Interstate 10 Eastbound in Lafayette remains closed at this hour, after a big rig’s load hit an overpass and did structural damage. DOTD says eastbound lanes are still closed at the Evangeline Thruway. Traffic is being detoured onto I-49 until further notice while structural tests are done to assure motorists safety.

Congress is at a standstill, as vote after vote for a new House Speaker falls apart. California Rep. Kevin McCarthy cannot muster the votes needed to be made Speaker, and until he – or someone – is, all House business must wait. Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves says, regardless of troubles electing McCarthy, the mid-term elections that put the GOP in majority is an indication voters want accountability against the Biden Administration…:

CUT 14(10)      “…void that’s there.”

Graves says he has voted and will keep voting for McCarthy to the Speaker.

LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet receives tops rankings among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Diets…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that the tornado that moved through Jackson Parish east of Jonesboro Monday was an EF-2, with peak winds of 122 mph. The twister’s path covered over 15 miles and damaged numerous homes and other structures. No fatalities have been reported and only three people were moderately hurt.

Congress remains in limbo until a new Speaker of the House is chosen after, now, FIVE failed attempts. Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says, not only does it mean there’s not a figurehead in place, it also impacts House committee appointments…:

CUT 13(11)      “…this point.”

The midterm elections left the Republicans with majority in the House, but at a stalemate as to who will be their leader.
Hot and dry weather, than a late summer flood, then more hot and dry weather resulted in more than 500-million dollars in crop losses for Louisiana farmers in 2022. LSU AgCenter Economist Michael Deliberto says low Mississippi River water levels also made it difficult to export crops…:

CUT 07(12)      “…and oil seeds.”

He says 2022 was a good year for sugarcane, but a lot of other crops took a beating.

Louisiana drivers are seeing a spike in gasoline prices, but it shouldn’t last long. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Baton Rouge man is under arrest, after police found saucy text messages he’d sent to a 14-year-old girl. The girl told cops 19-year-old Tejan Dottery and she had sexual contact, and the texts indicated he knew she was 14 beforehand. He’s charged with molestation of a juvenile and more.

Will Louisiana lawmakers seek to give themselves a pay raise this year? After New York State recently raised its legislative base pay, some members of Louisiana’s legislature are saying they have not had an increase in their base in 4 decades. “LaPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says it would be both the worst possible time to do that for voters…but also perhaps the best time…:

CUT 27(10)      “…for this issue.”

Alford says then-state Representative John Bel Edwards voted “yes” to the proposed pay raise that was vetoed in 2008, and he’d likely support it again in his last year in office. The base pay for lawmakers is $16,800 a year, and it has been for 41 years.

Deputies in Bienville parish hope the public can help them find a missing woman who may be a murder witness. She is 43-year-old Kimberly Moore; the last to see Vernon Parker alive. They ask anyone that can help to call the Bienville Sheriff’s Office.

LSU’S Pennington Biomedical Research Center’s DASH Diet once again ranks among U.S. News and World Report’s list of Best Diets. Dr. Catherine Champagne is one of the developers and she says the DASH diet consistently makes the list because so much research went into its creation…:

CUT 03(11)      “…health benefits.”

The DASH diet is ranked second for the best overall diet and weight loss, and number one for the best heart-healthy and diabetes diet.

While on the healthy thing, Ochsner Health is bringing their Eat Fit King Cake back for Carnival season. It’s gluten-free, keto-friendly, with low carbs, and zero sugar. Ochsner dietitian Brittany Craft says it’s all about giving people a healthier option…:

CUT 07(12)      “…natural ingredients.”

A case from 2019 that shocked the whole state and made national headlines reaches conclusion, as former Livingston Parish deputy Dennis Perkins pleads guilty to multiple counts of rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his victims were juveniles. Investigators said among his crimes, putting his own sperm in cupcake batter, then serving those to school kids. Attorney General Jeff Landry says the plea deal taken by Perkins and his lawyer means victims won’t have to relive the ordeal in court…:

CUT 12(10)      “…this plea.”

Perkins will serve the rest of his life in prison.

The state Highway Safety Commissioner asks that we all be better drivers in 2023. LHSC Director Lisa Freeman says too many have died because someone drove while drunk or high. She says that is there’s no excuse for doing that…:

CUT 11(06)      “…so many options.”

She says also make this the year you leave your cellphone down while driving.

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley asks school districts to block access to the video sharing app TikTok, due to concerns it records and saves personal information from our devices. He’s asking schools and also clubs, sports teams and extracurricular groups to quit TikTok…:

CUT 05(07)      “…communication screens.”

TikTok is a China-based platform. Other state agencies are also blocking the app from use on state-operated networks and WiFi.

