A memorial at the site where former New Orleans Saint Will Smith was shot and killed is getting bigger with flowers and sports memorabilia. New Orleans Police Superintendent Michael Harrison says 28-year-old Cardell Hayes is charged with murder in the incident that could have been sparked by road rage:
CUT 12 (10) “as such”
Bond for Hayes is set at $1 million dollars and according to a warrant read in court, Smith was shot in the back and side.

Governor John Bel Edwards says a second special session is needed to address next fiscal year’s $750 million dollar shortfall. He says lawmakers need to stabilize the budget, and they need to do it sooner rather than later…:
Cut 8 (05) “Louisiana is”
They plan to present a proposed budget to lawmakers tomorrow for next fiscal year.

After all the concerns about the budget crisis, State Treasurer John Kennedy says Louisiana may actually end this fiscal year with a surplus. In December, the state revenues were down 15-percent, but now revenues are only down 6-percent, according to Kennedy…:
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He attributes this move to an increase in tax collections.

A woman from northwest Louisiana becomes the first in the nation to enlist in an infantry combat position in the US Army. 25-year-old Grace Barnett says patriotism runs in her blood and is excited about the challenge that lies ahead:
Cut 5 (10) “at me”
She says she hopes to be an example for other women.