Two of the state’s biggest festivals are this weekend and the tourism impact on the state is far and wide. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Last night, the Department of Transportation hosted a construction kick-off meeting for the new 4-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River in northwest Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 2 (34) “I’m Colleen Crain.”
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The Louisiana House has sent a 47-billion dollar spending plan to the Senate. Jeff Palermo reports the budget proposal includes 166-million dollars to provide bonus pay for teachers…
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
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It’s a huge festival weekend in Louisiana with Festival International and Jazz Fest. Both attract visitors from all over the world and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s not only Lafayette and New Orleans that see a boost in tourists.
Cut 4 (13) “…over Louisiana.”
Nungesser says Jazz Fest has a $300 million impact on New Orleans, which is more than the Super Bowl, and Festival International has a $49 million impact on Lafayette. He says state parks and hotels are booked with visitors for both events.
Cut 5 (12) “…footprint.”
And while the two festivals are huge tourist draws for the state, Nungesser says it’s the locals’ southern hospitality that’s responsible for return visits.
Cut 6 (12) “…for more.”
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A new Jimmie Davis Bridge over the Red River is coming to Bossier and Caddo Parishes. DOTD held a Kick-off meeting for the community last night at Barksdale Baptist Church to provide information and answer questions. Public Information Officer Erin Buchanan says the existing 60-year-old 2-lane bridge is being replaced with a …
Cut 7 (10) “…every day”
The project is slated to start Mid to Late May and take about two and a half years. Buchanan says DOTD handed out detour maps and construction phasing information, so the community knows what to expect and isn’t surprised.
Cut 8 (09) “…businesses too.”
When the new bridge is completed, Buchanan says the bridge currently being used is getting an exciting makeover…
Cut 9 (11) “…like that.”
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The Louisiana House approved a budget for the next fiscal year that contains 166 million dollars in bonus pay for teachers. According to House leaders that equals a stipend of about 17-hundred dollars, but Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says it will vary…
Cut 10 (09) “…districts need.”
The spending bill heads to the Senate and there’s still time to provide more money for teacher pay. Teachers received a two-thousand dollar stipend this year, so they are set to receive a little less this year.
McFarland says lawmakers are also committed to spending 3-point-5 million dollars so the state can receive 70-million dollars in federal aid that low-income families can use to help pay for lunches when kids are out of school. DCFS is concerned it might to late to participate in the summer EBT program, McFarland doesn’t see how that can be…
Cut 11 (11) “…feeding program.”
The summer EBT program is in jeopardy because Governor Landry refused not to allocate funding for it, because it was a program established during the pandemic and there are other programs available to help feed kids when they are out of school for the summer.
The Louisiana Illuminator reports there are about 40-million dollars worth of pet projects in the budget proposal. approved by the House. But McFarland says these dollars are going to worthy initiatives…
Cut 12 (12) “…do that.”
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As expected the Washington Commanders selected former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels with the second overall pick in last night’s NFL draft. Daniels joins a franchise that has not had a winning season since 2016 and he plans to make the Commanders a winning organization
Cut 13 (11) “…some fun.”
A few selections later former LSU wide Malik Nabers of Youngsville went to the New York Giants with the sixth overall pick. Nabers wants to be the next great wide receiver from LSU…
Cut 14 (14) “….chip on my shoulder .”
Another former LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Junior went to the Jacksonville Jaguars with the 23rd pick.
The Saints used their first-round draft pick on an offensive tackle, six-foot-six Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a Foo-ah-gah) from Oregon State. The first-team All-American did not give up a sack with the Beavers and played right tackle. Fuaga says he’s played football nearly his entire life…
Cut 15 (09) “… grit.”
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Louisiana Tech is in second place in Conference USA heading into this weekend’s series against Sam Houston. The Bulldogs are 8-3 in league play, while the Bearkats are 7-and-8. Coach Lane Burroughs says the Diamond Dogs must play well to take the series…
Cut 16 (09) “…south Texas.”
Tech went on the road last weekend and won a series over a nationally-ranked Dallas Baptist team. Burroughs says it was a big confidence builder…
Cut 17 (11) “…RPI goes.”
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The LSU Tigers will look to win its second consecutive SEC series as they host Auburn this weekend. Coach Jay Johnson believes his team is playing better after taking two of three from Missouri last weekend. Johnson is hoping some of his veteran hitters find a hot streak
Cut 18 (08) “…be afraid of.”
The Tigers are 5-13 in the SEC and could use a sweep to put themselves back in the conversation of making the NCAA Tournament. Auburn has struggled as they are 2-16 in SEC play. But Johnson says Auburn has played a tough schedule too and he has a lot of respect for them
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Tonight is game two of a nine-game homestand for the Tigers.