Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

The Louisiana tradition of frying a turkey for Thanksgiving can be disastrous if not done correctly.  The holiday can result in a cornucopia of calls to first responders.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says to make sure your frying pot is on grass or concrete, not on a wooden surface.  Also, that it is far enough away from anything combustible.

Cut 4 (07) “…from any structure.″

Browning says the main reason for a turkey fry turning into a fiery situation is due to the grease overflowing from the frying pot.  So how do you avoid that?

Cut 5 (07) “…frying of turkey experience.” 

Browning says preparation of the area surrounding the fryer can contribute to the prevention of an emergency.

Cut 6 (12) “…turkey frying experience.”

______________________________

Governor Edwards, on Ask The Governor, said minimum wage increase successes in other southern states have galvanized his administration and their allies to push for a pay raise for working class Louisianans again in the next legislative session. Corporate lobbies like the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry oppose the increased pay but…

Cut 7 (09) “…meaningful”

Edwards has stuck to his guns on the issue since his 2015 election, where he made raising the minimum a key plank in his platform. While Arkansas jumped to 11 an hour, and Missouri voted in 12 over time, Edwards says he plans to pursue what he calls his modest campaign pledge….

Cut 8 (10) “…25 cents.”

But a legislative leader on minimum wage issues says 8.50 an hour may not cut it this time around. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says after three years of zero progress, he’s looking at a more ambitious plan than what the Governor is proposing.

Cut 9 (08) “…increase.”

________________________________

A Mandeville couple has something additional to be thankful for as they were cleaning house preparing for family coming into town and found a winning lottery ticket, just two weeks shy of expiration.  The ticket was valued at 1.8 million dollars, as it was the sole jackpot-winning ticket from a June drawing.  Louisiana Lottery spokesperson BreAnne Frye says the ticket was found on a nightstand.

Cut 10 (11)   “…the ticket expired.”

Frye says of the couple’s plans with their winnings…

Cut 11 (09) “…many crazy plans.”

Frye says it’s not just the couple that is seeing a nice return on the ticket purchase as the seller will also be receiving a generous kick back.

Cut 12 (09)   “…for $17,948.”

___________________________

Coach O is closing in on ten wins, which would be the best regular season for number 7 ranked LSU in six seasons after opening in August under a cloud of uncertainty as most fans, if they were being honest, really didn’t expect much. Sirius XM College Football Sports Nation host Braden Gall says the Tigers are still rough on one side of the ball, but taken as a whole, they’re rolling.

Cut 13 (09) “…for him.”

Orgeron, if he beats A&M Saturday, and wins his bowl game, could be looking at 20 wins in two seasons. It’s an impressive overall start, but he’s yet to even be competitive in his two games against Alabama. Gall says O’s start has been a great story, but it don’t mean a thing if his failures against Saban persist.

Cut 14 (10) “…LSU fans expect.”

That being said Gall noted there’s few professionals on earth with the same level of passion for the Purple and Gold. The writer and host says Orgeron is a perfect fit in Baton Rouge, and while there’s still certainly plenty of questions, the head coach seems to have won the love of Tiger Town.

Cut 15 (10) “…personal level.”

O looks set to build on that success with the 5th ranked recruiting class according to 24/7 sports.

_____________________________________________

UL-Lafayette and ULM will face each other Saturday at Malone Stadium with first place on the line in the Sun Belt West Division. Both teams are 6-5 overall, 4-3 in conference and in a three-way tie with Arkansas State. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says one of their top priorities in slowing down the Warhawks is to slow down their quarterback Caleb Evans…

Cut 16 (18) “…for you”

The Cajuns have won three of their last four to put them in a position to possibly play in the Sun Belt Conference championship game. Napier likes the development of his team…

Cut 17 (25) “right way”

Napier says the pressure is on to win, but it’s been that way for awhile…

Cut 18 (16) “forward to”

Representative Mike Johnson has been elected as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee for the 116^th Congress.  Johnson appeared on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster to discuss his new role.  With 159 members, it’s the largest caucus of conservatives in Congress.  Johnson says the size of the group makes it quite influential.

Cut 3 (08) “…group agrees upon.”

Johnson says the caucus has been around for 45 years with the goal of leading influence in the legislative agenda.

