Governor John Bel Edwards’s proposal to allocate 500-million dollars towards building a new I-10 Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge is facing some pushback from legislative leaders. House Democratic Caucus Chairman Sam Jenkins of Shreveport is one of them. He’s also concerned about using 550-million dollars in federal pandemic aid to help replenish the Unemployment insurance trust fund.

Cut 5 (06) “…different direction.”

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The state’s trucking industry says they’re not happy with proposals of tolls to build a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association Renee Amar says that while members agree the Calcasieu Bridge is in dire need of replacement, not a single one is in favor of tolls to fund the project.

Cut 6 (12) “…deliver goods”

Amar says not only does a toll bridge place a burden on truckers, but the ultimate cost is passed on to taxpayers.

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A new report says Saints executives and owner Gayle Benson met with Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson for a second time on Wednesday night. Nick Underhill of New Orleans-dot-football says the meeting took place in Atlanta following Watson’s visit with the Falcons. Watson is in control, holding a no-trade clause, so the decision on his destination is his to make. ESPN reported that the Browns and Panthers have pulled out of negotiations, leaving the choice between the Saints and their most-hated rival. The 28-year-old QB has four years remaining on his contract and is due to make $35 million in 2022.

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The NCAA men’s tournament tipped off this morning as teams take their first steps on the road to the Final Four that ends at the Ceasar’s Superdome in New Orleans on April 2^nd.

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The LSU men’s basketball team is in Milwaukee today getting ready for tomorrow night’s NCAA Tournament matchup with Iowa State. Interim head coach Kevin Nickelberry says with Will Wade no longer around to lead the team, he’s asked senior Darius Days to step up his leadership skills…

Cut 16 (16) “…this moment.”

Davis was a freshman when the Tigers made a run to the Sweet 16 in 2019.

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Nicholls State’s season came to an end in the first round of the NIT, as the Colonels fell to SMU, 58-68. Devante Carter had 20 points, five rebounds, and seven assists, with Latrell Jones adding 18 points in the losing effort. The Colonels finish the season 21-12.

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It’s been a long time coming, but LSU is once again hosting games in the NCAA women’s tournament after earning a top-16 seed for the first time in 14 years. All season, large crowds came out to support the Tigers, and Coach Kim Mulkey says that with all of the other things happening on and around campus this weekend, she still expects the P-Mac to be packed.

Cut 18 (21) “…just a reward.”

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Games tonight in the women’s NIT…Tulane faces Jacksonville State and Louisiana Tech takes on Houston.

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In college baseball, the U-L Ragin’ Cajuns topped McNeese 10-8 and Tulane knocked off Nicholls 5-3. The Cajuns weren’t as fortunate on the softball diamond, dropping a double-header to Texas. Nicholls lost to South Alabama, and McNeese routed Southern.

If you’re filling up your vehicle today, you might notice an ever so slight decrease in prices. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U-S Senate has unanimously approved a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. There are some downsides, including a very late sunrise in the winter, but State Representative Dodie Horton believes changing clocks twice a year is the bigger problem…

Cut 8 (09) “…their life”

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According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, requests for drilling permits have been steadily climbing. Communications director Patrick Courreges says after seeing a wave of COVID closures in 2020, the oil and gas industry has bounced back here at home.

Cut 9 (12) “…they’re doing again.”

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Former LSU star Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL. At 40 years of age, Whitworth was the oldest offensive lineman to ever start in the Super Bowl and a key component for 10 playoff teams. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot believes that Whitworth’s consistency will eventually lead him to another destination…Canton, Ohio.

Cut 15 (10) “…Hall of Fame.”

Over his career, Whitworth was selected to four Pro Bowls, and two All-Pro teams and this past season was recognized as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year.

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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An LSU legend calls it a career. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells a special House committee examining the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene that he did not take an active role in the investigation of the motorist’s death. The 30-year veteran of law enforcement says it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…

Cut 4 (08)  “…the report (x2).”

Reeves testified for about three hours on Tuesday where lawmakers accused him of being disengaged after learning that a motorist died following a violent struggle with troopers.

The mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin listened to Reeves’ testimony and had this response.

Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”

In his opening statement, Reeves said Greene was on cocaine and was drinking during the high-speed chase leading up to his death. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes told Hardin her son was never given the opportunity to face a judge or jury because he believes Greene was executed.

Cut 6 (12)  “…(crying) I’m sorry (x2) .”

Reeves told the committee he trusted the system and allowed officers to perform their investigation into Greene’s death and turn over their findings to the DA. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan told Reeves his hands-off approach is alarming

Cut 7 (10) “…do these things.”

