DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson shares plans for a years-long widening of I-10 through Baton Rouge; set to get started soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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When an Alexandria funeral home was unable to find nearby relatives to assist with a 94-year-old Air Force veterans’ funeral, the baseball team in Menard stepped up. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards announced that Louisiana has an action plan in place for spending $600 million in federal funds to aid in the recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. David Grubb has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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A major project to widen Interstate 10 through Baton Rouge calls for even more lane closures and congestion for an already-congested stretch of highway. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says work will begin soon on Phase 1 of the 5-phase project, and when  fully underway motorists will have to endure long periods of lane closures through the construction zone. He says it simply cannot be avoided…:

Cut 4 (12)  “…for about 14 months.”

Wilson says the plan is to eventually have 4 lanes in both directions – east and west – from LA 415 to the I-10/12 split/merge. He says the overall plan is to make things as aggravation-free for commuters as possible; both on the interstate and on the alternate routes…:

Cut 5 (15) “…taken advantage of.”(2x)

Wilson says advance planning work on widening I-10 through Baton Rouge will begin soon; relocating underground infrastructure. Heavy construction will begin in 2024. He says the project is scheduled to be completed in 2027. In the meantime, he says DOTD is advancing plans to offer commuters in Ascension Parish the option of a commuter train with park-and-ride…:

Cut 6 (14)  “…relying on their vehicle.”

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When an Alexandria funeral home was unable to locate nearby relatives of a 94-year-old Air Force veteran who passed away earlier this month, they contacted the baseball coach at Holy Savior Menard High School to see if he could help. Coach Jordan Marks says considered it an honor and volunteered six seniors on his team to serve as pallbearers for Ralph Lambert’s service.

Cut 7 (10) “…happy to do it.”

And since the February 8th funeral, Marks says he heard from several members of the community thanking him and his players for stepping up.

Cut 8 (10)  “…worth reading.”

Lambert served in the Air Force from 1950 to 1971 and was buried with full military honors. Marks says not only was it a true act of service for someone they never met but it was also a way for players to honor members of their own family who served in the military.

Cut 9 (10)  “…for sure.”

*Holy Savior Menard played Sacred Heart in their season opener Monday night.

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Louisiana has submitted its action plan to the feds for spending $600 million in federal aid in the recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The state proposes using the grant money for homeowner assistance, creating affordable housing, and other programs. Nearly $200 million would be dedicated to infrastructure needs. Pat Forbes, executive director of the Office of Community Development, says those dollars remove a tremendous burden from local governments.

Cut 10 (11) “…that match instead.”

Now the state will conduct a series of forums to get input from the public. Forbes says this is something the state has been actively doing over the last 18 months, but additional comment is needed to comply with HUD regulations and to further guide spending priorities.

Cut  11 (12)  “…what they think.”  

Forbes says this is just the beginning as lawmakers at both the state and federal levels continue to fight for additional dollars to accelerate the state’s rebuild.

Cut 12 (12) “…a full recovery.”

To read the plan or to see the full schedule of public forums, visit restore.la.gov.

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Grand Isle Councilman Elgene Gary, faces sexual battery charges related to the assault of two minors over the span of several years. Louisiana State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says the alleged incidents happened at Gary’s home in Grand Isle.

Cut 13 (10) “…Jefferson Parish.”

78-year old Gary turned himself in Monday and was booked into the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on two counts of felony sexual battery.

Brennan anticipates that more charges may be forthcoming, and they are asking the public for assistance.

Cut 14 (11)  “…these families.”

Gary was also a former police lieutenant, and one of three Grand Isle police officers in 2016 dismissed from office and booked for malfeasance.

As for a time period for when the alleged sexual batteries took place, Brennan says it’s an active case and they are encouraging any other possible victims to come forward.

Cut 15 (09)  “…right now.”

You can contact the Louisiana State Police Special Victim’s Unit at 504-310-7011.

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Entering the season, expectations for LSU’s baseball offense were sky-high. The Tigers did nothing to lower those after posting a program-record 51 runs in their opening series against Maine. Cade Doughty did his part, with five extra-base hits, including two home runs and 12 RBI on his way to winning SEC Player of the Week honors. He likes where the Tigers are right now in their approach at the plate.

Cut 16 (10)  “…strive for.”

