Congressman Garret Graves is proposing federal legislation that seeks to heavily punish those who stage traffic accidents as a way to rip off insurance companies. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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The United Cajun Navy has deployed teams to assist with recovery efforts from the devastating tornados that left areas of Kentucky, and nearby states leveled from the destruction. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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If you’re wondering why your insurance rates are so high in Louisiana, Congressman Garret Graves it’s blamed in part on staged accidents, the most egregious example taking place in the Big Easy in recent years.

Cut 3 (08) “…different traffic accidents.”

One staged accident led to a 4.7-million dollar settlement. Graves has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering insurance rates that would make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and fraudulently claim financial damages. Violators could face hefty fines into the millions of dollars and double-digit prison time.

Graves says these staged accidents have financial consequences beyond those directly attributed to the staged crashes, one ring said to be responsible for more than 100 of them.

Cut 4 (09) “…all Louisiana drivers.”

The bill Graves introduced targets those involved in staging accidents, collecting from insurance companies and in turn leading to higher insurance rates for the public.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the process.”

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A 50-year-old Eros woman is jailed at the Ouachita Correctional Center on criminal trespass charges after being told twice to leave from the sheriff’s office parking lot Saturday afternoon. Sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, identified the person as Sharon Whatley.

 Cut 6 (12) “…to leave.” 

Springfield says the woman says she was wanted on charges, but it was determined she wasn’t. So since she wouldn’t leave, she’s now facing a lone misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass.

At last word, 50-year-old Sharon Whatley of Eros continued to be held at the Ouachita Correctional Center, but she’s no big-time criminal. In fact, despite her protestations to authorities, she wasn’t wanted on any kind of criminal charges, until she refused to leave the parking lot of the sheriff’s office annex.

Cut 7 (08) “…numerous times.”  

That’s sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, who says Whatley was eventually arrested Saturday afternoon on a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge.

Ouachita Sheriff’s spokesperson Glenn Springfield says the only reason Whatley gave for not leaving the parking lot was that she was wanted by the law.

Cut 8 (12) “…basing that on.”

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Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says their field team arrived in Madisonville, Kentucky on Sunday which is about 90 miles away from Mayfield and near other areas that were devastated by tornados overnight Friday. Trascher says the immediate needs are tarps and water and unlike a hurricane when you can prepare days in advance…

Cut 9 (07) “…really, really bad.”

Trascher says the devastation is hard to describe and he’s posting photos from team members that are onsite to their Facebook page. He says right now those in Mayfield and surrounding towns need your prayers first and foremost.

Cut 10 (11)  “…like that.”

The United Cajun Navy is setting up distribution sites at churches they are working with between Bowling Green and Mayfield, Kentucky. Trascher says they’ve also deployed a K-9 search and rescue team to assist Illinois State Police and they are looking at sending a drone team also.

Cut  11 (09)  “…game yet you know.”  

You can visit the United Cajun Navy’s FB for donation sites and photos of the devastation.

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Saturday’s election results were historical with the first female sheriff elected in Orleans parish and the first black female ever elected to the position in Louisiana. UNO Political analyst Ed Chervenak says Susan Hutson’s victory over incumbent Marlin Gusman was quite a feat.

Cut 12 (06) “…17-year incumbent.”  

Hutson won with 53-percent of the vote in the parish and Chervenak says the new sheriff in town was able to better define Gusman and charge him with mismanagement of the jail that resulted in deaths and suicides.

Cut 13 (09) “…he was her.”

Chervenak says while the sheriff’s office is a component of the criminal justice system which includes the district attorney, the main function of the office is to oversee functions of the jail.

Cut 14 (12) “…justice system.” 

In 2020 Jason Williams, who also ran on a criminal justice reform platform was elected District Attorney of Orleans Parish.

Congressman Garret Graves has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering insurance rates that would make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and fraudulently claim financial damages. The bill Graves introduced targets those involved in staging accidents, collecting from insurance companies and in turn leading to higher insurance rates for the public.

Cut 5 (11) “…in the process.”

At last word, 50-year-old Sharon Whatley of Eros continued to be held at the Ouachita Correctional Center, but she’s no big-time criminal. In fact, despite her protestations to authorities, she wasn’t wanted on any kind of criminal charges, until she refused to leave the parking lot of the sheriff’s office annex.

Cut 7 (08) “…numerous times.”  

That’s sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, who says Whatley was eventually arrested Saturday afternoon on a misdemeanor criminal trespass charge.

The United Cajun Navy has deployed teams to assist with recovery efforts from the devastating tornados that left areas of Kentucky, and nearby states leveled from the destruction. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The Louisiana election season for 2021 has finally ended with the December 11^th election and while voter turnout was low as predicted LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford says one race, in particular, should grab national headlines with Democrat Susan Hutson unseating four-term incumbent Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman with 53-percent of the vote.

