Secretary of State candidate Gwen Collins-Greenup is the surprise of the midterms, as the Democrat will head to a run-off against Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin. While some candidates fundraised and sought high profile endorsement’s Collins-Greenup says she just went door to door, talking to constituents about their needs.

Cut 3 (09) “…their area.”

The Democrat is a minister with a law degree, was a notary, and worked in elections in the East Feliciana Parish Clerk’s Office.

Collins-Greenup was just 10 thousand votes shy of topping the Interim Secretary, despite little fundraising and not securing the Democratic Party’s backing, which went to 3^rd place candidate Renee Fontenot Free. She says she never viewed herself as an underdog.

Cut 4 (09) “…to it″

Collins-Greenup raised less than 3,000 dollars for her run.

Collins-Greenup says she’s a people person who has a passion for history and elections, and has one major priority she’d tackle if she wins the race.

Cut 5 (11)  “…our state.” 

The run-off election will be held December 8th

Those looking for an excuse to break out that beloved hoodie or sweater will get the opportunity to do so this weekend.  But you’ll need the heavier jackets next week. National Weather Service Slidell Meteorologist Tim Destri says a cold front is pushing through most of the state starting today.

Cut 6 (10) “…next week as well”

If you spend any time outside this weekend, you’ll need a coat.  Destri says south Louisiana can expect highs in the mid to upper 50s for Saturday and Sunday into the low 60s.  sorth Louisiana will struggle to get out of the 40s.

Cut 7 (04) “…than late fall.”

Destri says much of the state will flirt with freezing temps overnight Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

Cut 8 (09) “…or below freezing”

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A 17-year-old is dead following a single vehicle crash last night just after 9PM.  Louisiana State Police responded to a crash on US Hwy 165 just north of Bastrop.  LSP spokesperson Senior Trooper Michael Reichardt says the vehicle was southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the driver lost control.

Cut 9 (12) “…of the car.”

The driver was buckled up and sustained only minor injuries.  Reichardt says the teen who died was not wearing a safety belt.

Cut 10 (07)   “…of the crash.“

Reichardt says during the holidays, the death of a loved one is news no one wants to receive, and says this is a reminder to always buckle up.

Cut 11 (11) “…save your life.”

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The hype is not as high as it was last weekend when the Tigers and Saints hosted a pair of undefeated football teams, but it’s still a big weekend for the LSU and New Orleans. The Black and Gold are at Cincinnati and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins says they better be ready for the 5-and-3 Bengals…

Cut 12 (11)   “…he does.”

In the Saints win over the Rams last week, they held Rams superstar running back Todd Gurley to 68 yards rushing. Linebacker A-J Klein says they face another good ball carrier on Sunday in Joe Mixon…

Cut 13 (11) “…with him.”

________________________________________

LSU will face an Arkansas team on Saturday that has just two wins. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron is eager to see how his team bounces back from the Alabama loss…

Cut 14 (08) “very good offense.”

If LSU wins its remaining three remaining games they’ll likely play in one of the New Year’s Six bowl games. Orgeron says winning 10 games is the goal…

Cut 15 (15) “…same page”

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, who holds a law degree. Tuesday night she secured 20% of the votes and about 9,600 votes less than top vote-getter Kyle Ardoin.

Democrat Renee Fontenot Free finished third, Republican Rick Edmonds fourth and Republican Julie Stokes fifth. Pinsonat says  Stokes disappointing finish will hurt future efforts at statewide offices….

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

Pinsonat says when it comes to the December 8^th run off, Collins Greenup likely faces an uphill battle, as black voter turnout historically has not exceeded the turnout of white voters.

Cut 5 (08)  “…not going to happen.” 

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 is now faced with a much different political landscape now that the upper chamber will have to deal with a lower chamber held by Democrats if they hope to pass any further legislation. The Senator says he hopes the other party will stay away from the president and work on issues like…

Cut 7 (08) “…work requirement.”

Kennedy says he’ll let us know if he plans to run for governor in 2019 by December 1^st, but that none of the events last night have swayed him either way. But he did note that a Republican challenger would stand a good chance given Democrats and Edwards’ allies under performed in the Secretary of State’s race.

Cut 8 (10) “…percent.”

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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 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“

Alford says the voters will not start paying attention to the governor’s race until mid-summer, but that will not stop the candidates from raising money…

Cut 11 (09) “…fundraising records.”

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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”

A relative of Bowers’ was removed from the bar earlier that night after having confrontations with the Crockett.

