Voter participation was about 48 percent for the Louisiana midterms, just above the national estimated average of 47. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating a record-breaking number of adoptions from foster care, with 631 families taking in 912 children in the Federal Fiscal Year of 2018.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “Im Kevin Barnhart.”  

Turnout for the midterm elections in Louisiana was 48 percent, a touch above early estimations that national turnout was 47 percent. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says it’s a notable number, considering Louisiana lacked any high profile statewide elections, but it’s only a bit higher than the last major midterm in 2014…

Cut 6 (09) “…midterm elections”

Louisiana’s next statewide election is in December for the Secretary of State’s run-off.

Saints coach Sean Peyton says newly signed receiver Dez Bryant is a toss-up to start Sunday against the Bengal’s, as that the former Dallas All-Pro is about five pounds heavier than he used to be, but considering he’s sat out for a while that’s not too unexpected.

Cut 12 (08)   “…that process today.”

Dez is coming to New Orleans for 600K, and will be sorely needed after the Saints lost Cameron Meredith to IR.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating a record-breaking number of adoptions from foster care, with 631 families taking in 912 children in the Federal Fiscal Year of 2018.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “Im Kevin Barnhart.”  

A Gonzales woman was killed last night in an eleven vehicle pile-up on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. State Trooper Bryan Lee says 18-wheeler caused the chain reaction crash.

Cut 3 (08) “…people injured.”

Lee says the driver of the semi-truck, 56-year-old John White from Mississippi, has been booked into the Ascension Parish Jail.

A Gonzales woman was killed last night in an eleven vehicle pile up on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. State Trooper Bryan Lee says the driver of the semi-truck, 56-year-old John White from Mississippi, has been booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for Negligent Homicide and 18 counts of Negligent Injuring. Lee says 18 people were hurt along with the one fatality…

Cut 4 (10) “…major task″
The interstate re-opened at around four o’ clock this morning

Turnout for the midterm elections in Louisiana was 48 percent, a touch above early estimations that national turnout was 47 percent. Its tough to answer exactly why Louisianans have grown less engaged with state issues over the decades, but LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says it could be due to a media climate that’s increasingly focused on high profile races for federal seats.

Cut 8 (08) “…the papers”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating a record-breaking number of adoptions from foster care, with 912 children finding homes in the Federal Fiscal Year of 2018.  It’s an 18% increase from the previous record set last year.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the agency is seeking out families that will adopt groups of siblings over just one child at a time.

Cut 10 (11)   “…only want one.“

Voters in 47 of 64 parishes have decided online fantasy sports games should be legal in their parish. The opens the door for FanDuel and Draft Kings to operate in select areas. River Ridge Republican Representative Kirk Talbot, who triggered the ballot initiative, said he didn’t expect to get more than 40 parishes on board.

Cut 13 (05)   “…a decent showing.”

Turnout for the midterm elections in Louisiana was 48 percent, a touch above early estimations that national turnout was 47 percent. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says it’s a part of a trend towards higher federal election turnout in the bayou, but…

Cut 7 (09) “…early 80s.”

Only 40 percent of eligible voters participated in the 2015 governor’s race run-off between David Vitter and now Governor Edwards.

DCFS saw an 18 percent increase in adoptions over last year, continuing a three year streak of record breaking adoption numbers. Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the 912 adoptees were taken in by 631 families, indicating families are willing to take in more than one kid.

Cut 9 (08) “…a big chunk.”

Which is good considering single adoptions can separate siblings.

A Gonzales woman was killed last night in an eleven vehicle pile up on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. State Trooper Bryan Lee says she died in chain recation crash. Lee says 56-year-old John White’s 18-wheeler encounter traffic on Interstate 10 near Gonzales that was stopped because of a previous accident…

Cut 5 (05)  “…that crash.” 

White, who hails from Mississippi, has been booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for Negligent Homicide and 18 counts of Negligent Injuring.

