4:30 LRN Newscast Dec 29

Louisiana’s been awarded a $150 million Mega Grant from the federal government to go towards the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge project. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says this particular allotment is significant and he also thanked Senator Bill Cassidy and Congressman Troy Carter for their support of the President’s Infrastructure Act.

Cut 11 (12)  “…those dollars.”

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (BOO-tee) changes his mind and enters the NFL draft. The New Iberia native made the announcement hours after LSU said Boutte would not play in Monday’s Citrus. Hunt Palmer of the LSU Sports Radio Network and ESPN Radio in Baton Rouge says it’s unclear what led to the abrupt ending of Boutte’s career at LSU…

Cut 13 (07) “…college sports.”  

A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of 29 years old Steven English of Houma. State Trooper Ross Brennan says English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15 when he went off the road, flipped, and hit a tree. Toxicology is pending; however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment is possible…:

CUT 07(05)      “…particular crash.”

The Coast Guard is searching for 4 people aboard a downed helicopter in the Gulf of Mexico approximately 10 miles offshore of Southwest Pass. The helicopter reportedly was in the process of departing an oil platform when it crashed.

Smoke-free Louisiana coalition says there was an eight-percent increase in Quitline calls during the year by individuals looking to stop using tobacco products.. Spokesperson Randy Hayden says a good New Year’s resolution for smokers would be to kick the habit…

cut 5 (09) “…in the year”
The number to call is 1-800-Quit-Now