Police in New Orleans are investigating three persons found dead inside a home in Gentilly, near the New Orleans Fairgrounds. NOPD was asked to make wellness check and made the discovery. They are treating it as a homicide due to shell casings found on the floor of the home. Autopsies will try to determine cause of death, but officers say the person have been dead for several days at least. They ask anyone who knows anything to call NOPD or Crimestoppers.

A Monroe store clerk is arrested for manslaughter after shooting and killing an armed robber today. 30-year-old Rafus Anderson reportedly told police he feared the robber was going to shoot him. His gunshot hit the robber, but also another customer – who will be OK. No word from Monroe Police as to why Anderson was arrested.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is encouraging residents to have better driving habits in 2023.  Director Lisa Freeman says it doesn’t matter how a good a driver you may be, if you look at or handle your phone while driving, you are no longer a good driver…:

CUT 10(12)      “…also takes visual.”

In 2021, Louisiana had 850 accidents resulting in injury or death that involved cell phone use. By comparison, 315 deaths that year were connected with alcohol.

A former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to a multitude of sex crimes. Dennis Perkins will serve 100 years with no parole for rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his victims were minors. Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins will never be a free man again…:

CUT 14(12)      “…released early.”

Perkins’ wife Cynthia was convicted last year as an accessory. She is serving a 41 year sentence.

The state Superintendent of Education, Dr. Cade Brumley, asks school systems to block access to the app TikTok on their campuses, due to security worries. The China-based video sharing app reportedly captures and stores personal info on all users. Brumley says it’s best to safeguard students…:

CUT 04(07)      “…communication tool.”

He’s asking that all school clubs, sports teams and extracurricular groups stop using TikTok.

The State Superintendent of Education encourages school systems to remove access to TikTok. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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2022 was a rough year for investments and retirement accounts. What may be ahead for 2023? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

______________________________________

Because of security concerns linked to the popular app TikTok, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley recommends school systems remove access to the video-sharing application from publicly funded devices.

Cut 3 (10) “…to examine.” 

Brumley sent a letter today to school systems advising them to remove access to TikTok or any other application developed by their parent company, China-based ByteDance Limited. He says there’s just not enough known about the personal data the application is collecting and it’s best to safeguard students.

Cut 4 (07)  “…communication tool.” 

Last month the Division of Administration blocked TikTok traffic on networks operated by the state Office of Tech Services out of security concerns. Brumley says he wanted to raise awareness about those concerns among school systems.

Cut 5 (07) “…communication screens.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok.

_______________________________________________

After a rough year for investors and retirement accounts, with lots of financial losses…what may 2023 bring for stocks, money funds and other investments? The Dow ended 2022 down 9-percent. The S&P 500 ended down over 19-percent and the NASDAQ ended down a whopping 33-percent. Is a big market crash imminent? Baton Rouge-based financial advisor Fred Dent says it’s possible, but not likely…:

 Cut 6 (08)  “…so who knows?”

On “TalkLouisiana with Jim Engster” today, Dent suggests investors stay the course and ride out the investment wave. He says if you’re concerned about the shrinking amount on your investment statement bottom line, there are resources that may help with that…:

Cut 7 (11)  “…even forgot about.”

Dent says there are also some federal taxing policy changes that will help you hold on to more of your money…:

Cut 8 (12)  “…simple Roth IRAs.“

Dent advises you stay the course on your investments, but DO contact your financial advisor soon and discuss concerns, ask questions and make possible adjustments.

___________________________________________

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is encouraging residents to have better driving habits in 2023.  Director Lisa Freeman says according to data out of LSU people using mobile phones while they were driving caused 850 crashes that injured or killed someone in Louisiana in 2021

Cut 9 (12) “…group text.” 

Freeman says it doesn’t matter how good a driver actually is, if you look at or handle a phone while driving, you are no longer a good driver…

Cut 10 (12) “…visual” 

In 2021, there were also 315 fatal crashes in Louisiana that involved at least one driver who had been drinking. That number accounted for the most alcohol-related crashes reported in 13 years. Freeman says there is no reason to get behind the wheel when impaired…

Cut 11 (06)  “…options”

_________________________________________________________

Former Livingston Parish sheriff’s deputy Dennis Perkins pleads guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism charges. Dennis Perkins will spend 100 years in prison for his crimes without the chance of parole. Attorney General Jeff Landy says the plea deal also spares the victims from having to relive the horrific crimes during a trial.

Cut 12 (10) “…this plea.”  

Dennis Perkins and his then-wife Cynthia Perkins a former Livingston Parish school teacher, faced more than 150 felony charges after their arrest in 2019. Landry says Cynthia Perkins pled guilty last year and was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

Cut 13 (10) “…the community”  

Melanie Curtain was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole last March for her role in the case. Landry says Dennis Perkins will spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Cut 14 (12)   “…released early.”

