The Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus’s recent retreat has one lawmaker hopeful they will be able to address issues impacting women and children. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Plans to build a privately-funded toll bridge across the Red River, connecting south Caddo and Bossier parishes, are moving right along. Kevin Gallagher has a report…:

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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If you live a sedentary lifestyle, you may want to listen up. Experts say sitting a lot is not good for you.  Teiko Foxx explains.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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For the first time in more than a decade, the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus held a weekend retreat. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says it was an opportunity for them to discuss issues they want to address in the upcoming session. Among the topics is the lack of beds for pregnant women who have addiction issues.

Cut 4 (10)  “…children already.”

Barrow says they also discussed the impact of fentanyl on the state and ways to leverage resources for more women to receive treatment.

Another topic they discussed was cybersecurity and children, and how the problem has grown since the pandemic. Barrow says they learned about how children are groomed online and human trafficking.

Cut 5 (05) “…very scary.”

The caucus retreat also allowed lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to work collaboratively in the upcoming session. Barrow says she’s very optimistic about the upcoming session.

Cut 6 (12)  “…and children.” 

The regular legislative session begins on April 10^th.

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A project to build a proposed a new, privately-funded toll bridge across the Red River – connecting Caddo and Bossier parishes – moves forward with permit approval. Attorney William Bradford speaks for Alabama-based infrastructure construction company Tim James, Inc. He says they have already secured cooperative Endeavor Agreements with officials in both parishes, and the next step is approvals and permits from the Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers…:

Cut 7 (07) “…environmental assessments.”

Bradford says commerce is growing fast in southern Caddo and Bossier, and the bridge will provide a quick connect option for motorists…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…south Caddo Parish.”

Bradford says the plan includes building roughly 8 miles of public infrastructure to access the bridge, which will also help alleviate traffic woes on either side. He says, if all goes according to plan, construction could begin in 2024 to provide Caddo-Bossier with a new traffic alternative…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…our community.”

Bradford says tolls would be somewhere around $2 for cars and SUVs. Using the bridge would be purely up to the motorist.

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LSU AgCenter health educators say sitting for long periods can contribute to heart disease and long-term health problems. AgCenter Nutrition Specialist, Elizabeth Gollub says the more you sit the less likely you are to increase your life expectancy.

Cut 10 (12)  “…poor health outcomes.”

And even those who exercise and become idle afterward are not better off than those who do not work out.

Cut 11 (09)  “…your circulation.”

A few simple alterations can improve a sedentary lifestyle, Gollub recommends standing during online meetings, and if you’re corresponding with someone in your office walk over to them instead of sending an email. 

Cut 12 (12) “…helpful also.”

She says just move around more during your work hours to improve you circulation and overall health.

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Governor Edwards is proposing $2,000 increases for teachers and $1,000 for support staff in the upcoming legislative session. But he wants to give them even more if the Revenue Estimating Conference finds a surplus. Legislative Director for the Louisiana Federation of Teachers Cynthia Posey says the REC will meet in May.

Cut 13 (13)  “…increases in.”

Many lawmakers said they voted against it because they feared the raise would not be substantial.  Posey says for teacher retention, and staff as well, it’s vital that lawmakers invest in education so students have qualified and quality educators.

Cut 14 (11)  “…classes now.”

The legislature has passed pay increases for teachers and staff over the last three years, but Posey says sadly those raises are not going to take home pay, it’s going towards increased health insurance premiums. And she says each year lawmakers require more of teachers with new programs and reporting, but they aren’t rewarded salary-wise.

Cut 15 (05)  “…our educators.”

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For the first time in SEC play, the fifth-ranked LSU Lady Tigers scored 90 points in a game as they defeated Florida on the road on Sunday 90-79. Coach Kim Mulkey is pleased with the win in front of 35 hundred fans…

Cut  16 (23)  “…they had” 

Angel Reese had 25 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists. Jasmine Carson broke out of a scoring slump as she had 25 points and hit a career-high seven three-pointers. Mulkey is glad to see Carson step up…..

