State Government is considering a special session for lawmakers to create an incentive pool to attract new property insurance companies to the state.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana Republican Party Chairman Louis Gurvich does not want Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves to enter the governor’s race. Gurvich says unity is the party’s path to victory and if Graves gets in, he’ll divide the party. The state GOP has endorsed Attorney General Jeff Landry for governor.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson says new U.S. House leadership will actively seek answers as to why President Joe Biden had classified federal documents stashed at his private office and his home. Johnson says, as chairman of the House Judiciary’s Sub-Committee on Constitutional matters, he and fellow lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Justice…:
Cut 4 (12) “…classified documents.”
The documents are from Biden’s time as Vice-President.

The LSU AgCenter is looking into whether raspberries can be grown in Louisiana and across the southeast. Horticulturist David Pica says in order to make raspberries a success for Louisiana growers, there has to be multiple harvests during a year…
cut 15 (10) “….fresh market raspberries”
Picha says the demand for raspberries has grown since the pandemic and right now most of the raspberries we eat are from other countries.

Among the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session in April is one requiring every public school classroom and even postsecondary institution, to display the national motto “In God We Trust,” Haughton Representative Dodie Horton authored the bill.

Cut 6 (11)  “…must trust in God.” 

Horton says the current law requires it to be displayed in each building

Today is Martin Luther King Junior Day, which is a National Day of Service. Volunteers around the state this week are packing 200-thousand meals for food banks statewide. 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 14 (06)   “…feel great”

A study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy says if Louisiana updates its building energy codes, energy use in new buildings could be cut by as much as 20% in residential and 32 percent in commercial structures. Mike Waite, with the ACEEE, says Louisiana is still operating under 2009 national guidelines that are updated every three years, which means Louisiana is four versions behind…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…of this year.” 

A statue of LSU legend Seimone Augustus shooting a basketball was unveiled in front of a large crowd outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Sunday. Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player ever from Louisiana and is humbled by the honor…

Cut 9 (12) “…for everyone.” 

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.”

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State Government is considering a special session for lawmakers to create an incentive pool to attract new property insurance companies to the state. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Dow Chemicals 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.” 

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Shreveport Congressman Mike Johnson says new U.S. House leadership will actively seek answers as to why President Joe Biden had classified federal documents stashed at his private office and his home. Johnson says, as chairman of the House Judiciary’s Sub-Committee on Constitutional matters, he and fellow lawmakers are demanding answers from the Department of Justice…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…classified documents.”

Last week, it was revealed that top secret documents were found at Joe Biden’s private office at the Penn-Biden Center. Those documents were from his time as Vice-President, and reportedly some were of a much more sensitive nature than those found in Donald Trump’s Mar-A-Lago home. More recently, more classified documents were found at Biden’s two Delaware homes. Johnson says the timeline of the discoveries is also worrisome…:

Cut 5 (10) “…interested to know why.”

Johnson says the full weight of the FBI and Justice Department came down of former President Trump for the same thing, but in Biden’s case, there were no raids of his home broadcast on television. He feels a double standard is obviously at play. Johnson says the public has the right to know if the President broke federal law…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…comply automatically.” 

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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. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says a meeting is scheduled Wednesday between the Governor and House & Senate leaders…

Cut 7 (15) “…into private insurance.”

The combined hits of two hurricanes in 2020, plus Hurricane Ida in 2021 and a major flood event in 2022 have caused a number of property insurers to either go insolvent of leave Louisiana altogether. Dardenne says the proposed special session would be so lawmakers can approve using surplus revenue for an incentive fund to attract new insurers to come here. Dardenne says this is the time of year when insurers are lining up their re-insurance (insurance for insurers) and Louisiana needs to act fast, to be part of their plans…:

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 property coverers. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it will work again if the state acts quickly. Dardenne expects the decision on a session will come sooner than later…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…a call will be issued.”

Dardenne says if the special session is called, it will likely be only a few days long, and probably take place in early February. He says we’ll all know by the week’s end.

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The Last Mile Education Fund and Dow chemicals are collaborating to assist low-income students who are nearing completion of their skilled trades program with grants, so they are more likely to 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.”

It’s a pilot program and Gautreaux says they want to make sure it’s helping those who need it most with grants up to $5,000.

Cut 11 (12)  “…St. Charles Parish.”

The grants are also available for their Sabine Parish site at community colleges in Beaumont, Texas.  The grant amounts will differ depending on the need. Gautreaux says at this point they don’t know how much funding the program will require.

Cut 12 (12) “…skill trades.”

Gautreaux says you can find more information at their Dow Louisiana Operations Facebook page as well as Rivers Parishes Community College.

___________________________________________________

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”

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 vitamins and vitamin C

Cut 14 (10)  “…anti-oxidants”

Picha says in order to make raspberries a success, it’s important to get multiple harvests throughout the year…

Cut 15 (10)  “…fresh market raspberries”

Picha says a major hurdle is having cold storage units ready once raspberries are picked.

________________________________________________________

Cut  16 (19)  “…maximize that” 

Cut 17 (16) “…in my mind'” 

Cut 18 (19) “…knee injuries” 

Cut 19 (18) “…get a W.”

Cut 20 (14)  “…the floor.” 