Cut 4 (09) “…in the house.″

Among the upcoming focuses of a Democrat-controlled House, Johnson says he’s hoping that the desire for further investigation into the President will not be fueled by conspiracy theories from the left.

Cut 5 (12)  “…an impeachment effort.” 

 ______________________________________

The Vermilion Parish School board has had their infamous January meeting voided by the courts. That’s the one where a teacher was dragged out of the room by a guard while questioning a Superintendent raise that was ultimately passed. Attorney General Jeff Landry says those actions violated Open Meeting Laws, making the meeting…

Cut 6 (09) “over again”

The educator, Deyshia Hargrave, was questioning Superintendent Jerome Puyau’s 30,000 dollar raise when she was forcibly removed.

Landry says it’s a win for justice and the rule of law, and sends a strong message to other municipalities that free speech must be respected at public meetings. He says this one was one of the most clear-cut violations of Open Meeting Laws he’s seen.

Cut 7 (09) “…agreed.”

So, to try and avoid another dustup like this one, a dustup that drew national attention from media and civil rights organizations, Landry has begun an education campaign.

Cut 8 (11) “…that helps”

The ruling came from Judge David Smith in the 15^th Judicial District Court.

______________________________

Two are under arrest in connection to the October 14^th shooting death of a Lafayette area boxer, 28-year-old Brandon Broussard. Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson John Mowell says authorities apprehended 41-year-old Shavis Toby yesterday.

Cut 9 (12) “Center.”

Both suspects are facing Second Degree Murder charges.

Mowell says the second suspect was nabbed by Marshal’s in another state.

Cut 10 (09)   “…been arrested.“

Mowell says they’re withholding that second suspect’s name until he’s transported back to Louisiana.

________________________________

The Saints are making their case as the best team in the NFL. New Orleans has scored 45 points or more in its last three games and the Black and Gold offense is one more impressive performance away from most 40 point games in a single season. Running back Mark Ingram says they are rolling

Cut 11 (13) “…at you”

The Saints have won nine straight for the first time since 2009, the year they won the Super Bowl. Ingram says the team is on an amazing run

Cut 12 (11)   “…each other” (2x)

The Saints defense has also been very impressive in recent games. They’ve held three of their last four opponents to 20 points or less, which is big in today’s offensive minded NFL. Defensive End Cameron Jordan says getting off to a good start is a big key

Cut 13 (12) “…landslide”

Les Miles is back as a college football coach. The “Mad Hatter” has a five-year deal with the Kansas Jayhawks that will pay the 65-year-old two-point-seven million dollars a year. Miles says he’s been eager to coach again, since LSU fired him in September of 2016

Cut 3 (12) “…10 thousand hour”

Miles has a big task in front of him as Kansas has not had a winning season since 2008. He’ll replace David Beaty, who is 6-and-40 in four seasons. Miles says after watching Kansas play Oklahoma this past weekend, he’s optimistic he can turn the Jayhawks into a winner quickly…

Cut 4 (09) “…special football team.″

Miles won 114 games at LSU and boasted a 77-percent winning percentage. But his critics said his run-oriented offense couldn’t win the big game in today’s college football. Miles defended his offensive philosophy at LSU when asked during his introductory press conference

Cut 5 (14)  “…ten a year” 

 ______________________________________

Children who suffer from severe peanut allergies may be in luck, as a new treatment can help mitigate the potentially deadly effects of accidental ingestion. LSU Health New Orleans Allergy expert Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says it’s not for light allergy sufferers, and you won’t be scarfing down PB&J’s, but, you could eat something cooked in peanut oil.

Cut 6 (06) “condition.”

The treatment is still awaiting FDA approval.

It’s an oral medication that builds up peanut tolerance in allergy sufferers over six months. That’s by slowly introducing a non-fatty peanut protein in small batches. Kamboj says they ran the experiment on 372 children.

Cut 7 (11) “…the dose.”

Two thirds of the participants who took the treatments saw positive results, but roughly 20 percent of participants had to drop out, and 14 percent of those taking the treatment had episodes that required epinephrine, vs only 6 percent of those who took the placebo.

Kamboj says it’s a process, but once the immunotherapy hits the half year mark, most allergy suffers should be able to avoid anaphylaxis from ingesting even tiny portions of peanut.

