4:30 LRN Newscast August 18

Congressman Troy Carter says the new Inflation Reduction Act will help efforts to protect Louisiana’s sinking coastline….:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

A Cameron Parish resident caught good cell phone video of a waterspout that formed near Johnson Bayou. No one was reported hurt by the twister. If you want to view the footage, you can see it at “kplctv.com”

 

To help with the ongoing teacher shortage, a new law allows retired Louisiana-certified teachers to return to the classroom, keep their retirement, and draw full pay. Louisiana Association of School Superintendents president Mike Faulk says if you’re a retired teacher and interested in possibly teaching again, call the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana…:

CUT 15(07)      “…new legislation.”

There are about 2500 empty certified teacher positions in public schools statewide.

More than $36 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue says you can claim that money from them now. Spokesman Byron Henderson says watch your mailbox for a letter from LDR…:

CUT 07(09)      “…August 18th.”

If you miss LDR’s deadline, you can still get your money via the Unclaimed Property website.

3:30 LRN Newscast August 18

The state Bond Commission continues to block 39-million dollars in funding for the New Orleans Sewerage and Water Board. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Palermo.”

I-20 Westbound through Shreveport was closed for several hours this morning, while law enforcement investigated a shooting and car crash on the Red River I-20 Bridge. Police say the vehicle was riddled with bullet holes and the driver suffering a gunshot to the head. The victim is in critical condition. Cops are investigating.

 

More than $36 million in state tax returns is due to be turned over to Unclaimed Property, but the Louisiana Department of Revenue is urging the some 20 thousand individuals and businesses to contact them before October. LDR spokesperson Byron Henderson…:

CUT 06(11)      “…October 6th deadline.”

To receive your return just follow the instructions in the LDR Notice of Unclaimed Property letter dated August 18th.

Louisiana District 2 Congressman Troy Carter was the only member of the Louisiana delegation in DC to vote FOR the federal Inflation Reduction Act; now signed into law by President Biden. He says the package has huge amounts for investments in clean energy projects – especially in poor neighbors – and nearly $15-billion in grants for environmental monitoring. Carter says he personally fought hard for that money…:

CUT 05(14)      “…of the solution.”

2:30 LRN Newscast August 19

The federal Inflation Reduction Act has been signed into law by President Biden, and only one Louisiana congressman voted for it. That’s District 2’s Troy Carter, who says the legislation has billions to promote green energy and reduce carbon emissions. He says the bill will lower energy costs, while minding the environment…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…this is it.”

The state’s Unclaimed Property fund is set to receive over $436-million state tax refunds, unless they’re claimed soon. Department of Revenue spokesman Byron Henderson says that can happen for a variety of reasons; like a change of address. He advises you get in touch with LDR to see in you have refund money before October. After that it goes to Unclaimed…:

CUT 08  (09)        “…personal property.

 

For those who’ve been nervous about getting COVID shots because of the novel nature of the Pfizer and Moderna formulas…you can now get Novavax COVID shots, which are a more conventional type of protein subunit vaccine.                The FDA has approved Novavax for person 18 and older. They’re available at LSU Health Shreveport, and soon will be most everywhere else.

To help with the ongoing teacher shortage, a new law allows retired Louisiana-certified teachers to return to the classroom, keep their retirement, and draw full pay.  President of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendent Mike Faulk says it affects teachers who retired from 2010 to June 30, 2020. He says the number who’ve elected to do that so far is not very high, and the response has been better in cities than in rural areas…:

CUT 14(08)      “…advantage of it.”

He says retired teachers interested should contact their retirement system.

4:30 LRN Newscast August 17

It’s long overdue, but officials broke ground today on a Louisiana African American Veterans monument to be built on the State Capitol grounds. In attendance at the ceremony was retired Lt. General Russel Honore, who says Black soldiers have a history of service going back to the American Revolution…:

CUT 06(10)      “…fought in the war.”

