A Lake Charles lawmaker says the only thing in the way of a new Calcasieu River Bridge is a few hundred million dollars. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Vice President Kamala Harris and federal agencies launch a big grant program; aimed at making schools and school buses cleaner and safer for kids. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A bill to allow your pet’s remains to be buried alongside you will be heard in House Commerce today. Brooke Thorington has more on this unique piece of legislation.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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As millions of dollars are being allocated for infrastructure projects throughout the state, Lake Charles Representative Eric Tarver wants to make sure the Calcasieu River Bridge project isn’t forgotten. Tuesday at the Capitol, House Transportation will consider HB 761, which would set aside state money for the project over the next six years.

Cut 4 (11)  “…for the bridge.”

Tarver says the total price tag for construction of the bridge will likely exceed $1 billion but notes that the state has already allocated hundreds of millions to begin work.

Cut 5 (11) “,..a down payment.” 

The Calcasieu River Bridge is one of four major projects, including the new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge, seeking funding. Tarver says that unlike some of the others, the research has been done, plans are in place, and it’s nearly ready to get started.

Cut 6 (12)  “…of preparation.”

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The White House, Vice President Kamala Harris, the federal Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Agency launch a $500-million grant program aimed at making schools and school busses cleaner for kids and the environment. EPA Administrator Michael Regan (REE-gun) says the money comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law passed last year…:

Cut 7 (08) “…improve air quality.”

The grant money will be available to update old, worn-out school heating and A/C systems so that students breathe cleaner air while in class. Studies have shown the poor air quality in classrooms affects student concentration, performance and attendance. Regan says applying for the grants will be up to the individual school districts…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…for these grants.”

The grants would help schools become more energy-efficient, improve air quality, and access resources to make that happen. Another big part of the Biden-Harris Action Plan for Building Better School Infrastructure is money to invest in alternate fuels school busses. Regan says other studies have linked breathing in diesel fumes while riding in busses as a legitimate health threat…:

Cut 9 (05)  “…later this spring.”

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A bill to allow for your pet’s remains to be buried with you will be heard in House Commerce Tuesday. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, who is a retired veterinarian says the nexus of his bill is to make it not illegal to bury a pet in a human cemetery.

Cut 10 (10) “…buried yourself.”

Present law defines a cemetery as a place for the burial of human remains.

After serving as a veterinarian for 40 years, McMahen says pets are considered one of the family now and many individuals find comfort having like have their four-legged best friend rest beside them.

Cut  11 (11)  “…or afterwards.”  

For example, the cemetery could possibly add an urn of the pet’s remains added to the plot.

Of all of the bills McMahen has presented for legislation he says he’s received the most feedback on HB 833  and it’s been overwhelmingly positive. He says even a stranger approached him at the capitol about the legislation.

Cut 12 (06) “…way overdue.”

The bill would also allow for pet remains to be buried prior, during, or after the commitment of human remains and they must be placed in a grave, vault, crypt, or niche.

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Tragic news out of Caddo Parish after the death of a two-year-old. Bia Roland with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a call just before ten Monday morning that a toddler was found in the Black Bayou Lake, just behind a neighbor’s home on Gator Hole Freeway in Hosston.

Cut 13 (11) “…they arrived”

Roland says Youth Services detectives and crime scene investigators are all working together to determine exactly what happened.

Cut 14 (09)  “…for there.”

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The New Orleans Saints have shaken up the NFL Draft by making a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles that gives the Saints two picks in the first round and four in the top 100 selections. Locked on Saints podcast host Ross Jackson says whether this is the first or the last move the team makes, it’s a good deal for the Black and Gold.

Cut 15 (16)  “…this year’s draft.”

Do the Saints have a specific player or players that they’re targeting with the picks? Jackson says it’s too early to say for sure, but some names have been circulating.

Cut 16 (15)  “…or second round.”

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Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees was in New Orleans Monday to help bring awareness to pediatric cancer. While he spoke with the media, Brees was asked if he missed Sundays in the Superdome.

Cut 17 (19) “ …juices flowing still.” 

The future Hall of Famer also gave his thoughts on Jameis Winston, Dennis Allen, and expectations for the Saints in year 2 A.D., After Drew.

Cut 18 (19) “ …built this culture.” 

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A bill to allow for your pet’s remains to be buried with you will be heard in House Commerce Tuesday. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, who is a retired veterinarian says the nexus of his bill is to make it not illegal to bury a pet in a human cemetery.

Cut 10 (10) “…buried yourself.”

Present law defines a cemetery as a place for the burial of human remains. McMahan says a pet can not be euthanized without a medical condition in order to be buried at the same time of an owner.

Of all of the bills McMahen has presented for legislation he says he’s received to most feedback on HB 833 and it’s been overwhelmingly positive. He says even a stranger approached him at the capitol about the legislation.

Cut 12 (06) “…way overdue.”

House Commerce meets at 9:30 Tuesday morning.

As millions of dollars are being allocated for infrastructure projects throughout the state, Lake Charles Representative Eric Tarver wants to make sure the Calcasieu River Bridge project isn’t forgotten. On Tuesday, House Transportation will consider HB 761, which would set aside state money for the project over the next six years.

Cut 4 (11)  “…for the bridge.”

Tarver says the total price tag for construction of the bridge will likely exceed $1 billion but notes that the state has already allocated hundreds of millions to begin work.

Cut 5 (11) “,..a down payment.” 

The House Transportation Committee meets at 9:30 Tuesday morning.

Louisiana will see another round of severe weather tonight and during the overnight hours. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says strong storms will move into the Shreveport area after 7 PM and move eastward as the night wears on, which a big problem…:

CUT 05(12)      “…of the night.”

The entire I-20 corridor, Alexandria, and areas north of Hammond are all under an enhanced threat of severe weather.

