This morning, Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham announced he’s entering the 2019 Governor’s race.  Monroe born and Alto based Congressman Ralph Abraham says he’s a conservative Republican, and he’s running for governor, and intends to win. The Congressman says the state has been mired in poor growth since Edwards took over, and says the Governor’s policy is driving young people out of the state.

Cut 10 (10)   “…the future”

The former veterinarian has serves the sprawling 5^th district.

Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says Abraham did what he should do by making his announcement as soon as possible following the news that Senator John Kennedy would not be entering the race.

Cut 5 (10)  “…10 months or so.” 
Governor Edwards responded to the announcement by releasing a statement saying:

“I welcome this debate. I’ve got a consistent record of working across the aisle to get things done for Louisiana.”

It’s that time of year when businesses start planning their holiday parties, parties which have the potential to go horrifically wrong if things get out of hand, or the company does a poor job planning and preparing. National Federation of Small Business State Director Dawn Starns says  make sure the event is voluntary, just in case someone at your business isn’t interested in some afterhours fraternizing.

Cut 14 (09) “…in one.”

She also recommends hiring Ubers for your employees if alcohol will be involved.

Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham, a Monroe born and based veterinarian, has served in Congress since 2015, and sports a consistently conservative voting record. The Congressman has often been at odds with Governor John Bel Edwards over state policy, and says he’s running to bring a more responsible fiscal approach to the state.

Cut 9 (12) “to thin”

He joins Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone as the only two Republicans to have officially joined the race.  Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says be on the lookout for a few more candidates to rise to the challenge.
Cut 4 (10) “…running for Governor.″
Governor Edwards responded by releasing a statement saying:  “I welcome this debate. I’ve got a consistent record of working across the aisle to get things done for Louisiana.”

It’s that time of year when businesses start planning their holiday parties, parties which have the potential to go horrifically wrong if things get out of hand, or the company does a poor job planning and preparing. National Federation of Small Business State Director Dawn Starns says harassment awareness is at an all-time-high, so don’t incentivize inappropriate behavior.

Cut 13 (09) “…decoration.”

A $25 million dollar bond has been set for a Ponchatoula man accused of possession of child pornography.  The FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes State Police, arrested 59-year-old Edd Scafidel Jr.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says the investigation is continuing as authorities seized more electronic devices.  Depending on what those devices may contain, the suspect’s already high bond may increase.

Cut 11 (11) “…on this case.”

Congressman Ralph Abraham has announced he’s entering the 2019 Governor’s race.  Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says North Louisiana hasn’t elected someone to the Governor’s mansion in many decades and Abraham has quite the task ahead of him.

Cut 3 (07) “…that well known.”

Abraham says he’s a conservative, and that he is running to win.

Governor John Bel Edwards responded, saying

“On Monday, Representative Abraham said he couldn’t launch a campaign for governor because it would distract him from important work on the farm bill, soy bean crisis, looming government shutdown, flood insurance expiration and other issues the people of Louisiana have entrusted him to handle on their behalf. None of those issues have been resolved. Now, just a few days later, he’s abandoning those responsibilities along with the congressional office he was re-elected to exactly one month ago. I welcome this debate. I’ve got a consistent record of working across the aisle to get things done for Louisiana.”

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The state football championships begin today in the Mercedes Benz Superdome as 18 teams will battle it over the next three days. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A $25 million dollar bond has been set for a Ponchatoula man accused of possession of child pornography.  The FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes State Police, arrested 59-year-old Edd Scafidel Jr.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says authorities received the information on the suspect last month.

Cut 10 (06)   “…pornography involving juveniles.”

Ralph Abraham has announced his intention to run for Governor of Louisiana. He says he will formally announce his candidacy next year. Abraham is a conservative Republican and has served in congress since 2015 as the U.WS. Representative for Louisiana’s 5th congressional district. It is the largest district in terms of area in the state and includes 24 parishes in north and southeast Louisiana.
As congressman, Abraham has worked on issues that affect all of Louisiana. He is a member of the armed services committee and has help secure funding and resources for Louisiana’s military installations at Fort Polk, Barksdale Air Force base and the Naval Air Station in Belle Chase.

A $25 million dollar bond has been set for a Ponchatoula man accused of possession of child pornography. The FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes State Police, arrested 59-year-old Edd Scafidel Jr. Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says the public plays an important role in these types of cases.
Cut 12 (10) “…other electronic devices.”

It’s that time of year when businesses start planning their holiday parties, parties which have the potential to go horrifically wrong if things get out of hand, or the company does a poor job planning and preparing. National Federation of Small Business State Director Dawn Starns says before any party takes place, make sure your harassment policy is up to date, and if you don’t have one, you should get on that right now.
Cut 15 (06) “…handle that”
She also recommends hiring Ubers for your employees if alcohol will be involved.

