A possible hunger crisis may be in Louisiana’s future as the government shutdown continues. Kevin Barnhart has more.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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A volunteer softball coach and daughter of the head coach of the Lady Cajuns was one of two people killed in an overnight five-vehicle crash in Lafayette on Interstate 10. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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Two are dead following a five-vehicle crash on I-10 in Lafayette, including the daughter of the Lady Cajuns head softball coach. A Houston man and 24-year-old Geri Glasco of Arnaudville, who was also a volunteer softball coach at UL-Lafayette, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the chain reaction crash started with an 18-wheeler traveling too fast in an active construction zone.
Gossen says Glasco and 45-year-old Kenneth McNeil died at the scene and alcohol tests on all of the drivers involved are pending.
Cut 4 (07) “…no alcohol present.″
The area has several hot spots of active construction and Gossen encourages drivers to practice patience and vigilance when behind the wheel.
Gossen says 67-year-old William Rawlings of Killeen, Texas, was behind the wheel of the of the semi that caused the accident. Charges are pending.
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Governor John Bel Edwards has announced plans to spend 350-million dollars on coastal restoration and flood protection projects. Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana spokesperson Jimmy Frederick says nearly 300-million is federal dollars from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act….
Cut 6 (09) “…desperately needed.”
The other 55-million dollars for coastal work comes from state surplus money. Frederick says the previous administration took away money for designated coastal projects and spent it elsewhere…
Some of the state surplus dollars will go to the long-delayed West Shore Lake Pontchartrain hurricane protection project, which will protect LaPlace and surrounding areas. Frederick says these projects are critical to the overall health of the coast…
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Food banks are facing a possible hunger crisis as the partial government shutdown continues. Jay Vise, spokesman for Second Harvest Food Bank, who serves hundreds of food pantries across south Louisiana, says they’ve seen an increased demand for help during the shutdown.
Vise says they are currently getting ready to face a serious challenge in the coming weeks because of issues with food stamps programs caused by the shutdown.
Cut 10 (10) “…so generously provide.
Vise encourages donations beyond just food as people are in need of many different supplies at this time.
Cut 11 (13) “appreciated as well.”
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The recently sworn in mayor of Shreveport Adrian Perkins is attending the US Conference of Mayors Annual winter meeting in Washington D-C. Perkins says gathering with other mayors will help him as he tackles some of Shreveport’s infrastructure problems
Perkins was sworn in on December 29th. One of has first tasks has been working to improve police and community relations…
Perkins says the conference of mayors came at a good time for him…