And the details for Dez Bryant’s new contract with the Black and Gold are out. the veteran all-pro receiver will get 600K to finish out the year in New Orleans. He joins a depleted receiving core that’s lost Ted Ginn, Tommy Lee Lewis, and now Cameron Meredith for the year.

Turnout for the midterm elections in Louisiana was 48 percent, a touch above early estimations that national turnout was 47 percent. Manship School Professor Mike Henderson says it’s a notable number, considering Louisiana lacked any high profile statewide elections, but it’s only a bit higher than the last major midterm in 2014…

Cut 6 (09) “…midterm elections”

Louisiana’s next statewide election is in December for the Secretary of State’s run-off.

Six state legislators have been elected to other seats in the midterm election. Lapolitics.com Reporter Jeremy Alford says the legislature had a remarkably busy schedule, spending more consecutive days in session than any other dating back to 1812 and Alford says that wears out representatives…

Cut 12 (11)  “…house of representatives”

Forty-seven parishes have elected to receive legalized fantasy sports, while the remaining seventeen will sit on the sidelines.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the one-year contract between the Saints and wide receiver Dez Bryant will pay the former All-Pro wide out 600-thousand dollars. Dez was a staple in Dallas before he was released over of the summer, and had a tough time finding a new home.

And the Saints have placed wide receiver Cam Meredith on injured reserve. Coach Sean Payton says Meredith needs his knee scoped, so the free-agent signee in the offseason finishes with just nine catches on the season.

10:30 AM Newscast
Republicans dominate state elections once again this year, and one analyst says that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles says a computer system issue that prevented driver’s license transactions yesterday has been resolved.  The glitch was a statewide issue and OMV commissioner Karen St. Germain says work was done throughout the night to fix it. The computer issue prevented driver’s license transactions including reinstatements and renewals.

A Gonzales woman was killed last night in an eleven vehicle pile up on Interstate 10 in Ascension Parish. State Trooper Bryan Lee says the driver of the semi-truck, 56-year-old John White from Mississippi, has been booked into the Ascension Parish Jail for Negligent Homicide and 18 counts of Negligent Injuring. Lee says 18 people were hurt along with the one fatality…

Cut 4 (10) “…major task″

The state legislature has lost six lawmakers who were elected to other government positions. Eight state representatives chose to ran for another office and only Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes failed in their bids to leave the legislature. Lapolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says there is a trend regarding the new jobs legislators are pursuing.
Cut 11 (11)   “…mayor of Alexandria”

Republicans dominate state elections once again this year, and one analyst says that’s unlikely to change any time soon.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Matt Doyle.”

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U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says the midterm result weakens the Louisiana Congressional Delegation’s ability to pass positive legislation for the Bayou State. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Forty-seven parishes have elected to receive legalized fantasy sports, while the remaining seventeen will sit on the sidelines.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Democrats came up well short of challenging any of the five Republican incumbent Congressmen this year, with none of their candidates even cracking 40 percent of the vote. It’s the continuation of a two decade trend that’s led to Republican dominance of the Bayou State, and political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s not likely to change any time soon.

Cut 4 (09) “…becoming scarce.”

And if anything, Pinsonat says it’s likely to get much worse for Dems as it appears the GOP will wipe out the last of the rural white Democrats in the 2019 state election. In the 90’s the state was all Democrat, but Pinsonat says that changed as the national party grew more socially liberal.

Cut 5 (09) “…Democratic Party.” 

Pinsonat says it’s important to note the Democrats running for Secretary of State, the only statewide option Tuesday, combined for about 45 percent of the vote.

These trends don’t bode well for Governor John Bel Edwards who could be facing a Red Tide in 2019 as the nation gears up for a Presidential election and the state for local elections. Pinsonat says the environment isn’t favorable, but Edwards’ has beaten the odds before with a little help from the GOP.

Cut 6 (09) “…Louisiana.”