The National Federation of Small Businesses has some suggestions for business owners thinking of throwing a holiday party…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

The Avondale Scout Reservation in East Feliciana Parish has been closed after two boy scouts were hospitalized with histoplasmosis. It’s a flu-like illness that comes from soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings. State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says histoplasmois is a fungus and you can sick after breathing in the spores from the fungus. At least 15 campers were reportedly exposed to histoplasmosis. Ratard says symptoms can develop three to 17 days after exposure, but usually infected individuals recover quickly…
Cut 5 (08) “…goes away.”

The high school state football championships kick-off today at the Superdome, as nine teams will be crowned champions before the prep classic concludes on Saturday night. Today at noon, Oak Grove goes after its first state title since 2001, when it takes on Kentwood.

Oak Grove is 13-0 on the year, while Kentwood is 11-and-2 and has won eight state titles in football. Oak Grove Coach Ryan Gregory says his big concern is the Kangaroos team speed…
Cut 8 (11) “…turn it over”

A $25 million dollar bond has been set for a Ponchatoula man accused of possession of child pornography. The FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes State Police, arrested 59-year-old Edd Scafidel Jr. Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says the investigation is continuing as authorities seized more electronic devices. Depending on what those devices may contain, the suspect’s already high bond may increase.
Cut 11 (11) “…on this case.”

State Police have dropped the hammer on a Ponchatoula man and set his bond at $25 million for allegedly possessing child porn. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The Avondale Scout Reservation in East Feliciana Parish has been closed after two boy scouts were hospitalized with histoplasmosis. It’s a flu-like illness that comes from soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings. State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says histoplasmois is a fungus and you can get sick after breathing in the spores from the fungus
Cut 4 (08) “…those spores.″

The high school state football championships kick-off today at the Superdome, as nine teams will be crowned champions before the prep classic concludes on Saturday night. Today at noon, Oak Grove goes after its first state title since 2001, when it takes on Kentwood. Oak Grove Coach Ryan Gregory was a team captain the last time the Tigers brought home a trophy back to West Carroll Parish
Cut 7 (09) “…all year.”

It’s that time of year when businesses start planning their holiday parties, parties which have the potential to go horrifically wrong if things get out of hand, or the company does a poor job planning and preparing. National Federation of Small Business State Director Dawn Starns says harassment awareness is at an all-time-high,
And, she says make sure the event is voluntary, just in case someone at your business isn’t interested in some afterhours fraternizing.
Cut 14 (09) “…in one.”

Starns says you can help keep workers from going too hard by employing professional bartenders who refuse to serve folks who are a little over-served.

It was a fun night at the Smoothie King Center as the Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 132-106. Anthony Davis had 27 points and a career-high nine assists. Julius Randle also had 27 points and grabbed 18 rebounds as New Orleans improved to 13-and-13 on the season. The Pels will be back at home tomorrow against the Grizzlies.

The Saints are 7.5 point favorites this Sunday as they’ll visit the Tampa Bay Bucs. Tampa beat New Orleans in the season opener and they have won two in a row. Saints wide out Michael Thomas did not practice yesterday. But offensive tackle Terron Armstead was back at practice after missing the last three games.

Three state championship football games will be played today in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. At noon, Oak Grove goes for its first state title since 2001 when they face Kentwood. At 3:30…it’s Lafayette Christian versus Ascension Catholic. At 7 PM, it’s Notre Dame versus Catholic of New Iberia. All of the games can be seen on CST or streamed on the N-F-H-S Network.

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McNeese has named Sterlin Gilbert as its new football coach. The past two seasons, Gilbert was the offensive coordinator at South Florida. The Bulls averaged 444 yards of total offense and 32 points a game this past season en route to a 7-5 record. He’ll be introduced to the Lake Charles media on Friday.

Grambling State and its athletics director Paul Bryant have decided to go their separate ways. Bryant will leave the school at the end of the month and President Rick Gallot says the vice president for student affairs, David Ponton, will take over as A-D. Gallot says Bryant wants to explore other opportunities.

Louisiana Tech’s Jaylon Ferguson has been named Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year. The St. Francisville native set a school record with 15 sacks this year and is two sacks away from becoming the alltime sack leader in NCAA Football history.

On the hardwood, the Ragin Cajuns defeated Loyola University of New Orleans 97-84 as JaKeenan Gant had 21 points. Also, UNO over South Alabama 71-60 and Tulane topped Tennessee-Martin 87-74.

The state football championships begin today in the Mercedes Benz Superdome as 18 teams will battle it over the next three days. Jeff Palermo has a preview…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A $25 million dollar bond has been set for a Ponchatoula man accused of possession of child pornography. The FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes State Police, arrested 59-year-old Edd Scafidel Jr. Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says authorities received the information on the suspect last month.
Cut 10 (06) “…pornography involving juveniles.”

It’s that time of year when businesses start planning their holiday parties, parties which have the potential to go horrifically wrong if things get out of hand, or the company does a poor job planning and preparing. National Federation of Small Business State Director Dawn Starns says harassment awareness is at an all-time-high, so don’t promote inappropriate behavior.
Cut 13 (09) “…decoration.”
Starns says you can help keep workers from going too hard by employing professional bartenders who refuse to serve folks who look too drunk.