Cut 8 (08) “…desensitization.”

One in 50 Americans is estimated to have a peanut allergy, something patients are usually stuck with for their entire lives.

______________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services is teaming up with the United Way in an effort to expand workforce training for food stamp recipients in seven southeast Louisiana parishes.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the partnership expands who can receive federal dollars to be used to reimburse programs for the cost of training with SNAP recipients.

Cut 9 (11) “…a wide audience.”

Walters says the money is used to reimburse organizations already doing such training for people on the SNAP rolls.

Cut 10 (08)   “…like the technical colleges.“

Walters says this is just another way that DCFS can help SNAP recipients attain more than just a minimum wage job to try and support a family.

Cut 11 (10) “…can sustain them.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana ATC can now enforce a law barring anyone under the age of 21 from working as an erotic dancer in bars and nightclubs. That law, passed in 2016, had been held up after a federal court declared it too vague, but Solicitor General Liz Murrill, with the Louisiana A-G’s office, says that’s no longer the case.

Cut 12 (10)   “…enforce it.”

The law was blocked after a challenge from three women who say the restriction cost them their lucrative dancing jobs, and interfered with their first amendment rights.

A federal judge and the 5^th US Circuit Appellate Court barred enforcement until the specifics of how much nudity was allowed were ironed out. Murrill says after asking for another hearing with the fifth Circuit, the AG’s office made their case and….

Cut 13 (07) “…vagueness standard”

The law was part of a 2016 effort to curb sex trafficking, much of which advocates say was resulting in young women being coerced or forced into dancing at late night clubs. Murrill says the law is justified, and should help curb human trafficking.

Cut 14 (10) “…of that.”

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says the battle over work requirements for food stamp recipients continues to prevent the Farm Bill from passing this year. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

The American Farm Bureau reports the average cost for Thanksgiving dinner has gone down the past three years. The bureau conducted a survey of grocery stores across 37 states, Louisiana Farm Bureau Representative Avery Davidson says the average price nationwide to feed ten people is $48.90, but the Bayou State is one of the best in regards to cost…

Cut 4 (08) “…twenty two dollars″

Davidson says the turkeys at Louisiana grocery stores are cheaper here than in other parts of the country…

Cut 5 (12)  “cents” 

Davidson says you can beat the survey prices if you do your research…

Cut 6 (08) “…locally”

______________________________

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state has seen job gains for 13 consecutive months. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, non-farm employment increased by 19,400 since October 2017. LWC Secretary Ava Dejoie says education and health services saw the largest job gains over the last year, but other sectors of the economy are doing well…

Cut 7 (08) “…over the year.”

Dejoie also highlighted that the mining and logging sector saw 2,100 jobs added since October 2017.

Cut 8 (07) “…here in Louisiana.”

Dejoie says they also know workers are making more money too…

Cut 9 (06) “…the bottom line.”

________________________________

Work continues during the lame duck session of Congress on approving a new Farm Bill, but work requirements for food stamp recipients continue to be a major stumbling block. Republican Representative Ralph Abraham from Richland Parish is pushing for work or educational requirements for able-bodied adults, but Democrats want to completely rewrite the bill.

Cut 10 (08)   “…the next congress.”

Abraham is hopeful a new farm bill can be passed before Congress adjourns for 2018…..

Cut 11 (09) “…congress take effect.”

Abraham says it’s time to play hard ball, and he’s ready to do that.

Cut 12 (11)   “…not for anybody.”

___________________________

19-year-old Stanley Celestine Junior will be one of the youngest school board members in the country when he begins his term in January. Celestine says he does a lot of work with non-profits and through that work he saw the Avoyelles Parish school system has significant issues that need to be addressed

Cut 13 (05) “…policy problems.”

The district just received a “C” grade from the state department of education. Over half of Avoyelles Parish schools received either a D or F grade. Celestine says one of the first things he wants to look at is the school system’s discipline policies

Cut 14 (11) “…of time”

Celestine received 65-percent of the vote in winning the election over fellow Democrat Carolyn Bonton. He’s pursuing a bachelor’s in sociology through an online program at McNeese State. Celestine says he also works in the mental health field and owns his own consulting company for non-profits

Cut 15 (12) “…one big job.”

