The Mississippi River bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete in Madison Parish. Brooke Thorington has more on what travelers can expect in northeast Louisiana.
Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Governor Edwards signs into law legislation allowing sexual assault survivors to terminate their lease early. Matt Doyle has more on the law that went effect Tuesday…
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An over two-year rehabilitation Mississippi River Bridge project on Interstate 20 is now complete. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says the bridge in Madison Parish was built about 50 years ago and like any interstate corridor, it is well-traveled.
The $30-million-dollar project began in January of 2019 and is one of the few interstate river crossings in the state. Buchannan says the repairs were paid for with both state and federal dollars.
Buchanan says in addition to resurfacing the structure, there were also corroded bolts and other components of the bridge that were replaced.
The bridge also received modernizations with new LED lighting, cameras, and radar that are integrated into Mississippi’s IT network.
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The first bill of the session to be signed into law by Governor Edwards is one that would allow sexual assault survivors to terminate their residential leases early.
New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says this legislation was inspired in large part by all of the LSU students who had their sexual assaults covered up by the school.
The tenant would be allowed to apply for the early termination after a wait of at least 60 days after the assault. From that point, the victim would have to pay one more month’s rent.
STAR Legal Director Morgan Lamandre says the new law is similar to an existing law but it covers a loophole that’s been particularly problematic for students.
The law, which took effect Tuesday, also allows landlords to immediately evict a tenant if they are documented as the individual who perpetrated the assault.
Lamandre notes there are some stipulations…
The law also requires the assault to be verified by a “qualified third party” such as a licensed social worker or counselor, prosecuting attorney, law enforcement officer involved in the assault investigation, a healthcare worker who administered a forensic examination, or program director of a sexual assault center such as STAR.
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A Senate judiciary committee has voted down a bill that would limit the legal immunity Louisiana police officers have in wrongful death or injury cases. Shreveport Police Officers Association president Michael Carter voiced his concerns with legislation that would allow civil lawsuits against officers who acted “unreasonable”…
Carter says the legislation would also open up officers to numerous lawsuits and cops do not earn enough money to pay malpractice insurance. Veteran Shreveport police officer Kevin Goodwin says if this became law, it would change how officers would police
Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan’s bill received approval from the House and it had the backing of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association. Jordan tried to make the case that his legislation was not designed to drive good officers away from the profession
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A tragic boating accident near the Lake Bistineau Spillway Tuesday claims the life of a 15-year-old Bossier Parish high schooler
The victim has been identified as Cavalry Baptist Academy football player Hayden “Lane” Mangum. Bossier Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Davis says he was out fishing with his best friend when the incident occurred.
Mangum’s friend and fellow football player, 16-year-old Cade Bedgood, managed to jump off of the boat before it began to capsize and made it back to shore safely. He then told first responders what happened.
Davis says local first responders, drone crews, and local boaters spent all yesterday evening and into the night utilizing emergency searchlights to look for Mangam.
Davis says it’s a tragic, shocking accident.
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will investigate what led to the capsizing of the boat and the subsequent death.