The state department of transportation announces the new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles will cost two-point-one Billion dollars and tolls will be needed to build it. Construction could begin as early as next year. Cacasieu Parish Police Jury President Chris Landry is glad the long-awaited new bridge is coming, but he’s not excited about the tolls…
cut 7 (11) “……the country”
DOTD says 800-million in federal and state dollars is available to pay for construction.

Millions of dollars are available for homeowners who suffered damages from the 2020 and 2021 hurricanes, along with severe storms from May of 2021. But in order to find out if you might be available for these grant dollars the survey at restore-dot-la-dot-gov must be filled out….
cut 15 (12) from the storm”
OCD Director Pat Forbes says the deadline to fill out that survey is Tuesday August 1st.

Researchers from LSU and other universities, along with weather-related agencies are compiling data that could result in a longer hurricane season. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State prosecutors have added a second criminal charge of felony malfeasance to former Shreveport police officer Alexander Tyler in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man, Alonzo Bagley, earlier this year. In February Tyler was charged with negligent homicide. Both charges call for sentences of up to five years in prison.

The state Department of Transportation announces toll rates for the new I-10 Lake Charles bridge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 17-year-old driving a stolen vehicle died in a high-speed chase early this morning. Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says there was also a 15-year-old passenger in the vehicle who survived the crash…

Cut 11 (11)  “…our community.”
In addition to adding former player Jimmy Graham to the roster, New Orleans also added 5-time Pro Bowl guard Trai (Trey) Turner. Turner graduated from high school in New Orleans and was a standout at LSU. The 30-year-old has spent nine seasons in the NFL, the majority with the Panthers and Coach Dennis Allen says he caused problems for his defense…

Cut 13 (14) “…our team.”

A 17-year-old is dead, and a 15-year-old is being treated for injuries after the two were fleeing Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies during an attempted traffic stop around 3 AM. Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says they found stolen items inside the vehicle.

Cut 10 (09)  “…anything good.”

When the teens fled the scene, he says they lost control of the stolen vehicle and crashed into a support beam at a gas station.

The Louisiana Pardon Board did not act during their meeting yesterday on 56 clemency applications from prisoners on death row. Earlier this year Governor Edwards’ stated he opposes the death penalty. Louisiana District Attorneys Association director Loren Lampert is glad the board is not rushing the applications.

Cut 4 (10)  “…railroad” 

A major development in the push to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The state has entered negotiations with Calcasieu Bridge Partners to finance the two-point-one-billion-dollar project. Local officials were hoping tolls would not be needed but DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says area residents who get a toll tag could cross the bridge for less than a dollar once it’s open…

Cut 7 (09)  “…for large trucks” 

The Saints kicked off training camp today and one of the biggest storylines will be who wins the starting outside corner spot alongside Marshon Lattimore. 2021 third-round pick Paulson Adebo and 2022 second-rounder Alontae Taylor have both shown they have what it takes to win the job, and Coach Dennis Allen believes the cornerback room is one of the deepest on the roster…

Cut  14 (12)  “…a lot of others.”

The Louisiana Pardon Board took no action during its meeting Monday on 56 clemency applications from prisoners on death row. Most of the petitions were submitted last month and Louisiana District Attorneys Association director Loren Lampert is glad the board is taking its time…

Cut 3 (11) “…own rules” 

A 17-year-old is dead, and a 15-year-old is being treated for injuries after the two were fleeing Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies after an attempted traffic stop around 3 AM this morning.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the scene.”
Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says they were in a stolen vehicle and the 15-year-old’s injuries are not considered life threatening.

A major development today in the push to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The state has entered negotiations with Calcasieu Bridge Partners to finance the two-point-one-billion-dollar project. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 800-million dollars in funding will come from federal and state governments….

Cut 6 (10)  “tolling” 
The toll rates will range from 25-cents for local motorists with a toll tag to $12.50 for large trucks. Passenger vehicles from outside of southwest Louisiana would pay up to $3.75 once the bridge opens.

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell announces he will not seek re-election and will retire on June 30 next year. Russell has been with the OPSO for almost four decades serving in various roles. Russell has already endorsed Chief Deputy Marc Mashaw as his successor in the October 14^th primary.

State prosecutors have added a second criminal charge of felony malfeasance to former Shreveport police officer Alexander Tyler in the shooting death of an unarmed Black man, Alonzo Bagley, earlier this year. In February Tyler was charged with negligent homicide. Both charges call for sentences of up to five years in prison.

The state Department of Transportation announces toll rates for the new I-10 Lake Charles bridge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Louisiana Pardon Board took no action during its meeting yesterday on 56 clemency applications from prisoners sitting on death row. Most of the applications were submitted last month and Louisiana District Attorneys Association director Loren Lampert says prosecutors need time to review these cases and present a defense on why clemency should not be granted.

Cut 5 (12)  “…is paramount”

An attorney for the Capital Appeals Project says the process is being politicized.

The Saints kicked off training camp today with two veteran additions. Jimmy Graham, who spent 5 seasons in black and gold putting up almost 5,000 yards and 51 touchdowns. The 36-year-old tight end hasn’t played football since ‘21 but head coach Dennis Allen says he’s in great shape…

Cut 12 (11) “…that room.” 

5-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner will also play for the Saints.

The Louisiana Pardon Board did not act on the clemency applications from 56 death row inmates at its Monday meeting. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell says he will retire next year. Russel has spent 39 years in law enforcement, the last eleven as the sheriff of Ouachita. Ouachita residents will elect a new sheriff in the fall of 2024. Russell has endorsed chief deputy Marc Mashaw.

