Congressman Ralph Abraham says he’ll make a final decision on whether he will seek a fourth term in Congress by January. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “I”m Matt Doyle”

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Senate Republicans introduce a resolution condeming the House’s impeachment inquiry. Matt Doyle spoke to one of the co-signers…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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The national average of health insurance rates is decreasing by 4% in 2020, but Louisiana’s rates are not following that trend. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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Congressman Ralph Abraham tells Greg Hilburn of the USA Today Network he has not made a decision on whether he will seek re-election next year. ULM Poli Sci Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham has good reason to decline a fourth term, as his temperament doesn’t fit the bitter and escalating partisanship of D.C.

Cut 4 (10) “…works”

Abraham ran for governor, but he finished third in the primary. Stockley warns not to rule out the Richland Parish Republican even if he leaves the lower chamber.

Cut 5 (09) “career”

Abraham secured 24 percent of the vote in the governor’s race primary.

Nationally, the GOP has been hit by a wave of Congressional retirements. Many of those are in competitive districts, but if Abraham were to retire, Stockley says the seat would likely remain red.

Cut 6 (11) ”…easily”

Abraham told Hilburn that he would make his decision by January at the latest.

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Senator John Kennedy co-signs a resolution condemning the House’s impeachment inquiry amid growing rancor in D.C. over the President’s Ukraine scandal.

Kennedy says the proceedings have been all behind closed doors, with the public only having access to leaked information, mostly from Democrats. He singled out House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff.

Cut 7 (07) “firing squad.” 

Kennedy says the incident boils down to one of two possibilities. One, did the President of the United States ask for the investigation of a political rival…

Cut 8 (12) “…involved.”

Wednesday House Republicans stormed a secure meeting where a deposition in the inquiry was set to begin. Kennedy says it’s the result of weeks of pent-up frustration about closed-door hearings…

Cut 9 (06)  “…procedure.”

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While the national average is decreasing by 4%, health insurance rates in Louisiana for those policies available in the Obamacare marketplace will see an average premium increase of 10% in 2020.  Deputy commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Insurance Frank Opelka says part of the reason is that Louisiana saw a rate decreases between 2018 and 2019.

Cut 10 (08) “…to go up.”

Opelka says the number of people who have insurance through the Affordable Care has fallen below 100,000 in the state, due to the expansion of the Medicaid program…

cut 11 (05) “…around 220,000 lives.”

Opelka says most individual health care market policyholders will not have to pay for the rate increases, because their premiums are subsidized by the feds.

cut  12 (11) “…subsidy actually increases.” 

Annual enrollment for the program begins November 1 for 2020 coverage.

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A combination or two fronts in Louisiana is bringing massive amounts of rain to the entire state.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says there is a cold front moving in from the north, interacting with a front draped along the coastline.

Cut 13 (12) “…with those fronts.”

High school football fans can expect slick, muddy fields, while those heading to see the Guns n Roses concert at City Park in New Orleans tonight should expect more precipitation than just “November Rain” in the band’s encore.

Cut 14 (09) “…into Saturday.” 

Keim says the rain chances will be cut down to 30% in time for the Auburn/LSU game, but expect the field to still be slick.  Expect overcast skies and temps in the 60’s.

Cut 15 (13) “…of the game.”

A flash flood watch is in effect for south Louisiana from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon.

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Second-ranked LSU continues its push for its first-ever college football playoff appearance when they host ninth-ranked Auburn tomorrow. The Tigers are undefeated with already two wins this season against teams from the Top 10. Tigers linebacker Patrick Queen says there is no letting off the gas pedal…

Cut 16  (12)     great game” 

Auburn brings the SEC’s number one rushing attack into Death Valley. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says they are also concerned about the tempo offense that Auburn likes to run…

cut 17  (20) “…little bit” 

