23rd Judicial District Court Judge Jessie LeBlanc resigns in a letter full of accusations about others involved in the court system.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Kevin Barnhart.”

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A Covington Senator wants to ban drivers from holding their phone. He spoke with Matt Doyle…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The Dow Jones is down 12 percent in the last five days thanks to coronavirus-related fears. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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23rd Judicial District Court Judge Jessie LeBlanc has resigned following her admission of her use of the n-word in an angry text message to former Assumption Parish Chief Deputy Bruce Prejean as their extramarital affair ended.  Baton Rouge attorney Franz Borghardt says it would have been difficult for her to continue in her role.

Cut 4 (06)_ “…issue for her.”

Leblanc told a Baton Rouge TV station that she used the slur to describe a black sheriff’s deputy and black law clerk in her district.

In the resignation letter, LeBlanc admitted to the extramarital affair, but says that three members of her bench knew of her previous relationship, having direct meetings with two of them.  She also said another judge in her district, Alvin Turner, was made aware in 2017 that his own law clerk allegedly had an affair with Prejean as well.  Borghardt says he’s not sure that the letter was the proper avenue to shed light on those issues.

Cut 5 (09)  “…cases before him.”

Turner has since accused LeBlanc of distorting the truth.

Borghardt says that the letter creates a lot of questions and feels that the letter’s accusations warrant an investigation.

Cut 6 (08) “…to the community.”

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Covington Senator Patrick McMath introduces this year’s effort to ban all handheld phone use for drivers.

McMath says passing the law would save a lot of lives by reducing the number of crashes, and reducing the number of crashes would also save state drivers a lot of money.

Cut 7 (09) “…from this”

The Republican cited stats showing Louisiana claims the nation’s 7^th highest distracted driving rate.

McMath says his legislation proposes fines for an offense that are about average for the 20 states that do have total handheld driving bans.

Cut 8 (08) “…beyond.”

McMath’s bill would allow drivers brief use of their phone to click to receive a call, make an emergency call, or respond to their GPS,

Seven states, including Louisiana, have partial bans on handheld use, but McMath says partial bans like ours can be nearly impossible to enforce.

Cut 9 (08) “…my phone″

Last session a similar version of this bill cleared the House, then Senate, but a compromise effort returned to the House and failed by a few votes.

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Coronavirus fears have sent the stock market tumbling, with the Dow Jones dropping 1,100 points yesterday alone, and nearly 12 percent over the past five days.

Tulane Professor of Finance Peter Ricchiuti says the virus has exacerbated a market that was already showing signs of weakness thanks to the US’s growing debt, the high price of stocks, and…

Cut 10 (10) “…profit.”

Ricchiuti says the 12 percent loss is still shy of the 20 loss needed for the declaration of a “bear” market.

That might have older retirement investors spooked, but Ricchiuti says those close to retirement likely have moved more towards bonds, which is paying off right about now…

Cut 11 (09) “…in here.”

Ricchiuti says younger investors should look to take advantage of declining stock prices by boosting contributions to their retirement accounts.

Cut 12 (11) “…as well.”

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President of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Ronnie Anderson announces he is retiring this summer following 31 years of leadership.  Anderson says it has been a great run and credits those he’s worked with over the years for contributing to that.

Cut 13 (10) “…many good people.”

Anderson doesn’t have too many plans laid out to occupy his time, but he knows he’ll be spending more time with family.

Cut 14 (10) “…stuff with them.”

Anderson says many of the people he has worked with have become close like family.

Cut 15 (12) “…really close to.”

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 The 11th ranked LSU baseball team will spend the next three days in Houston facing Texas, Baylor and 15th ranked Oklahoma at the Shriners Hospitals for Children College Classic at Minute Maid Park. Coach Paul Mainieri says it will be an exciting weekend for his players and the fans

Cut 16  (16)  …Friday night’   

LSU will play Baylor on Saturday and then take on the Sooners on Sunday at 11 AM. Mainieri says Texas is undefeated on the season because they have not given up many runs….