Brian Trascher with the United Cajun Navy says their field team arrived in Madisonville, Kentucky on Sunday which is about 90 miles away from Mayfield and near other areas that were devastated by tornados overnight Friday. Trascher says the immediate needs are tarps and water and unlike you can prepare days in advance for a hurricane…

Cut 9 (08) “…really, really bad.”

A 50-year-old Eros woman is jailed at the Ouachita Correctional Center on criminal trespass charges after being told twice to leave from the sheriff’s office parking lot Saturday afternoon. Sheriff’s spokesman, Glenn Springfield, identified the person as Sharon Whatley.

 Cut 6 (12) “…to leave.” 

Springfield says the woman says she was wanted on charges, but it was determined she wasn’t. So since she wouldn’t leave, she’s now facing a lone misdemeanor charge of criminal trespass.

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If you’re wondering why your insurance rates are so high in Louisiana, Congressman Garret Graves it’s blamed in part on staged accidents, the most egregious example taking place in the Big Easy in recent years. Graves has introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at lowering insurance rates that would make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and fraudulently claim financial damages. He says these staged accidents have financial consequences beyond those directly attributed to the staged crashes, one ring said to be responsible for more than 100 of them.

Cut 4 (09) “…all Louisiana drivers.”

Mini Pig

If you’re wondering why your insurance rates are so high in Louisiana, Congressman Garret Graves blames part of it on staged accidents, the most egregious example taking place in the Big Easy in recent years.

Cut 3 (08) “…different traffic accidents.”

One staged accident led to a 4.7-million dollar settlement. Graves has introduced to make it a federal crime to stage a vehicle collision and claim financial damages.

The CDC has given the go-ahead for 16- and 17-year-olds to receive Pfizer booster shots. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Doctor Fred Lopez says the Pfizer vaccine has shown it’s effective against the different variants…

Cut 7 (10) “…the United States.”

During the holiday season, online marketplace sellers try to make extra cash as buyers look for a good deal. But Lafayette Police Department spokesperson Jamie Angelle says both parties should be cautious when meeting to exchange items. He says several police departments offer a Safe Exchange location…
cut 11 (13) “…transactions alone”

St. Tammany Parish voters soundly rejected a proposed 325-million dollar proposed casino and resort in Slidell. Pacific Peninsula Entertainment was seeking to move a casino license that belonged to a now-closed casino in northwest Louisiana. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the big question now is what happens with that casino license…
cut 14 (09) “…go next”

16- and 17-year-olds are now eligible for booster shots with emergency use authorization from the FDA.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

LSU Agriculture Professor Gerald Myers is facing numerous charges after authorities found videos of child rape and bestiality on the 61-year old’s work on a computer. Campus police began looking into the matter when the school’s IT department was alerted to the disturbing videos. The school says he’s on paid leave and banned from the campus.

Louisiana-based Krispy Krunchy Chicken is one of the largest convenience store foodservice concepts in the nation and now it’s poised to grow even more with backing from a private equity firm. Krispy Krunchy Foods CEO Dan Shapiro says Louisianans should be proud to claim Krispy Krunchy Chicken as one of their own.

Cut 4 (08) “…would be. “

Tennis icon Serena Williams is also a fan of Krispy Krunchy.

During the holidays with consumers out searching for the perfect gift, criminals are also looking for the perfect opportunity to take advantage of you. So, if you’re carrying around more cash than usual during the holidays, Lafayette PD communications officer Jamie Angelle suggests an alternative so you don’t wind up losing it to a thief.

Cut 12 (11) “…carry around cash.”

A rare recall effort in Louisiana failed on Saturday night as the mayor of Richwood Gerald Brown Senior survived an effort to remove him from office. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says 60-percent of the voters in the Ouachita Parish town voted against the recall effort…
cut 15 (07) “….his term”
In Orleans Parish, four-term sheriff Marlin Gusman lost to first-time candidate Susan Huston.

The grinches may be out to get you this holiday season, but there are ways to protect yourself. Jamie Angelle with the Lafayette Police Department advises meet-ups that take place for you to pay for something you bought from another individual should take place outside a police station if possible.
Cut 10 (10) “…taken advantage of.”
And if you’re concerned about “porch pirates” grabbing gifts, company’s like Amazon will deliver packages to Whole Foods or another location you may designate, like a neighbor who might be home when you’re away.

Louisiana’s own Krispy Krunchy Chicken has seen tremendous growth since 2006 and the convenience store eatery is now in 48 states. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans gothic novelist Anne Rice has died at the age of 80. Her son says she died from complications from a stroke. Rice wrote the 1976 novel “Interivew with the Vampire” and she later produced a script for the 1994 movie that started Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.