The Arizona Cardinals will bring a three-game winning streak to the Superdome on Sunday when they take on the six and one Saints. Arizona features one of the best cornerbacks in the game, former LSU star Patrick Peterson. Coach Sean Payton says they don’t want Peterson to have a big impact in the game…

cut  18 (10)  plan 

In last week’s win over the Bears, the Saints made sure Bears pass rusher Khalil Mack didn’t sack Teddy Bridgewater. New Orleans faces another good pass rusher Sunday as Arizona linebacker Chandler Jones has 8.5 sacks. Payton says veteran sack artist Terrell Suggs is also having a good season.

cut 19 (19)   “situation”   

cut 20 (16) “ can’t run”   

Child rape and porn charges have a former high ranking Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy and his school teacher wife behind bars. The charges could result in the Denham Springs husband and wife serving a life prison sentence. Legal analyst Tim Meche says a jury will take their professions into account, which will make it difficult on the defense lawyers…
cut 14 (06) “…the community”
Meche says if their cases go to trial, he expects the defense lawyers to seek a change of venue.

Louisiana Tech announces two economic development partnerships.  La Tech’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer Davey Norris says one of the partnerships is a $3 million commitment from the state towards the Louisiana Tech Research Institute at the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, where the school will work with Barksdale Air Force Base

Cut 4 (10) “…national security purposes.”

A Monroe man is behind bars for allegedly hitting a high school student on her skateboard and then driving away in a fatal hit-and-run. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”   

A flash flood watch is in effect for south Louisiana from Friday morning through Saturday afternoon. A combination or two fronts in Louisiana is bringing massive amounts of rain to the entire state.  A cold front moving in from the north, interacting with a front draped along the coastline, plus tropical moisture is in the mix.

A high ranking Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy and his wife, a middle school teacher in Walker, are in jail, accused of child rape and the production of child pornography. legal analyst Tim Meche says  if their cases go to trial, it will likely not happen in Livingston Parish…

Cut 13 (08) “…the community.”

44-year-old Dennis Perkins’ bond has been set at over 1-point-five million dollars as he’s also facing video voyeurism and obscenity charges. His 34-year-old wife is being held on a 500-thousand dollar bond.

A 51-year-old Monroe man is in custody in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 15-year-old Neville High student Ashley Dorsey. Corporal Reggie Brown with the Monroe Police Department says they’ve received a full confession from Ross

Cut 10 (10) “….Mr. Ross”

Ross has been charged with negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run.

Louisiana Tech announces two economic development partnerships, one of which is a $7.5 million commitment from LED for a new $15 million multitenant office building in the school’s enterprise campus.  La Tech’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer Davey Norris says the addition will add 750 new jobs over the next decade.

Cut 3 (13)   “…type of jobs.” 

It’s estimated to create a half-billion-dollar economic impact over the next ten years.

The Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport begins today and runs through November 10^th. The carnival opens every day at noon and State Fair Marketing Manager Russell Adams says this year they’ll have 60 rides for folks to enjoy, with 25 of them dedicated to the kids.

Cut 7 (09) “…environment.”

A general admission ticket is 12 bucks.

A high ranking Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy and his wife, a middle school teacher in Walker, are in jail, accused of child rape and the production of child pornography. Dennis and Cynthia Perkins have both lost their jobs and legal analyst Tim Meche says the charges against them could lead to life in prison

Cut 12 (09) “…for this” 

The Attorney General’s office is leading the investigation.

A 51-year-old Monroe man is in custody in a fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 15-year-old Neville High student Ashley Dorsey. Corporal Reggie Brown with the Monroe Police Department says tips from the public led to the arrest of Daniel Ross

Cut 9 (10)  “…wide open”

Dorsey was riding her skateboard when she was hit on Tuesday night.

Louisiana Tech announces two economic development partnerships, one of which is a $7.5 million commitment from LED for a new $15 million multitenant office building in the school’s enterprise campus.  La Tech’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer Davey Norris says additional funding for both projects will be coming from the school and private partnerships.

Cut 5 (11) “…and other partners.”

It’s estimated to create a half-billion-dollar economic impact over the next ten years.

The Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport begins today and runs through November 10^th.

State Fair Marketing Manager Russell Adams says for the next few weeks they’ll have roughly 25 bands rotating through the grounds, rodeos, lumberjack shows, and a new addition that you’ve probably never seen before.

Cut 6 (10) “…tricks”.

Child rape and porn charges have a former high ranking Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy and his school teacher wife behind bars. The charges could result in the Denham Springs husband and wife serving a life prison sentence. Legal analyst Tim Meche says a jury will take their professions into account, which will make it difficult on the defense lawyers…
cut 14 (06) “…the community”
Meche says if their cases go to trial, he expects the defense lawyers to seek a change of venue.

A 51-year-old Monroe man has been charged with negligent homicide and felony hit and run. Corporal Reggie Brown says Daniel Ross’s vehicle struck and killed 15-year-old Ashley Dorsey who was riding her skateboard. Brown says Ross drove away without rendering aid and its disappointing he didn’t come forward when news came out about the hit and run…
cut 11 (11) “…did not”
Monroe P-D also Ross was charged with D-W-I in a separate incident earlier this month.

The State Fair has kicked off in Shreveport. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “..Matt Doyle”

Fifth District Congressman Ralph Abraham from Richland Parish tells Greg Hilburn from the USA Today Network that he may not seek a fourth term in the U-S House of Representatives next year. Abraham just finished third in the gubernatorial primary and tells Hilburn he always planned to serve three or four teams in Congress. Abraham plans to make his decision known before the end of the year.

A Monroe man is behind bars for allegedly hitting a high school student on her skateboard and then driving away in a fatal hit-and-run…

cut  2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”   

Over 40 students at two schools in Tangipahoa Parish have been arrested for fighting. 32 students are facing a disturbing the peace charge at Independence High School for fights that happened Tuesday and yesterday. Eight more students at Ponchatoula High School are facing the same charge and possible penalties include expulsion.

Louisiana Tech announces two economic development partnerships, one of which is a $7.5 million commitment from LED for a new $15 million multitenant office building in the school’s enterprise campus. La Tech’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer Davey Norris says the other partnership is a $3 million commitment from the state towards the Louisiana Tech Research Institute at the Cyber Innovation Center in Bossier City, where the school will work with Barksdale Air Force Base

Cut 4 (10) “…national security purposes.”

The Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport begins today and runs through November 10^th. State Fair Marketing Manager Russell Adams says just about any food you can think of you can find fried at the fair including mac-n-cheese and bread pudding. That being said they’ve got a few fan favorites returning this year…

Cut 8 (09) “…public.”

The fairgrounds open at 10.

Louisiana Tech announces two economic development partnerships, one of which is a $7.5 million commitment from LED going toward building a new $15 million multitenant office building in the school’s enterprise campus.  Louisiana Tech’s Chief Research and Innovation Officer Davey Norris says the addition will add 750 new jobs over the next decade.
Cut 3 (13)   “…type of jobs.” 
It’s estimated to create a half-billion-dollar economic impact over the next ten years.

Former Our Lady of the Lake Foundation’s chief fundraiser John Paul Funes of Baton Rouge is sentenced to 33 months in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. Funes has already forfeited nearly $800,000 and has been ordered to pay an additional $50,000 fine.

The Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport begins today and runs through November 10^th. State Fair Marketing Manager Russell Adams says for the next few weeks they’ll have roughly 25 bands rotating through the grounds, rodeos, lumberjack shows, and a new addition that you’ve probably never seen before.The carnival opens every day at noon and Adams says this year they’ll have 60 rides for folks to enjoy, with 25 of them dedicated to the kids.

Cut 7 (09) “…environment.”

A general admission ticket is 12 bucks.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees believes he’ll be able to play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. He’s been out since Week 2 when a tendon in his throwing thumb was damaged. The future Hall of Famer says he’s used unconventional ways to regain strength in his hand…
cut 12 (09) “…of balls”
The Saints take on the Cards at noon on Sunday.

