Congressman Ralph Abraham will not seek a fourth term in office, citing a promise he made before being elected in 2014 that he would term limit himself. Abraham made his three-term limit promise a core message of the campaign that saw him win the seat previously held by embattled GOP incumbent Vance McAllister.

Cut 6, 9 seconds, good thing

The 2014 election saw the now-Congressman narrowly top a crowed GOP primary field, and ultimately win 65 percent of the vote in the general against Monroe Mayor and Democrat Jamie Mayo.  ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says expect to see another free-for-all…

Cut 12 (11) “…this race.”

Qualifying is in July for the November race.

Health officials say it’s only a matter of time before a coronavirus outbreak hits the United States. Brooke Thorington spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Infectious Diseases expert about preparations that are underway.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

17-year-old Wyatt Richardson of Shongaloo dies in a crash on Louisiana Highway 157 in a crash that is still under investigation. Richardson’s vehicle crossed the center line for an unknown reason and collided with a tree, resulting in fatal injuries for the unrestrained teen. It’s the third fatal crash for State Police Troop G in 2020.

The CDC warns it’s not a matter of if the coronavirus will reach the U-S, but when and how many it will affect. As Congress debates over funding to combat the disease, LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Chief of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Julio Figueroa, explains what the school is doing to prepare.
Cut 4 (11)_ “…stay healthy.”
Research at this time shows that 80 percent of those diagnosed with the virus have mild symptoms, and 20 percent will require medical attention.
Congressman Ralph Abraham announced Wednesday that he will not seek a fourth term in office, keeping a campaign promise of only serving three terms in office. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham, a physician by practice, has been always been a visible community figure in Northeast Louisiana and he doesn’t see that changing.
Cut 11 (05) “…medical practice.”
The 5^th Congressional district Republican’s decision comes months after his unsuccessful run for governor.

Last year there was a significant effort to pass a sports wagering bill, and now Metairie Senator Cameron Henry is filing legislation this year for a statewide proposition election to determine whether sports wagering will be permitted in a particular parish.  If successful, it will appear on the November 3^rd ballot. Sports betting in a particular parish would only be permitted after the state laws concerning licensing, regulation, and taxation are enacted and become effective.  Henry says in the 2021 legislative session, bills could be filed to better smooth out all of the details of how sports wagering would work.

Cut 15 (06) “…and so forth.”

A new poll from YouGov asked over 8,000 people to name the hardest thing to give up for 40 days for Lent. Data journalist at YouGov Jamie Ballard says the number one answer is watching TV or streaming services.

Cut 7 (09) “…that leisure activity.”

TV got 29%. Caffeine came in second with 19%.

Health officials say it’s only a matter of time before a coronavirus outbreak hits the United States. Brooke Thorington spoke with an LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Infectious Diseases expert about preparations that are underway.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

_____________________________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham announces he will not seek re-election of his congressional seat. Brooke Thorington spoke with a poli sci professor on what this means for Northeast Louisiana.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

Legislation filed for the upcoming session could result in sports wagering have a spot on the statewide ballot in November. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart.”  

____________________________________________

The CDC warns it’s just a matter of when the coronavirus will reach the U-S and how many it will affect. As Congress debates over funding to combat the disease, LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Chief of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Julio Figueroa, explains what the school is doing to prepare.

Cut 4 (11)_ “…stay healthy.”

Figueroa says research at this time shows that 80 percent of those diagnosed with the virus have mild symptoms, and 20 percent will require medical attention.

Cut 5 (08)  “…being told.”

Figueroa says when you compare the coronavirus to the common flu and worldwide mortality rates yes more people do die from the common flu but that could change.

Cut 6 (12) “…know yet.”

Figueroa says our culture of people going to work and school sick is something with this virus that people need to cease in order to stop transmission.

____________________________

A new poll from YouGov asked over 8,000 people to name the hardest thing to give up for 40 days for Lent. Data journalist at YouGov Jamie Ballard says the number one answer is watching TV or streaming services as 29% of respondents say that would be the biggest challenge.

Cut 7 (09) “…that leisure activity.”

Caffeine came in at number two with 19%, followed by social networking and chocolate, both with 11%. Ballard says when breaking down the responses by political affiliation, while all listed giving up TV as the hardest, it appears to be the most challenging for Democrats.

Cut 8 (08) “…29% of independents.”

Ballard says only one age group indicated that TV wasn’t going to be the hardest thing to give up.