Cut 17 (09) “..hitting them” 

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The top-ranked LSU baseball team opened the 2023 season with a three-game sweep over Western Michigan. The Tigers allowed five runs in the series and Coach Jay Johnson says his pitchers executed well…

Cut 18 (14) “..three ball count.” 

Campaign fundraising totals are in for the candidates running for governor and Republican Attorney General Jeff Landry has a big lead over his opponents. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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It’s the height of carnival season and record-breaking crowds are anticipated this Mardi Gras. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Candidates for governor had to turn in a campaign finance report this week and Attorney General Jeff Landry has a huge advantage over his opponents. Landry has slightly more than five-million dollars, plus a PAC supporting him has another one-point-five million dollars. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat…

Cut 3 (08) “…for governor.” 

Trial lawyer Hunter Lundy of Lake Charles loaned his campaign one-point-four million dollars and has one-point-six million dollars on hand. But Pinsonat says Lundy’s “no party” designation on the ballot can only take him so far

Cut  4 (04)  “…in Louisiana” 

State Treasurer John Schroder has two-point-four million dollars on hand. State lawmakers Sharon Hewitt and Richard Nelson have raised less than a million dollars. Pinsonat says all three candidates are from St. Tammany and Schroder would have a better chance if Hewitt and Nelson were not in the race….

Cut 5 (09) “…his strength”

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It’s the last weekend of carnival season and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they are expecting huge crowds across the state this Mardi Gras. Nungesser says before COVID Louisiana had five record-breaking tourism years in a row and he’s grateful that parades are back to their pre-pandemic routes and krewes.

Cut 6 (10)  “…festival season.” 

Nungesser says 250,000 families in the Bayou State rely on the hospitality industry as their livelihood and it’s vital for the state to return to pre-COVID visitors.

And while the temperatures have dropped Nungesser doesn’t believe it will be a deterrent whatsoever. He says last Saturday, in the rainy and cold weather when he was Grand Marshal in the Madhatter’s parade, the streets were still lined with revelers.

Cut 7 (07)  “…into Mardi Gras day.” 

This year parades have returned to their previous routes which Nungesser says has revelers even more jazzed. He also says it’s safer and allows the crowds to spread out and it decreases traffic jams.

The New Orleans native says when he was elected Lt. Governor his goal was to see Mardi Gras grow in every corner of the state and in between.

Cut 8 (09)  “…international visitors.” 

Weather-wise Fat Tuesday rain is not in the forecast and the temps should warm up considerably.

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Governor Edwards presented state lawmakers with his proposed $45.7-billion budget for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st. That figure represents a $460-million reduction from the current fiscal year, due to federal pandemic money expiring. Edwards proposes investing millions in additional pay for firefighters, police officers and – especially – teachers…:

Cut 9 (11) “…budget reflects that.”

Edwards’ budget proposes teachers receive a $3000-a-year salary bump; not just a one-time bonus as lawmakers gave them last year. Though his actually budget calls for $2000, Edwards says Joint Budget Committee members they can find the additional $74-million needed to accommodate $3000 raises for all public school teachers…:

Cut 10 (12) “…more than sufficient.” 

Edwards also proposes permanent salary increases for school support staff. He tells lawmakers education has always been a priority of his administration…:

Cut 11 (14)  “…in that direction.”

You can view the entire Executive Budget proposal at “doa.la.gov.media”

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A West Monroe couple faces aggravated arson, criminal conspiracy, and insurance fraud after allegedly setting their mobile home on fire in December of 2021. State Fire Marshal Office Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says it was originally believed to be accidental, but a tip sparked further investigation.

Cut 12 (12) “…insurance money.”

She says 54-year-old Charles Robertson and 33-year-old Tonya Scott were arrested on Valentine’s Day.

Rodrigue says only did the couple put first responders at risk but they also endangered the lives of those nearby.

Cut 13 (08) “…inside of it.” 

With the assistance of the Ouachita Parish Fire Department and members of the community, Rodrigue says the State Fire Marshal’s Office was able to close the case.

Cut 14 (10)   “…know something.”

Rodrigue says if you have information about a fire investigation you can report it anonymously by calling their tip line or online at lasfm.org.

