2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 18

There is another entry into the Louisiana Governor’s race; a fourth Republican. 36-year-old Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson…:

CUT 01(3)        “…Southern.”

Police in New Iberia confirm they have arrested a 14-year-old boy for the murder of another teen, who was found shot to death Monday behind an apartment complex. The victim is a boy between 14 and 16 years of age. Neither he nor the accused teen shooter have been identified as yet, because they are juveniles.

 

Baton Rouge police arrest a juvenile in connection with the shooting and robbery of a 10th-grade Broadmoor High School classmate as he walked to his bus stop this morning. BRPD’s Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the incident did not happen on school grounds…:

CUT 10(09)      “…previous incident.”

The 15-year-old suspect is being held at a juvenile detention center and faces two counts of armed robbery.

A new court filing accuses New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell of having an extramarital affair with a member of her security team.The wife of New Orleans police officer Jeffrey Vappie filed the amended divorce petition that claims that in November 2022, she became aware of an inappropriate relationship between her husband and a woman identified in court documents as “Mrs. L.C.” In the petition, Vappie’s wife says her husband admitted the adulterous affair to her. Experts say this could mean possible payroll fraud, malfeasance charges and more for the officer.

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

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.”

Jurasich is chairman of the task Force.

A Grant Parish Sheriff’s deputy has been arrested for malfeasance. GPSO says 39-year-old Billy Gentry III, of Pollock, reportedly used his taser on a person in an unjustifiable manner. He’s also been fired from his job as a deputy.

 

A very popular annual culinary event, The Great Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off will move this year to Lake Charles, after being held in Lafayette the past 5 years. The vent attracts huge crowds every year, and this year will be held at the Golden Nugget in the L.C. Chef Samantha Carroll is director of the Louisiana Seafood promotion & Marketing Board. She says the cook CAN be a springboard to big things…:

CUT 14(08)      “…television shows.”

Mark your calendar for June 27th.

State Police say a 17-year-old driver – with no license or insurance – was killed last night in a rear-end crash on I-49 in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Tom Gossen says it’s sad that young Jaquanta Jason was speeding and also not wearing a seat belt. Yet another example of people flouting traffic law…:

CUT 10(09)      “…as well.”

Jason ran into a sugar cane truck and was killed. The other driver was not hurt.

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

The Louisiana Oyster Task Force says the $2.5 billion Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project will devastate the state’s seafood industry. Task Force chairman Mitch Jurisich says, with less than two months until the project begins, they plan to file legal action…:

CUT 05(10)      “…only option.”

The head of the state’s Republican Party tells Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves to stay out of the race for Governor. On the LAGOP Facebook page, state director Louis Gurvich lays out his case for why Graves should stay in D.C. and not challenge their endorsee Jeff Landry. 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.”

So far, Congressman Graves has not responded, nor declared if he will run.

 

State Police are investigating a two-vehicle rear-end collision on I-49 in St. Landry Parish last night that killed an unlicensed 17-year-old driver. Trooper Thomas Gossen says Jaquanta Jason of Washington was traveling at a high rate of speed..:

CUT 09(10)      “…coroner’s office.

Jason reportedly ran into the back of a big rig. That driver is OK. The crash is under investigation.

The prestigious Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off moves this year to Lake Charles, after calling Lafayette home for 5 years. The state’s Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board is under Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser’s office. He says selecting Lake Charles as the new location was easy-peasy…:

CUT 13(12)      “…excited about it.”

This year’s event will be June 27th at the Golden Nugget in L.C.

2:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

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.

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

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.”

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 17

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….

4:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

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.”

3:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

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.”

1:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

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.

12:30 LRN Newscast Jan 16

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…