A proposed Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge could be named after President Trump. The House Transportation Committee approved legislation by Monroe Representative Michael Echols to name the new bridge the President Donald J. Trump Expressway. The vote was 12-2. Echols says naming the bridge after the President could result in securing the needed three-billion dollars in federal funding for construction.

Cut 25 (12) “…of that reality”

Shreveport Democrat Joy Walters voted against the bill, suggesting that it’s an idea that should come from Louisiana’s Congressional delegation. She also asked Echols if he was trying to score political points for his Congressional campaign…

Cut 5 (10) “…his attention.”

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 26 (10) “…responsibly funded.”

As debate over funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says its first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program. She says the biggest benefit is that it puts parents squarely in control of their children’s education.

Cut 4 (08) “…child’s unique needs.”

The LSU baseball team looks to put an end to its offensive struggles tonight when the Tigers host Creighton at 6:30 p.m. in their last game before conference play. This season, LSU is hitting .291, which ranks 14th out of 16 teams in the SEC.

The UL-Lafayette baseball team is coming off a series win against Dallas Baptist. The Cajuns will play four games at home this weekend, starting with Texas Rio Grande Valley tonight. UL-Lafayette currently holds the number-12 RPI but remains unranked after opening the season 12-and-4. Head coach Matt Deggs doesn’t want his team looking too far ahead and believes the Cajuns must focus on controlling what they can and continue to improve each day as a team.

Cut 19 (13) “…or lose focus.”

First pitch tonight is at 6 p.m.

Louisiana Tech baseball looks to keep its two-game win streak going against Lamar at 6 p.m.

The McNeese men’s basketball team opens play in the Southland Conference Tournament tonight, facing Texas Rio Grande Valley at 8:30 p.m. The Cowboys split the season series with the Vaqueros, but this matchup carries more significance as both teams battle to stay alive for a chance at an NCAA Tournament berth.

McNeese women’s basketball will also face Texas Rio Grande Valley in their first game of the Southland tournament. Tipoff tomorrow is at 10:30 a.m.

Last night, Grambling State men’s basketball opened up the SWAC Tournament with a dominant 77-52 win over Mississippi Valley State. The Tigers connected on 13 three-pointers in the victory. Grambling will face seventh-seeded Jackson State tonight at 8:30 p.m.

Tomorrow, the LSU men’s basketball team will open up play at the SEC Tournament against ninth-seeded Kentucky at 11:30 a.m.

Coach Brooke Stoehr and her Lady Techsters will take on eighth-seeded Delaware tomorrow morning at 11:30 to open up play in the Conference U-S-A tournament.

LSU senior guard Flau’jae Johnson is one of five finalists for the Ann Meyers-Drysdale Award, which recognizes the nation’s top shooting guard.

Northwest Louisiana has been dealing with a series of earthquakes since a 4.9 quake rattled Red River Parish last Thursday.  Doctor Justin Rubenstein says he’s not expecting another quake greater than 4.9 and the aftershocks following last Thursday’s earthquake is common. He says if the ground does start moving again, here are some things you can do to protect yourself…

Cut 14 (10) “…the shaking stops.”

Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama is more successful than expected. They projected about 71-thousand riders for the first year but exceeded 80 thousand in half the time. And Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says furthermore, riders give the line rave reviews.

Cut 10 (10) “…and customer experience.”

Governor Landry wants to double the funding for the L-A Gator voucher program. Current funding is 44 million dollars and there is a waiting list for the program that serves 56-hundred children, mostly from low-income families who use the dollars to pay for private school tuition. A recent poll from the Pelican Institute found 61-percent support for expanding the program. Vice President of the Pelican Institute Erin Bendiily…

Cut 5 (11) “…government-run school.”

Landry is also pushing for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. The measure would pay down teacher retirement debt; to make permanent a 22-hundred dollar pay raise that teachers already receive but as a stipend.  Landry says passage of the Amendment would show our public-school teachers that the public has their back…

Cut 7 (12) “…to leave.”

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 6 (10) “…responsibly funded.”

The legislature is taking up Governor Landry’s request to double the current 44 million dollars in funding for the LA Gator Scholarship program.  Vice president of the Pelican Institute, Erin Bendily says it’s a popular program. Their first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program.

Cut 3 (08) “…LA GATOR program.”