Cut 17  (11) “their game” 

LSU won Wednesday night seven to one over Louisiana Tech. Mainieri says he’ll use that same line-up over the course of the next weekend because at this point he feels that group gives them the best chance to win…

cut 18  (18) “is going to work”   

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The Pelicans begin an important three-game homestand tonight as the Cleveland Cavaliers make their only appearance at the Smoothie King Center. New Orleans is three games back of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West and Coach Alvin Gentry says with 24 games left, the margin for error is small…

cut 19 (29) those games”  

Gentry says if the Pelicans are going to make the playoffs, they have to defend their home court…

cut 20 (12) “   the game”  

Coronavirus fears are pushing down oil prices as demand sinks ahead of what could be a major global economic slowdown. That’s contributing to some remarkably low prices at the pump, which LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says could do some real damage to Louisiana’s economy, which functions best when prices are high…

Cut 14 (06) “…coastline”

he U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s lowest level since January 2019.

A House bill filed by Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland aims to allow nighttime hunting for feral hogs on private property at any time of the year.  Similar legislation has surfaced in the past, but McFarland feels this year’s effort will have a better shot.

Cut 9 (12) “…out of it.″

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.  The Congressman says the decision was not hard, and he’s proud of the votes he cast on behalf of Louisiana’s sprawling 5^th district.
Cut 7 (09) “…Iraq”  
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.
According to the annual AccuWeather spring allergy forecast, a brutal allergy season is ahead for allergy sufferers. In Louisiana, the forecast calls for an above-average season.  Spring starts on March 20^th, but LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Allergy/Immunology Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says the pollen is already here.
Cut 3 (10)  “…end of January”  

Two-term Baton Rouge area Dsitrict Judge Jessie LeBlanc resigns in the wake of a scandal involving her use of racist slurs in text messages sent to an Ascension Sheriff’s Deputy she was having an affair with. The judge admitted to using the slurs, including the n-word about a court employee and an Ascension Parish Sheriff Deputy.

Congressman Ralph Abraham calls it quits after three terms representing Louisiana’s sprawling 5^th district. Abraham says he made a promise to voters in 2014 that he would term limit himself, and he’s going to keep that promise…

Cut 6 (09) “good thing.”

In 2014 Abraham’s narrowly topped a crowded GOP primary field and ultimately won 65 percent of the vote in the general against Monroe Mayor and Democrat Jamie Mayo. He’s faced little opposition since.

According to the annual AccuWeather spring allergy forecast predicts we’ll see a brutal allergy season. In Louisiana, the forecast calls for an above-average season.  LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Allergy/Immunology Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says In order to prevent an allergy flair up, don’t open windows and doors until the early afternoon. If an allergy sufferer goes outside, there are steps to take upon getting home.

Cut 5 (11)  “…home from outside.”

Oil prices continued to fall today as demand weakens over concerns from the coronavirus. The U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s lowest level since January 2019. LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says there’s a lot of uncertainty right now

Cut 12 (10) “…globally”

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 isn’t completely ruling out future public service, and assuming the President were to win reelection, he would be interested in a position in his administration if offered.

Cut 8 (10) “…history”

Abraham finished third in the gubernatorial primary last October.

According to the annual AccuWeather spring allergy forecast, a brutal allergy season is ahead for allergy sufferers. In Louisiana, the forecast calls for an above-average season.  Spring starts on March 20^th, but LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Allergy/Immunology Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says humidity, hot weather, and carbon dioxide from cars all contribute to this being a brutal season.

Cut 4 (07) “…by the plants.”

A House bill filed by Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland aims to allow nighttime hunting for feral hogs on private property at any time of the year.  McFarland says feral hogs will eat anything and have a negative impact of row crops as well as other wildlife, but adds the problem isn’t just limited to rural communities.

Cut 11 (11) “…hog problem now.”

Similar legislation has been attempted in the past, but McFarland believes the problem has gotten worse and feels it would have more support this year.

