 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer President Donald Trump is taking aim at renewable energy projects in general and the wind industry in particular, but that doesn't mean interest has waned in Louisiana. Private developers are quietly signing lease agreements with landowners in rural areas for what could be the state's first land-based wind farms. Although they are likely years away from coming online, at least five utility-scale wind projects are in development in the Pelican State, including two based in St. Landry Parish. What's behind the new wave of interest in wind development? Taller turbines and technological advances that allow developers to access faster winds. Read more about the possibilities.
Around 40 residents had to evacuate from a townhome complex in Addis on Thursday after heavy rains inundated the town in West Baton Rouge Parish, leaving some areas covered in knee-deep water. “This is probably the worst I’ve seen it since I’ve been here, and I’ve been here since 2003,” Police Chief Jason Langlois said. Read more about the events of the day.
It was an emotional night for former LSU tackle Will Campbell, as he was the No. 4 overall selection in the NFL Draft on Thursday, going to the New England Patriots. His feelings showed when he was interviewed afterward by the NFL Network: "I worked my entire life to be up here to be able to get my name called by a franchise like New England," Campbell said, his voice cracking. "It means everything to me." Read more about Campbell's night. Also: Saints beef up offensive line, select Texas' Kelvin Banks with ninth pick | 