Amtrak’s new service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, has been far more successful than everyone had expected. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Last Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Red River Parish was followed by several other quakes in the following days, ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.4. Dr. Justin Rubenstein with the U.S. Geological Survey says a magnitude 4.9 is at the upper edge of the light earthquake category with minimal damage. He says there may be additional aftershocks, but chances of another earthquake of that same magnitude…

Cut 13 (08) “…one in six.”

Amtrak’s new service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, has been far more successful than everyone had expected. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Northwest Louisiana has been experiencing a series of earthquakes over the past several days. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

____________________________________________

As debate over funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says its first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program.

Cut 3 (08) “…LA GATOR program.”

The LA Scholarship program provides state dollars to an eligible family to pay for nonpublic school tuition, or it can go towards tutoring, textbooks, dual enrollment courses and uniforms.

Bendily says the biggest benefit to the LA GATOR program is that it puts parents squarely in control of their children’s education.

Cut 4 (08) “…child’s unique needs.”

Currently, the LA GATOR program is funded at 44-million dollars and serves about 56-hundred students, mostly low-income families that were involved in the state’s previous voucher program.

Governor Landry wants to double the program’s funding to 88-million, but legislative leaders are concern about growing a program they might not be able to fully fund in the future. But Bendily says interest in the program is high as families want more choices on how to educate their children.

Cut 5 (11) “…government-run school.”

____________________________________________

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 6 (10) “…responsibly funded.”

If Amendment 3 passes, the permanent pay raise would be 22-hundred dollars for teachers 11-hundred dollars for support staff. These educators are receiving this money, but it’s considered a stipend and could go away.

Landry says passage of Amendment 3 would show our public school teachers that we support them…

Cut 7 (12) “…to leave.”

Landry is encouraging lawmakers to educate the public about the importance of this legislation…

Cut 8 (09) “…raising taxes.”

________________________________________________

People knew that Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, would be successful, but they probably underestimated how successful. Amtrak projected about 71-thousand riders on that line in its first year; it’s now exceeded 80-thousand – and it needed only half that time to do so! Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says there are many reasons why people are riding the Mardi Gras line in droves.

Cut 9 (09)  “…day of it.”

Ross says furthermore, riders give Amtrak’s Mardi Gras line rave reviews.

Cut 10 (10) “…and customer experience.”

Ross says the success of the Mardi Gras line can lead to further enhancements.

Cut 11 (07) “…on that line.”

And plans are still in the works to extend the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge.

_______________________________________________

As if last Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Red River Parish wasn’t enough, that was followed by several other earthquakes in the following days, including four within a ten-minute span early yesterday morning near Coushatta, ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.4. Dr. Justin Rubenstein with the U.S. Geological Survey says these additional earthquakes following an initial earthquake, sometimes referred to as aftershocks, are very common.

Cut 12 (08) “…change in stress.”

A magnitude 4.9 is at the upper edge of what is considered to be a light earthquake with minimal damage. Dr. Rubenstein says while there may be additional aftershocks, the chances of another earthquake of that same magnitude in the near term is fairly low.

Cut 13 (08) “…one in six.”

Rubenstein says if you do find yourself in the middle of an earthquake, there are things you can do to protect yourself.

Cut 14 (10) “…the shaking stops.”

Nicholas Alexander is facing the death penalty for shooting and killing 25-year-old Vivian Police Officer, Marc Brock, last November. Caddo D.A. James Stewart Sr. made the announcement today. Alexander allegedly shot Brock through a closed door when Brock and another officer announced themselves and attempted entry to Alexander’s residence to serve him an arrest warrant for cyberstalking.

As debate over granting Governor Landry’s wish to double the funding of the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, with the Pelican Institute, says the biggest benefit of the LA GATOR program is that it gives parents control.

Cut 4 (08) “…child’s unique needs.”

Currently, the LA GATOR program is funded at 44-million dollars and serves about 56-hundred students

Northwest Louisiana has been experiencing a series of earthquakes over the past several days. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, has exceeded expectations with more than 80 thousand riders to become the number one Amtrak train among all of their trains in customer satisfaction and experience. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the success of the Mardi Gras line can lead to further enhancements.

Cut 11 (07) “…on that line.”

Plans are still in the works to extend the Mardi Gras line to Baton Rouge.

