The House Transportation Committee voted Monday for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the cameras will track vehicles as they go across the 18-mile bridge and if they arrive in less than 18 minutes the driver was likely speeding.

Cut 6  (04) “…60-mile per hour limit.” 

Supporters of the legislation say cameras would be a better way to catch speeders than actual police officers because the narrow shoulders on the bridge make it unsafe for officers. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen agrees…

Cut 8 (10) “…crazy bridge” 

An effort to begin phasing out a temporary sales tax that is set to expire in 2025 is dead for the legislative session. The .45-percent sales tax generates about 400-million dollars in tax revenue for the state and Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says the state can use that money on major projects…

Cut 7 (12) “…make sense.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee rejected the House-approved bill.

It isn’t the $500-million that Governor John Bel Edwards wanted, but the budget bill headed to the Senate floor for approval on Thursday does include $300-million of seed money for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson is thankful for the unprecedented commitment of funds for a project of this size.

Cut 10 (09) “…more dollars.”

Legislation that would result in cameras to catch speeders on the I-10 Atachalfalya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette continues to cruise through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Senate Finance Committee approved the Senate’s version of a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget proposal contains a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers, 300-million dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, an additional 100-million for I-49 South, and another 100-million for a new Lake Charles bridge.

Dan Wallis takes over as Louisiana’s new State Fire Marshal today. Wallis served as the fire chief in Zachary in East Baton Rouge Parish for 28 years. Wallis says he plans to address the growing decline of first responders and how to keep them in the profession…
cut 13 (12) “…safety family”
Wallis takes over for Butch Browning, who is the new executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

Former Saints Quarterback Drew Brees caused a stir yesterday when he said in a social media post he’s undecided what he’ll do next after it was reported he would not return to NBC as a football analyst. Brees said he may play football again. Saints Coach Dennis Allen was asked about Brees’ tweet today…
cut 10 (10) “…for sure”
Allen says he has not talked to Brees’ about a possible comeback and there are many who say Brees is not serious about returning to football.

A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when their Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. Three unrestrained juveniles in the back seat of the car were taken to a local hospital. Impairment is suspected.

The House Transportation Committee voted today for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Rosepine Representative Charles Owen…

Cut 8 (10) “…crazy bridge” 

Dan Wallis takes over as Chief of the State Fire Marshal’s Office. Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008. He says he plans to expand on the values already set by his predecessor, Butch Browning.

Cut 12 (10) “…fifty years.”  

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take talk of a comeback seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

Meanwhile, former Saints head coach Sean Payton has been hired by Fox for the upcoming NFL season.

Senate-backed Legislation that would result in cameras installed on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge as a way to catch speeders receives approval from the House Transportation Committee. Senate President Page Cortez says the goal of his legislation is not to generate revenue from speeding ticket fines, but to make the bridge safer, which has seen injury-related crashes double over the last decade…
Cut 7 (08) “…going 80.”

A one-vehicle fatal crash in Washington Parish over the weekend killed two people and left three juveniles seriously wounded. Trooper William Huggins says 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were buckled up and died, while the children injured were not restrained. He says statistically you are more likely to survive a crash if you are properly restrained…
cut 5 (10) “…..standpoint”

There’s new leadership at the State Fire Marshal’s Office and he brings decades of experience him. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (34) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints have announced the signing of former LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry. A healthy Michael Thomas and Landry should help improve a passing game that ranked last in the NFL last year…
cut 16 “…problem”

Legislation that would result in cameras to catch speeders on the I-10 Atachalfalya Basin Bridge between Baton Rouge and Lafayette continues to cruise through the legislative process. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The three juveniles who escaped from the Ware Youth Center near Coushatta, with the help of a security guard have been captured. Authorities say 21-year-old Victoria Tune drove the three from the detention facility early Saturday. All four were located Sunday morning at a hotel in Houston.

A single-car crash in Washington Parish kills the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and passenger 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood. Trooper Williams Huggins says the vehicle veered off the road and then hit two trees Saturday. And while they were both wearing seatbelts three juveniles in the back seat were not.

Cut 4  (05) “…hospitals.”

Impairment is suspected and they are awaiting toxicology results.

A new era at the State Fire Marshal’s Office is underway as Chief Daniel Wallis takes the helm and former Chief Butch Browning becomes the next executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshals. Wallis says while it’s an exciting time it’s also bittersweet to say goodbye to his friend Browning of more than thirty years.

Cut 11 (11)  “…forward.” 

Wallis, who served as Zachery Fire Chief for 28 years has been with the State Fire Marshal’s Office since 2008.

The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to comply with Governor Edwards’ COVID lockdown. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Shreveport Police have charged 43-year-old Charlene Henderson with murder after her husband was found dead with a gunshot wound to the head this morning inside a home in the Ingleside neighborhood. Police say Henderson told a 9-1-1 dispatcher she shot her husband during an argument.

The House Transportation Committee voted today for Senate-approved legislation that would result in the installation of speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the cameras will track vehicles as they go over the 18-mile bridge and if they get across in less than 18 minutes the driver was likely speeding
Cut 6 (04) “…60-mile per hour limit.”
Senate President Page Cortez says the goal of his legislation is not to generate revenue from speeding ticket fines, but to make the bridge safer, which has seen injury-related crashes double over the last decade.