The state football championships begin today in the Mercedes Benz Superdome as 18 teams will battle it over the next three days. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Police have thrown the fence on a Ponchatoula man and set his bond at $25 million for allegedly possessing child porn.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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The National Federation of Small Businesses has some suggestions for business owners thinking of throwing a holiday party…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m  Matt Doyle”

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The Avondale Scout Reservation in East Feliciana Parish has been closed after two boy scouts were hospitalized with histoplasmosis. It’s a flu-like illness that comes from soil contaminated with bat or bird droppings. State Epidemiologist Raoult Ratard says histoplasmois is a fungus and you can sick after breathing in the spores from the fungus

Cut 4 (08) “…those spores.″

At least 15 campers were reportedly exposed to histoplasmosis. Ratard says symptoms can develop three to 17 days after exposure, but usually infected individuals recover quickly…

Cut 5 (08) “…goes away.”

Ratard says he doesn’t see histoplasmosis as a major health risk, as there are very few reported cases. But when outdoors, he says do not disturb large piles of leaves and stay away from holes in trees where there might a lot of animal droppings

Cut 6 (07) “…get infected.”

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The high school state football championships kick-off today at the Superdome, as nine teams will be crowned champions before the prep classic concludes on Saturday night. Today at noon, Oak Grove goes after its first state title since 2001, when it takes on Kentwood. Oak Grove Coach Ryan Gregory was a team captain the last time the Tigers brought home a trophy back to West Carroll Parish

Cut 7 (09) “…all year.”

Oak Grove is 13-0 on the year, while Kentwood is 11-and-2 and has won eight state titles in football. Gregory says his big concern is the Kangaroos team speed…

Cut 8 (11) “…turn it over”

Gregory says he likes the character of his team…

Cut 9 (08) “…mentally tough team.”

The Division four and Division 3 championship games are also today and they are rematches of last year’s championship games. At 3:30 it’s Lafayette versus Ascension Catholic and at 7 PM its Catholic of New Iberia versus Notre Dame.

_______________________

A $25 million dollar bond has been set for a Ponchatoula man accused of possession of child pornography.  The FBI New Orleans Child Exploitation Task Force, which includes State Police, arrested 59-year-old Edd Scafidel Jr.  Senior Trooper Melissa Matey says authorities received the information on the suspect last month.

Cut 10 (06)   “…pornography involving juveniles.”

Matey says the investigation is continuing as authorities seized more electronic devices.  Depending on what those devices may contain, the suspect’s already high bond may increase.

Cut 11 (11) “…on this case.”

Matey says the public plays an important role in these types of cases.

Cut 12 (10)   “…other electronic devices.”

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It’s that time of year when businesses start planning their holiday parties, parties which have the potential to go horrifically wrong if things get out of hand, or the company does a poor job planning and preparing. National Federation of Small Business State Director Dawn Starns says harassment awareness is at an all-time-high, so don’t incentivize inappropriate behavior.

Cut 13 (09) “…decoration.”

She says you can help keep workers from going too hard by employing professional bartenders who refuse to serve folks who look too drunk.

And, make sure the event is voluntary, just in case someone at your business isn’t interested in some after-hours fraternizing.

Cut 14 (09) “…in one.”

And before any party takes place, make sure your harassment policy is up to date, and if you don’t have one, you should get on that right now.

Cut 15 (06) “…handle that”

She also recommends hiring Ubers for your employees if alcohol will be involved.

The nation is bidding farewell to the 41st President of the United States, George H-W Bush, who had his funeral service today at the Washington National Cathedral in D-C. Bush, who lived most of his adult life in Texas, had a close connection to Louisiana. In 2001, he gave this advice to LSU graduates while delivering a commencement speech…

Cut 6 (12) “…your country”

LSU Athletic Director Joe Alleva told ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge that despite the great year for the Tigers, it’s not time to talk about a contract extension for Coach Ed Orgeron. Tiger Rag Editor James Moran says it’s Alleva’s style to wait after the final game is played

Cut 11 (11) “…of the team”

Orgeron is currently getting paid 3.5 million dollars a year.

A Report from Hunger Free America says Louisiana has the third highest rate of food insecure children in the nation. About 25 percent of kids in the state live in households where their parents do not make enough money, and CEO Joel Berg says that doesn’t mean the state is of third world status, but it does mean many families are having to make tough choices between absolute necessities despite living in such a wealthy country.

Cut 9 (12) “much poverty”

With the holiday season in effect, the state has seen an uptick in flu cases.  This news comes after a horrible flu season last year, with triple the number of hospitalizations and deaths than normal.  Flu Bug expert for Louisiana Department of Health Frank Welch says getting the flu shot only doesn’t guarantee someone won’t get the flu, but if they do get the flu after getting the flu shot, it won’t be so severe.

Cut 5 (10)  “…amount of protection.”