Construction officially gets underway this afternoon on a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Baton Rouge-based Turner Industries announces plans to build a nuclear fabrication facility in New Iberia and Port Allen. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Louisiana Tech is closing the chapter on its time in the Conference USA and turning the page to a new era in the Sun Belt. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Construction officially gets underway in Lake Charles this afternoon on the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The 2.3-billion-dollar bridge is being built immediately next to the existing bridge that first opened in 1952, predating I-10. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Brian Abshire says the bridge is of utmost importance, with 75-thousand vehicles passing over it every day.

Cut 4 (08) “…a screeching halt.”

Abshire says the new bridge will be a vast improvement over the one that it will be replacing.

Cut 5 (06) “…still being debated.”

The bridge will also have 12-foot-wide shoulders on both sides of the roadway, and it won’t rise as high above the river. Whereas the current bridge takes traffic 152 feet above the river, the apex of the new bridge will be somewhere between 75 and 95 feet.

Abshire says not only will the new bridge be a lot safer than the current one, but it will also hopefully be an economic boost to the City of Lake Charles.

Cut 6 (07) “…downtown Lake Charles.”

The bridge will be a toll bridge; Abshire says that was the one and only option to get the funding needed for the project. Construction will take seven years, and the bridge will be tolled for 50 years.

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Baton Rouge-based Turner Industries announces it’s creating one-thousand jobs, as it’s building state-of-the-art nuclear fabrication facilities in New Iberia and Port Allen. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the facilities will be dedicated to the production of high-precision modules and nuclear-grade piping for the next generation of nuclear power.

Cut 7 (05) “…one as well.”

Turner Industries was founded in Baton Rouge in 1961. It’s one of the nation’s largest industrial contractors, with more than 93-hundred employees and six offices statewide.

Turner Industries CEO Stephen Toups made the announcement at a nuclear power summit in New Orleans organized by the Landry administration. Bourgeois says Toups believes Louisiana should be at the center of the next wave of nuclear innovation.

Cut 8 (12) “…when you’re ready.”

The nuclear fabrication facilities coming to West Baton Rouge and Iberia parishes will build pipes, modules and subassemblies for nuclear reactors. Each facility will see 500 new jobs with annual salaries of 77-thousand dollars.

There’s a renewed focus on nuclear power, because energy experts say it’s reliable and does not emit greenhouse gases. Bourgeois says it’s exciting to see a homegrown company meet the new demand.

Cut 9 (12)  “…state but others.”

Environmentalists have expressed concern about the radioactive waste that carries health and safety risks.

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The House Education Committee approves legislation that would give Louisiana public colleges the authority to increase tuition by as much as 10-percent for all graduate, professional and specialized programs and any undergraduate program identified as high-cost. Lobbyist Norby Chabert (sha-BEAR) testified in favor of the legislation; he says the money generated from the higher tuition costs would be put to good use.

Cut 10 (08) “…to student ratios.”

The bill passed on an eight-to-three vote and heads to the House floor. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson says if you raise tuition, fewer students will attend college.

Cut 11 (06) “…in lower demand.”

The state’s four management boards currently have the authority to set what is known as differential tuition. But the bill’s author, Ruston Representative Christopher Turner, says that authority should really reside with each public institution.

Cut 12 (12) “…with basic needs.”

Tuition increases are necessary, since the state no longer funds higher education to the level it once did. Carlson asks why universities need to raise tuition when enrollment is dropping, a four-year degree is no longer a necessity to get a good paying job, and the state has more public universities than it really needs.

Cut 13 (12) “…percent every year.”

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An agreement has been reached between Louisiana Tech and Conference USA that allows Tech to leave Conference USA and join the Sun Belt this summer. Terms of the out-of-court settlement have not been released, but Matt Bellinson of the Ruston Leader says Louisiana Tech most likely had to pay a hefty exit-fee.

Cut 14 (08) “…eight-million dollars.”

Even though the move to the Sun Belt will cost the university a pretty penny, Bellinson believes it’s one that will end up favoring Louisiana Tech when all is said and done.

Cut 15 (12) “…right for them.”

Not only will Louisiana Tech save money by traveling far less than they had to, but Bellinson says the move will also favor the athletes.

Cut 16 (11) “…sort of stuff.”

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LSU football coach Lane Kiffin met with the media on Monday to discuss the end of spring practice. He said quarterback Sam Leavitt took part in 7-on-7 drills during Saturday’s final practice. While Leavitt was limited, Kiffin said he’s trending in the right direction.

