The head of the Louisiana Republican Party advises Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the race for Governor this fall. On the party’s Facebook page LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich says (quote) “I believe he would be making a terrible mistake by leaving Congress for the governor’s mansion.” Political analyst Roy Fletcher says he feels the state GOP wants to circumvent the spirit of Louisiana’s Open Primary system, which he feels is as viable now as it was when first implemented…:

CUT 08(09)      “…in the Big Dance.”

So far, no response from Congressman Graves.

State Police are investigating a rear-end crash on I-49 last night that killed a 17-year-old teen, who was speeding, had no license and was not wearing a seatbelt; a trifecta of bad ideas. Trooper Tom Gossen says the victim is Jaquanta Jason of Washington, who drove into the back of a big rig…:

CUT 11(07)      “…with her.”

After 5 years in Lafayette, the prestigious Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off moves this year to Lake Charles. The next annual event will be held at the city’s Golden Nugget casino and entertainment complex. Speaking at the Golden Nugget this morning, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Lake Charles is deserving, after fighting its way back from two devastating hurricanes…:

CUT 12(11)      “…your hard work.”

The search is on now for a field of competing chefs to see whose seafood cuisine reigns supreme. The Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board, a division of Nungesser’s office, holds the annual cook-off which attracts huge crowds year after year and helps promote quality Louisiana Seafood to the nation and the world.

A Baton Rouge couple are under arrest in California after cops found them in possession of a large amount of weed; over 200 pounds. Andrew Williams and Chantal Knox, both 32, are charged with possession with intent to distribute by police in Redding, CA.

The Louisiana Oyster Task Force says the $2.5 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will wipe out the state’s seafood industry…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

A Baton Rouge man is under arrest, after violating a restraining order to set his ex-girlfriend’s home on fire. Firefighters say the home’s doorbell camera caught 30-year-old Christian King in the act of dousing the home with gas and setting it alight. He’s been charged with simple arson, violation of protective orders, and simple criminal damage to property.

The head of the Louisiana Republican Party advises Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the race for Governor this fall. On the party’s Facebook page LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich lays out a case for why Graves is a greater asset to Louisiana in D.C. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says Graves doubtlessly has also considered these points, and also his own ability to raise needed campaign cash…:

CUT 07(11)      “…into consideration.”

Graves is keeping mum for now.

State Police are investigating a two-vehicle wreck on Interstate 49 last night in St. Landry Parish that killed an unlicensed 17-year-old driver. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Jaquanta Jason of Washington was speeding and not wearing a seatbelt; something they see all too often…:

CUT 10(09)      “…as well.”

The head of the state Republican Party advises Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the race for Governor this fall. On the party’s Facebook page LAGOP chairman Louis Gurvich says (quote) “I believe he would be making a terrible mistake by leaving Congress for the governor’s mansion.” Political analyst Roy Fletcher says Gurvich is trying to build and maintain a unified GOP front in state elections…:

CUT 06(09)      “…only one Republican.”

The article also asks why endanger all already invested in electing Jeff Landry this fall for “one congressman’s ego.” Fletcher feels this flies in the face of Louisiana’s Open Primary system. No response as yet from Congressman Graves.

Students have returned to class at Lafayette High today, after a bomb threat caused the whole school to be evacuated this morning. The threat was made via Twitter. The bomb squad used to bomb dogs to sweep and called the all clear at about 10:30. Lafayette Police says they will find out who sent the threat.

State Police say an unrestrained teen died in a crash last night on I-49 in St. Landry Parish Trooper Thomas Gossen says Jaquanta Jason, of Washington, was driving without a license and traveling at a high rate of speed…:

CUT 09(10)      “…coroner’s office.”

He says, sadly, no license, no insurance and no seatbelts are common infractions seen among motorists.

…and now a look at today’s markets….

Chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task force says the $2.5 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will devastate the state’s seafood industry. Mitch Jurisich says the project scheduled to begin in March will put him and others out of business permanently.
Cut 3 (11) “…severely impacted.”
Jurisich says they plan to file a lawsuit against the Corps of Engineers to stop the project.

The Governor’s Office and state legislative leaders will discuss a possible special legislative session in early February to deal with the exodus of insurance companies from Louisiana and how to bring new insurers here…
cut 7 (12) “…private insurance”
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says a meeting is scheduled tomorrow between the Governor and House & Senate leaders.

Tomorrow is the next threat for severe weather in Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee has the details…
cut 16 (14) “…later in the day”

LSU AgCenter researchers are looking to see if it’s possible to grow raspberries in the Deep South. Horticulturist David Picha says demand has increased for raspberries with more consumers eating at home and looking to eat a healthy diet. He says raspberries are very high in vitamin C
Cut 14 (10) “…anti-oxidants”
Picha says most raspberries consumed in the U-S are imported in from other countries.

