Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon made his case to state lawmakers today on why a special session is needed next month to address the big decline in private insurance companies willing to provide property coverage. Donelon says a similar incentive program worked after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita pushed thousands to the state-owned last resort insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:

CUT 13(09)      “…rate increase.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is irked with the state Republican Party for their early, early endorsement of Attorney General Jeff Landry. On Newell Normand’s show on WWL radio in New Orleans, Nungesser says party leadership bullied committee members into endorsing Landry and it’s upset GOP members both in and out of the state…:

CUT 04(13)      “…from the party.”

Nungesser decided to run for another term in his current job instead of swimming against the GOP current.

The use of Glock or auto switches in firearms is a growing danger, and law enforcement want legislation prohibiting their use…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

And now time for today’s markets…

State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles Attorney Hunter Lundy released their gubernatorial announcement ads today. Lundy is running as an independent and – at the moment – he’s the only non-Republican in the race…:

CUT 12(10)      “…I’ll do.”

Lundy describes himself as a Christian, a lawyer and a small businessman.  Treasurer Schroder served in the state House of Representatives for over ten years, and was elected State Treasurer in 2017. The businessman from Covington wants to make Louisiana a great state…:

CUT 14(08)      “…fat cats last.”

Schroder says education, improving the economy and reducing crime are his major priorities. The two join Attorney General Jeff Landry, state Representative Richard Nelson and state Senator Sharon Hewitt as declared candidates.

Governor John Bel Edwards will present a proposed state budget for next fiscal year to lawmakers in a few weeks, and the state has $728-million in a surplus money from the last fiscal year to spend. Governor Edwards says much of that money will go towards ongoing infrastructure projects…:

            CUT 11 (12)      “…to some degree.”

Edwards and his staff will present the proposed budget February 17^th.

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in New Mexico with Involuntary Manslaughter for the death of a film crew member in 2021, while shooting a western movie. Baton Rouge defense lawyer Franz Borghardt says Baldwin will almost certainly have top-notch legal representation for a case that can often be hard to prove…:

            CUT 08 (09)      “…represent Mr. Baldwin.”

If convicted, Baldwin could get a year & half in jail

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell categorically denies having an affair with a cop assigned to protect her. A divorce filing by Officer Jeff Vappie’s wife indicates his affair with the mayor is the reason. Mayor Cantrell says that’s just not so. Vappie and Cantrell have been spotted coming and going from a city-owned French Quarter apartment at all hours.

Bought gas lately? Prices at the pump are creeping back up. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

State Treasurer John Schroder sand Lake Charles injury lawyer Hunter Lundy both release new gubernatorial campaign videos. Lundy, an Independent, says, as Governor, he’ll operate state government in the best interests of the public, not the special interests…:

CUT 13(08)      “…right then.”

Treasurer Schroder is a Republican; one of four declared in the race. He says education, improving the economy and reducing crime would be his major priorities…:

CUT 15(16)`    “…our community.”

So far, no Democrats have officially announced for the race.

Governor John Bel Edwards will present a budget for next fiscal year to lawmakers in a few weeks, with a surplus of over $700-million to invest. The governor says inflation is driving up the costs of ongoing infrastructure projects so some of the surplus dollars will go towards completing those projects…:

CUT 10(08)      “…opportunities left.”

He says he wants to complete as many infrastructure projects as possible before leaving office a year from now. The Governor’s Office reveals its budget plan February 17^th.

We all notice those gasoline prices coming back up. The statewide average cost of regular gas today is $3.06, though you can find gas as low at $2.49 in Alexandria. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says where prices go from here is pretty much in OPEC’s hands…:

CUT 05(10)      “…the summer.”

He says, price-wise, we are about where we were a year ago.

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in the shooting death of a cinematographer while making a western movie in 2021. The charge will be involuntary manslaughter. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Franz Borghardt says the Santa Fe, New Mexico district attorney has a tall task ahead, considering what is already known…:

CUT 07(07)      “…Mr. Baldwin.”

Baldwin insists he did not pull the trigger. He and weapons specialist Hannah Gutierrez Reed are charged in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.”  If convicted he could face up to 18 months in prison.

Five Opelousas students are under arrest for allegedly making threats of violence that put Opelousas High on lockdown Tuesday. The threat was made via telephone. A group of students reportedly conspired to do the hoax. The five arrested are charged with Terrorizing. More arrests are expected.