Celestine says he’s not sure where his future will take him, but he wants to have an impact in children’s lives.

_____________________________________________

The Saints are playing unbelievable football. They smoked the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles yesterday 48-7 for their ninth straight win. It’s the third straight game they’ve scored 40 points or more. Coach Sean Payton on the success of his offense…

Cut 16 (17) “…trying to improve”

The Saints have won nine in a row and they have a three-game lead over Carolina for first place in the NFC South. But Payton knows there’s still six games left and anything can happen…

Cut 17 (16) “(laughter)”

It was another MVP performance for Drew Brees. The future Hall of Famer threw for 352 yards and four touchdowns. Brees says he’s feeling good..

Cut 18 (14) “doing my job”

The price at the pump continues to decline.  The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.34 in Louisiana today, down nine cents since last week, putting prices just two cents higher than a year ago.  Gas Buddy.com senior petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says some gas stations in the state are selling gas below $2 per gallon.

Cut 3 (05) “…Thanksgiving travel season”

DeHaan says there are two main contributing factors to the continued drop.

Cut 4 (11) “…bite pretty hard.″

So how long will the prices continue to drop?  DeHaan seems optimistic the decline could possibly continue into 2019.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the new year.” 

 ______________________________________

The state’s Medicaid program has launched a new enrollment and verification system online that provides instant feedback on eligibility for applicants. Louisiana Medicaid Director Jen Steele says it should cut down on wait times for applicants.

Cut 6 (11) “…that time.”

The new program will also check Medicaid recipients wage eligibility quarterly, instead of every 12 months. Because Medicaid uses your monthly income to determine eligibility that could result in more people being tossed off the program. Steele says if that happens, there is an appeals process in place.

Cut 7 (11) “…the program.”

Medicaid has come under fire in the wake of a Legislative Auditor’s report that showed the service may have paid up to 85 million in healthcare costs for people who were not wage eligible for the program at the time they received coverage. Steele says this should prevent that in the future.

Cut 8 (07) “…a while.”

Recipients will no longer receive phone calls during the renewal process. Official communications will now be sent by mail.

______________________________

The Southern Poverty Law Center has released a new report highlighting the lack of recorded data published on police activity in Louisiana in reference to traffic stops.  S-P-L-C attorney Jamila Johnson says even though the records are mandatory, there is a nearly universal disregard for the data throughout Louisiana law enforcement.

Cut 9 (12) “…published its report.”

Johnson says due to a lack of clear punishments for failures to follow the law, it’s difficult to get the compliance that is needed.

Cut 10 (11)   “…an enforcement mechanism.“

Johnson says the goal is put together a structure that can be enforced and to get a better data about policing practices into the community.

Cut 11 (10) “…it wasn’t followed.”

______________________________________________

Two people are dead after being among four men that were shot last night on Gus Young Avenue in Baton Rouge.  The motive and suspects are unknown at this time, but authorities say they believe there were two gunmen.  Baton Rouge Police Department spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean Mckneely describes the scene…

Cut 12 (12)   “…deli meat market.”

Authorities have identified one of the deceased as 42 year old Johnell Davis. The other is a 39 year old whose next of kin have not yet been notified.

Mckneely says the other two victims are expected to survive.

Cut 13 (06) “…all male victims.”

Mckneely says seeing acts like this occur is painful within a community.

Cut 14 (08) “…in Baton Rouge.”

Mckneely says they are reviewing surveillance footage from the incident and are will be interviewing the survivors at a later time.

Cold weather has resulted in snow flurries being spotted in the Shreveport area this morning.  National Weather Service meteorologist Aaron Davis says even forecasters were surprised at how quickly the temperature dropped.

Cut 3 (06) “…turn into snow.”

The air temp at surface level was 34 this morning.  Davis says the snow didn’t stick…

Cut 4 (04) “…maintain the snow.″

Davis says the state’s coldest temperatures of the week are still to come.

Cut 5 (04)  “…the lowest temperatures.” 

 ______________________________________

When temperatures go below freezing in Louisiana, the fire risk increases. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the first priority to keep your family safe is to make sure your home has working smoke alarms.

Cut 6 (08) “…time and escape.”

