After the horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Tuesday, many in Louisiana are concerned if it could happen in the Bayou State. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallet says until the investigation of the bridge collapse in Baltimore is completed it’s hard to answer if what happened there could happen here. But Mallet points out that the new I-10 Mississippi River Bridge, that’s been there since the 60s…

Cut 5 (09)  “…occurence.”

Mallet also says if a bridge is open in Louisiana, it’s safe to drive over. DOTD is required to inspect all bridges every two years, but Mallet says those with high-traffic, are inspected every six months.

AccuWeather has released their early forecast for the 2024 hurricane season and to sum it up, climatologist Barry Keim says it’s not good. They are forecasting between 20 and 25 named storms; they expect 8-12 of them to become hurricanes and of those 4 to 7 to be major hurricanes.

Cut 10 (10) “…around that. “

In 2020 there were 30 named storms and Keim says the forecast is in line with what we’ve seen in recent years.

A Senate committee has given approval to a bill that would give Louisiana police officers the ability to arrest people living in Louisiana that are not legal citizens. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Saints Coach Dennis Allen says the team is confident defensive end Chase Young will be 100-percent once he goes through the rehabilitation process following surgery on his neck last week. Allen says everyone was aware of the procedure when he signed a one-year 13-million-dollar contract

Cut 18 (20)  “…as possible.”  

A Senate committee approves legislation that gives Louisiana police officers the power to arrest people who are in the United States illegally. Denham Springs Senator Valarie Hodges says the federal government is doing a poor job of keeping migrants from coming over the southern border, the U-S constitution gives states the ability to protect themselves…

Cut 6  (13) “…an invasion.” 

Huey Fischer Garcia, a staff attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, says this law would clog up the state’s legal system as state judges are not up to speed on immigration law.

Cut 8 (07) “…that system.” 

Because Louisiana has multiple bridges and major ports, many worry that what happened in Baltimore could happen here. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A FedEx driver was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon after crashing his delivery truck into a house in Houma. The homeowners were inside at the time, but authorities say no one was injured. Houma police say 31-year-old Michael Smith failed a field sobriety test, and an open alcoholic beverage, marijuana, and a schedule IV narcotic were found in Smith’s possession.

The House Education Committee has approved the Gator Scholarship Program which in a few years would allow families of any income level to receive state dollars to attend a private school. Governor Landry’s deputy chief of staff Andree’ Miller says the legislation will give every child the chance to receive a quality education.

Cut 13 (08)  “…much better.”

LaPlace Representative Slyvia Elanie Taylor is concerned about state dollars going to a school that doesn’t have to be held to the same standards as a public school

Cut 15 (10)  “..accountability.”

Because of its cost this bill now heads to House Appropriations.

After the horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Tuesday, many in Louisiana are concerned if it could happen in the Bayou State. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallet says bridges that have large vessel traffic the support beams are protected by a fender system.

Cut 3 (11) “…head-on.”  

And while not every bridge has a fender system in Louisiana, Mallet says for those waterways where cargo ships and other large vessels travel, a fender system is in place. Mallet also says if a bridge is open in Louisiana, it’s safe to drive over.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would make it a crime to be within 25-feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to stop or retreat. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says he’s trying to protect officers with this bill. Opponents raised concerns about constitutional rights and whether on lookers can still get good video of potential police misconduct. Fontenot says 25 feet is a sufficient distance…

Cut 13 (14) “…use of force”   

Authorities continue to investigate the death of 26 year old Devin Repath of Westwego who died following a large fight at Fred’s Bar and Grill in Tigerland near LSU’s campus. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse says his investigators are working with LSU police and reviewing videos to identify those involved.

Cut 9 (08) “…near future.” 

State Police says a 14-year-old driver was in a fatal single-vehicle crash Sunday night in Richland Parish. Don Molino has the story.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Don Molino.”

St. Tammany Parish leaders say they plan to file for a recall campaign to remove Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. Tape was accused but never tried on a technicality for child sexual abuse in 2002 in New Mexico. Dillard University Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Collins says this case highlights the importance of researching a candidate before you cast your ballot.

Cut 7 (12) “…competitive election.”  

Tape was reportedly fired from his previous job at the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s Office last October by his predecessor Dr. Charles Preston who retired.

State Police says a 14-year-old driver died as a result of a single-vehicle crash on Sunday night in Richland Parish. Trooper Ryan Davis says 14 year old Suh’ renity Butler and four passengers in the vehicle, who were also minors, were properly restrained the vehicle veered off the road into a tree. A toxicology sample is pending, however Davis says under the state’s statue, Butler was not of legal age to be behind the wheel of a car.

Cut 4 (13) “…to drive.” 

The calf born with two faces in Vermillion Parish last month has died according to the owners, Breaux Farms. The calf known as Deux Face stopped eating over the weekend and owners say, they were happy to give her the best life possible and she’s moved on to greener pastures.

St. Tammany Parish leaders say they plan to file for a recall campaign to remove Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape. Tape was accused but never tried on a technicality for child sexual abuse in 2002 in New Mexico. Dillard University Political Science Professor Dr. Robert Collins says if Tape had had a challenger opposition research…

Cut 6  (09) “…call on it.” 

Collins says this case highlights the importance of researching a candidate before you cast your ballot.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would make it a crime to be within 25-feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to stop or retreat. The bill was approved last year but vetoed by then Governor John Bel Edwards. Policy Strategist for the Louisiana ACLU, Stephanie Willis, believes this law will be difficult enforce properly…

Cut 12 (13) “…step away from” 

State Police says a single-vehicle crash on Sunday night in Richland Parish claimed the life of 14-year-old driver and several others were injured. Trooper Ryan Davis says 14 year old Suh’ renity Butler veered off the roadway and slammed into a tree.

