused of falsifying transcripts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former US President George HW Bush has passed away.  The news came late last night.  He served in the nation’s highest office from 1989 until 1993.  It was at the Louisiana Superdome where Bush was officially nominated to the Republican ticket in August 1988.  It was in New Orleans that he also announced Dan Quayle as his running mate.  He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara, who passed away earlier this year.  George HW Bush was 94.

Holiday traditions and events around the Bayou State are becoming quite the draw for visitors.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says, it’s a great time to take the family around the state to take in some of the great celebrations.

Cut 12 (11)   “…parade on Saturday.”

A federal judge has ordered $34.8 million in restitution from the owner of Explo Systems, a military contractor hired to demilitarize artillery charges at Camp Minden in Webster Parish, in a case stemming from a huge munitions blast in 2012 due to illegal dumping of the materials.  In addition to the restitution, five people are heading to the clink with sentences between 2-5 years.  US Attorney David Joseph says he’s happy with the outcome.

Cut 7 (07) “…was done here.”