After allegedly being sucker punched then jumped on while he was unconscious, a first responder at the scene attempted to stabilize Mr. Bowers.

Cut 13 (12) “…New Orleans.”

Layrisson says while those involved may have been pulling for different teams that night, they’re not necessarily chalking this up to a case of overzealous fandom.

Cut 14 (09) “this argument.”

Crockett and Anthony are each facing one count of manslaughter.

Severe weather throughout central and north Louisiana resulted in a tornado impacting Natchitoches Parish yesterday afternoon.  While there are no reported injuries at this time, Nachitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Capt. Tony Moran says the area did see some lose their homes.

Cut 3 (07) “…2 or 3 residences.”

Moran says authorities are asking for patience while utilities are being restored.

Cut 4 (08) “…on the problem.″

Moran says at this time, it appears that no polling places were impacted by the storm.

Cut 5 (04)  “…to election day.” 

Employers looking to hire seasonal help may have to be more competitive in recruiting employees.  This is a result of unemployment numbers being at a thirty year low.  UNO Professor of Finance Mark Rosa…

Cut 6 (10) “…easily be working.”
Rosa says the robust economy and employer tax breaks have been a contributing factor to having the lower unemployment numbers.  When it comes to those with a side hustle…

Cut 7 (05) “…shortage of workers.”

Rosa says with the economy doing well, the growth in the Christmas season may be a bit more ambitious than it’s normal annual gains.

Cut 8 (12) “…shippers, everybody involved.”

______________________________

LSU linebacker Devin White says the two weeks leading up to the Alabama game were very emotional for him. White spoke to reporters for the first time since the controversial targeting penalty that forced him to miss the first half of last Saturday’s game. White believes he could have made a difference.

Cut 9 (06) “…first half”

White called the targeting penalty against him a bogus call. He says it will not change the way he plays

Cut 10 (07)   “…tackle people“

White might only have four games left in his LSU career. The former North Webster high school star is expected to be a first round pick next year, but he’s not happy about losing to Alabama every time he plays them…

Cut 11 (11) “…in your head.”

______________________________

Shreveport Mayor Ollie Tyler is facing a tough contest today to keep the seat she won back in 2014. Several candidates have lined up to challenge her, with analysts predicting a likely run-off. LSU Shreveport Poli Sci Professor Jeffery Sadow says Tyler had a falling out with one of the city’s major African American political factions, leading to a surprising inter-party challenge.

Cut 12 (08)   “…run-off”

That Democratic challenge comes curtsey of 33-year-old Army vet Adrian Perkins, and 32-year-old Caddo Parish Commissioner Steven Jackson. Sadow says Perkins has mounted the most substantial challenge, and poses a real threat.

Cut 13 (09) “…run-off.”

Sadow says the city is majority black and Democratic, so it’s highly unlikely a Republican till take control of City Hall for the first time since 94’, but with such a stacked field it’s possible one of the two GOP challengers could make the run-off.

Cut 14 (09) “…Taliaferro.”

The price at the pump has seen a decline.  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.47 in Louisiana today, down three cents from yesterday, nine cents since last week, and nearly sixteen cents since last month.  Gas Buddy.com fuel analyst Dan McTeague says we may see the price continue to drop even further.

Cut 3 (05) “…really welcomed news.”

McTeague says this is a result of a drop in oil, as October was a big sell-off month.

Cut 4 (10) “…heading in the right direction.″

McTeague says he expects the price drop to continue through mid-month.

Cut 5 (11)  “…take full effect.” 

The New Orleans Archdiocese has released the names of 57 priests dating back to 1917 who had credible allegations of child sexual abuse against them while in the ministry. Archbishop Gregory Aymond says they voluntarily released the list to help facilitate the healing process for victims and parishioners in New Orleans.

Cut 6 (09) “…to freedom.”

Aymond did not note how many claims were deemed un-credible, but says in order to move forward the church needed to address the issue.

Cut 7 (10) “…justice.”

Aymond says he hopes the list, which gives the name of the pastor, the date of the allegations, their assignment history, including schools, and the date they were removed from, or left the ministry, will help the church move forward.

Cut 8 (06) “…justice”

The list is available at nolacatholicchurch.org.

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Congressman Ralph Abraham has a suite of new campaign ads airing across south Louisiana markets that don’t have many voters from his more northern and central district. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says it’s likely to boost his name recognition statewide for potential run at governor, if the political winds shift on Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…clout.”