Eddie Rispone is the only Republican currently in the 2019 governor’s race, but we’ll hear from Senator Kennedy about his plans by December.

U.S. Representative Clay Higgins says the Democratic takeover of the House does not bode well for a conservative agenda or the state’s Congressional delegation’s ability to pass legislation helpful for Louisiana. With five of our six Congressmen now in the minority party, Higgins says the Bayou State will be hard pressed to get the legislation it needs through the lower chamber.

Cut 7 (09) “…of that”

Reports indicate the state’s lone Democrat, Cedric Richmond, could be pursuing a high level leadership role in the House.

Higgins says the change in the winds will keep tax reform, deregulation, and tougher immigration and border laws from becoming a reality, and will likely lead to increased scrutiny on President Donald Trump.

Cut 8 (12) “…you’ll hear” 

But it’s not all gloom and doom as the Congressman says he’s gearing up for a new fight that will see him playing a role in resisting what he says are ascendant leftist ideals in Congress.

Cut 9 (13) “…opponent”

Democrats are projected to gain over 30 seats once the final counts are in, along with flipping seven governorships and dozens of state legislative seats.

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Several lawmakers were elected to new positions following the midterm elections. Out of eight representatives only Rick Edmonds and Julie Stokes failed in their bids to leave the legislature for different opportunities. Lapolitics.com Reporter Jeremy Alford cites a laundry list of reasons why lawmakers no longer want the job…

Cut 10 (11)   “…pressure“

Alford says there is a trend regarding the new jobs of the former representatives…

Cut 11 (11)   “…mayor of Alexandria”

This legislature has spent more consecutive days in session than any other dating back to 1812 and Alford says that wears out representatives…

Cut 12 (11)  “…house of representatives”

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Voters in 47 of 64 parishes have decided online fantasy sports games should be legal in their parish. The opens the door for FanDuel and Draft Kings to operate in select areas. River Ridge Republican Representative Kirk Talbot, who triggered the ballot initiative, said he didn’t expect to get more than 40 parishes on board.

Cut 13 (05)   “…a decent showing.”

As for the next steps with how to handle the passages that took place, Talbot says he’ll pitch a more detailed plan in the 2019 session that begins in April…

Cut 14 (06)   “…side of it.”

Talbot says he will look at other states for how to handle the additional tax revenue from the newly legalized activity.

Cut 15 (06)   “…that next week.”

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The Saints add a new face in the receiving core: former Cowboy star Dez Bryant. The outspoken wide out has been without a team since his release in April, but had a try out in New Orleans this that apparently well. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Coach Sean Payton has always been a big fan of Bryant…

Cut 16 (12) “  offense does”

Bryant will join Mike Thomas and rookie Trequan Smith in a receiving core that’s lacked depth this year. Detillier says Dez is used to being the primary target, but..

Cut 17 (21)  “move on”

Detillier believes Bryant is a good fit for this Saints team…

Cut 18 (20) “…2018” 

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ULM looks to stay in first place in the Sun Belt Western Division when they visit South Alabama on Saturday. The Jaguars are 1-4 in the league and 2-and-7 overall. But Warhawks Coach Matt Viator says South Al has one of the better wide receivers in the conference…

Cut 19 (25) “.really impressive”

ULM has won three straight, but Viator says they can’t just assume they’ll win this Saturday because they are playing well…

Cut 20 (18) “ gonna lose”  

Democrats are taking control of the U-S House and Louisiana’s Republican Congressional delegation is reacting. Senator John Kennedy says he hopes the Dems will stay away from investigations on the president and work on issues like…
cut 7 (08) “….work requirement”
Meanwhile, Congressman Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish has told colleagues that he plans to run for Minority Whip.

An Alabama fan from Louisiana has died from his injuries sustained in a bar fight in Ponchatoula. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says 46-year-old Robert Bowers got into an argument with two other men Sunday morning and was sucker punched and then jumped on….
cut 13 (12) “…new Orleans”
Bowers passed away Tuesday. 27-year-old Azia Crocket and 24-year-old Ryan Anthony have each been charged with manslaughter. Layrisson says they can’t say for sure if the L-S-U-Alabama game started the fight.