Browning says the use of space heaters is quite common, saying it’s important to keep them five feet away from anything combustible, don’t overload wall outlets, and do not use them with extension cords.  He adds those with a central heating system, although it may be a safer option, also need to be careful.

Cut 7 (07) “…to be used.”

Browning insists that no one use a kitchen stove top or oven in an attempt to warm their home.

Cut 8 (10) “…cause a fire.”

______________________________

71 percent of early education programs in the state were rated proficient, up five percent from last year according to the Louisiana Department of Education. Policy Institute for Children Executive Director Melanie Bronfin says its solid progress for programs vital to student’s pre-kindergarten educational preparation.

Cut 9 (07) “…their ratings.”

Six percent of programs were rated excellent, up from 3 percent last year.

But 23 percent of child care providers did not make the cut this year, and Bronfin says even though it’s an 8 point improvement, that’s still not good enough. Bronfin says the state shouldn’t have any non-proficient providers, something that can only be accomplished with better funding.

Cut 10 (08)   “…quality care“

Bronfin says the state is seriously lacking in support for working class families early childcare needs. Their numbers show that two thirds of kids come from single parent households, or households where both parents work, but few of those families qualify for childcare financial assistance.

Cut 11 (08) “…a slot.”

School programs showed the highest levels of proficiency followed by Early and Head Start programs, and then Child Care.

______________________________

The ACLU of Louisiana is looking for answers from authorities after a Winnfield woman lost sight in her right eye due to a police taser.  ACLU spokesperson Bruce Hamilton says Tanisha White had gone to a private residence to speak with someone, and called the Winnfield Police to ask for a ride and upon their arrival she was eventually tased.

Cut 12 (06)   “in the eye”

Hamilton says the open request for policies regarding the use of force, de-escalation and racially-biased policing have been unanswered.

Cut 13 (10) “…to other races.”

Hamilton says often tasers are used in ways that they should not be, and the goal is to make sure this type of incident doesn’t happen again.

Cut 14 (08) “…have severe consequences.”

The department has not yet commented on the case.

Heavy rainfall has led to road closures along Interstate 20 this morning. Aaron Davis, with the National Weather Service in Shreveport, says some areas saw 3.5 inches of rainfall as a result of a stalled frontal boundary that was pumped up with moisture thanks to winds out of the south

Cut 3 (12) “…of rain.”

Rain chances will decrease tonight in north Louisiana and steady rainfall is possible for south Louisiana during the overnight hours. Davis says after the rain leaves, the coldest air of the season moves in…

Cut 4 (11) “…around here″

Davis says the entire state will feel the cold air tomorrow and high temperatures on Wednesday will be well below normal…

Cut 5 (12)  “…Wednesday night.” 

 ______________________________________

Louisiana Radio Network’s Don Molino, a familiar voice for farmers and ranchers for 30 years has been named the 2018 National Farm Broadcaster of the Year.  Molino says it’s a once in a lifetime award.

Cut 6 (10) “…hasn’t sunk in.”

Molino says he was shocked upon hearing his name announced at the National Farm Broadcasters annual convention in Kansas City, Missouri this past Friday.

Cut 7 (10) “…even more special.”

Molino says it’s a rewarding job, and not just because of all the accolades he’s harvested along the way.

Cut 8 (08) “…to their benefit.”

______________________________

Police are on the hunt for the gunman who ambushed a man outside of a funeral in Crowley. The funeral was being held for a late October shooting victim, and his mother who passed away from health complications two days later. Crowley Police Chief Jimmy Broussard says the heartbreak continued Saturday…

Cut 9 (06) “…multiple times.”

Authorities say the shooters jumped out from behind a bush and opened fire, then fled in an unknown direction.

Cut 10 (07)   “…black hoodies“

Broussard says suspects in the initial shooting that led to the funeral were apprehended in two days.

The Chief says it’s a horrific event, but thankfully no one else at the funeral, or outside of the building was injured in the shooting. He says the minister was able to keep his congregation safe during the chaos.

Cut 11 (08) “…anything.”

Broussard says roughly 200 people were at the service.

