Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and other local leaders will launch a unified effort today to receive appropriate federal funding, on the 11-month anniversary of Hurricane Laura. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Longtime Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns now has a new title, Commissioner of the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Construction is underway on a long-talked-about flood and hurricane protection project in the River Parishes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and other community leaders will officially launch a unified effort today to advocate for appropriate federal disaster aid in the wake of Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Governor Edwards says while FEMA has been on the ground working, the area desperately needs community development block grant funding to assist residents.

Cut 4 (09) “…important thing.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says there were several natural disasters in 2020 across the country in addition to those which impacted Louisiana, like wildfires in the west. Cassidy says the Louisiana delegation has met with the Biden administration and other members of Congress about funding.

Cut 5 (09) “…the challenge.”

In addition to two hurricanes, southwest Louisiana has also been impacted by two other federal disasters, the February winter storms and the May 17^th flooding this year.

Edwards says the state has demonstrated $3 billion of unmet needs and he’s spoken with state congressional members and others at the White House. Edwards says he’s very disappointed the area still does not have a disaster appropriation yet.

Cut 6 (08) “…the storm.”

Today is the 11-month anniversary of Laura making landfall in Louisiana. Hunter will hold a press conference at 10 am today at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

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Longtime Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns has been appointed as Commissioner to the Gaming Control Board. Johns says he’s been interested in the post for more than a year.

Cut 7 (10) “…Lake Charles area.” 

Governor Edwards announced the appointment on Friday and Johns says he’s honored the Governor felt he had the integrity to fill the position, a position which overseas quite a bit.

Cut 8 (12) “…sports betting.”

Johns says the commission has conducted itself with honor in the past and he plans to keep that tradition, but the position does have its challenges with gaming competition from neighboring states and the possible movement of a license from Bossier to St. Tammany Parish, which voters will decide in November.

Cut 9 (07) “…move the license.”

Johns says the gaming industry is the single largest source of revenue for the state budget from private industry. He says including the lottery, the gaming industry boosts the state general fund by almost a billion dollars annually.

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Bienville Parish in northwest Louisiana will be the home to a new 240-million dollar sawmill. It’s a joint venture between Hunt Forest Products located in Ruston and Canadian-based Tolko Industries. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says the project will create 130 direct new jobs and nearly 400 indirect jobs

Cut 10 (11) “…of Louisiana.” 

Pierson says the state-of-the-art sawmill will require about one-point-three-million tons of wood annually to produce an estimated 320-million board feet of lumber…

Cut 11 (12) “…that timber.”

Hunt Forest Products and Tolko also developed a 115-million dollar lumber Mill in LaSalle Parish. Pierson says that the three-year-old facility employs 120 workers…

Cut 12 (08) “…to work.” 

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Construction is underway on the West Shore Lake Pontchartrain Hurricane Protection Project which will provide 100-year hurricane and storm surge protection to 60-thousand residents in St. Charles, St. James, and St. John the Baptist Parishes. Governor John Bel Edwards says construction is expected to be completed in 2024

Cut 13 (07) “…better protected.”

In 2012, Hurricane Isaac flooded seven thousand homes in this area. Congress authorized the project in 2016 and allocated the funds two years later. Edwards says the 760-million dollar flood control project will span 18.5 miles…

Cut 14 (12) “…storm event.”

Congressman Garret Graves led the effort in Congress to get the funding approved. Graves says the River Parishes will finally get the flood protection they deserve…

Cut 15 (10)“…it’s useless.”

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The post-Drew Brees era really sets in today for the Saints as veterans report for training camp. Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill will compete against each other for the opportunity to replace Brees as the team’s starting quarterback. ESPN Saints reporter Mike Triplett says there’s a lot to like about both guys…

Cut 16 (18) “…Taysom Hill.”

The focus during Saints training camp will be on the quarterback battle, but Triplett says there’s a lot of holes to fill on defense. He says several starters from last year’s team are no longer on the Black and Gold…

Cut 17 (16) …recent years” 

Triplett says for the Saints to repeat as NFC South champs, they need members of the 2020 draft class to really develop this year, guard Ceasar Ruiz, linebacker Zach Baun and tight end Adam Trautman in particular…

Cut  18 (15)”… a little while.”

A second person has drowned while tubing on the Amite River over the weekend. The area near Central is further downstream and Central Mayor David Barrow says it has a higher current along with more silt and debris that hasn’t been cleared since the flood five years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…that river.”

In June, the father of LSU pitcher Ma’Khail Hilliard died while tubing on the Amite.

Most of the state is under a heat advisory for the new few days as Louisiana is dealing with its first lengthy heatwave of the summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says when there’s a heat advisory the real feel temperatures will soar past 100-degrees.