Reeves did acknowledge that he’s responsible for everything that happened during his tenure as superintendent at state Police from March 2017 until October of 2020.

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Governor John Bel Edwards’ health emergency orders for the COVID pandemic expire today, and some medical experts are worried he may have lifted the order too soon. Tulane University Medical School epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says she’s concerned because the virus isn’t “gone” yet…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…if we need to.”

Dr. Hassig says a new mutated variant could arise and catch the people of the state with their guard down because lifting the emergency orders sends a message the crisis is over…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…I’m concerned about.”

Hassig is happy to see a lull in cases of coronavirus but reminds us there have been four such lulls previously in the two-year pandemic. She says the virus is not yet ENDEMIC, because that would mean some predictability of infection going forward, which is not yet the case. She’s worried we’ll have another surge, and so her advice: “save your masks and consider getting the shots”…:

Cut 10 (14) “…going forward.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards is behind Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill that would create an independent panel to help the Legislature with reapportionment the next time the Legislature holds a redistricting session. Edwards says 18 other states have some type of commission…

Cut  11 (09)  “… the day”  

Edwards vetoed the Congressional District map approved by the Legislature during the redistricting session because it did not have two majority Black districts. The governor says the state’s African American voting-age population is 31-percent so based on basic math two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority Black

Cut 12 (07) “…isn’t work”

Supporters of the Congressional district map that passed say two majority Black districts would dilute the African American vote in both districts, not producing the results sought.

Edwards allowed the redrawn maps of the House and Senate to become law without his signature. The maps do not increase majority-Black districts and a lawsuit has already been filed in federal court in Baton Rouge. Edwards says its disappointing and unfortunate

Cut 13 (07) “…Voting Rights Act.”

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Former LSU star Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro had a storybook ending to his career after winning the Super Bowl with the Rams last month. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot says today is a day for celebrating, not sadness.

Cut 14 (12)  “…better than that.”

At 40 years of age, Whitworth was the oldest offensive lineman to ever start in the Super Bowl and a key component for 10 playoff teams. Guillot believes that Whitworth’s consistency will eventually lead him to another destination…Canton, Ohio.

Cut 15 (10)  “…Hall of Fame.”

What’s next immediately for Whitworth is up in the air. Coaching, broadcasting, and even joining the Rams front office are all possibilities. Guillot, who also serves on the board of Whitworth’s foundation, says his dedication to making a difference for others is one thing that won’t be in question.

Cut 16 (12)  “…already made.”

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Monday marked the start of the NFL’s free agency period and the New Orleans Saints enter with a number of holes to fill, the biggest being starting quarterback. Saints beat writer Rod Walker says if the team fails in its pursuit of Texans QB Deshaun Watson, they could lose out on re-signing Jameis Winston who went 5-2 as a starter last season.

Cut 17 (12) “ …after all.” 

The Saints have already lost Marcus Williams to the Baltimore Ravens, and are still roughly $3 million from meeting salary cap compliance. Walker says he didn’t think Williams would be re-signed and Tarron Armstead could be gone as well as a cap casualty, so safety and tackle must be addressed.

Cut 18 (12) “ …two priorities.” 

Walker said Mark Ingram and Tre’Quan Smith are strong candidates to be let go as the Saints once again work some cap magic. Former LSU standout and New Orleans native Tyrann Mathieu is likely out in Kansas City and could be under consideration to replace Williams if the price is right.

Cut 19 (15)_“…Marcus Williams.” 

Previous legislation to ban access to sexually explicit content on state-issued phones and computers gave universities an exception to the rule under the guise of research. Brooke Thorington has more on legislation to remove the exception.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana State Police has hired a firm to conduct a comprehensive and independent review and assessment of LSP policies, procedures, training, and overall culture. Here’s trooper Dustin Dwight.

Cut 4 (09) “…organizational areas.”

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In his annual State of the State speech, Governor John Bel Edwards laid out some of his priorities for lawmakers to address, including dedicating $550-million in federal American Rescue Plan funds to refill Louisiana’s depleted Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund., which took a hard hit from the COVID pandemic.

Cut 9 (13) “…need right now.”

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A recent state report showed that nearly 50-thousand students go without their regular teacher each day. State Representative Rick Edmonds wants to create inducements to bring retired educators back to school. He says some rules would have to be temporarily relaxed in order to provide those incentives, including one that caps what teachers can earn if they do return to a public school position.

Cut 11 (12)  “… a bit more money.”