A St. John the Baptist Parish deputy-involved shooting is now under State Police investigation. Trooper Kate Stegall says the deputy responded to a car crashed into the swamp on I-10 near LaPlace and the circumstances under which the shooting took place are still at question, however two weapons were retrieved from the car…:

CUT 08(05)      “…9mm handgun.”

The man shot is in critical condition.

Monroe Police are investigating a weekend double murder. Two victims were found Sunday night at a mobile home park near Bayou Desiard. A large amount of crystal meth and injectable illegal drugs were also found. MPD will gladly accept tips from the public and a $200 reward is offered.

Louisiana’s U.S. Senators will vote against the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. John Kennedy says a reason for his ‘no’ vote stems from a ruling Judge Jackson made against an immigration policy put in place by former President Donald Trump that was reversed by a federal appeals court. Kennedy says he finds Judge Jackson smart, well-versed in the law, but failed to say anything of substance when it came to critical questions…:

CUT 16(07)      “…judicial restraint.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he is also a “no” vote for Jackson.

An elderly New Orleans man was killed Sunday morning in head-on crash in Terrebonne Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says 77-year-old Joseph Sias was hit by a vehicle driven by Houma resident Katelynn Scott, who was deemed impaired at the crash scene…:

CUT 09(11)      “…dead at the scene.”

A passenger riding with Sias was severely injured. Trooper Brennan says faces DUI and vehicular homicide charges

U.S. Senator John Kennedy says he’s a “no” vote for confirming federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Kennedy today in the Senate Judiciary Committee…:

CUT 15(12)      “…be voting no.”

UL-Monroe’s new strategic plan takes aim at poverty in northeastern Louisiana. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Jefferson Parish native and St. Augustine high school alum Jon Batiste took home 5 Grammy Awards last night; including the coveted Album of the Year for “We Are.” Batiste won Best Music Video for “Freedom,” Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song for “Cry,” and Best Score Soundtrack for Disney/Pixar’s animated hit “Soul.”

We expect another round of strong showers and thunderstorms overnight and into tomorrow.  Meteorologist John Wetherbee says look for it to start any time after dinner. The entire I-20 corridor, Alexandria, and areas north of Hammond are all under an enhanced threat of severe weather, so he says residents in these areas will need to weather alert…:

CUT 04(11)      “…quarter of an inch.”

He says keep a radio or TV nearby all night, as that’s when the worst of the weather should move through.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy releases a statement saying he will NOT vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Supreme Court Justice. He praises Judge Jackson, but says democrats dictated the terms of engagement when they opposed three GOP justice nominees for “their presumed jurisprudence” and cites her “support of those who prefer an activist judge.” Senator Kennedy has also said he will vote “no.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of a two-year-old; presumably by drowning. The mom says she found the toddler in water behind a neighbor’s home. He was taken to a hospital, but later pronounced dead. An investigation is underway to look into any possible foul play.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting Sunday near LaPlace, in St. John Parish. Trooper Kate Stegall says a car driven by a 19-year-old man went off the roadway and was partially submerged in swamp water when deputies arrived. At some point, the passenger – 20-year-old Jacoby Williams of Grammercy – was shot by a deputy. She says the driver was not hit by gunfire, and an LSP investigation is now underway…:

CUT 07(05)      “…that driver.”

A 9 mm handgun was recovered at the scene. Williams is currently in critical condition at a New Orleans area hospital.

There’s another threat of severe weather tonight and into tomorrow morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in St. John the Baptist Parish after sheriff’s deputies responded to a partially submerged vehicle Sunday morning in Laplace. Trooper Kate Stegall says two men were in the vehicle that traveled off the roadway into the marsh.

Cut 6 (11) “…critical condition.”

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In Terrebonne Parish, Joseph Sias of New Orleans was killed early Sunday morning in a fatal crash involving another vehicle going in the wrong direction. Trooper Ross Brennan says Katelynn Scott of Houma was deemed impaired at the crash and faces vehicular homicide charges, which could change if conditions worsen for the other passenger involved. He says the two victims in the crash unfortunately were not wearing seatbelts.

Cut 11 (09) “…killed in a car crash.”

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Louisiana has nearly one million people living below the poverty line, and ULM president, Dr. Ron Berry says the university’s new strategic plan outlines how it can start changing that for the northeast region of our state, through strengthening ties with elementary school students to help them reach college and programs for adult learners as well.

Cut 13 (13) “…changing lives.”

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Louisiana will see another round of severe weather tonight and during the overnight hours. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says strong storms will move into the Shreveport area after 7 PM and then the storms will work their way across the state during the night

Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”

The entire I-20 corridor, Alexandria, and north of Hammond is under an enhanced threat of severe weather.

Louisiana has nearly one million people living below the poverty line, and ULM president, Dr. Ron Berry says the university’s new strategic plan outlines how it can start changing that for the northeast region of our state.

Cut 12 (11) “…human development.” 

In Terrebonne Parish state police say 77-year-old Joseph Sias of New Orleans was killed early Sunday morning in a fatal crash involving a vehicle driven by Katelynn Scott of Houma was driving in the wrong direction.  Trooper Ross Brennan says Sias was pronounced dead on the scene and the passenger his vehicle sustained severe injuries and was transferred to an out-of-area hospital. Scott faces vehicular homicide charges.

Cut 10 (09)  “…the influence.”

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in St. John the Baptist Parish after sheriff’s deputies responded to a partially submerged vehicle Sunday morning in Laplace. Trooper Kate Stegall says the passenger 20-year-old Jacoby Williams was shot by a deputy and is listed in critical condition. State Police also recovered weapons at the scene.

Cut 8 (05) “…9mm handgun.” 

The incident remains under investigation.