LSU’s spring semester began on a somber note as a student was killed in a traffic accident near the campus early Sunday morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A DeRidder man is in jail; accused of cruelty to a juvenile, after a 4-week-old baby showed up at a local hospital with severe injuries consistent with physical abuse. 27-year-old Giovanni Beltran has not had bond set as of news time. The investigation into what happened to the infant is ongoing.

A new study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicates if Louisiana updates its building energy codes, energy use in new buildings could be cut by as much as 20% in residential and 32 percent in commercial structures. Mike Waite, is a senior manager with ACEEE:

CUT 03(08)      “…electric grid.”

He says if we’d all get on board our energy savings would be significant.

Today is Martin Luther King Day, which is a National Day of Service. A food packing event will take place tomorrow in New Orleans. On Wednesday, Monroe and Thibodaux. Lafayette and Lake Charles and Thursday. Entergy is part of this effort. Spokesperson Jody Montelaro says food banks need the help after the holidays…:

CUT 13(12)      “…holiday season.”

Today is Martin Luther King Junior Day, which is a National Day of Service. Volunteers around the state this week are packing together 200-thousand meals for food banks statewide. Entergy is part of this effort. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana is a co-sponsor. CEO Michael Tipton says food insecurity is serious business in Louisiana…:

CUT 12(12)      “…important issue.”

Food packing events will take place tomorrow in New Orleans, and on Wednesday in Monroe and Thibodaux.

A statue of LSU legend Seimone Augustus shooting a basketball was unveiled in front of a large crowd outside of the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Sunday. She was there, of course, and very gratified to be the first female athlete to ever have a statue at LSU…:

CUT 11(09)      “…proof of that.”

An LSU co-ed has died from injuries sustained when she was hit by a car early Sunday morning. Sheriff’s deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish says 19-year-old Madison Brooks was standing IN the roadway when she was hit. The driver was determine to NOT be impaired. The crash is under investigation.

Legislation to require each public school classroom to display “In God, We Trust” in Louisiana has been filed for the regular session in April. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Former LSU women’s basketball superstar Seimone Augustus has become the first woman athlete to ever be honored with a statue on the LSU campus. Augustus is considered the greatest women’s basketball player ever from Louisiana and is humbled by the honor…:

CUT 09(12)      “…for everyone.”

Augustus led LSU to three straight final four appearances from 2004 to 2006 and was the consensus national player of the year her final two seasons.

A Bossier City representative files a bill for the spring legislative session that will require the words “In God We Trust” to be displayed in every classroom. Dodie Horton is a Republican from Haughton. She says the bill merely amends a current law…:

CUT 07(10)      “…every school.”

A new study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicates if Louisiana updates its building energy codes the energy savings to residences and commercial buildings would be significant. Mike Waite is with the ACEEE…:

CUT 05(07)      “…in utility bills.”

Louisiana’s currently accepted codes are, as he puts it, “years behind.”

Man IN tree. St. Charles Parish deputies arrested man who was on the run from the law and hid up a tree next to Interstate 310. He got stuck up there and signaled to motorists passing by for help. St. Rose firefighters plucked him from the tree and he was jailed.

Man OUT of tree. Wildlife & Fisheries agents says Natchitoches Parish deputies successfully rescued a hunter who fell from his tree stand Saturday. The man has rib and back injuries but is expected to recover.

LSU’s spring semester began on a somber note as a student was killed in a traffic accident near the campus early Sunday morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

In Redding, California 32-year-old Andrew Williams and 32-year-old Chantel Knox both of Baton Rouge face several drug charges after police found more than 200 pounds of marijuana in their car last night. They also seized two handguns from the pair.

Among the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session in April is one requiring every public school classroom and even postsecondary institutions, to display the national motto “In God We Trust.” Haughton Representative Dodie Horton who wrote the bill says it does not require public funds to purchase the displays.

Cut 8 (07)  “..these posters.” 

The regular session begins April 10^th.

A statue of LSU legend Seimone Augustus shooting a basketball was unveiled in front of a large crowd outside of the P-MAC Sunday The legend of Augustus grew before she arrived at LSU, after standout seasons at Capitol High School in Baton Rouge. Associate Head Coach Bob Starkey was on LSU’s staff when Augustus signed…

Cut 10 (09) “…it’s true.” 

Augustus is the first female athlete with a statue on LSU’s campus

An LSU student who was hit by traffic early Sunday morning in Baton Rouge has died from her injuries. East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s deputies say at that around 3 am Sunday, 19-year-old Madison Brooks was standing in the roadway in Burbank Drive not far from campus, when she was hit. The driver did not appear to be impaired. An investigation is underway into why Brooks was IN the roadway at that hour.

Among the bills filed for the upcoming legislative session in April is one requiring every public school classroom and even postsecondary institutions, to display the national motto “In God We Trust,” Bossier Parish Representative Dodie Horton authored the bill…:

CUT 06(11)      “…must trust in God.”

Horton says current law requires it to be displayed in each building, but when she asked her grandchildren if they’ve ever seen such a sign, they said no. The legislative session begins in early April.

A new study from the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy indicates if Louisiana updates its building energy codes, energy use in new buildings could be cut by as much as 20% in residential and 32 percent in commercial structures. Mike Waite, with the ACEEE, says Louisiana is still operating under 2009 national guidelines that are updated every three years, which means Louisiana is four versions behind…:

CUT 04(12)      “…of this year.”

He says energy savings would be significant.

…and now it’s time for today’s markets…