Cut 9 (03) “…be social networking.″

Also making the top answers were giving up soda at 7%, alcohol at 6%, and fast food at 5%.

____________________

Congressman Ralph Abraham announced Wednesday that he will not seek a fourth term in office, keeping a campaign promise of only serving three terms in office. The 5^th Congressional district Republican’s decision comes months after his unsuccessful run for governor. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the announcement is not a surprise.

Cut 10 (11) “…relatively brief.”

Stockley says Abraham, a physician by practice, has been always been a visible community figure in Northeast Louisiana and he doesn’t see that changing.

Cut 11 (05) “…medical practice.”

As for Abraham’s replacement, Stockley says on the Republican ticket he expects to see a diverse field of candidates vying for the nomination.

Cut 12 (11) “…this race.”

Republican Ouachita Parish Police Juror Scotty Robinson and Democrat Sandy “Candy” Christophe of Alexandria have expressed they will run for the district seat. While Abraham’s chief of staff Republican Luke Letlow is also expected to run.

_____________________________________

Last year there was a significant effort to pass a sports wagering bill, and now Metairie Senator Cameron Henry is filing legislation this year for a statewide proposition election to determine whether sports wagering will be permitted in a particular parish.  If successful, it will appear on the November 3^rd ballot.

Cut 13 (10) “…parish or not.”

Henry says the voting would help lawmakers getting a better idea of what constituents want, ahead of future legislation concerning sports wagering.  Louisiana lawmakers have typically not been in favor of the expansion of gambling.

Cut 14 (07) “…we’ll be successful.”

Sports betting in a particular parish would only be permitted after the state laws concerning licensing, regulation, and taxation are enacted and become effective.  Henry says in the 2021 legislative session, bills could be filed to better smooth out all of the details of how sports wagering would work.

Cut 15 (06) “…and so forth.”

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 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.

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.”

Former LSU Quarterback Joe Burrow ends speculation that he would try to force his way out of Cincinnati as he says he’ll play for the Bengals if they take him with the number one pick. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

With two float related fatalities within days of each other involving tandem floats, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson made the call to cease the use of tandem floats for the remainder of the 2020 festivities.  Ferguson praises Krewes that cooperated with the last minute changes.

Cut 14 (10) “…to do it”

Millions are celebrating Mardi Gras around the world, but no one does it bigger than New Orleans.  The celebration has a large economic impact on the Big Easy, bringing in over $1 billion annually, which is roughly 2 percent of the city’s GDP.  Personal finance website WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says it’s growing too.

Cut 9 (06) “…impact from 2011.″

A massive party is taking place across south Louisiana on this Fat Tuesday. There are parades all day in Lake Charles and Lafayette. K-PEL Radio’s Bernadette Lee says in the Hub City, the big party started this morning…

Cut 8 (26) “…Lee report

At the NFL draft combine in Indianapolis, former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow put to rest rumors that he would not play for the Bengals if Cincinnati selected him with the top overall pick. Some NFL reporters have speculated Burrow would pressure Cincinnati not to draft him. Burrow will not throw at the combine, but he looks forward to meeting with several teams, including the Bengals…

Cut 4 (09) “…think about ball.”
With two float related fatalities within days of each other involving tandem floats, New Orleans Police Superintendent  Shaun Ferguson made the call to cease the use of tandem floats for the remainder of the 2020 festivities.  Ferguson received criticism for making the decision but he feels he made the correct choice.
Cut 13 (09) “…that decision.”

Ferguson says safety is his top priority for the citizens of New Orleans and its visitors.

A massive party is taking place across south Louisiana on this Fat Tuesday. There have been parades all day in Lake Charles and Lafayette. K-PEL Radio’s Bernadette Lee says multiple parades will roll through downtown Lafayette…

Cut 7 (12) “     Mardi Gras today”  

Millions are celebrating Mardi Gras around the world, but no one does it bigger than New Orleans.  The celebration has a large economic impact on the Big Easy, bringing in over $1 billion annually, which is roughly 2 percent of the city’s GDP.  The average price to attend a Mardi Gras ball is about $190 a ticket. Personal finance website WalletHub analyst Jill Gonzales says a VIP experience of riding on a float is upwards of $3000.

Cut 11 (10) “…does add up.”

About 25 million pounds of beads are thrown during the celebrations.  92,000 pounds of beads are removed from storm drains after the celebration.