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.”

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The announcement of tolls to help pay for the construction of the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge is disappointing for local leaders. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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If your house was damaged by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 or the May 2021 severe storms, August 1st is the deadline to complete a survey in order to be considered for financial assistance. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Hurricane season is officially June first through November 30^th but Louisiana State Climatologist Barry Keim, along with a group of researchers are finding that the season tends to last longer, kicking off earlier and ending later. He says over the last nine years, ten preseason storms have formed.

Cut 4 (10)  “…indeed occur.”

The million-dollar question Keim says is whether the season is longer because of climate change or whether technology has advanced so that meteorologists are able to detect storms better than in the past.

Cut 5 (11)   “…hurricane season.”

Researchers from LSU, the University of New Hampshire, and Colorado State University are among those participating in the study. Keim says they have great hurricane season records from 1970 on due to the implementation of satellites. Prior to the 70s, the records are less accurate because planes were used to compile storm data.

Cut 6 (06)  “… uncertainty.”

Keim says it makes sense to begin hurricane season before June first so residents and emergency officials prepare before June.

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On the heels of the announcement that the I-10 river bridge project will be partially funded by tolls, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President Chris Landry says he and others are disappointed motorists will have to pay part of the tab. He says there’s no doubt whatsoever that the bridge is needed….

Cut 7 (11) “…the country.”

The project is estimated to have a two-point-one-billion-dollar price tag and $800 million of the project will be funded through various government sources. Landry says the estimated tolls range from $2.50 per auto to $12.50 for a large truck with a toll tag, and without a tag $3.75 per car and almost $19 for a semi.

Cut 8 (07) “…up there.”

Because I-10 goes from one end of the country to the other, Landry believes more federal funds should go towards the project. State Transportation receives funding for roads in bridges via the state gas tax, which Landry believes is not enough.

Cut 9 (05)  “…be fixed.”

The tolls would be in effect for 50 years until the project is paid off.

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After a law enforcement career of almost 40 years, Ouachita Parish Sheriff Jay Russell announced his retirement effective June 30, 2024. During his time as Sheriff, Russell oversaw numerous upgrades and improvements including the creation of the North Delta Regional training academy which trains officers from over 12 parishes, but Russell says…

Cut 10 (10) “…this department.”

Russell began his career with the OPSO at the Ouachita Correctional Center, served with two police departments, four years as Chief Deputy, and was sworn in as sheriff in July of 2012. Russell says everything he did was in service of his community…

Cut 11 (10)  “…for that.”

Although Sherriff Russell will not officially retire until 2024, he will not seek re-election in the October primary. Russell endorsed his Chief Deputy Marc Mashaw as his replacement. Marshaw has spent the last 11 years as Chief Deputy and Russell says has all the experience needed to be Sherriff of Ouachita Parish…

Cut 12 (09)   “…point in time.” 

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Homeowners impacted by hurricanes in 2020 and 2021 or severe storms in May of 2021 have until next Tuesday, August 1st, to fill out a survey in order to be considered for grant dollars to pay for home repairs, reconstruction, or reimbursement of completed repairs. Office of Community Development Director Pat Forbes says the survey can be completed at restore.la.gov…

Cut 13 (11) “…help you.” 

Forbes says more than 33-thousand homeowners have completed the survey, but they know there are many more who were impacted by 2020 and 2021 hurricanes that have not completed it

Cut 14 (07)  “…yet.” 

The Restore Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Program launched in February 2022 and so far the program has offered 266 million dollars in funding to 33 hundred eligible homeowners. Forbes says many of the eligible homeowners need money for a new roof. He says others need a new house built outside of the floodplain

Cut 15 (12)  “…from the storm.”

Residents can also call 1-866-735-2001 from 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, if they need assistance to fill out the form.

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The Saints will have their first practice of training camp today. New Orleans are the favorites to win the NFC South after struggling the last two seasons following the retirement of Drew Brees. Longtime Saints GM Mickey Loomis says the feeling was always that the team may have to rebuild after Brees’s departure but with a talented roster, the front office went a different route…

Cut 16 (17) “…in front of us.”

One group to watch this offseason will be the running backs with free agent signing Jamaal Williams and third-round pick Kendre Miller joining Alvin Kamara this offseason. Kamara’s availability for this season is uncertain as he waits for an NFL ruling after resolving battery charges stemming from an altercation in a Las Vegas club. Loomis says the team still hasn’t heard anything and the decision could come at any time…

Cut 17 (18) “…as you’d like.”