Governor Jeff Landry says it is time to retire the inspection sticker. In his State of the State address, Landry says he supports a bill, which would eliminate the need for Louisiana residents to get an inspection sticker for non-commercial vehicles…

Cut 26 (14) “…only six dollars”

State Representative Larry Bagley has once again authored the bill to eliminate the requirement for the annual vehicle inspection stickers. But as the bill is currently written, there’s no mention of changing to a Q-R code.

Landry is encouraging voters to approve Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. The governor says passage of that amendment would result in the state paying down teacher retirement debt that would convert a 22-hundred dollar teacher pay stipend, into a permanent pay raise…

Cut 8 (09) “…raising taxes”

People knew that Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras line connecting New Orleans to Mobile, Alabama, would be successful, but they probably underestimated how successful. Amtrak projected about 71-thousand riders on that line in its first year; it’s now exceeded 80-thousand – and only half the time to do so! Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says there are many reasons why people are riding the Mardi Gras line in droves.

Cut 9 (09)  “…day of it.”

Northwest Louisiana has been dealing with a series of earthquakes since a 4.9 quake rattled Red River Parish last Thursday.  Doctor Justin Rubenstein says he’s not expecting another quake greater than 4.9 and the aftershocks following last Thursday’s earthquake is common. He says if the ground does start moving again, here are some things you can do to protect yourself…

Cut 14 (10) “…shaking stops”

Governor Landry is pushing for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. The measure would pay down teacher retirement debt, to make permanent a 22-hundred dollar pay raise that teachers already receives but as a stipend.  Landry says passage of the Amendment would show our public-school teachers that the public has their back…

Cut 7 (12) “…to leave.”

Landry also wants to see more funding for the state’s voucher program known as L-A Gator. It currently serves 56-hundred children, mostly from low-income families who use the dollars to pay for private school tuition. The Pelican Institute just conducted a poll and found 61-percent support expanding the program. Vice President of the Pelican Institute Erin Bendiily…

Cut 5 (11) “…government run school”

As if last Thursday’s magnitude 4.9 earthquake in Red River Parish wasn’t enough, that was followed by several other earthquakes in the following days, including four within a ten-minute span early Monday morning near Coushatta, ranging in magnitude from 3.1 to 4.4. Dr. Justin Rubenstein with the U.S. Geological Survey says these additional earthquakes following an initial earthquake, sometimes referred to as aftershocks, are very common.

Cut 12 (08) “…change in stress.”

Dr. Rubenstein says while there may be additional aftershocks, the chances of another earthquake of 4.9 or higher in the near term is fairly low.

A check on gas prices finds that they are up another seven cents today. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.11, up 61 cents from a month ago and 40-cents from a week ago.

Governor Landry used his State of the State address to push for the passage of Constitutional Amendment 3 on the May 16^th ballot. Landry says the amendment would pay down debt within the Teachers Retirement System of Louisiana which would free up money for teacher pay raises…

Cut 6 (10) “…responsibly funded”

If Amendment 3 passes, the permanent pay raise would be 22-hundred dollars for teachers 11-hundred dollars for support staff. These educators are receiving this money, but it’s considered a stipend and could go away.

As debate over funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program gets underway in the legislature, one poll indicates that the program is popular among Louisiana voters. Erin Bendily, the senior vice president of the Pelican Institute, says its first quarter Pelican Pulse Poll shows that 61-percent support the program.

Cut 3 (08) “…LA GATOR program.”

The LA Scholarship program provides state dollars to an eligible family to pay for nonpublic school tuition, or it can go towards tutoring, textbooks, dual enrollment courses and uniforms.

The Saint Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested dozens of people after deputies received word of a cockfight in progress near Opelousas…

Cut 10 (08) “…were participating”

Sheriff Bobby Guidroz has identified 36-year-old John Eddie Lachapelle as the principal organizer of the cockfight event and he faces numerous charges.

The Saints were active on the opening day of free agency as they signed former Jacksonville running back Travis Etienne from Jennings, offensive guard David Edwards, tight end Noah Fant and veteran punter Ryan Wright, who averaged 44.5 yards a punt last season with the Vikings, fourth best in the NFL. Matt Paras of the Advocate, says Wright looks to be the right move…

Cut 15 (10) “….to solve it”