Opposing pitchers have plenty to worry about as LSU rolls out multiple All-American candidates in its lineup each night. What makes the Tigers even scarier is that they’re still learning first-year coach Jay Johnson and each other. After batting .571 over the weekend, Doughty says there’s more he’s capable of if he sticks to the basics.

Cut 17 (11) “ …pitch to drive.” 

LSU is back in action on Wednesday at Louisiana Tech, which swept Wichita State in its opening series.

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In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this one may be the most important yet. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the mysterious death of a UNO student who died hours after getting into a Uber after spending Friday night attending parades in Metairie. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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A shooting at a club rental in Alexandria kills a 17-year-old male and injures two others. Alexandria Police spokesperson Lt. Lane Windham says they were called to Club 318 just before midnight Saturday after shots were fired inside the building.

Cut 3 (07) “…more than that.”

A 16-year-old male was also shot, he has been treated and released from the hospital and the 19-year-old victim is expected to be released soon with non-life-threatening injuries.

Windham says they are looking into the nature of the event that was held.

Cut 4 (10) “…were safe.”

As for security, Windham says at least one person spoke with investigators that he was hired for the event.

Windham says they are also investigating why several hundred people were in attendance Saturday evening at the club in the 2100 block of Lee Street.

Cut 5 (09) “…that many.”

Police are asking for anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.

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In just six weeks the NCAA men’s Final Four returns to New Orleans. The Superdome has hosted more Final Fours than any other venue, but this is the first since 2012. Today, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, and Governor John Bel Edwards started the unofficial countdown to the championship and touted the impact of the return of one of the nation’s biggest sporting events.

 Cut 6 (11) “…for our economy.” 

The timing of the Final Four’s return couldn’t be better for a city and state that rely on tourism. Two years of COVID and severe weather have taken a major bite out of the industry. However, the Final Four is expected to bring more than 75-thousand visitors to The Crescent City, generating an economic impact of $170 million.

Cut 7 (10) “…of the pandemic.” 

With Mardi Gras already in full swing, and Festival season following right behind, Mayor Cantrell is excited to see the city reopening itself to the world. She said that New Orleans has done its part by reducing COVID rates in the city after 2020 and rallying its civic and business partners.

Cut 8 (12) “…spirit of this community.”  

The National Semifinals will be held on April 2nd with the Championship game played on Monday, April 4th.

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Authorities say no fatalities or major injuries are reported at an explosion at the Marathon Refinery plant in Garyville this morning.  St. John Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says it happened shortly after 9 am.

Cut 9 (07) “…local facility.”

Hotard says they’ve received several calls from those in the community that heard the explosion of the unit at the refinery.

Cut 10 (07)  “…our residents.” 

Hotard says Marathon is monitoring air-quality in the area.

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The State Fire Marshal’s office says a six-year-old child rescued from a burning mobile home in New Iberia has died. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says two adults and six children were inside the home on Sunday afternoon when the blaze started and the six-year-old was the only one that didn’t get out safely

Cut 11 (11)   “…later died”  

Rodrigue says based on statements made by individuals in the home, the blaze started in the six-year old’s room

Cut 12 (11) “…Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office.”  

Rodrigue says this latest fatal fire in New Iberia brings the number of fatal fires in Louisiana to 19 this year, resulting in 23 deaths

cut 13 (12) “…need to be.”

The potential armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine has put oil and gas prices on a roller coaster. David Grubb has more on what that could mean for the United States…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Now that the redistricting session is over, the focus is on Governor John Bel Edwards to see if he’ll veto the maps approved by the Legislature. Erik Picolli has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Erik Picolli.” 

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D-Day for LSU’s Kirby Smith Hall has been set, Brooke Thorington has more on when the 55-year-old building will be reduced to rubble.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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As the world keeps a watchful eye on the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Louisiana is paying close attention to the oil and gas markets, which have been incredibly volatile as tensions have escalated. Any invasion by Russia into Ukraine would have an immediate impact on the state says Eric Smith, associate director of the Tulane Energy Institute.

Cut 4 (13)  “…to Europe.”

European markets rely heavily on Russian oil, and if there is an armed conflict, it would certainly disrupt those supplies at a time when demand continues to increase. China and Asia could be hurt too. Smith says Louisiana doesn’t export large amounts of oil, but price spikes would hurt access to needed materials like heavy solid crude.

