January 2020

New tarp covers exposed remains at New Orleans collapse site

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A new tarp was hung at a building collapse site in New Orleans on Wednesday to hide the partially exposed remains of a worker who was killed there in October.

The body had been exposed after wind blew away another tarp. Pictures of the remains began circulating on social media Tuesday.

Lafayette teen dies after being shot in weekend robbery

LAFAYETTE (AP) — A high school senior found shot in his Chevy Camaro during a weekend robbery died Wednesday, authorities said.

Lafayette police confirmed the death of Matthew Carter, 17, news outlets reported. They said two teens were arrested over the weekend and face charges including firstdegree murder.

Cpl. Bridgette Dugas said police found Carter on Saturday inside his black Camaro with a critical gunshot wound. Carter’s family said two teenagers were trying to steal his car.

Democrats face risks, limits in impeachment trial

WASHINGTON (AP) — The challenge is becoming increasingly clear for House Democrats prosecuting President Donald Trump’s impeachment case as the Senate convenes for a second day of arguments in the landmark trial.

No matter how overwhelming the evidence confronting Trump, it becomes less compelling when presented again and again, day after day, as Democrats try to convince not just fidgety senators but an American public deeply divided over the Republican president in an election year.

Firefighting plane crashes in Australia, killing 3 Americans

SYDNEY (AP) — Three American crew members were killed Thursday when a C-130 Hercules aerial water tanker crashed while battling wildfires in southeastern Australia, officials said.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed the crash deaths in the state’s Snowy Monaro region, which came as Australia grapples with an unprecedented fire season that has left a large swath of destruction.

Threats made against Iota schools

Three agencies investigating

IOTA — Schools here were closed Thursday after bomb threats were made against two campuses twice this week.

According to the Iota Police Department, a bomb threat was made via social media late Tuesday, Jan. 21. Iota police worked with the Acadia and Calcasieu sheriffs’ offices to search the Iota High and Iota Middle campuses, which are adjacent to one another.

Sex offender charged with kidnapping

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A Tier II sex offender was charged Wednesday for kidnapping after being discovered with a juvenile passenger during a routine traffic stop.

According to Jennings Police Department Officer Danny Semmes, an officer on LACE detail conducted a traffic stop early Wednesday morning.

The driver of the vehicle, John Ray Breaux, 67, of Jennings, who is also a registered sex offender, was stopped for having a tail lamp out.

“During the course of the traffic stop the officer became suspicious of criminal activity occurring,” Semmes said.

‘Second Amendment Sanctuaries’ the Right’s new gun push

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When one of the Pennsylvania Legislature’s most conservative members announced her desire to pass “Second Amendment Sanctuary” ordinances that defy state and federal gun laws, the temptation at first was to laugh and shake your head in disbelief.

In barely a year in the state House, Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, a Republican who hails from rural Clinton County, has proven to be anything but shy when it comes to courting controversy. So when Borowicz dropped her press release on “Second Amendment Sanctuaries,” it barely registered as a ripple on Twitter.

DOTD recommends winter weather safety

With recent wet and wintry weather coming into the parish, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) advises motorists to use caution while driving, especially on bridges and overpasses.

DOTD has personnel and equipment prepared to address any roadways that are affected by the weather conditions.

DOTD will continue to monitor the forecast and current conditions to make appropriate decisions to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

During winter weather, motorists should adhere to the following driving safety tips:

As trial begins, the White House strikes back

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“Trump has no defense at all,” Harvard law professor Laurence Tribe, an influential figure among impeachment Democrats, tweeted recently.

“The case is uncontested,” Democratic House impeachment manager Rep. Hakeem Jeffries said.

“They can’t contest the facts,” said lead Democratic impeachment manager Rep. Adam Schiff.

JDSO seeks help to identify burglary suspects

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IOWA - A male suspect is wanted for a burglary that took place on Jan. 9 here.

Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office (JDSO) deputies are asking the public for assistance with identifying a suspect believed to be involved in a burglary that took place in Iowa.

According to JDSO Chief Deputy Christopher Ivey, a burglary occurred at around 1:20 a.m. at Lil’ Cochon’s Cajun Kitchen on South Frontage Road.

Ivey said entry was made by breaking a glass window on the east side of the building.