This midterm election was not a big election cycle for Louisiana, but next year will be a different story as there will be a governor’s race, statewide elected officials are up for re-election and seats for the state legislature will be on the ballot next October. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Senator Kennedy’s announcement, which is said to come later this month, will be a significant piece to the upcoming governor’s race…

Cut 10 (12)   “…2019“

The special election for the Secretary of State’s seat is headed for a run-off between the interim holder of the position, Republican Kyle Ardoin and a relatively unknown Democratic candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup.  Democrat Renee Fontenot Free finished third, Republican Rick Edmonds fourth and Republican Julie Stokes fifth. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Stokes disappointing finish will hurt future efforts at statewide offices….

Cut 4 (11) “…the hardcore Republicans.″

The special election for the Secretary of State’s seat is headed for a run-off between the interim holder of the position, Republican Kyle Ardoin and a relatively unknown Democratic candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the success of the latter candidate caught some off guard.

Cut 3 (10) “…make the run off.”

Collins-Greenup, a black minister and entrepreneur from East Feliciana Parish, holds a law degree.

Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy says the vaunted Blue Wave ended up being more of a Blue Dribble as the Democrats took control of the House, and flipped seven governorships, but lost seats in the Senate. Kennedy says the performance is proof that Trump isn’t a fluke.

Cut 6 (10) “…hearing.”

Kennedy says he’ll let us know if he plans to run for governor in 2019 by December 1^st

This midterm election was not a big election cycle for Louisiana, but next year will be a different story. There will be a governor’s race, statewide elected officials are up for re-election and seats for the state legislature will be on the ballot next October. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the field for the governor’s race will soon begin to take shape

Cut 9 (11) “…John Bel Edwards”

Alford says it’s likely fundraising will begin very shortly.

An Alabama fan who was allegedly assaulted at the Ponchatoula Pub after the Bama/LSU game is dead from injuries sustained in the incident. 46-year Robert Bowers had been in the hospital since Sunday, and 27-year-old Azia Crockett and 24-year-old Ryan Anthony are in jail. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says Crockett sucker punched Bowers…

Cut 12 (11)   “…as well”

The special election for the Secretary of State’s seat is headed for a run-off between the interim holder of the position, Republican Kyle Ardoin and a relatively unknown Democratic candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup.  Democrat Renee Fontenot Free finished third, Republican Rick Edmonds fourth and Republican Julie Stokes fifth. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Stokes disappointing finish will hurt future efforts at statewide offices….

Cut 4 (11) “…the hardcore Republicans.″

Senator John Kennedy says the vaunted Blue Wave ended up being more of a Blue Dribble as the Democrats took control of the House, and flipped seven governorships, but lost seats in the Senate.He says none of the events last night have swayed his decision on whether or not he’s running for Governor, but noted a Republican challenger would stand a good chance given Democrats and Edwards’ allies underperformed in the Secretary of State’s race.
Cut 8 (10) “…percent.”

This midterm election was not a big election cycle for Louisiana, but next year will be a different story. There will be a governor’s race, statewide elected officials are up for re-election and seats for the state legislature will be on the ballot next October. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Senator Kennedy has said he’ll announce by the end of this month whether he’ll run for governor. He says that’s the significant piece to this upcoming governor’s race…

Cut 10 (12)   “…2019“

An Alabama fan who was allegedly assaulted at the Ponchatoula Pub after the Bama/LSU game is dead from injuries sustained in the incident. 46-year Robert Bowers had been in the hospital since Sunday, and 27-year-old Azia Crockett and 24-year-old Ryan Crockett are in jail. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says Crockett has been arguing with Bowers when he was sucker punched…

Cut 12 (11)   “…as well”