Cut 5 (10) “…a pretty picture.”

With the U-S already at its limit for oil exports, government officials have been trying to find ways to help meet the increased demand, should it be needed. But Smith says that will be a difficult proposition with few allies ready to step up.

Cut 6 (12)  “…in an emergency.”

A possible benefit for oil and gas producers is the potential for increased production. In January, more natural gas was shipped to Europe than the amount provided through Russian pipelines, a first for the U-S.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s carefully examing the Congressional, legislative, PSC, and BESE maps the state Legislature approved. Edwards is concerned none of the maps reflect a growth in the African American population by adding more majority-minority districts. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the governor can veto these maps…

Cut 7 (09) “…or not.”

The Legislative Black Caucus and House Democrats are urging the governor to veto the Congressional maps because it only has one majority-minority district. They believe that violates the Voting Rights Act. Stockley says Republican lawmakers could override the governor’s veto, but if Edwards doesn’t use his veto authority, he would disappoint his biggest supporters…

Cut 8 (08)  “…actually happens”

Lawmakers held a historic veto session after last year’s regular session, but Edwards convinced enough lawmakers not to support overriding a controversial anti-transgender sports bill. Stockley says can the governor do that again if there’s another veto session…

Cut 9 (10)  “…anymore.”

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In a matter of months now Kirby Smith Hall, which not only served as a dormitory for LSU students but also as transitional offices for two governors will soon be a memory. Executive Director of Residential Life Pete Trentacoste says the building is currently in deconstruction mode to remove asbestos before it’s imploded in June.

Cut 10 (09) “…to the ground.”

Governors Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards both used the building for their transitional offices before moving into the capitol.

Saturday, June 4^th is set as demolition day for the 13-story building and Trentacoste says, of course, that’s weather permitting, but they plan to have a viewing area set up for those who want to see the first implosion on campus. There’s even an opportunity for you to purchase a brick from the former residence hall as a souvenir.

Cut  11 (09)  “…procuring one.”  

As for what will happen to the area that’s been home to Kirby Smith Hall since 1967 Trentacoste says plans right now are for a green space that will no longer impede the view of the city.

Cut 12 (07) “…happen to it.”

Former residents of Kirby Smith are asked to share photos and stories of their time in the dormitory. You can do so by searching for Kirby Smith Hall at lsu.edu.

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The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has approved a request by Louisiana Tech to name its Biomedical Engineering Building for former university president Dr. Daniel Reneau. It was Reneau who led the push in 1972 for Tech to start one of the country’s first biomedical engineering programs. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith says the honor is well deserved.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our students.”

Reneau first joined Louisiana Tech’s faculty in 1967 before becoming the longest-serving president in the university’s history and building a tremendous legacy along the way. Smith says his vision endures through generations of graduates.

Cut 14 (12)  “…through engineering.”

Up until last year, it wasn’t legal to name buildings after living people. However, since the 81-year-old Reneau has been such an influential educator, not only at Louisiana Tech but also as former president of the U-L system, the university was successful by the unanimous vote of the board.

Cut 15 (8)  “…in this way.”

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With four games left in the regular season, the LSU men’s basketball team is 7-and-7 in the SEC tied with three other teams for fifth place. The Fighting Tigers let one get away on Saturday as they fell to South Carolina 77-75, despite a 14 point lead in the first. Coach Will Wade says it was a tough loss…

Cut 16 (22)  “…these out.”

Missed free throws cost the Tigers in Columbia as they were 13 of 22 from the charity stripe. Wade says making free throws has been an issue in February…

Cut 17 (16) “ …the season.” 

Tari Eason had 21 points to lead the way for the Tigers, but he also had six turnovers, including a critical one with 1:43 left that led to a South Carolina dunk and a three-point Gamecocks lead…

Cut 18 (20) “ …fought hard.” 

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After shooting 34-percent from the field in a loss Thursday to UTEP, Louisiana Tech rebounded to shoot 53-percent from the field on Saturday in a 95-71 win over UTSA. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says his team responded well to Thursday’s loss…

Cut 19 (20)_“… playing with confidence” 

Louisiana Tech is tied with UAB for second place in the West Division of Conference USA. The Bulldogs will visit division leader North Texas on Saturday, but Konkol says they first have to worry about the Rice on Thursday…

Cut 20 (18) “ …on Thursday”