Former Saints Quarterback Drew Brees caused a stir yesterday when he said in a social media post he’s undecided what he’ll do next after it was reported he would not return to NBC as a football analyst. Brees said he may play football again. Saints Coach Dennis Allen was asked about Brees’ tweet today…
cut 10 (10) “…for sure”
Allen says he has not talked to Brees’ about a possible comeback and there are many who say Brees is not serious about reutrning to football.

A single-car crash in Washington Parish claims two lives. Trooper William Huggins says the driver 31-year-old Pamela Brown and 16-year-old Jaquan Brown of Kentwood were both killed when a Hyundai veered off the road shortly after 11 pm Saturday.

Cut 3 (09) “….two trees.”

Huggins says both were pronounced dead on the scene. Three unrestrained juveniles in the back seat of the car were taken to a local hospital. Impairment is suspected.

Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was let go from his contract with NBC Sports after just one season, setting off a storm of speculation about his future with Brees even alluding to a possible return to football. Saints coach Dennis Allen doesn’t see a reason to take it seriously.

Cut 9 (07) “…that regard.”

The Senate Finance Committee approved a proposed budget for the next fiscal year that does not match Governor Edwards’ wish list. For example, Edward’s wanted two-thousand dollar pay raises for teachers, and only $15-hundred has been approved. Senate President Page Cortez says a lot of one-time money investments will go toward higher education needs.

Cut  11 (09)  “…expansion”  

The full Senate is expected to vote on the budget Thursday.

A changing of the guard, or more accurately the chiefs is underway as Butch Browning, the state’s longest-serving fire marshal, hands the baton to Daniel Wallis – his former right-hand man – after 14 years of leadership. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…:

Cut 13 (11) “…state for decades.”

Browning moves on to the position of executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls.

The state supreme court rules in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to stop church services during COVID lockdown orders. So, does the ruling mean future emergency orders might lack enforcement? Does the ruling mean Pastor Spell can now sue the Governor and/or the state for damages? Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino.

Cut 6 (13)  “…First Amendment rights.”

There’s been a slight bump in COVID cases, but Governor Edwards says for the most part things are a stable. And as in previous surges, it’s expected that case counts will increase along with the high temperatures.

Cut 9 (10)  “…things happen.”

On Friday the state reported 730 news cases, the total does not included home tests.

The Senate Finance Committee approved the Senate’s version of a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget proposal contains a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers and committee members also heard from parents to make sure eight million dollars is appropriated to install cameras in special ed classrooms…

Cut 12 (11) “…the bill” 

It’s State Fire Marshal Butch Browning’s last day at the helm today. Browning will be the executive director of the National Association of State Fire Marshalls. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Browning is excited about the new challenge and opportunity to improve safety on a national scale, as well as the future of the agency he leaves behind.

Cut 15 (13)  “…national impact.”

The state Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a Baton Rouge pastor who refused to comply with Governor Edwards’ COVID lockdown. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Senate Finance Committee approved the Senate’s version of a spending plan for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget proposal contains a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers, 300-million dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, and 200-million for I-49 South, and another 200-million for a new Lake Charles bridge.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is seeing an increase in reported COVID cases, but hospitalizations remain low as only 65 people are hospitalized statewide with COVID….
cut 8 (12) “….several weeks”
Edwards says cases could continue to go up as people stay indoors to avoid the hot weather.

There’s a change at the top of the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office today as retiring State Fire Marshal Butch Browning is transferring his leadership Dan Wallis. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says Wallis has been Browning’s right hand throughout his term and says the two share a similar vision that will continue the growth and development the agency has seen over the years.
Cut 14 (11) “…provide them.”

The state Supreme Court has ruled 5-to-2 FOR the Baton Rouge area pastor who went to jail for defying the Governor’s COVID lockdown orders in 2020. Pastor Tony Spell, of the Life Tabernacle Church in Central, was taken to jail for violating the order to limit gatherings to no more than 50 persons. His services have been known to attract a thousand. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says, despite rulings from lower courts, the majority of state Supreme Court Justice’s found in Spell’s favor…:

CUT 05(09)      “…different from churches.”

Does the ruling mean the Governor’s future emergency orders might lack the strength of enforcement? Ciolino says he doesn’t think so…as along as things are dealt with evenly and fairly going forward.

Three violent teen criminals, and the guard who helped them escape from a Northwest Louisiana juvenile detention center, were captured early Sunday at a motel in Houston. The boys escaped Saturday around 3 a.m. from the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta, with the help of 21-year-old WYC security guard Victoria Tune. They and Tune are in custody.

Sad news from Louisiana native and superstar Britney Spears; she has lost her baby. The 40-year-old Spear excitedly announced last month she was expecting a child with fiancé Sam Asghari. She updated Saturday, saying the baby was lost. Spears thanks fans and well-wishers for their support.

Another former LSU Tiger is coming home as Jarvis Landry agrees to a one-year deal with the Saints. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 03(33)      “…David Grubb.”