The state department of transportation announced today that construction on a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge could begin as early as next year. The state says Calcasieu Bridge Partners will manage, and oversee construction, maintenance and operations of a new bridge that would cost two-point-one billion dollars. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says the new bridge will not be as steep, have more lanes, and full shoulders…
Cut 8 (07) “…we get”
But Mallett says tolls will be needed to pay for the bridge.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 17-year-old driving a stolen vehicle died in a high speed chase early this morning. Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says there was also a 15-year-old passenger in the vehicle who survived the crash…
cut 11 (11) “….in our community”

A 17-year-old is dead, and a 15-year-old is being treated for injuries after the two were fleeing Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies during an attempted traffic stop around 3 AM this morning. Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says they found possible burglary tools and stolen items inside the vehicle.

Cut 10 (09)  “…anything good.”

When the teens fled the scene, he says they lost control of the stolen vehicle and crashed into a support beam at a gas station.

The Louisiana Pardon Board did not act during their meeting yesterday on 56 clemency applications from prisoners on death row. Earlier this year Governor Edwards’ stated he opposes the death penalty. Louisiana District Attorneys Association director Loren Lampert is glad the board is not rushing the applications.

Cut 4 (10)  “…railroad” 

A major development in the push to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The state has entered negotiations with Calcasieu Bridge Partners to finance the two-point-one-billion-dollar project. Local officials were hoping tolls would not be needed but DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says area residents who get a toll tag could cross the bridge for less than a dollar once it’s open…

Cut 7 (09)  “…for large trucks” 

Passenger vehicles from outside of southwest Louisiana would pay 2.50 to three dollars and 75 cents once the new bridge opens. Construction could start as early as 2024 and should take about seven years to complete.

The Louisiana Pardon Board took no action during its meeting yesterday on 56 clemency applications from prisoners sitting on death row. Most of the clemency petitions were submitted last month and Louisiana District Attorneys Association director Loren Lampert is glad the board is taking its time…
cut 3 (11) “…own rules’
Director of the Pardon Board, Francis Abbott, says the clemency petitions are the most scrutinized their office has ever processed. Abbott says they are keeping the concerned parties updated on their progress.

A 17-year-old is dead, and a 15-year-old is being treated for injuries after the two were fleeing Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputies after an attempted traffic stop around 3 AM this morning.
Cut 9 (12) “…the scene.”
Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says the 15-year-old’s injuries are not considered life threatening.

A major development today in the push to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The state has announced its entered negotiations with Calcasieu Bridge Partners to finance the two-point-one billion dollar project. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 800-million dollars in funding will come from federal and state governments….
cut 6 (10) “….tolling”
The toll rates will range from 25-cents for local motorists with a toll tag to $12.50 for large trucks. Passenger vehicles from outside of southwest Louisiana would pay 2.50 to 3.75 cents once the new bridge opens.

Hundreds of magicians are in the Crescent City as The Society of American Magicians holds its Enchanting National Conference in New Orleans. Organizer Michael Dardant says the conference is unlike anything else…
Cut 7 (13) “…live and in person.”
Dardant says the Tina Lenert Gala show tomorrow night at Jesuit High School is a must see. Tickets can be found at Eventbrite.

Former President Donald Trump returns to Louisiana today for a pricey fundraiser in a Metairie. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

After fleeing deputies from the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office around 3 am this morning, a 17-year-old was killed in a crash and a 15-year-old was injured. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene and the other juvenile was taken to a hospital for treatment. Deputies say they found possible burglary tools inside the vehicle.

Before you take to the roadways Triple A encourages you to have your vehicle checked and that also includes your tires. Spokesperson for the Motorist Association Don Redman says the high temps create hot asphalt and if your tires are worn or even underinflated it’s a recipe for disaster…

Cut 13 (09) “…their tires.” 

For the first time ever, Louisiana students will have their questions answered by astronauts who are in outer space. STEM students attending NASA’s Astro Camp in Lake Charles were selected to participate. The questions have already been submitted and Mark Arseneault, STEM Center Director for Southwest Louisiana, says the parents made sure the kids were dressed to impress the astronauts…

Cut 6 (08)  “…really excited.”

The event was postponed from this morning due to a technical issue and has been rescheduled for tomorrow at 9:15. You can watch it on NASA’s website.

Former President Donald Trump will be in Metairie today for a high-priced fundraiser for his 2024 presidential campaign. V-I-P reception costs 33 hundred dollars per person and if you want a picture with him, that will cost 23 thousand dollars per person or per couple. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this is an efficient way for a presidential candidate to raise money
Cut 10 (03) “the plane.”
Businessmen Boysie Bollinger and Joseph Canizaro are hosting the fundraiser.

Hundreds of magicians are in the Crescent City as The Society of American Magicians holds its Enchanting National Conference in New Orleans for the first time in 20 years. Organizer Michael Dardant says the conference is unlike anything else…
Cut 7 (13) “…live and in person.”
Dardant says the Tina Lenert Gala show tomorrow night at Jesuit High School is their big event for the week. Tickets can be found at Eventbrite.

Students in Lake Charles attending NASA’s space camp get a chance to talk with astronauts on the International Space Center this morning. STEM Center Director for Southwest Louisiana Mark Arseneault says among the questions…..is water generated or brought to the space station…
cut 5 (07) “…space station”
More than 300 students are participating in the camp.

It will get hotter as the week goes and the hot sun pounding down on the asphalt on Louisiana roads makes your tires more susceptible to a blow out. AAA’s Don Redman says many of us do not check our tires before a long road trip or even check on the spare tire….
cut 14 (11) “….any air”
Redman says their latest survey finds only 20-percent of motorists know how to change a tire.