______________________________

Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance says his deputies are looking to the arrest the person who fired a bullet into an apartment complex in Ringgold killing 31-year-old Shanette Carter. Sheriff John Ballance says Carter’s five-year-old child found her mom dead

Cut 12 (11)   “on the computer”

Ballance says detectives believe it was a stray bullet that ended the life of Carter…

Cut 13 (11) “…the back.”

Ballance says they believe two people running up the stairwell of the apartment were the ones targeted by the gunfire, but one of the bullets went through the wall of the victim’s apartment and hit her…

Cut 14 (12) “from em.”

Cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

________________________________

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is working on a $34 million project that will use rock-filled sacks to protect the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge in Cameron Parish.  Authority project manager Bevin Barringer says an aggregate material is being used to keep the so called pillows, about the size of a small car, from sinking in the mucky soil.

Cut 4 (09) “…with armor stone.″

The pillows are being placed by crane along a 3-mile stretch of shoreline.  Barringer says the coastal erosion is a major concern for the area.

Cut 5 (12)  “…200 feet.” 

With erosion rapidly taking its toll on the area, Barringer says the objective is to stabilize the shoreline.

Cut 6 (12) “…constructing this project.”

______________________________

The Secretary of State’s run-off pits the now Interim Secretary, against a Democratic political new comer from East Feliciana. Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin, the Republican in the race was appointed assistant secretary to Tom Schedler in 2010, and says his eight years in a leadership position in that office makes him the most qualified candidate.

Cut 7 (10) “…voter ID”

Ardoin assumed the Interim role after Schedler resigned in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal involving an employee. In and interview with LRN, the victim said Ardoin was aware of the harassment.

The Democrat, Gwen Collins-Greenup, a minister who worked elections at the East Feliciana Clerks Office, says her door to door campaign style reflects her opinion that politicians should do more to connect with the personal needs of constituents.

Cut 8 (11) “…participation up”

Collins-Greenup shocked analysts by making the run-off despite only raising 3,000 dollars and not securing the Democratic Party endorsement.

Ardoin says as a Republican he’s more representative of Louisiana’s values then Collins-Greenup, and he’ll fight against Democratic policies that would relax requirements for voting.

Cut 9 (10) “…liberal organizations”

Several of Ardoin’s Republican opponents criticized his handling of a now canceled voting machine contract process that two of the companies say was rigged.

But Collins-Greenup disagrees, saying after hearing from voters on the campaign trail, her priority would be to make voting more accessible for more people.

Cut 10 (10)   “…a plan“

The run-off will be held December 8^th.

_______________________________

Six weeks from today it’s Christmas Eve and the National Retail Federation projects a consumer will spend on average, 1,007 dollars this holiday season, up 4 percent over last year. N-R-F spokesperson Ana Serafin Smith says we’ve never seen a November and December this big.

Cut 11 (07) “…season.”

21 percent of consumers say they already started their shopping back in October.

On a whole it’s the biggest year on record as the economy is on the up-tick and some customers are finding themselves with a little more cash in their pockets than they used to have. Serafin Smith says 720-billion dollars will be spent this season.

Cut 12 (08)   “…2017”

Gift cards top the popularity list, followed by clothing, then books, movies, music, and electronics.

That thousand dollar average will be split up among your traditional gifts, and party goods you purchase to make that family get-together memorable. Serafin-Smith says folks are even spending a little more on themselves.

Cut 13 (12) “…155 dollars.”

Online shopping is on the rise, with 55 percent of customers saying they plan to both shop online and in store.

_________________________

The Saints clobbered Cincinnati 51-14 yesterday for the Black and Gold’s eighth straight win. Quarterback Drew Brees threw as many touchdown passes as incompletions, three. Michael Thomas had two touchdown catches and Alvin Kamara also found the end zone twice. Brees says the long opening drive that ended with six points set the tone…

Cut 14 (12) “…line of scrimmage.”

The victory comes on the heels of two emotional wins over the Vikings and Rams. Some analysts warned this was a trap game, with a home game against Eagles coming up next. But Brees says the players were ready to play…

Cut 15 (09) “…of the season”

The defense sacked Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton four times and picked him off twice. Saints running back Mark Ingram has his first 100-yard game of the season as he averaged eight yards a rush. Coach Sean Payton says it was a well balanced game…

Cut 16 (11) “…solid game.”

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”

______________________________

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.”

______________________________

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.