Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says he will not seek reelection. The Republican who represents the 5^th Congressional district says he’s keeping his promise to only serve three terms. The congressman’s decision comes a few months after his unsuccessful bid for governor. Abraham says his loss in the governor’s race didn’t factor into his decision
U-S Senator John Kennedy is not happy with the lack of answers coming from acting Department of Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf about the coronavirus outbreak. Kennedy’s frustration grew when Wolf couldn’t say how many respirators and masks are available in the United States or if there’s an estimate on how many cases we might see…
Cut 3 (14)  “…security”  
The tense line of questioning came during a hearing on Homeland Security’s budget.

Governor Edwards calls for the resignation of 23^rd Judicial District Judge Jessie LeBlanc following her admission to using racial text messages. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino expects the matter to be referred to the Judiciary Commission…
Cut 10 (13) “…onerous as removal.”
LaBlanc’s lawyer Jill Craft released a statement saying her client’s statements were made in a private conversation and in response to a threatening situation.
If victim a of domestic violence fails to appear at court in Louisiana during the filing of a temporary restraining order for any reason the judge could deem it frivolous and charge the victim court cost. In a state that has the second-highest rate of women murdered by men in the nation, Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Director Mariah Wineski says then the judge could turn around and order the victim to pay court costs.
Cut 8 (11) “…protect them”

Congressman Ralph Abraham officially announces he will not seek re-election this November. Abraham said he made the decision six years ago to only serve three terms.
The nephew of filmmaker Tyler Perry has died in the Union Parish Detention Center. 26-year-old Gavin Porter of St. Helena Parish, was found dead in his cell from an apparent suicide by hanging.
If you file a restraining order in Louisiana and fail to appear at court the judge could order you to pay court costs. Brooke Thorington spoke with a domestic violence advocate.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

During Tuesday night’s 2020 Democratic presidential debate, the candidates hammered President Trump’s response to the Coronavirus. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the Trump administration is on top of it and has proposed spending two-point-five billion dollars as part of a response plan…
Cut 5 (08)  “…dollars in it”
So far there have been 14 confirmed cases in the US, but none in Louisiana.

Visitation begins tonight for former state lawmaker Butch Gautreaux who passed away Saturday at the age of 72. Gautreaux represented the Morgan City area for 16 years in the state legislature. Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says Gautreaux was a strong voice for the less fortunate

Cut 12 (10) “…get done”

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham says he will not seek reelection. The Republican who represents the 5^th Congressional district says he’s keeping his promise to only serve three terms. The congressman’s decision comes a few months after his unsuccessful bid for governor. Abraham says his loss in the governor’s race didn’t factor into his decision

U-S Senator John Kennedy has a tense exchange with acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf over the coronavirus. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Governor Edwards calls for the resignation of 23^rd Judicial District Judge Jessie LeBlanc following her admission to using racial text messages. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s outside of the Governor’s reach to make such a call.

Cut 9 (08) “…of a judge.″

Ciolino expects the matter to be referred to the Judiciary Commission of Louisiana…

Visitation begins tonight for former state lawmaker Butch Gautreaux who passed away Saturday at the age of 72.  Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says Gautreaux worked with former US Senator Mary Landrieu on funding for our coast.

Cut 14 (07) “…coastline”

The funeral service is Thursday morning at 10 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City.

Governor Edwards is calling on state judge Jessie LeBlanc to resign after she admitted to using racial slurs in a text message to describe a sheriff’s deputy and black law clerk in Ascension Parish. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it’s rare for a governor to chime in on the competence of a judge, but other state entities could get involved…
cut 11 (12) “…or racially motivated’
LeBlanc has apologized for using the racial slurs.

