A proposed pipeline that would go through the Atchafalaya Basin from Calcasieu to St. James Parish is upsetting many environmental groups in the state. Emelie Gunn has more….
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The weather has been hard to keep up with lately in Louisiana. Halen Doughty has more on what we can expect in the coming days…
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A Denham Springs woman has been arrested for allegedly selling fake driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. Denham Springs Police Chief Shannon Womack says the investigation began after an illegal alien was pulled over in a traffic stop on December 20th.
Womack says the investigation led them to 59-year-old Criselda Meraz, who worked at River Road Notary Tax Title. He says detective executed a search warrant on the business on December 23rd.
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Womack says they also discovered material and equipment to make more fake IDs, as well as $30-thuousand in cash. He says Meraz faces multiple charges, including forgery.
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Womack adds that the investigation is ongoing, and more charges and arrests are possible.
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Not everyone is happy with the proposal to install an underground pipeline through the Atchafalaya Basin. The Bayou Bridge Pipeline would run across 11 parishes spanning from Calcasieu to St. James Parish. Director of the environmental group, The Bucket Brigade, Anne Rolfes says Louisiana needs to stop seeing the oil and gas sectors as the only economic engine, as the renewable energy business is booming.
Proponents of the Bayou Bridge Pipeline say it would improve safety, as there is a greater chance for a spill when transporting oil on a truck or train. But Rolfes says these claims of improved safety are bogus.
The pipeline is connected with the highly publicized Dakota Pipeline and the oil companies say the Bayou Bridge Pipeline could boost the state’s economy. A public hearing on the pipeline’s application is set for January 12th. Rolfes encourages everyone to attend and says running another pipeline through a sensitive area will negatively affect our drinking water and crawfish harvest.
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A Houston man was arrested in Jefferson Davis Parish after a road rage incident where he pointed a hand gun at another driver. Chief Deputy Christopher Ivey says officers responded to a call reporting the incident and pulled over 29-year-old Michael Banks on I-10. He says Banks admitted to having a gun but denied pointing it anyone.
Ivey says during the traffic stop, deputies smelled a strong odor of marijuana. He says a K-9 unit was called to the scene and the drug was found wrapped up like a Christmas present.
Ivey says Banks’ road rage is what got him in trouble. He says Banks faces multiple charges including, aggravated assault with a firearm and possession of Marijuana with intent.
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Many Louisianans are struggling with whether to break out their summer attire or more winter gear. Robert Ricks with the National Weather Service says the pattern of hot then cold weather will continue for the next month or so. He says right now, warm air has settled over the Bayou State.
Ricks says unfortunately, unseasonably warm temperatures often come with fog. He says fog is covering much of south Louisiana in the mornings, from Lake Charles to the Mississippi coast.
Ricks says things will start to cool down again later in the week, but only for a little while.
Ricks says we could be looking at a potential for severe weather by Sunday or Monday when things warm back up.
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