51-year-old Daniel Ross of Monroe is in custody in an alleged fatal hit-and-run that claimed the life of 15-year-old Neville High student Ashley Dorsey.  Ross has been charged with negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run. Corporal Reggie Brown with the Monroe Police Department says they’ve received a full confession from Ross

Cut 10 (10) “….Mr. Ross”

Dorsey was riding her skateboard when she was hit on Tuesday night.

The Louisiana State Fair in Shreveport begins today and runs through November 10^th. State Fair Marketing Manager Russell Adams says for the next few weeks they’ll have roughly 25 bands rotating through the grounds, rodeos, lumberjack shows, and a new addition that you’ve probably never seen before.

Cut 6 (10) “…tricks”.

Attendees will also be treated to antique tractor pulls, a BB gun competition, and a car show.

In the wake of the Maxwell Gruver death on the LSU campus in 2017, the state-approved tougher anti-hazing laws and now there’s a bill in Congress that would require college officials to publicly share information about student organizations that have been disciplined for hazing. Senator Bill Cassidy supports the legislation….

cut 13 (12) “…informed decision”

The End All Hazing Act has been amended to the Higher Education Act.

A sheriff’s deputy and teacher in Livingston Parish are in jail on child porn charges. 44-year-old Dennis Perkins and 34-year-old Cynthia Perkins, a teacher at Westside Junior High in Walker, are each facing 60 counts of producing child pornography and two counts of first-degree rape. Dennis Perkins has also been booked on two counts of video voyeurism.

A 51-year-old Monroe man is in custody in the fatal hit-and-run case that claimed the life of 15-year-old Neville High student Ashley Dorsey. Corporal Reggie Brown with the Monroe Police Department says tips from the public led to the arrest of Daniel Ross…
cut 9 (10) “…wide open”
Brown says Ross has confessed to the crime and he’s been charged with negligent homicide and felony hit-and-run.

The End All Hazing Act is making its way through Congress. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says one provision he likes would force universities to publicly share which student organizations have been involved in hazing…
cut 15 (10) “…informed deciisions”
The End All Hazing Act also requires institutions to report any allegation of hazing that involves serious bodily injury or risk of injury to a student to law enforcement within 72 hours.

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is adding a metabolic surgery center that will allow the Baton Rouge facility to research new tools in the fight against obesity. Pennington’s Executive Director John Kirwan says the new program will help them research how lap band surgery can reverse Type Two diabetes.
Cut 4 (10) “…the surgery”
The program is expected to create 55 jobs and attract more than 20-million dollars in obesity research money

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says the plan is for him to play Sunday in the Dome against the Cardinals. The QB says he’ll track his progress in practice this week, but if he feels ready, Sean Payton will play him. Brees says he will have to wear a brace to protect his surgically repaired hand….
Cut 10 (11) “both.”
Payton says it will be a game-time decision on whether Brees will play.

A new bariatric and metabolic surgery center is coming to the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Our Lady of the Lake in Baton Rouge. Pennington Executive Director John Kirwan estimates the project could generate over 20-million dollars a year in additional funding for obesity research and also create 55 new jobs…
cut 6 (09) “…positions”
The new center will be led by Doctor Phil Schauer, who established the nation’s premier program in obesity surgery in Cleveland.

With a national outbreak of lung illnesses associated with the use of vaping, the state health department is alerting residents they can dispose of their e-cigarette devices and cartridges at drop off sites on Saturday for National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. Assistant state health officer Doctor Joseph Kanter says there have been 25 cases associated with the outbreak in Louisiana…
cut 8 (08) “….it’s still there”

The End All Hazing Act has the support of parents who have lost their children to hazing and Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees believes he’ll be able to play Sunday against the Arizona Cardinals. He’s been out since Week 2 when a tendon in his throwing thumb was damaged. The future Hall of Famer says he’s used unconventional ways to regain strength in his hand…
cut 12 (09) “…of balls”
The Saints take on the Cards at noon on Sunday.