Cut 17 (13)  “…the guys more.”

At the start of spring practice, LSU’s defense was miles ahead of the offense. With several new pieces on that side of the ball, it took time to adjust, but Kiffin says he’s seen progress for the second straight week following Saturday’s scrimmage in Tiger Stadium.

Cut 18 (13)  “…pleased with that.”

Redshirt quarterback Sam Leavitt has missed most of the spring while recovering from a Lisfranc foot injury. Kiffin says that even though he has not been able to spend much time on the field, Leavitt has remained engaged and continues to find ways to improve.

Cut 19 (13) “…but mentally also.”

Junior safety Dashawn Spears moved to the STAR position this offseason. Kiffin says it’s one of the most important roles on the field and believes the Denham Springs native did a tremendous job there this spring.

Cut 20 (14) “…we’ve gotten here.”

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would give Louisiana public colleges the authority to increase tuition by as much as 10-percent for all graduate, professional and specialized programs and any undergraduate program identified as high-cost. Lobbyist Norby Chabert (Sha-bear) testified in favor of the legislation. Chabert says the money generated from the higher tuition costs would be put to good use…

Cut 10 (08) “…to student ratios.” 

The bill passed on an eight to three vote and heads to the House floor. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson says if you raise tuition, fewer students will attend college.

Cut 11 (06) “…lower demand.”

Tuition increases are necessary, since the state no longer funds higher education to the level it once did.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would increase the amount the state compensates the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty from 250-thousand to 404-thousand dollars. Marrero Representative Kyle Green says a cost-of-living adjustment should be tied to the bill.

Cut 14 (08) “…inflationary increase.”

The bill’s author, Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish, says he will look into Green’s amendment proposal before he brings the bill up for debate in the Senate.

A House bill requiring the Department of Public Safety and Corrections to publish prison data on its website advances to the Senate. The bill by Baton Rouge Democrat Barbara Carpenter passed in the House on a vote of 59 to 32. Data that would be required to be posted online in accordance with Carpenter’s bill include demographics, in-custody deaths and prisoner releases. No personal information protected under state and federal law would be released.

An agreement has been reached between Louisiana Tech and Conference USA that allows Tech to leave Conference USA and join the Sun Belt this summer. Terms of the out-of-court settlement have not been released. It’s been reported that La Tech would have to pay an eight-million-dollar exit fee.

LIV Golf has cancelled the golf tournament it was planning to hold in June at City Park in New Orleans. The announcement is not a surprise. It was previously reported that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is pulling back funding after providing the professional golf league with billions of dollars. LIV will reportedly pay back the one-million dollars it received from the state. Two-million dollars in state money has already gone to upgrades at City Park golf course.

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson says Casan Evans may pitch this weekend against South Carolina. He was scratched from his start last Friday because of arm soreness.

The Tigers host Southeastern Louisiana tonight and La Tech is at ULM.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin spoke to the media to talk about the end of spring practice. Kiffin says that quarterback Sam Leavitt participated in 7-on-7 drills in Saturday’s final day of practice. Kiffin says Leavitt only had limited snaps, but he’s trending in the right direction.

Cut 16 (16): ‘with the guys more.”

LSU junior linebacker Davhon (DAY-von) Keys led the team with 92 tackles last season after stepping in for the injured Whit Weeks. Keys says the opportunity to play significant snaps last year has been very helpful to his development.

Cut 19 (15) “…those throwing windows.”

A candlelight vigil was held at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge in memory of the Lafayette Parish girl who was killed in a shooting at the mall last week. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Federal prosecutors have charged a 22-year-old Fort Pok soldier who threatened to walk into a synagogue with his assault rifle and kill every single jew inside. The U-S Attorney’s Office says Jakob Marcoulier made the threat on the platform known as Discord.

Gas prices rose another five cents overnight, and regular unleaded is now averaging $3.73 a gallon in Louisiana. Don Redman with Triple-A says stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran have led to an increase in oil prices.

Cut 7 (07) “..energy up.”

The average cost for a gallon of diesel is just above five dollars.