State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles Attorney Hunter Lundy released their gubernatorial announcement ads today. Lundy is running as an independent and – at the moment – he’s the only non-Republican in the race…:

CUT 12(10)      “…I’ll do.”

Lundy describes himself as a Christian, a lawyer and a small businessman.

Treasurer Schroder served in the state House of Representatives for over ten years, and was elected State Treasurer in 2017. The businessman from Covington wants to make Louisiana a great state…:

CUT 14(08)      “…fat cats last.”

Schroder says education, improving the economy and reducing crime are his major priorities. The two join Attorney General Jeff Landry, state Representative Richard Nelson and state Senator Sharon Hewitt as declared candidates.

Prices at the pump are creeping back up. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

We know a bit more about the Baton Rouge cop arrested for domestic abuse battery and malfeasance. 27-year-old Officer Michael Mitchel is accused of pistol-whipping his girlfriend while in uniform. He allegedly also pointed his weapon at the woman and threatened to shoot her. He’s been booked into parish jail and faces probable termination.

Prices at the pump are creeping back up. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in New Mexico for the shooting death of a film crew member in 2021. Jeff Palermo talks with a Louisiana legal expert…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

You might have noticed you’re paying more at the pump, and according to Triple-A the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana is up to $3.06. Triple-A fuel analyst  Don Redman says that’s up 30 cents from a month ago and despite low demand and a healthy supply…

Cut 3 (07) “…$80 a barrel.” 

Redman traditionally gas prices in January are among the lowest due to a decrease in demand. Just a month ago oil prices hovered around $70 a barrel and it looked as if gas prices were going to stabilize into Spring. He says however all of that reversed upon reports of an improving economy.

Cut 4 (11)  “…higher prices.” 

With the uptick in oil prices credited to economic improvements, Redman says as for the outlook on gas prices, OPEC’s output will play a large factor.

Cut 5 (10) “…the summer.”

Redman says prices are very similar to where we were a year ago and 2022 was a record-breaking year for high gas prices.

_______________________________________________

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in the shooting death of a cinematographer while making a western movie in 2021. The charge will be involuntary manslaughter. Baton Rouge criminal defense attorney Franz Borghardt says a conviction will require proving Baldwin was grossly negligent in the shooting, which won’t be easy for prosecutors…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…likely to be loaded.” 

Baldwin insists he did not pull the trigger. He and weapons specialist Hannah Gutierrez Reed are charged in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film “Rust.” Borghardt feels the Santa Fe, New Mexico district attorney has a tall task ahead, considering what is already known…:

Cut 7 (07)  “…Mr. Baldwin.” 

A civil lawsuit filed against the film producers, by the victim’s husband and son, has been settled. Baldwin was not named in that suit. Borghardt says Baldwin will almost certainly have top-notch legal representation for a case that can often be hard to prove…:

Cut 8 (09)  “.represent Mr. Baldwin.” 

___________________________________________

Governor John bel Edwards will present a budget for next fiscal year to lawmakers in a few weeks, and the state has $728-million in a surplus money from the last fiscal year to spend. Governor Edwards says much of that money will go towards ongoing infrastructure projects that have gone up in price…

Cut 9 (09) “…inflation” 

Edwards will present his budget proposal to state lawmakers on February 17th. The governor says inflation is driving up the costs of ongoing infrastructure projects so some of the surplus dollars will go towards completing those projects

Cut 10 (08) “…left” 

Edwards is entering the final year in office and is trying to get as many infrastructure projects done. He says there will be hundreds of millions of dollars in surplus money and even recurring dollars spent on improving roads and ports…

Cut 11 (12)  “…some degree”

_________________________________________________________

State Treasurer John Schroder and Lake Charles Attorney Hunter Lundy released their gubernatorial announcement ads today. Lundy is running as an independent and – at the moment – he’s the only non-Republican in the race…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ll do.”

Lundy describes himself as a Christian, a lawyer and a small businessman. He says he’ll operate state government in the best interests of the public, not the special interests….

Cut 13 (09) “right then” 

Schroder served in the Louisiana House of Representatives for over ten years and he was elected State Treasurer in 2017. The businessman from Covington wants to make Louisiana a great state…

Cut 14 (08)   “…fat cats last.”