Dennis Perkins reportedly addressed the courtroom and apologized for his crimes and said Jesus Christ had forgiven him.

___________________________________________

A former Livingston Parish deputy takes a plea deal and gets life behind bars for a multitude of sex crimes; many against school kids. Dennis Perkins pleaded guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism. Some of his crimes are so bad I won’t describe them here. State Attorney General Jeff Landry says Perkins’ wife – a former teacher – was convicted as an accomplice last year…:

CUT 13(10)      “…shake the community.”

Perkins will spend 100 years in prison with no parole.

We all watched our investment and retirement accounts shrink in 2022. What will 2023 have in store? On Jim Engster’s “TalkLouisiana” radio show, Baton Rouge financial consultant Fred Dent says there are resources to help you grow that bottom line…:

CUT 07(11)      “…even forgot about.”

He says don’t make hasty decisions about moving your money.

Because of security concerns linked to the popular app TikTok, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley recommends school systems remove access to the video-sharing application from publicly funded devices…:

CUT 03(10)      “…to examine.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok. Other state agencies have already taken steps to block access to TikTok.

The Coast Guard confirms they have recovered the remains of four men who were in a helicopter that went down into the Gulf of Mexico Thursday. The helicopter was being operated by Rotorcraft Leasing Company and the passengers were employed by Island Operating Company. They were en route from an offshore rig to the shore.

Three people were found dead today inside a home in New Orleans’ Gentilly area. Police are investigating. More as it develops.

Former Livingston Parish deputy Dennis Perkins pleads guilty to rape, child pornography, sexual battery, and video voyeurism charges. Perkins will spend 100 years in prison for his crimes without the chance of parole. Attorney General Jeff Landry says the plea deal also spares the victims from having to relive the horrific crimes during a trial…:

CUT 12(10)      “…this plea.”

Perkins’ then-wife Cynthia Perkins pled guilty last year and was sentenced to 41 years in prison.

The state’s Highway Safety Commission encourages us to be better drivers in 2023.  Director Lisa Freeman says data from of LSU shows using mobile phones while driving caused 850 crashes that injured or killed someone in Louisiana in 2021…:

CUT 09(12)      “…group text.”

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley is recommending school systems remove access to the app TikTok over security concerns. Last month the Division of Administration blocked TikTok traffic on networks operated by the state Office of Tech Services for the same reason. Brumley says he wanted to raise awareness of those concerns among school systems…:

CUT 05(07)      “…communication screens.”

Brumley also advises school co-curricular clubs, extracurricular organizations, and sports teams to stop using TikTok.

Scattered storms will bring a risk of severe weather across norther parishes this afternoon; including damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes through the evening and into the overnight hours. After tonight, the remainder of the week will bring gradually cooler, but also calmer weather.

Beloved New Orleans radio host John Osterlind has died of natural causes. He was 55.

The State Superintendent of Education is encouraging school systems to remove access to TikTok.

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

The Coast Guard confirms they have recovered the remains of four men who were in a helicopter that went down into the Gulf of Mexico Thursday. The helicopter was being operated by Rotorcraft Leasing Company, LLC, and the passengers were employed by Island Operating Company.

After a rough year for investors, with lots of financial losses…what may 2023 bring for stocks, money funds and other investments? The Dow ended 2022 down 9-percent. The S&P 500 ended down over 19-percent and the NASDAQ ended down a whopping 33-percent. Is a big market crash imminent? Baton Rouge-based financial advisor Fred Dent says it’s possible, but not likely…:

CUT 06  (08)        so who knows?

Dent advises you stay the course on your investments, but DO contact your financial advisor soon and discuss concerns, ask questions and make possible adjustments.

And now today’s markets…

An Addis police officer faces two counts of negligent homicide after his vehicle struck a car and killed two Brusly teenage girls during a high-speed chase Saturday…:

CUT 01(37)      “…Thorington.”

A former Livingston Parish Sheriff’s deputy pleads guilty to numerous sex crimes, including some against juveniles. Dennis Perkins took a plea deal; the details of which are mostly unknown. He faces dozens of years behind bars at sentencing.

Because of security concerns linked to the popular app TikTok, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley is recommending school systems remove access to it on campus. Brumley sent a letter today to school systems advising them to remove access to TikTok or any other application developed by their parent company, China-based ByteDance Limited. He says there’s just not enough known about the personal data the application is collecting and it’s best to safeguard students…:

CUT 04(07)      “…communication tool.”

He’s also asking all school groups to stop using TikTok.

This is Governor John Bel Edwards’ final year in office; a lame-duck year for Edwards and the Louisiana Legislature. But political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he expects the governor to concentrate on existing problems and issues…:

CUT 12(10)      “…to see that.”