Oil prices continued to fall today as demand weakens over concerns from the coronavirus. The U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s lowest level since January 2019. LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says if oil prices continue to drop, it will cause problems in the oil patch for businesses who are already struggling to make a profit

Cut 13 (12) “…balance sheet.”

Two-term District Court Judge Jessie LeBlanc resigns in the wake of a scandal involving her use of racist slurs in text messages sent to a Sheriff’s Deputy she was having an affair with. The judge admitted to using the slurs, including the n-word about a court employee and an Ascension Parish Sheriff Deputy. The letter was sent to the Secretary of State’s office. Governor Edwards had called for her resignation yesterday.

Coronavirus fears are pushing down oil prices as demand sinks ahead of what could be a major global economic slowdown. That’s contributing to some remarkably low prices at the pump, which LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says could do some real damage to Louisiana’s economy, which functions best when prices are high… 

Cut 14 (06) “…coastline”

he U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s lowest level since January 2019.

A brutal allergy season is ahead for allergy sufferers. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

A House bill filed by Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland aims to allow nighttime hunting for feral hogs on private property any time of the year.  McFarland feels this year’s effort will have a better shot than previous years’ 

Cut 9 (12) “…out of it.″

Baton Rouge area State District Judge Jessie Leblanc has submitted her resignation one day after Governor John Bel Edwards called for her to step down. Leblanc admitted to using racial slurs in an angry text message sent to a former sheriff’s deputy. The message was sent after an eight-year extramarital affair had ended with the cop from Assumption Parish.

Congressman Ralph Abraham tells Matt Doyle his support for term limits guided his decision not to seek a 4th term in office…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Oil prices continued to fall today as demand weakens over concerns from the coronavirus. The U-S West Texas Intermediate crude fell below 46-dollars a barrel, it’s the lowest level since January 2019. LSU Energy Studies Director David Dismukes says there’s a lot of uncertainty right now…
cut 12 (10) “…globally”
Dismukes says if oil prices continue to drop, it will cause problems in the oil patch for businesses who are already struggling to make a profit.

Jonesboro Republican Jack McFarland has filed legislation that would allow for year-round nighttime hunting of feral hogs on private property. There’s been opposition to this bill in the past, but McFarland says he’s worked to address the opponent’s concerns…
cut 10 (11) “….that you did”
The legislative session begins March 9th.

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.  The Congressman says the decision was not hard, and he’s proud of the votes he cast on behalf of Louisiana’s sprawling 5^th district.
Cut 7 (09) “…Iraq”  
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.
According to the annual AccuWeather spring allergy forecast, a brutal allergy season is ahead for allergy sufferers. In Louisiana, the forecast calls for an above-average season.  Spring starts on March 20^th, but LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Allergy/Immunology Dr. Sanjay Kamboj says the pollen is already here.
Cut 3 (10)  “…end of January”  
Kamboj says humidity, hot weather, and carbon dioxide from cars all contribute to this being a brutal season.

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.”  

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%.

Congressman Ralph Abraham announces he will not seek re-election this fall. Brooke Thorington has a reaction from a political analyst…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Captains of New Orleans krewes will meet with New Orleans public safety officials, including N-O-P-D Superintendent Shaun Ferguson at five o’clock today to discuss how they can make Mardi Gras parades safer. Two parade-goers were killed within days of each other last week.

Health officials say there have been over 81-thousand cases of the coronavirus since it emerged in China. Symptoms include fever, coughing, and shortness of breath or pneumonia. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Chief of Infectious Diseases, Doctor Julio Figueroa, says research shows 80-percent of those diagnosed with the virus have mild symptoms, and 20-percent require medical attention…
cut 5 (08) “…being told”

Last year an effort to legalize sports betting in Louisiana failed, but the issue will come up again in the 2020 legislative session. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry has filed a bill that would give voters on November third an opportunity to decide if sports betting should be legal in their parish…

Cut 13 (10) “…parish or not.”

If voters approve sports betting than the legislature in 2021 would work to pass legislation on taxing and regulation.