KPLC Hot Topic

"U"-Turn Legal

     Lake Charles Police are making a "u-turn" on the u-turn issue!  Last summer, 7News first reported about the illegal u-turns that motorists were making in front of the Wal-mart on Nelson Road in order to get onto I-210 eastbound.  The eastbound ramp of I-210 at Nelson Road has been closed due to construction, so southbound drivers on Nelson had to find another way to get onto the eastbound ramp.  And many drivers simply chose to make a u-turn on Nelson. Lake Charles police said that was illegal, and had been handing out citations to anyone caught doing it.  But as it turns out, those u-turns are not illegal.  Sgt. Mark Kraus with Lake Charles Police said, "Our initital research was in error and if we're big enough to write citations, we're big enough to admit our error.  It was a mistake in the information we provided.  While it is still very dangerous to make a u-turn at that intersection... it's not banned by signage or statue."  In the meantime, police say they are working with the state to try and put signage up at that intersection, which would make the u-turns illegal.  But for now, if you were one of the many motorists given a citation for making a u-turn, you're urged to call Lake Charles City Court so prosecutors can correct the error.    What's your reaction to police writing tickets for an act that, turns out,  wasn't even a violation?

"Work Wanted"

     Monday, President Obama extended an olive branch to business leaders, as he addressed the Chamber of Commerce.  The President's speech focused on trying to persuade business leaders to spend more money to promote economic growth here at home.  But the numbers show otherwise... that businesses are not hiring more workers.  And adding to the bleak job picture is the onslaught of American companies that are outsourcing their work to other countries.  Do you foresee the job picture getting any better any time soon?  And how do you view those companies that outsource work? 

Winter Weather

      Southwest Louisiana woke up to some harsh winter weather this morning... freezing rain, sleet, and even some snow.  All public schools are out.  And work crews have been busy making sure roads are de-iced.  Tell us how you are handling this latest arctic blast.

Meth Madness

     It seems everyday another meth lab arrest is taking place in Lake Charles and surrounding areas.  Just last night, two more suspects who had evaded police, 34 year old Daniel Rome and 31 year old Heather Owen were arrested.   The meth lab they were allegedly operating was taken down Tuesday at 7421 Andrew Lane in Lake Charles.  These clandestine meth labs are popping up everywhere, from wooded areas, to homes, to motel rooms.  And we all see the devastating effects this drug has on its users and the community.  Why are we seeing so much methamphetamine activity in our area?  And what can be done to clamp down on this drug activity?

 

Party Switch

     Another big move in state politics... It's being reported that Louisiana Attorney General Buddy Caldwell plans to switch to the Republican party in the coming days.  Currently a Democrat, Caldwell is up for re-election later this year.  His departure will leave U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu as Louisiana's only Democratic statewide official.  What's your reaction to the Attorney General switching parties?  And what's the significance of most our statewide leaders now being Republican?

Seafood Consumption

     There's more evidence of the lasting damage done by the BP oil spill.  A new survey shows more than 70 percent of seafood consumers nationwide still have doubts about the safety of gulf seafood.  And 25 percent have actually eaten less seafood because of the spill.  The survey was commissioned by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion Board.  It's trying to gauge the feelings of consumers as it tries to restore confidence in Louisiana seafood.  So that's our "Hot Topic" today.  Are you eating Louisiana seafood again?  Did you ever stop?