After 17 years, the Road Home program comes to an official end, and also lawsuits against those accused of misspending rebuilding grants. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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A $1.17 million settlement with protestors after the death of Alton Sterling has been reached with the East Baton Rouge Metro Council.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The white Shreveport police officer involved in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man has been arrested and charged with negligent homicide. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The state says it will drop lawsuits against thousands of people accused of misspending grants for elevating their homes after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Many used the grant money from the Road Home Program to make repairs instead, then were faced with government legal action; attempting to claw that money back. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the suits threatened the American dream for many homeowners…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…protect that dream.”

The event was held to herald the official closure of the $10-billion Louisiana Road Home Program; a problem-fraught recovery plan that did its best to make homeowners whole again after the twin storms destroyed their homes 17 years ago. Governor John Bel Edwards says over 3000 persons were sued over allegedly misspending Road Home elevation grants…:

Cut 5 (12) “…these grants anyway.”

Congressman Carter and Governor Edwards say all lawsuits seeking recovery of alleged misused grant dollars are officially being dropped with the official end of Road Home…:

Cut 6 (07)  “…collection efforts.” 

Carter says a ”long bad dream” is over for thousands of south Louisiana homeowners.

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Fourteen protesters arrested during the 2016 protest of Alton Sterling’s police shooting death will receive $1.17 million. The East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved the settlement accusing Baton Rouge law enforcement of violating their First Amendment rights and using of excessive force. Protester, Blaire Imani, says the accountability from the city is a success.

Cut 7 (08) “…is really big.”

The protesters were imprisoned, strip-searched and a 17-year-old protester was also detained at the adult prison. Among the 14 protesters were two reporters. One was Cherri Foytlin, who recalls the humiliation.

Cut 8 (13)  “…that happened there.”

Foytlin says Governor John Bel Edwards should also take accountability for his comments to the media.

Cut 9 (12)  “…be expecting an email.”

The settlement still has to be approved by US District Judge John deGravelles who is presiding over the trial.

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Alexander Tyler, the 23-year-old white, Shreveport Police officer involved in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, is charged with negligent homicide. Investigators say Bagley was unarmed, but Tyler’s attorney Dhu Thompson says body camera footage shows Bagley reaching for something seconds before he jumped from a balcony and ran.

Cut 10 (10)  “…his direction.”

An attorney for the Bagley family, Ron Haley says Bagley, a Black man, was not a threat to anyone if anyone he was a threat to himself. Haley says Bagley was only armed with a bottle before he ran from officers.

Cut 11 (09)  “…happened here.”

Thompson says during Tyler’s bond hearing there was testimony his client had only seconds to respond to what was a perceived threat when Bagley came towards him.

Cut 12 (12) “…in the case.”

Alonzo Bagley’s brother says he’s proud of state troopers for the role they’ve played in the investigation, and he hopes his brother’s death will mean something.

Cut 13 (09)  “…no threat there.”

The Bagley family has filed a $10 million federal lawsuit against Tyler for excessive force. The investigation remains active.

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The Lafayette area welcomes all comers for Mardi Gras festivities that kick into high gear starting tonight. Joe Giglio (pronounce “GIG-leo”) is Parade Chairman of the Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association. He invites everyone to visit Lafayette tonight as they kick off the big weekend…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…fairs and festival.”

He says Lafayette Mardi Gras is a much more family-friendly affair, and Saturday’s parades begin with the Children’s Parade; made up entirely of youthful float riders. Giglio says that parade rolls at 12:30 pm…:

Cut 15 (13)  “…typical Mardi Gras.”

Sunday is a day of rest in Lafayette, and on Monday – Lundi Gras – the city hosts the annual Queen’s Parade at 6 pm, with representatives from 11 area krewes. Giglio says it all leads up to Fat Tuesday, with three parades rolling, beginning at 10 am…:

Cut  16 (13)  “…Tuesday afternoon.” 

Lafayette Mardi Gras wraps up Tuesday night, with the big Grand Ball, at 8 o’clock, at the Heymann Performing Arts Center.