Congressman Mike Johnson says new GOP House leadership wants answers about classified documents found in Joe Biden’s office and homes. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

After a dredging vessel capsized in the Mississippi River early Monday morning near Meraux, the Coast Guard is overseeing a pollution response. Two passengers on the W.B. Wood were rescued by a vessel nearby. Three response boats are on the scene and have recovered more than 33-hundred gallons of oily water.

More talk of a special session occurring next month to address the state’s property insurance crisis. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon wants to establish a fund of at least 45-million dollars to attract more private insurance companies to Louisiana and insurance companies are busy making their business plans now…

Cut 8 (07)  “…write these policies.”
The incentive fund worked in the 2000’s, when Katrina and Rita drove companies away and the state needed to entice new insurance companies to write policies.

The Last Mile Education Fund and Dow chemicals are collaborating to assist low-income students who are nearing completion of their skilled trades program at River Parishes Community College with grants. Dow spokesperson Stacey Gautreaux says the grant amounts differ depending on need.

Cut 12 (12) “…skill trades.”

The Governor’s Office and state legislative leaders will discuss a possible special legislative session in early February to deal with the exodus of insurance companies from Louisiana and how to bring new insurers here…
cut 7 (12) “…private insurance”
Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says a meeting is scheduled tomorrow between the Governor and House & Senate leaders.

President Biden said today he is surprised classified documents from his time as vice president were discovered at a former private office of his. The President says he does not know what’s in the documents. Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says classified documents were also found at Biden’s two Delaware homes…
cut 5 (10) “…to know why”

Dow Chemical Company has launched a pilot program to help students finish their certification at Community Colleges who otherwise could not. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Food packing events will take place this week that will result in 200-thousand meals for food banks in Louisiana. Entergy Louisiana is a co-sponsor and Spokesperson Jody Montelaro says it makes the heart feel good to help out people who struggle to find quality meals every day…
Cut 24 (04) “…feel great”
A food packing event will take place today at Second Harvest Food Bank in New Orleans. There are food packing events scheduled in Monroe and Thibodaux tomorrow.

The Edwards administration and state legislative leaders will meet tomorrow to discuss a February special session that will be devoted towards addressing the loss of private insurance companies. An incentive fund was used after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to attract new companies to the state and Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon wants to try that approach again. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
cut 9 (10) “….a call will be issued”
Dardenne believes a proposed special session would last a few days in early February.

Tomorrow is the next threat for severe weather in Louisiana. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee has the details…
cut 16 (14) “…later in the day”

Low income students close to completing manufacturing and skilled trade programs can receive a grant to complete that work at River Parishes Community College….
cut 11 (12) “…St. Charles Parish”
That’s Dow Chemical spokesperson Stacy Gautreaux who says to learn more about the Dow Last Mile Fund go to lastmile-hyphen-ed-dot-org-slash-dowfund.

LSU AgCenter researchers are looking to see if it’s possible to grow raspberries in the deep South. Horticulturist David Picha says most raspberries are produced in other countries, primarily Mexico. Picha says they are looking at varieties and production methods that would work in the southeast
Cut 13 (13) “…healthier foods”

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is one of many Republicans seeking answers on why President Biden had classified documents from his time as Vice President at his private homes and an office he used in Washington. Johnson says the public has the right to know if the President broke federal law…:
Cut 6 (09) “…comply automatically.”
It’s publicly unknown what information the documents contained.

More talk of a special session occurring next month in Baton Rouge to address the state’s property insurance crisis. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon wants to establish a fund of at least 45-million dollars that can be used to attract more private insurance companies to Louisiana and insurance companies are busy making their business plans now…
cut 8 (07) “…these policies”

The Last Mile Education Fund and Dow Chemical Company have created a fund to assist low-income students nearing completion of their skilled trades program so they can get certified. Dow spokesperson Stacey Gautreaux says all too often students face financial burdens that keep them from finishing school.
Cut 10 (12) “…can apply.”
Grants are available at lastmile-ed-dot-org/slash-dowfund.

LSU AgCenter researchers are looking to see if it’s possible to grow raspberries in the Deep South. Horticulturist David Picha says demand has increased for raspberries with more consumers eating at home and looking to eat a healthy diet. He says raspberries are very high in vitamin C
Cut 14 (10) “…anti-oxidants”
Picha says most raspberries consumed in the U-S are imported in from other countries.