The monument should be completed by this time next summer.

Central Louisiana Electric Company plans to turn a shuttered coal-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish into a solar power station. CLECO’s Jennifer Cahill says it’s part of their commitment to renewable energy…:

CUT 09(07)      “…clean energy company.”

As yet, there’s no timeline for construction or completion.

 

Two people in Florida have died from a bacterial infection after eating oysters that came from Louisiana. The CDC says oysters with the vibrio bacteria don’t smell or taste any different, so testing is the only way to assure they’re safe. LRN has reached out to the Department of health for comment.

 

The Netflix documentary “I Just Killed My Dad,” the story of a Baton Rouge teen who murdered his father in 2019, remains in the top 10 most watched shows…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

3:30 LRN Newscast August 17

A man campaigning for a seat on the school board in the East Baton Rouge Parish city of Central is arrested for indecent behavior with a juvenile and computer-aided solicitation of a minor. EBR Sheriff’s deputies allege that 20-year-old Joshua Schopp sent inappropriate text messages to a 15-year-old girl; requesting she send him nude photos and even sending her a video of himself nude below the waist. He was taken into custody today. Schopp is running for the Central School Board in the November election.

Netflix reports the Baton Rouge-based crime documentary “I Just Killed My Dad” is among their 10 most-watched. It’s the story of Anthony Templet, who killed his father, after years of abuse. East Baton Rouge Assistant District Attorney Dana Cummings prosecuted the case. She shares her opinion of the program…:

CUT 05(09)      “…excellent job.”

Templet plead no contest to negligent homicide and was given five years supervised probation. He has four years left in his sentence.

 

Cleco says it will transform a shuttered coal-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish into a solar power facility.  Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says the timeline for construction and completion has not yet been established, but the project is expected to deliver significant community benefits to DeSoto Parish…:

CUT 11(05)      “…the parish.”

Breaking ground today at the State Capitol grounds in Baton Rouge, work on a monument to Louisiana’s African-American Veterans. Retired Lt. General Russel Honore says although many generations of African American soldiers were not able to enjoy the fruits of their labors, their sacrifices helped pave the way for others…:

CUT 08(09)      “…World War II”

The monument is expected to be completed in the summer of 2023.

2:30 LRN Newscast August 17

Cleco Power announces plans to turn a closed coal-fired power plant in DeSoto Parish into a solar power facility. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says today’s announcement of the Dolet Hills Solar Project continues their effort to reduce the company’s carbon footprint…:

CUT 10(08)      “…45-thousand homes.”

A timeline on when construction will begin and end has not been set.

State officials broke ground today on a monument to Louisiana African American Veterans in the Veterans Memorial Park at the State Capitol. The monument will be the first of its kind in the Capitol complex.  Retired Lieutenant General Russel Honore says African American soldiers took advantage of whatever opportunities they could find to serve their country…:

CUT 07(07)      “…with duty and honor.”

 

The Netflix documentary “I Just Killed My Dad,” the story of a Baton Rouge teen who murdered his father in 2019, remains in the top 10 most watched shows…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Thorington.”

Florida-based United Property and Casualty Insurance – or UPC – is the latest company to find itself in fiscal trouble, and will stop writing new policies in Louisiana on January 1st. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon advises UPC’s 37-thousand customers to seek out new coverage sooner rather than later.

4:30 LRN Newscast August 16

After being virtually eradicated decades ago, polio is making a resurgence. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s been detected in New York City and in London and that means it will find its way to smaller cities…:

CUT 05(08)      “…immune to polio.”

He says get updates polio vaccinations as soon as possible.

Police in New Orleans report a carjacking suspect was struck and killed by traffic while trying to escape on foot across Interstate 10. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says it started with officers giving chase to a Chevy Equinox SUV reported stolen two weeks ago. He says the vehicle suddenly stopped on the I-10 Service Road in Eastern New Orleans…:

CUT 12(11)      “…cross the interstate.”