Cut 3 (13) “…the crash.”  

The death of 26 year old Devin Repath of Westwego who died following a large fight at Fred’s Bar and Grill in Tigerland near LSU’s campus is still under investigation. The incident happened early Saturday morning. Morse says Repath was struck during the brawl and knocked unconscious. He was taken off life support on Monday. No arrests have been made but it appears the fight started inside and spilled outside the bar. Baton Rouge Police Chief Thomas Morse

Cut 10 (05) “…this time “

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would make it a crime to be within 25-feet of a working law enforcement officer who told the person to stop or retreat. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says he’s trying to protect officers with this bill…

Cut 11 (10) “…more difficult.”

Because embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christoper Tape ran unopposed his background wasn’t researched by an opponent. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Most of Western and Northern Louisiana is under a tornado watch until 8 PM meaning conditions are favorable for the development of a tornado. the National Weather service recommendations say: review your emergency plans and check supplies and your safe room and be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. The watch extends from East Texas through 29 parishes and into Central Mississippi and Southern Arkansas.

A recall effort is underway to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, who officially took office today after it was revealed he was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says there will be a gathering at the state capitol this afternoon.

Cut 6  (09) “…that office.” 

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation to do away with the requirement for Louisiana drivers to have an up to date inspection sticker on their vehicle. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says getting the sticker is an inconvenience, an unnecessary expense and does nothing to keep our roads safer…

Cut 9 (09) “…into a fine.” 

One state lawmaker said the fine for an expired inspection sticker can be as much as 250-dollars.

Democrat Henry Whitehorn, who won by a single vote margin in November, has been elected as Caddo Parish first African American Sheriff. Political Analyst Scott Hughes points out the unity and commitment from Democrats and the African American community to place Whitehorn into leadership.

Cut 4 (10) “…128 boxes.” 

Whitehorn will be sworn in this summer.

A recall effort is underway to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape, who took office today. Tape was accused of sexually assaulting his girlfriend’s 7-year-old daughter in New Mexico but was never tried due to a technicality. After Dr. Chuck Preston retired, Tate ran unopposed before the charges came to light. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says if the recall effort is successful in removing Tape from office there will be a thorough vetting process for his replacement.

Cut 8 (07) “…is shocking.” 

Two deaths in Delhi are being called mysterious and Louisiana State Police have opened investigations after bodies were discovered on Park Street and Charter Street over the weekend. Authorities are awaiting autopsy reports.

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation to eliminate the need for drivers to have a vehicle inspection sticker. Jeff Palermo has the story….

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The LSU Lady Tigers are heading to the Sweet 16 after beating Middle Tennessee 83 to 56. LSU trailed by nine points early in the second half before they got it going. Coach Kim Mulkey was asked if an anticipated Washington Post story on her distracted the team

Cut 12 (05) “…absolutely not” 

A weekend bar fight at Freds near LSU led to the death of a Westwego man.  The fight happened just before 1:30 a.m. Saturday. 26-year-old Devin Michael Repath, in town for a bachelor party, was initially taken from the scene by ambulance in critical condition. Investigators are reviewing video from several cameras. Baton Rouge Police spokesman Lt. L’Jean McKneely said the investigation is still in its early stages.

Democrat Henry Whitehorn has made history by becoming the first black man elected as Caddo Parish Sheriff after a closely contested second runoff election. The former head of State Police secured 53 percent of the vote on Saturday, after winning by one vote over Republican opponent John Nickelson in November. Political Analyst Scott Hughes…

Cut 3 (11) “…vote margin.”  

Now that the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been sworn-in there’s a recall effort to remove him. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation to do away with the requirement for Louisiana drivers to have an up-to-date inspection sticker on their vehicle which would cost State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicles 14-million dollars a year.Hornbeck Representative Rodney Schamerhorn says there are several inspection stations that do not take it seriously, so why require it…

Cut 11 (09) “…they’re not.”

The measure will now head to House Appropriations for more discussion.

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has filed a motion to remove US Speaker Mike Johnson siding with President Biden on the $1.2 trillion government funding bill. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says Whether or not Greene will be able to get others on board to oust Speaker Johnson, remains to be seen.

Cut 11 (07) “…his ousting.”

Johnson’s spokesperson says the Louisiana Republican always listens to the concerns of members but is also focusing on governing.

Tonight’s MegaMillions drawing is up to nearly $1 billion dollars and Powerball is at $750 million for Saturday. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Dustin Annison says the Mega Millions jackpot is one of the largest jackpots in U.S. lottery history.

Cut 6  (11) “…lottery jackpot.” 

Mega Millions drawing is tonight at 10 pm time. The Powerball drawing is on Saturday at 10 pm.

Voters in Caddo Parish will try for a third time to elect a new Sheriff after the runoff ended in a one-vote margin that was contested last year. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (00)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The annual reenactment of the Siege of Port Hudson at the Port Hudson Historic Site is happening this Saturday and Sunday. Park manager, Daniel Goyer says in addition to the battle re-enactments, there are living history demonstrations, a Civil War-era dance class, and other activities. He suggests bringing ear plugs…

Cut 5 (05)  “…as well.”

To view a detailed schedule, visit LaStateParks.com