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that raises the amount the state compensates spouses and dependents if a police officer or firefighter is killed in the line of duty. Retired Ascension Parish sheriff and now state lawmaker, Jeff Wiley, is the author of the legislation. Wiley says family members left behind deserve adequate financial support from the state…

Cut 13 (07) “…as this”

The measure, which would raise the compensation to 404-thousand dollars, heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would increase the amount the state compensates the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty from 250-thousand to 404-thousand dollars. State Representative Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish is the author of the bill.

Cut 12 (06) “…an increase.”

Five law enforcement officers and two firefighters lost their lives while on duty last year, and Wiley says the family members left behind deserve adequate financial support from the state.

Getting the fuel gauge to “full” continues leaving many bank accounts “empty.” Regular unleaded gasoline is now averaging $3.73 a gallon – an increase of five cents overnight. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price of diesel, meanwhile, remains just above five-dollars a gallon.

Cut 8 (11) “…into the summer.”

People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of Martha Odom. She’s the 17-year-old Lafayette girl who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards told those gathered that last week’s incident has deeply affected the entire city.

Cut 3 (08) “…our whole city.”

Those of you in north Louisiana, you’ll want to be weather aware today, as a tornado watch is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster parishes until seven this evening. National Weather Service Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says along with damaging winds, large hail and heavy downpours are possible.

Cut 10 (11) “…watching radars.” 

A candlelight vigil is held in Baton Rouge for the 17-year-old girl who was shot and killed at the Mall of Louisiana. Lafayette State Representative Annie Spell read some of Martha Odom’s writings from her theology class at Ascension Episcopal School.

Cut 5 (16) “…are passed away.”

Unless you drive an EV, you’re likely finding yourself curtailing your driving to save as much money as you can. Gas prices rose another five cents overnight, and regular unleaded is now averaging $3.73 a gallon in Louisiana. Don Redman with Triple-A says stalled peace talks between the United States and Iran have led to an increase in oil prices.

Cut 7 (07) “..energy up.”

LIV Golf tells Louisiana officials it has to postpone its tournament in New Orleans scheduled for next month. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Those of you in North Louisiana, you’ll want to be weather aware for the rest of the day today. A tornado watch is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster parishes until seven this evening. The National Weather Service says a strong cold front is responsible for the severe weather threat. Large hail and heavy downpours are also possible.  

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather through this evening for areas of the state north of Natchitoches. A tornado watch until 7 PM is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster Parishes. Gary Chatelain with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says large hail is another threat…

Cut 9 (11)  “…incident from occurring.”

Damaging winds and heavy downpours are possible as well.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up five cents overnight to $3.73. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says the sudden jump at the pump coincides with a spike in oil prices as a result of what’s happening in the Middle East…

Cut 6 (09) “…OPEC.”

People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of 17-year-old Martha Odom, who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. Community activist Cathy Tolivar says gun violence is out of control, and it has to stop.

Cut 4 (12) “…pull them in.”

A downtown Baton Rouge hotel will soon be converted into a year-round sports hospitality destination. The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center will get a 40-million-dollar makeover and will reopen as a Sports Illustrated Resort. Geoff Richards, the chief operating officer of vacation ownership at Travel And Leisure Company, says one man behind this venture happens to be an LSU institution – Shaquille O’Neal.

Cut 16 (11) “…particularly at LSU.”

For two years, the Canadian-based owners of Cleco Power have been trying to sell the utility. Now, it has a deal in place to do just that. Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets has reached a deal to sell the company to Stonepeak Energy and Bernhard Capital Partners. Jennifer Cahill with Cleco says the company’s leadership team fully supports the deal.

Cut 4 (09) “…serve throughout Louisiana.”

The new prospective owners plan to keep Cleco’s headquarters in Pineville.

There is an enhanced risk of severe weather through this evening for areas of the state north of Natchitoches. A slight risk exists for central Louisiana. Gary Chatelain with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says there is a chance for tornadoes and even baseball size hail…

Cut 9 (10) “…intensity”

Damaging winds are also possible. A tornado watch until 7 PM is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster Parishes.

People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of Martha Odom. She’s the 17-year-old Lafayette girl who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards told those gathered that last week’s incident has deeply affected the entire city.

Cut 3 (08) “…our whole city.”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has called on the three major Republican candidates for U-S Senate to hold a televised debate before the May 16the primary. Last week, the three Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate held a televised debate in Baton Rouge. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that likely had no bearing on Higgins’ call for the Republican candidates to follow suit.

Cut 10 (13) “…of the aisle.”

Early voting for this election starts Saturday.