The yet unidentified suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

 

A Bogalusa man, wanted in Nevada for writing bad checks, was also charged with hundreds of counts of possessing child pornography. Tangipahoa Parish deputies found the images on James Mifflin’s phone when they arrested him on the Nevada charges. He was booked into the parish jail.

The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released recommendations on cleaning up the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Palermo.”

3:30 LRN Newscast August 16

Police in New Orleans report a carjacking suspect was struck and killed by traffic while trying to escape on foot across Interstate 10. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says it started with officers giving chase to a Chevy Equinox SUV reported stolen two weeks ago. He says three suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot; two into a neighborhood, one toward the superhighway, where he was hit. He says no charges are planned against the driver who hit the suspect. As to the suspect’s name and age…?

CUT 14(11)      “…of the investigation.”

The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released its initial recommendations on establishing and sustaining litter prevention efforts across Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says state workers are getting in on the cleanup as well…:

CUT 11(15)      “…repeat offenders.”

 

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office warns residents to watch out for scammers trying to hit you up for an overdue fine for “missing jury duty.” RPSO says they will NEVER call you soliciting or trying to collect money for any reason, so do not be fooled. Just hang up and then call the Sheriff.

Voters will once again receive an “I voted” sticker when they go to the polls this fall. Marsanne Golsby was at the unveiling of this year’s sticker…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Golsby.”

2:30 LRN Newscast August 16

Believe it or not polio is making a resurgence. Polio was once one of the nation’s most feared diseases, and caused thousands of cases of children to be paralyzed. LSU Health New Orleans infectious disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says it’s been turning up again in major cities like New York, so it’s imperative to keep vaccines up-to-date..:

CUT 04(06)      “…get vaccinated.”

The polio vaccination rate for children entering kindergarten in Louisiana last fall was 98 percent.

A carjacking suspect in New Orleans was struck and killed by traffic last night, while trying to flee police on foot. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says cops were chasing a stolen SUV, when it suddenly stopped and three persons fled on foot; two into a neighborhood, one toward I-10…:

CUT 13(08)      “…of this individual.”

The suspect has not yet been identified.

 

State Police are investigating the death of man who was hit and killed by traffic early this morning, while walking along Highway 1043 near Greensburg, in St. Helena Parish. Troopers say it happened at about 4:15 a.m. 22-year-old Demarius Melvin was wearing dark clothing and it’s possible the person driving a Dodge Ram pickup didn’t see him. That driver was not injured. Melvin was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash is under investigation.

The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released its initial recommendations on establishing and sustaining litter prevention efforts across Louisiana.  Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says the state legislature set aside $4-million and much of that money will be handed out as a grants…:

CUT 10(12)      “…they need.”

Nungesser says state agencies are also more committed than ever to cleaning up our state.

1:30 LRN Newscast August 16

Police in New Orleans report a carjacking suspect was struck and killed by traffic while trying to escape on foot across Interstate 10. NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson says it started with officers giving chase to a car reported stolen two weeks ago. He says the vehicle suddenly stopped on the I-10 Service Road in Eastern New Orleans…:

CUT 12  (11)        “…to cross the interstate.”

Ferguson says the yet un-identified was hit while crossing the eastbound lanes. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

This morning Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin unveiled this year’s “I voted” sticker. Designed by Jefferson Parish artist Becky Fos, it’s a painting of the state capitol building done in oil….and free of charge, by the way. Ardoin says no one ever complained about the cost, but they do when the stickers run out…:

CUT 07(09)       “…electronic sticker.”

 

The Governor’s Litter Abatement and Beautification Task Force has released recommendations on cleaning up the state. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Palermo.”

Assumption Parish deputies arrest an elderly Paincourtville man, after he allegedly pointed a gun at a neighbor and her dog during a kerfuffle. After talking with both parties, officers arrested 83-year-old Harold Theriot for Aggravated Assault with a Firearm.