Visitation is tonight in Morgan City for former state legislator Butch Gautreaux, who passed away over the weekend at the age of 72. Louisiana Democratic Party executive director Stephen Handwerk says Gautreaux was known as a lawmaker who worked well with both sides of the aisle…
cut 13 (10) “…from Butch”

On Capitol Hill, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy grilled acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf about how his agency is preparing for a potential coronavirus outbreak in the United States. Kennedy’s blood pressure rose when Wolf said a vaccine could be available in a few months, but C-D-C officials said it could take 12 to 18 months…
Cut 4 (12) “…everyday.”

Advocates for domestic violence victims are raising concerns about costs that are coming down on victims who fail to make a court appearance after filing a temporary restraining order. Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic violence executive director Mariah Wineski says such a practice could keep other victims from filing the order…
cut 7 (10) “….first place”
Wineski says work requirements, a sick child or facing threats from their assailant are some of the reasons why a victim might not attend a hearing.

Governor Edwards calls for the resignation of 23^rd Judicial District Judge Jessie LeBlanc following her admission to using racial text messages. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino expects the matter to be referred to the Judiciary Commission…

Cut 10 (13) “…onerous as removal.”

LaBlanc’s lawyer Jill Craft released a statement saying her client’s statements were made in a private conversation and in response to a threatening situation.
Visitation begins tonight for former state lawmaker Butch Gautreaux who passed away Saturday at the age of 72. Gautreaux represented the Morgan City area for 16 years in the state legislature. Executive Director of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Stephen Handwerk, says Gautreaux was a strong voice for the less fortunate

Cut 12 (10) “…get done”

If you file a restraining order in Louisiana and fail to appear at court the judge could order you to pay court costs. Brooke Thorington spoke with a domestic violence advocate.

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Shreveport television stations are reporting a robbery suspect was fatally shot last night by police. Officers were reportedly investigating a robbery near an apartment complex when they spotted the suspect, who shot at officers. Police returned fired, striking him. He died at a local hospital and no officers were injured. It was one of three deadly shootings in Shreveport yesterday.

Governor Edwards calls for the resignation of 23rd Judicial District Judge Jessie LeBlanc to resign following her admission to sending racists text messages. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says it’s outside of the Governor’s reach to make such a call.
Cut 9 (08) “…of a judge.″
Ciolino says the Judiciary Commission should conduct an investigation.

Advocates for Domestic violence victims are concerned victims are getting hit with court costs if they fail to show up to court after filing a temporary restraining order. In a state that has the second-highest rate of women murdered by men in the nation, Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Mariah Winseki says this practice needs to stop.
Cut 6 (11) “…victim safety.”

U-S Senator John Kennedy has a tense exchange with acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf over the coronavirus…
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Former LSU wide receiver Justin Jefferson told NFL.com that the fistful of of cash he received from Odell Beckham after the national championship went to his church.

During Tuesday night’s 2020 Democratic presidential debate, the candidates hammered President Trump’s response to the Coronavirus. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the Trump administration is on top of it and has proposed spending two-point-five billion dollars as part of a response plan…
Cut 5 (08)  “…dollars in it”
So far there have been 14 confirmed cases in the US, but none in Louisiana.
Marrero Representative Kyle Green files legislation that would increase the minimum wage from $7.25 to nine dollars an hour in 2021. The last increase in the minimum wage for Louisianans happened in 2009 under the Obama Administration. Green says we’re long overdue to increase it again.
Cut 9 (09) “…their basic necessities.″
The move is opposed by the business lobbyists.

Ash Wednesday begins the Lenten season and seafood becomes a popular dish.  Chairman of the Gulf Seafood Institute Harlon Pearce believes there should be plenty available.  Pearce says high water levels and weather conditions have resulted in a bountiful crawfish harvest.
Cut 10 (10) “…into the season.”
Pearce adds oysters are looking promising and prices are leveling out much better than what they were.

New data from the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control shows Louisiana ranks fifth in the nation among states with the highest per capita gun death rates in 2018. Violence Policy Center, Legislative Director Kristen Rand says there are several studies indicate a correlation of lower exposure to firearms as represented by household gun ownership in having lower death rates.

Cut 14 (10) “…since 2009.”