Abraham has publicly waxed about the idea of running for governor, and reports say he’s giving it a hard look, but Stockley says like most GOP candidates, he’s likely anxiously awaiting a decision from Senator John Kennedy, the presumed frontrunner. Stockley says there’s good reason for that.

Cut 10 (07)   “…Republican contest“

Kennedy says he’ll announce his intentions for the 2019 governor’s race by December.

Stockley says it would be naïve to think the ad buy wasn’t signed off on without some thought as to how it would boost his profile for a potential 2019 contest, but cautioned that due to the massive size of his district, it may have had a more short term aim.

Cut 11 (10) “…election.”

His District five runs from Monroe to Alexandria and over to Bogalusa.

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Third-ranked LSU hosts top ranked Alabama as the unstoppable force meets the immovable object at Death Valley this weekend.  LSU has quite the task on its hands as they attempt to defy the odds and topple Nick Saban and the Tuscaloosa empire.  Analyst Mike Detillier says Bama’s O-line is one to be reckoned with on the gridiron.

Cut 12 (07)   “…last ten years”

Detillier says Bama QB Tua Tagovailoa is deserving of high praise, comparing him to Peyton Manning and another quarterback the Bayou State idolizes.

Cut 13 (09) “…of Drew Brees.”

Detillier says teams have tried many things to slow down Tua, but his recommendation for the Bayou Benglas?  LSU needs to put pressure on the Bama QB right up the middle.

Cut 14 (12) “…running the football.”

There’s been growing support for the number two amendment option on the November ballot, but not all District Attorneys are on board with the move to require unanimous jury verdicts in felony cases. Tangipahoa, Livingston, and Helena Parish District Attorney Scott Perrilloux says he’s concerned it would delay justice for victims.

Cut 3 (09) “…done again”

DAs in four of Louisiana’s largest parishes, along with both Republican and Democratic state parties have come out in support of the initiative.

Supporters of the amendment say non-unanimous jury laws are racist Jim Crow relics, but Perrilloux the US Supreme Court declared them constitutional, and disallows racial rigging of juries.

Cut 4 (06) “…years ago″

During the legislative session Baton Rouge Senator and former prosecutor Dan Claitor came out in support of the amendment saying he knows attorneys would game the system and seek harsher sentences because non-unanimous juries made them easier to try. Perriloux says that’s not true.

Cut 5 (09)  “…that such” 

Over two million dollars has been raised for a campaign that supports unanimous juries.

The overnight hours saw wild weather passing through the bayou state and  brought significant damage to areas across Louisiana, with downed trees, closed roads, and debris.  Among the areas impacted, Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says two elderly men were injured when the mobile home they were in was turned over by the force of the winds.

Cut 6 (10) “…the mobile home.”

One of the men sustained minor injuries, while the other suffered a broken arm.  The parish is declaring a state of emergency.  Haley says the area is fortunate to not have seen a worse impact.

Cut 7 (06) “…report of fatalities.”

Rapides Parish also saw downed trees and some businesses are reporting damage as a result of the widespread storm.  Sheriff’s office spokesperson Capt. Tommy Carnline says many of the roads were impassable for first responders when checking on residents.

Cut 8 (09) “…sustained any injuries.”

Carnline says it’s important that residents stay off the roads if they don’t have to be there as now is not the time for sightseeing the destruction.

Cut 9 (08) “…these roadways clear.”

Four people were also hurt in Concordia Parish as a result of the storm.

________________________________

There’s another month left of the hurricane season, but State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s highly unlikely we’ll be hit by a notable system in the next 30 days. Keim says if we do get hit, it would be a historic event.

Cut 10 (07)   “…of Louisiana“

Keim notes there’s always a chance of some development, but the late season climate just isn’t suited to producing hurricanes.

Cut 11 (11) “…can be defeated.”

And if a hurricane were to pop up, chances are it’s staying away from the central and western Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (08)   “…east coast”

___________________________

Thousands lost power in central Louisiana today as the result of a nasty post-Halloween storm that moved through the area early this morning. Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they’re calling in extra help to get the lights back on.

Cut 13 (09) “…restoration efforts.“

Cleco had outages in Rapides, Avoyelles and Grant Parishes. Cahill says there’s a chance power could still be out thought he night so if you or someone you know is vulnerable, you may want to make some plans to stay with someone else.

Cut 14 (11) “…arrangements.”

Monroe Representative Jay Morris is publicly calling for U.S. Senator John Kennedy to jump into next year’s governor’s race against John Bel Edwards. Morris says its clear Kennedy would be Edwards most formidable challenger, and the best chance to get more GOP priorities passed into law.

