Starting today the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin is officially designated as a highway safety corridor. Jeff Palermo on what that means…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

State Police is investigating a head on crash in Washington Parish Saturday night that left a driver dead and five other people hurt. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Kevin Christensen of Mandeville. Cops believe Christenson was traveling in the wrong direction when he hit a Jeep head on – injuring its 5 occupants. Troopers say Christensen was not properly restrained at the time of the crash.

A number of new laws passed in the 2022 Legislature go into effect today. One will require all law enforcement officers in the state to be trained in how to recognize signs of human trafficking. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell brought the bill…:
Cut 13 (08) “to recognize it”
The I-10/I-12 corridor is known as a pipeline for human sex trafficking.

If you drink a lot of coffee, it could cause you to spend more money according to a new study out of the LSU Department of Marketing. Associate Professor Courtney Szocs says drinks like espressos, coffee and tea impact not only the degree of spending but also the types of things you buy…:
Cut 10 (09) “products”
Examples include buttery, salty popcorn; chocolate candy; luxury vacations along with any other items that induce a state of extreme excitement and energy.

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May wants to clear up some of what he calls “misconceptions” about high energy bills, and what the utility is doing to help. May says the cost of producing electricity rose quickly as record-high inflation grips the country…:
Cut 7 (10) “from our customers”
Many people are angry over storm assessments Entergy added to bills and May says those from Hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008 will come off starting today.

An NBA legend who was born in North Louisiana has died. Monroe native Bill Russell, one of basketball’s greatest players, passed away Sunday at the age of 88. Russell had 11 championships with the Celtics, including an unpresented 8 straight, he won the NBA MVP five times and is the first black coach in any major sport. Russell was born in Monroe in 1934. At the age of 8 he moved to Oakland.

Starting today, speeding fines are doubled on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge if motorists are caught going above the 60 mile per hour speed limit for vehicles and 55 miles per hour for commercial trucks. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says in 2023 speed cameras will be installed to track drivers…:
Cut 4 (10) “third time”
Wilson says the goal of the beefed up enforcement and higher fines is get people to slow down.

Former State Senator Karen Carter Peterson is expected to plead guilty in federal court today to illegally spending campaign funds and Democratic Party money on personal needs, including gambling.