| By DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
STICKER SHOCK: The total cost to complete the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain hurricane levee system and maintain it for 50 years has almost quadrupled, to $3.7 billion. Read why and what’s next. WHALE SONGS: After scientists in 2021 recognized a new but almost extinct species of whale in the Gulf of Mexico, the federal government proposed a 10-knot speed limit on ships traversing their habitat and asked for reaction. It received more than 75,000 comments, ranging from “necessary” to “insane.” For environment stories in your inbox, subscribe to our Louisiana Coastal Watch newsletter, emailed weekly. It's free. INCENTIVES: Pay raises have been approved for Jefferson Parish government workers and for St. Tammany Parish sheriff’s deputies. In both places, officials hope the hikes will help in recruiting and retaining good employees. HOW COME? Why did no one graduate from Louisiana high schools in 1949? Why do "neutral grounds" divide New Orleans streets? Curious Louisiana explores these questions and more. If you've got a question about something Louisiana-centric, ask us. Welcome to the weekend. See the latest news, sports and entertainment coverage at NOLA.com. Drew. | 