Schroder says education, improving the economy and reducing crime are his major priorities…

Cut 15 (16) “… our community”

Next month, Governor Edwards will present a budget for next fiscal year to lawmakers and the state has 728-million dollars in a surplus money from the last fiscal year to spend. Governor Edwards says much of that money will go towards ongoing infrastructure projects that have gone up in price…:

CUT 09(09)      “…because of inflation.”

Edwards will present his budget on February 17th.

Gasoline prices continue their upward trend. The statewide average price of regular is now at $3.06, though it can be found as cheap as $2.49 in Alexandria. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says just a month ago oil was much cheaper and fuel prices were trending downward, however all of that reversed upon reports of an improving economy…:

CUT 04(11)      :…higher prices.”

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in New Mexico for the shooting death of a film crew member in 2021. Jeff Palermo talks with a Louisiana legal expert…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Palermo.”

And now today’s markets….

You might have noticed you’re paying more for gasoline. AAA reports the statewide average price for regular is up to $3.06. Their fuel guy, Don Redman says that’s up 30 cents from a month ago and despite low demand and a healthy supply…:

CUT 03(07)      “…$80-a-barrel.”

For reference oil was at about $70 a month ago.

Actor Alec Baldwin will be charged in the shooting death of a cinematographer while making a western movie in 2021. The charge will be involuntary manslaughter. Baton Rouge defense attorney Franz Borghardt says proving Baldwin was “grossly negligent” in the shooting will not be easy for prosecutors…:

CUT 06(07)      “…likely to be loaded.”

Baldwin insists he did not pull the trigger.

The 2023 governor’s race. Something is missing from the field of candidates so far: Democrats…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

2018 Northwestern State alumi Alyssa Jacobs will be part of the next season of “The Bachelor” on ABC. She earned a BS in Science at NSU, then a master’s in business admin from LSU-Shreveport. She is now a professional healthcare strategist in Atlanta. The show begins next Monday night.

A Baton Rouge cop has been arrested for a domestic violence incident that happened 4 months ago. BRPD says, after an investigation they arrested Officer Michael Mitchell for domestic abuse battery with a dangerous weapon, aggravated assault and malfeasance. Mitchell’s on administrative leave pending an Internal Affairs investigation.

There is another entry into the Louisiana Governor’s race; 36-year-old Mandeville state Representative Richard Nelson….:

CUT 01(30)      “…Southern.”

Now that Republican state Representative Richard Nelson has entered the governor’s race, all eyes turn to District 6 Congressman Garret Graves. Among potential candidates from the Republican side, Graves has yet to give any indication whether he will or won’t run, despite a number of supporters asking him to do so. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Graves has to make sure he has the resources…:

CUT 06(08)      “…hat in the ring.”

At the moment, the Republican candidates for governor are Attorney General Jeff Landry. Treasurer John Schroder, state senator Sharon Hewitt and now Nelson. Lake Charles Attorney Hunter Lundy says he’ll run for as an independent. No Democrats have yet declared they will run.

More troubles for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell: a new court filing accuses her of having an extramarital affair with a member of her security team. Cantrell was seen on security video on numerous occasions, coming and going from a French Quarter apartment with NOPD officer Jeff Vappie. Vappie’s wife refers to Cantrell as “Mrs. L.C.” in the filing, but says her husband admitted to having an affair with the mayor.

Now that Republican state representative Richard Nelson has entered the governor’s race, the attention focuses on Congressman Garret Graves. Among potential candidates from the Republican side, he’s yet to give an indication. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Graves just won a fifth two-year term and is gaining seniority in the House…:

CUT 08(11)      “…of Representatives.”

Hogan says out of the Republican candidates, Graves has the best chance at getting Democrats to vote for him.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a juvenile in connection with the shooting and robbery of his 10th-grade Broadmoor High School classmate as he walked to his bus stop this morning. The 15-year-old suspect is being held at a juvenile detention center and faces two counts of armed robbery. Here’s EBR School superintendent Sito Narcisse…:

CUT 11(06)      “…families right now.”

Police in New Iberia confirm they have arrested a suspect in Monday’s shooting death of a local teen. The young male’s body was found behind a local apartment complex. The suspect is reportedly just 14-years-old. Neither the suspect nor the victim’s names have been released as yet, because they are both minors.

A former LSU quarterback has found a new home. Jeff Palermo has the details…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”