The 128-million-dollar I-20 reconstruction project in Bossier and Caddo parishes was completed yesterday after nearly three years. Kace Kieschnick reports.
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What clues, if any, do the early voting numbers give us in the U.S. Senate runoffs? Jeff Palermo has some insight.
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The Louisiana Department of Insurance has some important information for those needing to file claims from last week’s torrential rains. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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After nearly three years of construction, the I-20 rehabilitation project in Bossier and Caddo parishes is complete. The 128-million-dollar investment is the largest in the corridor in many years and included a total rebuild of every lane and ramp at five interchanges. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says if you’ve ever driven in the area, you know how badly the rebuild was needed.
Cut 4 (08) “…long time coming.”
The project provided major improvements to turning lanes, travel lanes, shoulders and access points. Buchanan says the rebuild will improve life for local commuters and improve the impression Louisiana makes on travelers and businesses across the country.
Cut 5 (10) “…vehicles per day.”
Buchanan says improved infrastructure can attract new families to Louisiana and lay a foundation for future economic development.
Cut 6 (09) “…investing in that.”
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Unlike in the primary election, where Democrats outnumbered Republicans in early voting, the numbers were flip-flopped in early voting for the runoffs. According to the Secretary of State’s Office, more than 77-thousand Republicans cast early ballots, compared to just over 54-thousand Democrats. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics and Polling says the Democratic turnout would have been even lower had it not been for three high-profile ballot measures in East Baton Rouge.
Cut 7 (13) “…Democratic-leaning parish.”
Overall, more than 151-thousand people cast early ballots – a decline of almost 40-percent from the May primaries. Couvillon says the calendar played a huge role in keeping those numbers down.
Cut 8 (12) “…are used to.”
Couvillon says despite the robust Democratic turnout in early voting in both the May primary and the runoff, he expects this to be the end of the road for Democrats.
Cut 9 (13) “…competitive at all.”
As for who that Republican nominee will be, Couvillon says with turnout expected to be low on election day, it’s going to come down to who among Julia Letlow and John Fleming can do a better job in getting out the vote.
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State lawmakers have until five p-m today to submit their votes on Governor Landry’s plan to provide public school teachers with a two-thousand-dollar stipend and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for support workers. Patrick Wall, an education reporter for the Advocate newspaper, says legislators want teachers to receive the stipend, but it will also reduce state funding for public schools.
Cut 10 (07) “…to potential layoffs.”
The Louisiana Federation of Teachers and School Employees surveyed its members and found that two-thirds of respondents strongly or somewhat opposed the governor’s executive order to reduce the MFP by 168-million dollars to fund the stipends. Wall says teachers are concerned about cuts to public school operations.
Cut 11 (07) “…the public schools.”
It will take a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate for legislators to approve of governor’s teacher pay plan. Wall says there could be consequences for lawmakers and their districts if they vote against the governor.
Cut 12 (08) “…in their districts.”
Even if the plan receives legislative approval, it faces a legal challenge. A Baton Rouge judge has already said Landry’s plan to cut 168 million dollars from K-through-12 public school operations to pay for the stipends can not be implemented until at least a June 29th court hearing.
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Those of you who need to file claims from the damage caused by last week’s severe weather from the remnants of Tropical Storm Arthur, the Department of Insurance has some very important information for you. Commissioner Tim Temple says different policies will respond to different types of claims.
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Temple reminds you that if your home is damaged by flood waters, your standard homeowners insurance policy does not cover that – you need a separate flood insurance policy, and many people in Avoyelles Parish don’t carry flood insurance.
Cut 14 (14) “…dropped those policies.”
For those without flood insurance, their only recourse other than paying for the damage out of their own pocket is money freed up by the state or federal government, depending on any declarations issued. Temple says regardless, it’s important to document all damage on damage.la.gov.
Cut 15 (07) “…dollars potentially damaged.”
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The Pelicans do not have a first-round pick in tonight’s NBA draft thanks to last year’s deal with the Hawks to move up for center Derik Queen. After a 26-win season in which the Pelicans fired head coach Willie Green, New Orleans will be looking to shake things up. Locked On Pelicans Podcast host Jake Madison says they can either trade future assets for a proven star like Jaylen Brown or move on from current contributors and fully rebuild.
Cut 16 (18) “…better long term.”
Madison says the big names to watch for a draft night trade are forwards Herb Jones and Trey Murphy. Jones is a lockdown defender on a team-friendly contract, and Murphy is a dynamic shooter who could be a difference-maker on any team. Madison says the Pels have fielded numerous calls on Murphy, and they aren’t putting down the phone.
Cut 17 (16) “…prospects as well.”
The Pelicans’ only pick in this year’s draft is 58th overall.
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Parkway three-star wide receiver Gary Burney Jr. flipped his commitment from Houston to LSU after visiting the LSU campus this weekend. 247Sports ranks Burney as the number-75 receiver in the country and the 21st prospect in Louisiana. Parkway coach Coy Brotherton says the 6-3 receiver has become a hot name on the recruiting trail.
Cut 18 (15) “…out that frame.”
Burney caught 76 passes for over 13-hundred yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior last season. The two-sport athlete also ran a 22.72-second 200 meters on the track. Brotherton says he’s made it hard to keep him off the field.
Cut 19 (14) “…better each week”
Burney committed to the Cougars at the end of May, but Brotherton says Lane Kiffin and his staff have been pursuing the in-state standout since he arrived in Baton Rouge in February. Brotherton says Burney had a real connection with the Houston coaches, but every Louisiana kid dreams of being a Tiger.
Cut 20 (17) “…his mom over.”