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”

Governor John Bel Edwards responded to Senator Kennedy’s decision today by saying Kennedy’s flirtation with running for governor was to put the spotlight on himself. Edwards says he now hopes Kennedy and the entire Congressional delegation can work with him to get things done for the hard working families in Louisiana.

Pamela George, known for her work as President of the LaFourche Humane Society, has been arrested on animal cruelty charges. Lt. Brennan Matherne with the LaFourche Sheriff’s office, says deputies found over a dozen horses emaciated on her property and one of them was already dead, two others had to be euthanized….
cut 4 (09) “…on the property”
George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux were arrested on animal cruelty charges.

A few days after riding his horse on the LSU campus, linebacker Devin White announced today he will play in LSU’s bowl game against U-C-F, even though he could be a top 10 pick in next year’s N-F-L draft. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s not a surprise…
cut 14 (12) “…targeting suspension”
But LSU cornerback Greedy Williams will not play, as the likely top 5 pick has decided to turn pro.

Senator John Kennedy says he will not run for governor, ending months of speculation that he would challenge Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019. Kennedy says after much consideration, he’s decided he can get the most done for Louisiana, and the country, in the US Senate.
Cut 6 (10) “…right now.”
Kennedy’s decision opens the door for several Republicans to think more seriously about running for governor. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says this could be a great opportunity for GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham to take the next step in his political career…
cut 9 (12) “….good chance”
State Treasurer John Schroder says he’s also looking at possibly running and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she’ll also looking at challenging Governor Edwards.

Jeff Hall was sworn in as the new mayor of Alexandria today. Hall is the first African-American to lead the city as he replaces Jacques Roy, who opted not to run for re-election after 12 years. Hall is a graduate of Grambling State University and worked at Cleco for 32 years as a Senior V-P and then served as an accountant for the City of Alexandria.

LSU cornerback Greedy Williams has made the decision to turn pro, so he will not play in the Tigers bowl game against UCF. But star linebacker Devin White says he is playing. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says the Tigers need White, 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”
LSU will make its first appearance in the Fiesta Bowl on New Year’s Day.

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 says his decision to stay out of the 2019 governor’s race wasn’t easy. Matt Doyle has this exclusive interview…
Voicer 2 (30) “Im Matt Doyle”

Kennedy’s departure means there are Republicans who were not considering running for governor, not thinking about it. State Treasurer John Schroder is one of those potential candidates..
cut 10 (09) “…look at”
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says she’s also looking at it.

A woman known for her work as President of the LaFourche Humane Society has been arrested on animal cruelty charges. Lt. Brennan Matherne with the LaFourche Sheriff’s office, says deputies found over a dozen horses emaciated on her property and one of them was already dead, two others had to be euthanized….
cut 4 (09) “…on the property”
Pamela George and fellow property owner John Gautreaux were arrested.

The St. Landry Sheriff’s office says a local doctor is in critical condition after he was shot during a home invasion during the over night hours. Sheriff Bobby Guidroz his detectives are hoping to interview Doctor John Vallain to find out what happened.

US Senator John Kennedy says he will not run 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.”
So who will challenge Governor Edwards. Baton Rouge Businessman Eddie Rispone is a declared candidate and GOP Congressman Ralph Abraham says he’ll make a decision very soon.

LSU is headed to the Fiesta Bowl where they’ll play undefeated UCF on New Year’s Day at noon central time. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s impressed with the Knights 25-game winning streak…
cut 14 (11) “…how to win”
It’s the Tigers first ever appearance in the Fiesta Bowl.

CDC data finds that Louisiana had a 12-percent increase in drug overdose deaths in 2017. But President and C-E-O of the Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach, says we have seen methods that show promise in reversing the trend…
cut 12 (10) “…done in Louisiana”
Drug overdose death rates were lower in eight states.

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.”
George and Gautreaux, have been booked into the Lafourche Parish Detention Center on a $2000 bond each.

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.”

Republican Senator John Kennedy announces he will not run against Governor John Bel Edwards in 2019. Kennedy released a statement in which he says he loves being in the United States Senate. Kennedy says he’ll continue to work every day in D-C and Louisiana for jobs, economic growth, and cheaper health insurance. He hopes someone runs for governor that understands state government should not big, wasteful, sometimes corrupt and spends money like it was ditchwater.

CDC data indicates drug overdose deaths rose 12% in Louisiana from 2016 to 2017. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Voicer 3 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse Amy Hirata joined 150 other volunteers to help decorate the White House. Hirata says the decorations are a traditional theme, with reds, golds and greens. She says each room in the White House was decorated to highlight some of the best aspects of American life…
cut 5 (12) “….our country”
She says she’s particularly proud of her work on the library room, which featured her large green plaid and red velvet ribbons.

LSU will play UCF in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, on New Year’s Day. The Knights have won 25 in a row and Coach Ed Orgeron says the Fiesta is the bowl his team was hoping for…
cut 15 (09) “…ready to play’
Kick-off will be at noon central time.

We can expect an announcement today from Republican Senator John Kennedy on whether he’ll challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards in the 2019 governor’s race. Baton Rouge Republican businessman Eddie Rispone is the lone announced challenger and La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says campaign spending should easily top 20-million dollars…
cut 8 (10) “…election cycle”

For the first time in the 125-year history of LSU Football, the Tigers will play in the Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona on New Year’s Day and they’ll face UCF, who has won 25 in a row. Coach Ed Orgeron says his team deserved to play in a New Year’s Six Bowl game
Cut 13 (11) “…well deserved.”
The Tigers will be without star cornerback Greedy Williams, who has announced he’s turning pro.

A White House Report on global climate change says weather events like the 2016 south Louisiana flood will become more likely in the future due the changing climate. The report goes on to say the Earth’s climate is changing faster than at any point in the history of modern civilization, primarily as a result of human activities.

A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse joined 150 other volunteers in decorating the White House for Christmas. Amy Hirata was one of the seven-thousand applicants . Hirata says her team was put to work getting ornaments ready to hang.
Cut 4 (10) “ornaments″
She says the design was created in part by the First Lady, and she describes it as a traditional Christmas theme full of reds, golds, and greens and each room highlights some of the best aspects of American life.

Senator John Kennedy is expected to make his decision today on whether he’ll run for governor in 2019. Baton Rouge Republican businessman Eddie Rispone is currently the only announced challenger to Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. LaPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford expects Kennedy to jump in.
Cut 7 (08) “…an announcement.”
Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham might also get in the race.

CDC data finds that Louisiana had a 12-percent increase in drug overdose deaths in 2017. But President and C-E-O of the Trust for America’s Health, John Auerbach, says we have seen methods that show promise in reversing the trend…
cut 12 (10) “…done in Louisiana”
Drug overdose death rates were lower in eight states.

LSU is headed to the Fiesta Bowl where they’ll play undefeated UCF on New Year’s Day at noon central time. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says he’s impressed with the Knights 25-game winning streak…
cut 14 (11) “…how to win”
It’s the Tigers first ever appearance in the Fiesta Bowl.

A Fort Polk interior designer and military spouse helped decorate the White House for Christmas. Matt Doyle has more.
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”