Cut 7 (12) “…the state”

Keim says be sure to stay hydrated and try to limit your work outdoors.

If you have to visit the Office of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana know that you will be required to wear a face mask to conduct business. OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says most OMV locations offer appointments, so check online before you go. He says the appointments allows visitors to get in and out in a more efficient manner.

Cut 13 (09) “…mask off.”

Visit express lane dot org

LSU swimmer Brooks Curry is the first Olympic gold medal winner for the purple and gold in the sport.  LSU Associate Swim Coach Stephen Mellor says even though Curry did not swim in the Finals for the 100-meter freestyle relay, all swimmers who participate in the prelims or the finals receive a medal.  Mellor says with the summer games getting pushed back a year, Curry took advantage…

Cut  11 (12) “…that team” 

New Covid cases in Louisiana are just under 7,600 and hospitalizations increased over the weekend by 213 for a total of 1,221. On Friday the Governor issued a mask advisory and encouraged residents if they are ill to get tested and unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated. For testing and vaccine sites visit LDH.LA.ORG forward slash coronavirus.

The LSU swim program has its first-ever medal winner at the Olympic games. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A second person has died this summer while tiki tubing on the Amite River in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.  Authorities say a Rapides Parish man got into waist-deep water on Saturday, slipped down, and struggled to come back to the surface. Central Mayor David Barrow says the area along the Amite has been an ongoing problem.

Cut 3 (11) “…it out.” 

In June, the father of LSU pitcher Ma’Khail Hilliard died while tubing on the Amite.

Effective today if you have to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana you will be required to wear a face mask to conduct business. OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the ongoing surge in cases prompted them to return the use of face coverings once again.

Cut 12 (08) “…a mask”

To make an appointment in advance visit express lane dot org.

The state health department reported today 75-hundred new coronavirus cases since last Friday and 14 additional deaths. A spokesperson from the governor’s office says the new case total is shockingly high. The number of COVID patients in the hospital increased by over 200 to a total of 12-hundred.

Governor Edwards has issued an indoor mask advisory and masks are required at Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicle locations…
cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A second person has died this summer while tiki tubing on the Amite River in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes. Authorities say a Rapides Parish man went under Saturday and never resurfaced. Central Mayor David Barrow says most locals are familiar with the dangers along the river, but visitors are not.
Cut 4 (12) “…as well.”
The man who died on Saturday has been identified as 52-year-old Elson Johnson of Deville.

LSU swimmer Brooks Curry has won a gold medal at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Curry swam in the preliminaries and helped the USA 4 by 100 meter freestyle relay team get off to a great start in the prelims. LSU Associate Swim Coach Stephen Mellor says he watched the race from home
Cut 10 (08) “..from there”

The LSU swim program has its first-ever medal winner at the Olympic games. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Effective today you will have to wear a face mask at the Officer of Motor Vehicles. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A second person has died this summer while tiki tubing on the Amite River in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.  Authorities say a Rapides Parish man got into waist-deep water on Saturday, slipped down, and struggled to come back to the surface. Central Mayor David Barrow says the area along the Amite has been an ongoing problem.

Cut 3 (11) “…it out.” 

Barrow says most locals are familiar with the dangers along the river, but visitors are not and assume the calm appearance of the river is safe and many neglect to wear lifejackets.

Cut 4 (11) “…as well.” 

The area along the Amite near Central is further downstream and Barrow says it has a higher current in addition to more silt and debris that hasn’t been cleared since the flood five years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…that river.”

In June, the father of LSU pitcher Ma’Khail Hilliard died while tubing on the Amite.

___________________________

Most of the state is under a heat advisory today as Louisiana is dealing with its first lengthy heatwave of the summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system has settled in over the Gulf of Mexico, lowering rain chances and driving up the heat and humidity

Cut 6 (06) “….blazing sun.”

Keim says there’s a heat advisory because the real feel temperatures will soar past 100-degrees over the next few days

Cut 7 (12) “…the state”

Keim says it’s dangerous to spend a lot of time outdoors when the heat index hits 110-degrees….

Cut 8 (10) “…afternoon hours”

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LSU swimmer Brooks Curry is a gold medal winner at the Summer Olympics as helped the four-by-100 meter freestyle relay team take the gold. LSU Associate Swim Coach Stephen Mellor says he’s in awe with what Curry accomplished

Cut 9 (09) “…of sacrifice”

Curry swam in the preliminaries and helped them take the lead in that event. Curry finished his leg of the race with a time just under 49-seconds as the American relay team took first place in the second leg. Mellor says he watched the race from home

Cut 10 (08) “..from there”

Curry did not swim in the Finals, but all swimmers who participate in the prelims or the finals receive a medal. He’s the first Olympian swimmer in LSU history to take home a gold medal at the Olympic games. He says it’s quite the honor. Mellor says with the Summer games getting pushed back a year, Curry took advantage…

Cut  11 (12) “…that team” 

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Effective today if you have to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana you will be required to wear a face mask to conduct business. OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the ongoing surge in cases prompted them to return the use of face coverings once again.