Cut 3 (06) “…justify later”

Morris says he’s impressed with Kennedy’s work as State Treasurer and says he’s a potential candidate who would bring great administrative experience if he wins.

Cut 4 (07) “…true priorities″

The only Republican in the race at the moment is wealthy Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone. Attorney General Jeff Landry hinted he might run, but Morris says that’s only if a candidate like Kennedy were to stay out…

Cut 5 (08)  “…step up” 

Kennedy says he’ll announce his 2019 intentions by December.

Early voting ended yesterday and as of last night 307-thousand people voted in person or with a mail in ballot, which JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says is a record for a non-Presidential election. Couvillon says even though the Louisiana ballot lacks a marquee race, voters are aware of the November 6th election, because of hotly contested midterm elections across the country.

Cut 6 (08) “…voter turnout.”

Couvillon says the highly contentious Supreme court hearings involving Brett Kavanaugh also led to an increase in conservative voters during the first few says of the early voting period. He says the last few days of early voting saw an increase in registered Democratic voters…

Cut 7 (10) “…election going on.”

Couvillon anticipates an overall voter turnout of 35-percent…

Cut 8 (12) “…record”

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Hahnville High School QB Andrew Robison has won his arbitration hearing against the LHSAA.  The victory means the senior is eligible to play in Friday’s regular-season finale.  He’ll also continue with a lawsuit against the governing body for damages. Robison’s Attorney David Moyer says they are thrilled with the ruling…

Cut 9 (06) “…from the beginning.”

Back in August, the LHSAA ruled Robison ineligible for the year because they claimed he was illegally recruited from Vandebilt Catholic. Moyer says there was no basis in law or fact for the LHSAA to rule the way they did.

Cut 10 (09) “…of this case.”

Moyer says schools should not be afraid to challenge the LHSAA.

Cut 11 (11) “…can be defeated.”

LHSAA says they are not commenting due to pending litigation

_______________________

Two Denham Springs residents were found murdered at their pool company last night. 70-year-old Patricia Gurley and 72-year-old Frank Gurley, a retired Denham Springs teacher, were last seen alive around 4PM Monday. Police Chief Shannon Womack offered limited details, but says they suspect the murders were premeditated.

Cut 12 (06)   “…department”

Police discovered the bodies after responding to a request for a wellness check.

Womack says they believe the suspects who murdered the Gurleys have fled the state by now, but they’ve begun the investigative process and hope to chase down whoever committed the crime.

Cut 13 (09) “…as possible.“

It’s believed the attacker or attackers knew the victims.

Womack says he knew the Gurleys personally, and the news shocked him and the community.

Cut 14 (12) “…really hard.”

______________________

Hit songwriter and guitarist Tony Joe White from West Carroll Parish has died suddenly at the age of 75 from a heart attack. White was born on a cotton farm near Oak Grove and is best known for writing the 1969 hit “Polk Salad Annie” and “Rainy Night in Georgia.” Oak Grove native Harriet Monroe Miller says White would often come back to his hometown

Cut 3 (10) “…all of us”

Five years after Polk Salad Annie came out, White released Saturday Nite in Oak Grove, Louisiana. Miller says White also wrote a couple of hit songs for Tina Turner and worked with the King of Rock Elvis Presley

Cut 4 (12) “…on and on″

Miller describes White as a kind and caring man, when he wasn’t writing country and blues songs. She remembers when they had Tony Joe White appreciation day in Oak Grove in 1993

Cut 5 (08)  “…particular day” 

Over the last eleven days, three adults and four children have lost their lives in six different fires across the state.  The State Fire Marshal is reminding you of a very important message that could mean the difference in life and death.  Agency spokesperson, Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 6 (12)  “…not an excuse.”

Rodrigue says there is a free option in the event that your home needs smoke detectors.

Cut 7 (08)  “…installations in homes.”

Rodrigue says in the event of an emergency, a smoke alarm can be vital.

Cut 8 (05) “…in a fire emergency.”

_______________________________________

A Buckeye elementary school teacher has been arrested for possession of alcohol on public school property after an assistant principal noticed she was displaying odd behavior. Captain Tommy Carnline, with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s office says witnesses saw 43-year-old Shannon Beran was moving slowly and awkwardly during car pickup duty…

Cut 9 (06) “…definitely a problem.”

Carnline says the teacher didn’t state why she had decided to indulge in an adult beverage while on campus.

Cut 10 (06) “…to go home.”