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The LSU Baseball season opens today against Western Michigan. The Tigers have dominated the preseason polls as the number one-ranked team in the country under second-year Head Coach Jay Johnson. LSU had both the top-ranked recruiting class and transfer class in the nation this offseason along with a strong roster of returning players. Junior first baseman Tre Morgan has been a star for the Tigers since arriving in Baton Rouge and has noticed a shift in the locker room ahead of this season. He says the team isn’t running from the expectations…

Cut 17 (18) “…all the way.” 

Johnson announced the starting rotation for opening weekend. Air Force transfer and top pitching prospect Paul Skenes will open the season for the Tigers today while left-handed junior Riley Cooper is set to start Saturday and freshman right-hander Chase Shores will close out the weekends. Johnson says this one was an easy decision…

Cut 18 (16) “…not close.” 

Johnson made it a point not to underestimate Western Michigan but also sees this weekend as an opportunity to evaluate the loaded roster.  He says they plan to test out some different looks opening weekend…

Cut 19 (20) “…doing that.”

The first pitch has been moved up to 3:00 this afternoon due to concerns about the weather.

A 23-year-old Shreveport Police officer has been arrested for negligent homicide for shooting an unarmed black man during a foot chase. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (37)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The upcoming retirement of DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson has only fueled speculation he’s running for governor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for your help in locating 32-year-old Trey Rentrop of Raceland. LPSO Captain Brennan Matherne says after an iPad was discovered in the home of a woman with two children recording them.

Cut 3 (11) “…aware of it.” 

Matherne says Rentrop is charged with video voyeurism, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and failure to register as a sex offender in Assumption Parish.

Cut  4 (05)  “…for rape.” 

The suspect is a known acquaintance of the victim and Matherne says they also located a rifle belonging to Rentrop in the woman’s home.

Cut 5 (11) “…possess a firearm.”

You are asked to call Crimestoppers if you have any information about his whereabouts.

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Don’t let the good times impair your judgment during carnival season. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission announces its Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over campaign. LHSC spokesman Mark Lambert encourages everyone to have a good time and be safe.

Cut 6 (11)  “…after you’ve been drinking” 

According to a recent report from the Center for Analytics and Research in Transportation Safety at LSU, a sizable number of highway crashes involving people killed or injured during carnival season were alcohol-related.

Cut 7 (14)  “…destructive decisions.” 

Lambert encourages everyone to become a designated driver and stop others from driving impaired.

Cut 8 (15)  “…if you do that” 

The campaign ends at midnight, Tuesday-Mardi Gras, February 21.

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Shreveport Police Officer Alexander Tyler has been charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of 43-year-old Alonzo Bagley, an unarmed black man. The incident happened on February third as officers chased Bagley after he jumped from a second-floor apartment. State Police released Tyler’s body camera video today

Cut 9 (13) “…No, No”

Officers were called to the apartment complex after receiving a 9-1-1 call from Bagley’s wife, who said her husband was extremely impaired and threatening others at the home.

Tyler and another officer were in pursuit of Bagley before he was shot. An unidentified officer immediately rendered first aid to Bagley who was shot in the chest….

Cut 10 (10) “…respond” 

Bagley was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Here’s State Police Lt. Melissa Matey describing what happened when Tyler fired his weapon…

Cut 11 (12)  “…the chest”

Matey says Crime Lab Technicians with the L-S-P Crime Lab processed the crime scene and no weapons were located on or near Bagley. Officer Tyler is 23-years-old and started with Shreveport P-D in May 2021. He’s on administrative leave.

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After State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson announced his March 4^th retirement it’s only increased speculation that he’ll run for governor. Wilson who’s been secretary for seven years has more than 25 years in public service.

Cut 12 (07) “…next chapter.”

And while the New Orleans native wouldn’t say if he is or isn’t running for governor, he did hint that an announcement is forthcoming.

Cut 13 (12) “…a public servant.” 

Since 1987, Wilson has lived in Lafayette with his wife and children and he’s commuted to Baton Rouge for more than twenty years working in state service. We asked Wilson if he did run for governor what makes him the best candidate, the Democrat says his career path and how he’s already served the state.

Cut 14 (13)   “…those ideas.”

The transportation secretary says he is a bridge builder, literally and figuratively. To date, six others have declared their candidacy for governor and only one Democrat.