Cut 12 (08) “…a mask”

Boudreaux says most OMV locations offer appointments, so before you have to visit an office check online. He says the appointment system allows visitors to get in and out in a more efficient manner.

Cut 13 (09) “…mask off.”

There are also a number of things you can do online, so Boudreaux says check ahead because you might be able to save yourself a trip.

Cut 14 (12) “…is free” 

To check ahead for appointments and to see if you can handle your needs online instead of visiting in person go to express lane-dot-org.

If you have to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana don’t forget your face mask because as of today, they are required. OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says but there are a number of things you can do online, so check ahead because you might be able to save yourself a trip.

Cut 14 (12) “…is free” 

Several offices require appointments so visit express lane-dot-org in advance.

Most of the state is under a heat advisory today as Louisiana is dealing with its first lengthy heatwave of the summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s dangerous to spend a lot of time outdoors when the heat index hits 110-degrees….

Cut 8 (10) “…afternoon hours”

A second person has drowned while tubing on the Amite River over the weekend. The area near Central is further downstream and Central Mayor David Barrow says it has a higher current along with more silt and debris that hasn’t been cleared since the flood five years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…that river.”

In June, the father of LSU pitcher Ma’Khail Hilliard died while tubing on the Amite.

LSU swimmer Brooks Curry is a gold medal winner at the Summer Olympics. He was helped the four-by-100 meter freestyle relay team in taking the gold. LSU Associate Swim Coach Stephen Mellor says he’s in awe with what Curry accomplished

Cut 9 (09) “…of sacrifice”

Curry is the first Olympian swimmer in LSU history to take home a gold medal at the Olympic games.

New Covid cases in Louisiana are just under 7,600 today and hospitalizations increased over the weekend by 213 for a total of 1,221. On Friday Governor Edwards issued a mask advisory and encouraged residents if they are ill to get tested and unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated. For testing and vaccine sites visit LDH.LA.ORG forward slash coronavirus.

Effective today if you have to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana you will be required to wear a face mask to conduct business. OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says most OMV locations offer appointments, so before you have to visit check online. He says the appointment system allows visitors to get in and out in a more efficient manner.

Cut 13 (09) “…mask off.”

Visit express lane dot org

Most of the state is under a heat advisory today as Louisiana is dealing with its first lengthy heatwave of the summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says when there’s a heat advisory the real feel temperatures will soar past 100-degrees over the next few days

Cut 7 (12) “…the state”

A second person has died this summer while tiki tubing on the Amite River in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.  Authorities say a Rapides Parish man went under Saturday and never resurfaced. Central Mayor David Barrow says most locals are familiar with the dangers along the river, but visitors are not and assume the calm appearance of the river is safe and many neglect to wear lifejackets.

Cut 4 (12) “…as well.” 

New Covid cases in Louisiana are just under 7,600 and hospitalizations increased over the weekend by 213 for a total of 1,221. Health officials say the highly transmissible delta variant and low vaccination rate are the blame.  On Friday the Governor issued a mask advisory and encouraged residents if they are ill to get tested and unvaccinated individuals to get vaccinated. For testing and vaccine sites visit LDH.LA.ORG forward slash coronavirus.

Effective today if you have to visit an Office of Motor Vehicles in Louisiana you will be required to wear a face mask to conduct business. OMV spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says the ongoing surge in cases prompted them to return the use of face coverings once again.

Cut 12 (09) “…a mask”

He says to check ahead appointments at express lane-dot-org.

Most of the state is under a heat advisory today as Louisiana is dealing with its first lengthy heatwave of the summer. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a high-pressure system has settled in over the Gulf of Mexico, lowering rain chances and driving up the heat and humidity

Cut 6 (06) “….blazing sun.”

He says the real feel temperatures will soar past 100-degrees over the next few days

A second person has died this summer while tiki tubing on the Amite River in East Baton Rouge and Livingston Parishes.  Authorities say a Rapides Parish man got into waist-deep water on Saturday, slipped down, and struggled to come back to the surface. Central Mayor David Barrow says the area along the Amite has been an ongoing problem.

Cut 3 (11) “…it out.” 

In June, the father of LSU pitcher Ma’Khail Hilliard died while tubing on the Amite.