Carnline says upon investigating the teacher’s classroom, they found a partially consumed bag of wine.

Cut 11 (07) “…a wine bag.”

_______________________

Senator Bill Cassidy has made a statement following the arrest of a Florida man who is suspected on sending out suspicious packages to various politicians and CNN, saying there is no place in American politics for physical threats and violence.

Cut 12 (12)   “…we are Americans.”

Cassidy says politicians have a responsibility to be cautious with their words as they have the ability to make an impact on those that are, as he puts it, not quite right.

Cut 13 (10) “…take it literally.“

Authorities have identified the suspect as Cesar Sayoc, who has been taken into custody in connection with the mail-bomb scare.

_____________________________________________________

The Saints have a chance at redemption on Sunday night when they visit the Minnesota Vikings. Minnesota delivered a heart breaking loss to New Orleans in the playoffs last season scoring on a 61-yard touchdown pass on the final play of the game. Quarterback Drew Brees says he’s moved on from that game, but knows the Vikings still have a tough defense…

Cut 14 (11) “…that defense”

The Saints are just 3-14 in Minneapolis and lost twice to the Vikings in their new stadium last season. Brees says Minnesota’s fans make it tough on the away team….

Cut 15 (15) “…same page”

The Board of Regents will ask for a $172 million increase in state funding for public colleges next year. The request would push state funding for higher ed to $1.2 billion for the budget year that begins July 1. Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says the additional funding will help students who are struggling with the rising cost of education

Cut 3 (11) “…students to participate”

A significant amount of the money would be used toward keeping schools from raising fees next year.  Reed says they also want to use some of the funds towards future-proofing the educational system.

Cut 4 (10) “…evolve the system.″

The Regents say charges on students increased 107% over the last 11 years.  Reed says the message is clear when it comes to cuts to higher education.

Cut 5 (05)  “…for our students.” 

LSU’s Manship School and the Cook Political Report have surveyed congressional battleground districts nationwide and say Democrats have around a double digit average advantage in races that will likely determine control of the House. Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says in suburban districts that will likely decide the election, the President is dragging down GOP candidates.

Of the 1,500 people surveyed, 500 of them came from 69 districts rated as close races by Cook.

Much has been made of a potential “blue wave” of energized Democrats voting en masse in a repudiation of President Donald Trump, but Henderson says their findings indicate the participation gap may not be as big as advertised.

Cut 7 (08)  “…midterms”

There are 12 million more registered Democrats than Republicans nationwide. Registered Democrats still also hold the lead in Louisiana.

Midterms are notoriously low turnout affairs, but experts  say the nation’s heightened political fervor over the last two years will likely lead to the highest total participation rates in decades. LSU Professor James Carville says that could lead to some unexpected results.

Cut 8 (11) “…to go”

The survey also indicates most Americans are at least somewhat confident that foreign intervention will not be an issue for the election.

_______________________________________

The FDA has approved a new drug that can reduce the severity of the flu, and it  works against drug-resistant strains. Xofluza has been found to reduce flu symptoms if the patient has been sick for less than 48 hours. LSU Health New Orleans Professor and Infectious Disease Specialist Fred Lopez says it’s similar to TamiFlu.

Cut 9 (12)  “two days.”

The 150 dollar price tag is similar to the other three FDA recommended flu treatments, but with insurance Xofluza will generally cost around 30 dollars.

Lopez says after a busy season last year, it’s certainly possible that many of the flu strains this year have developed resistances to popular post-infection medications. The Professor says because Xofluza targets different systems than treatments like Tamiflu, it’s less likely to be shrugged off…

Cut 10 (07)  “…those viruses.”

But Lopez stressed it’s still no replacement for getting a flu shot. He says considering how deadly last season was, it would be foolish not to get this year’s shot…

Cut 11 (10) “the flu.”

Lopez says the average effectiveness level for flu shots over the past few years has been 40 to 60 percent.

_______________________

The state fire marshal’s office has charged a 41-year-old woman with negligent homicide after her 11-year-old child died in a camper fire during the overnight hours in Beuregard Parish. State fire marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Jenny Stafford of Singer admitted to not being home when the fire started…

Cut 12 (12)   “…smoke and flames”

Stafford also face drug charges. Rodrigue says they don’t have a cause for the fire and firefighters discovered the body of the child in a bedroom.

Cut 13 (07) “…that camper”

The coroner’s office will make an official identification on the child. Rodrigue says Stafford admits to leaving the sleeping child unattended in order to go next door to do drugs…

Cut 14 (04) “…infuriating”