St. Tammany Parish voters soundly rejected a proposed 325-million dollar proposed casino and resort in Slidell. Pacific Peninsula Entertainment was seeking to move a casino license that belonged to a now-closed casino in northwest Louisiana. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the big question now is what happens with that casino license…
cut 14 (09) “…go next”

The CDC has given the go-ahead for 16 and 17-year olds to receive Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Doctor Fred Lopez says the Pfizer vaccine has shown it’s effective against the different variants…
Cut 7 (10) “…the United States.”
The booster shots for the newly eligible 16 and 17-year olds are available to those who have received the initial two-shot regimen of the Pfizer vaccine at least six months ago.

During the holiday season, online marketplace sellers try to make extra cash as buyers look for a good deal. But Lafayette Police Department spokesperson Jamie Angelle says both parties should be cautious when meeting to exchange items. He says several police departments offer a Safe Exchange location…
cut 11 (13) “…transactions alone”

The number of Krispy Krunchy Chicken outlets continues to grow and the Louisiana-based business now has the backing from a private equity firm. It’s the official fried chicken of the New Orleans Pelicans and Krispy Krunchy Foods CEO Dan Shapiro says there’s a sports icon who refers to their chicken as a guilty pleasure…
cut 5 (07) “…Tik Tok”
Krispy Krunchy’s corporate office is in Alexandria, and they plan to increase their workforce of some 170 people with the expansion to hire more trainers, sales staff, and office personnel.

Louisiana will soon have its first black female sheriff as Susan Hutson defeated longtime Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Hutson, the former independent police monitor for New Orleans, ran on a progressive platform…
cut 13 (11) “….justice reform ballot”
And in St. Tammany Parish, voters soundly rejected a proposed casino for Slidell.

The Louisiana Department of Health is encouraging everyone 16-years and up to get a booster shot if their first two doses were the Pfizer vaccine. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Doctor Fred Lopez…
cut 8 (09) “…..to other individuals”
The state has reported 40 probable and five confirmed cases of the Omicron variant.

There are less than two weeks to go until Christmas and law enforcement is encouraging shoppers to be careful while holiday shopping…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
Data from the Louisiana Workforce Commission finds the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels with estimates stating about 85,000 have left the workforce in Louisiana for a number of reasons including concerns over their health, the health of their family, and or childcare. Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says retaining childcare workers was an ongoing issue before the pandemic and cost is also a factor.
Cut 4 (10) “…head-on.”
Walsh believes the pandemic gave many workers time to pause and think about their profession and where and what they want their career path to be.
And November consumer prices jumped 6.8 percent in November compared to a year earlier. That’s the highest annual inflation rate in nearly four decades. LSU economist, Dr. Loren Scott, says fixing the supply chain issues won’t likely do much to erase inflation.
Cut 6 (11) “…return to normal.”
I’m Erik Piccoli
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This Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest in Louisiana with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says areas severely impacted by Hurricane Ida are also facing traffic hurdles and the closer we get to Christmas we’ll have even more drivers on the road and many from out of state that aren’t familiar with the roadways causing even more congestion.
If you witness someone behind the wheel that could be impaired or driving aggressively Mallett says call law enforcement.
Cut 11 (09) “…star-LSP.”
And today is election day in Louisiana with issues ranging from municipal runoffs to gaming. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says in St. Tammany Parish early voting was significant and he expects the largest turnout to be in the southeast parish to decide if they will allow a gaming casino in Slidell.
Cut 13 (08) “…and vote.”
Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli

Louisiana Radio Network News. I’m Erik Piccoli…
With inflation up 6.8 percent from a year ago, the biggest jump in 39 years, the finger of blame is being pointed at supply chain issues, supply-and-demand, and monetary and fiscal policy. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (32)…I’m Dave Brannen.”
Most recent numbers from the Louisiana Workforce Commission show the unemployment rate is getting closer to pre-pandemic levels. And while some say there’s still a labor shortage because the government is paying people to stay home Federal Labor Secretary Martin Walsh says enhanced benefits ended in August in Louisiana and September for most other states.
Cut 3 (06) “…unemployment benefits.”
As for vaccine mandates, Walsh says he doesn’t believe it will deter those who want to work.
I’m Erik Piccoli
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Thanksgiving weekend was among the deadliest on Louisiana roadways this year with 15 crashes responsible for now 26 fatalities. And as we approach another busy traveling period for Christmas and New Year’s DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says the trend doesn’t bode well for the state.
Cut 9 (09) “…in 2021.”
Of the fatalities, the majority were caused by speeding, impaired and distracted driving
And today is election day for 34 parishes, consisting of local matters, municipal runoffs, some tax proposals, and gaming for St. Tammany Parish. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says he already expected voter turnout to be low due to only a few items on the ballot, but inclement weather could reduce earlier predictions.
Cut 12 (08) “…it does.”
Polls open at 7 am
I’m Erik Piccoli