An LSU Engineering Professor has a bold new invention to keep Louisiana’s notoriously finicky roads from falling apart after just a few years. Matt Doyle has more.
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It appears the issues that caused dangerous levels of lead to contaminate the water supply for Tensas Parish schools have been corrected. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (31) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart”
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Senator John Kennedy says John McCain was tough as a boot, while Governor John Bel Edwards says McCain’s death is a great loss for our country. Jeff Palermo has more from a Louisiana political consultant who knew McCain well…
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An LSU professor has invented an asphalt sealant that he says can extend the lifespan of problematic roads by years, and keep the asphalt from constantly cracking. Engineering Professor Dr. Guoqiang (Go-Chung) Li says his invention has been in the works since a 2009 grant kick started the project, and is almost road ready. Li says he thinks his invention could save the state a lot of money.
He says the thermodynamic science behind asphalt roads has plagued city planners for over a 100 years, with, until now, no option other than a complete repaving for a broken road. He says the trick is creating a sealant that sits over the asphalt and can adapt to temperature swings while still repelling water.
The project has received several federal grants and a lot of interest from state agencies. Li says now that the sealant has demonstrated its functionality, they’ll have to figure out how to make it cost effective.
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It appears the issues that caused dangerous levels of lead to contaminate the water supply for Tensas Parish schools have been corrected. After flushing out water lines, updating drinking fountains, and other steps were taken, the risk of danger associated with the water supply appear to be in the rearview mirror. LDH Medical Director Dr. Jimmy Guidry…
Cut 7 (08) “…has been addressed.”
Guidry says lead exposure to children can have adverse effects on development.
Cut 8 (10) “…down their development.”
Guidry says the state is taking precautions where it can to eliminate the exposure issues.
Cut 9 (09) “…fixtures with lead.”
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Two years after his home burned down under suspicious circumstances, a Walker man has been charged with Arson with Intent to Defraud. Authorities says Jerry Avants Sr. and his alleged co-conspirators burned down his massive home to collect on the substantial insurance policy. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says he even bragged about burning the home while seeking a loan.
Avants will be joined in jail by Adrian Lee Everett, Tammy Bankston Everett, and Herman Severio who allegedly agreed to, and then burned Mr. Avants’ home while he was out of town for a share of the insurance. Rodrigue says after his arrest, Mr. Everett told authorities that Avants was pretty blunt about his intentions.
The four were arrested last week, and one more is being sought for ties to the crime. Rodrigue says the two year investigation isn’t too unusual for an arson.
Cut 12 (10) “…difficult cases.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards says the United States has lost a great statesman and an American hero. He’s of course talking about Arizona Senator John McCain, who passed away at the age of 81 from a battle with brain cancer. Political consultant Roy Fletcher of Baton Rouge was McCain’s Deputy National Campaign Manager when he ran for President in 2000. Fletcher calls McCain a brillant politican
McCain was first elected to Congress in 1982 after a long career in the US Navy. He was a naval bomber pilot, who served five-and-a-half years a Vietnam prisoner of war. Fletcher says McCain’s time as a P-O-W left him badly scarred…
McCain was never scared to vote against his own party or public opinion. His last great moment in politics was when he voted against President Donald Trump’s health care bill, killing the legislation in 2017. Fletcher says McCain was a true political maverick…
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The Saints are back in Louisiana after a good week in California that concluded with a 36-7 preseason win over the Chargers. Alvin Kamara, Taysom Hill and Tre’Quan Smith scored touchdowns on offense. On defense, recently acquired defensive back Marcus Williams returned an interception 58 yards for a score. Rookie defensive end Marcus Williams made his preseason debut and had a half-a-sack. Coach Sean Payton liked the energy…
Quarterback Drew Brees also made his first and likely last appearance of the preseason as he shook off an early interception to complete 7 of 9 passes for 59 yards in three series. Brees says it was good to get a taste of in-game action…