The Louisiana Motor Transport Association strongly opposes the state Department of Transportation’s proposal to use tolls to fund a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The project now has a price tag of over two billion dollars and LMTA Director Renee Amar says the bridge does not have to be that expensive…

Cut 7 (07)  “…much smaller” 

The State Department reportedly receives 400,000 passport applications a week and says the delays are a result of the pandemic and renewed interest in international travel. US Senator Bill Cassidy says several families and individuals have been forced to forgo their travel because their passports did not arrive in time and the results are costly.

Cut 5 (07)  “…go on.”

Cassidy urges those with passport issues to call his office in Baton Rouge at 225-929-7711.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke before the U-S Senate Budget Committee and used his appearance to push for the passage of the RISEE Act.  The governor says the legislation would result in the state receiving more federal dollars for energy production that takes place in federal waters off of Louisiana’s coast. He says currently the state is not receiving a fair share.

Cut 11 (10)  “…Port Fourchon.”

Edwards also testified about the importance of climate change infrastructure and how levees constructed after Katrina have prevented catastrophic damage.

In Pineville, the announcement of a $2-billion facility to be constructed at the former International Paper Mill site is welcome news. SunGas Renewals will build a facility that will produce green methanol for marine fuel and create 100 local jobs.  Construction will create more than one thousand jobs and is expected to be completed in 2027.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke before the U-S Senate Budget Committee today on the financial impacts of climate change on infrastructure. He says the 14 billion dollars spent on improved levees in New Orleans after Katrina is an example of how significant government investment can prevent damage. He says the levees held up well to Hurricane Ida in 2021 and more flood control projects like this are needed…

Cut 10 (11)  “…over time.”

As the State Department continues to report backlogs with passport renewals US Senator Bill Cassidy says his office can assist Louisianans with passports renewals

Cut 4 (07)  “…resolve this.” 

You can call his Baton Rouge office at 225-929-7711

The DOTD announces tolls will be needed to fund a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles and the Louisiana Motor Transport Association opposes the use of tolls. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association strongly opposes DOTD’s new plan for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. Construction and maintenance for the $2.1 billion price tag will be partially funded by tolls. State and federal funds will supply $800 million, but LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar says legislators can do more…

Cut 6 (09) “…to fund it” 

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 OCD Director Pat Forbes says in order to find out if you might be eligible for these grant dollars the survey at restore-dot-la-dot-gov must be filled out first….

Cut 15 (12)  “…from the storm.”
The deadline is August 1st.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke before the U-S Senate Budget committee today to discuss the financial impacts of climate change on infrastructure. Edwards says the state’s coastal master plan seeks to reduce damage from rising sea levels, coastal land loss and weather events…

Cut 9 (13)  “….today”

And also in DC, despite claims of hiring more staff and authorizing overtime, the State Department is still behind in issuing passports. US Senator Bill Cassidy says his office has received numerous calls from Louisiana residents who’ve missed vacations despite applying in advance and paying extra fees to expedite the process.

Cut 3 (06) “…situation.” 

If you’re having passport issues you can call Cassidy office in Baton Rouge at 225-929-7711.

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.

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.

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.

STEM students in southwest Louisiana will learn the answers to their questions directly from the International Space Station this morning. Brooke Thorington has more from a galaxy far, far away.

Cut 1 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New Orleans is hosting hundreds of magicians as they attend The Society of American Magicians’ national conference. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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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.”

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It will be an out-of-the-world experience for STEM students attending Space Camp in Calcasieu Parish this morning. STEM Center Director for Southwest Louisiana Mark Arseneault says campers submitted questions in advance and this morning they’ll hear directly from astronauts aboard the International Space Station.

Cut 4 (10)  “…week here.”

And you don’t have to be a camper to learn the answers, you can watch it on NASA’s website at 9:15 Central Standard Time this morning.

Arseneault says students from the area were specifically chosen to submit questions because of the devastation from the 2020 hurricanes. The event is designed to inspire campers to become astronauts themselves. Among the questions they asked is water generated or brought to the space station?

Cut 5 (07)   “…space station.”

When the more than 300 students found out they were going to participate, Arseneault says the excitement wasn’t limited to the campers. He says even their parents made sure they were dressed to impress those aboard the space station.

Cut 6 (08)  “…really excited.”

For a link to the event visit Louisiana Radio Network. https://www.nasa.gov/nasalive

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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. The conference features exclusive private performances from some of the best magicians as well as four public shows headlined by the Tina Lenert Gala show Wednesday night at Jesuit High School. Award-winning magician and host and show producer Michael Dardant says the conference is unlike anything else…

Cut 7 (13) “…live and in person.”

In addition to shows, conferencegoers will attend lectures to share tricks of the trade and learn the traditional practices of the art form. Dardant says many young magicians learn from TikTok or Youtube videos, and it’s important aspiring magicians learn to present live…

Cut 8 (12) “…two-dimensional atmosphere.”

As the magic world expands, Dardant highlighted a need for inclusivity in the industry going forward. A large majority of magicians are male, but he says they’re starting to see an influx of women. Dardant says traditionalists will have to learn to accept anyone willing to learn the art of magic…

Cut 9 (11)  “…much variety.”

Dardant urges anyone interested in magic to find the Society of American Magicians online at magicsam.com. Tickets for public shows can be bought online through Eventbrite or on the night of the event.

____________________________________________

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.

While president, Trump visited an LNG plant near Lake Charles in 2019, and said Louisiana is a state that he loves very much. Hogan says Republican voters in the Bayou State have been in Trump’s corner through thick and thin….

Cut 11 (08)  “…58 percent of the vote.”

And Hogan says despite his legal troubles, Trump is still able to collect large dollars from GOP donors…

Cut 12 (13)   “…right now.” 

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Before you take to the roadways for that last vacation before school cranks back up, 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.” 

Redman says you should inspect your tires monthly to be sure they are properly inflated. If you aren’t used to looking over your tires on a regular basis, you aren’t alone. Redman says three out of five drivers don’t check their tires and…

Cut 14 (11)  “…any air.” 

If you do have a blowout and need to change your tire, Redman warns that it’s extremely dangerous to do so on a busy roadway and that only 20 percent of motorists even know how to change a tire.

An easy way to check to see if your tires have enough tread, Redman says is to put a quarter, with George Washington’s head upside-down in the treads…

Cut 15 (05)  “…those tires.”

Redman says to also be proactive about having your tires rotated every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

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Southland Football Media Day was today. Southeastern Louisiana was picked in the preseason poll to repeat as conference champions this year with nine first-place votes followed closely by Incarnate Word with seven. They also led the conference with 17 All-SLC selections. SLU coach Frank Scelfo says his team will only make each other better as the season gets closer…

Cut 16 (14) “…across the field.”

McNeese finished third in the conference preseason poll. The Cowboys will have a young team this year returning just 4 seniors. They improved over the offseason bringing in 57 newcomers, 22 of which are juniors bringing some veteran experience. Second year coach Gary Goff says a young team can be dangerous but they need to be disciplined…

Cut 17 (16) “…team as well.”

Just three votes behind McNeese in fourth was Nicholls. The Colonels finished fifth in the conference last year at 3-3 and will look to improve on that mark. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says the success of their season starts and ends with them…

Cut 18 (15) “…of yourself.” 

Northwestern State finished 4-2 in southland play last season, the team’s first winning season in conference play since 2010 and first under sixth-year coach Brad Laird. After starting 4-0 they lost their last two games, but Laird says the experience will help the team keep improving…

Cut 19 (13) “…make it happen.” 

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Cut 20 (14)  “…they didn’t”