The NFL’s conduct policy and suspension lengths have been wildly inconsistent, but many believe Kamara will face up to a six-game suspension.

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The Sun Belt held its football media day at the New Orleans Sheraton yesterday. UL-Lafayette was picked to finish third in the Sun Belt West under second-year Head Coach Michael Desormeaux. The Cajuns also had one first-team All-conference selection in tight end Neal Johnson who Desormeaux says will be important to this team…

Cut 18 (19) “…be huge.” 

ULM was picked to finish last in the division after going 4-and-8 last season. Third-year Head Coach Terry Bowden though says he and his team’s goal is not just to have his first winning season in Monroe, but to compete for the Sun Belt title. Bowden says football doesn’t change…

Cut 19 (14) “…football games.” 

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Louisiana Tech was voted to finish 4^th in a new-look nine-team Conference-USA. The Bulldogs and second-year Coach Sonny Cumbie will rely on a high-powered offense featuring many returning starters including 4 of 5 offensive linemen. Expected starter, Boise St quarterback Hank Bachmeier is 20-and-9 as a starter and has impressed since arriving in Ruston…

Cut 20 (15)  “…our offense”  

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” 

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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”  

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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.

Earlier this year, Governor John Bel Edwards said he opposes the death penalty, which has led to nearly every death row inmate seeking a lesser punishment from the death penalty to a life sentence. Lampert is concerned about rushing these petitions through…

Cut 4 (10)  “…railroad” 

An attorney for the Capital Appeals Project says the district attorneys and Attorney General Jeff Landry are politicizing the process and attempting to circumvent the Board’s rules to prevent the Board taking a hard look at Louisiana’s broken death penalty system. But 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”

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A major development today in the plan to build a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The state has announced its entered negotiations with Calcasieu Bridge Partners who will manage and oversee construction, maintenance and operations of the the two-point-one billion dollar bridge. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says 800-million dollars will come from federal and state governments….

Cut 6 (10)  “tolling” 

Local officials have been pushing for a new I-10 Lake Charles bridge and hoping tolls would not be needed. But Mallett says area residents who get a toll tag could cross the bridge for less than a dollar once the bridge is open…

Cut 7 (09)  “…for large trucks” 

Passenger vehicles from outside of southwest Louisiana would pay 2.50 to 3.75 cents once the new bridge opens.

The current Calcasieu River Bridge was constructed in 1952 and traffic projections show daily volumes in excess of 110-thousand vehicles per day by 2042. Mallett says the new bridge will not be as steep as the current one, have more lanes, full shoulders and roadway lighting…

Cut 8 (07)  “…we get” 

Construction could start as early as next year and take about seven years to complete.

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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 when they attempted a traffic stop around 3 AM this morning. Chief Deputy Stitch Guillory says the car the teens were in had no lights on

Cut 9 (12)  “…the scene.”

The 15-year-old is being treated at a hospital with non-life-threatening issues. Guillory says they found possible burglary tools and stolen items inside the vehicle.

Cut 10 (09)  “…anything good.”

Deputies initially attempted to stop the vehicle at the intersection of Broad Street and Highway 14. The crash happened at a gas station less than half a mile away on Broad Street. The investigation reveals that the car the juveniles were in was stolen.

The case remains under investigation and Guillory says the 15-year-old passenger could be charged with possession of stolen items once he’s released from the hospital.

Cut 11 (11)  “…our community.”

Lake Charles Police will oversee the investigation of the crash because it happened within their jurisdiction.

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The Saints kicked off training camp today with two veteran additions. New Orleans welcomed back 2010 third round pick Jimmy Graham. Graham 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 2021 but head coach Dennis Allen says he’s in great shape and a veteran presence in the tight end room…

Cut 12 (11) “…that room.” 

New Orleans also added 5-time Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner. Turner graduated from St. Augustine High School in New Orleans and was a standout at LSU. The 30 year old has spent nine seasons in the NFL, most of which were with the Carolina Panthers where Allen says he caused problems for his defense…

Cut 13 (14) “…our team.”

One of the biggest storylines of camp will be who wins the starting outside corner spot alongside Marshon Lattimore. 2021 third round pick Paulson Adebo and 2022 second rounder Alontae Taylor started 12 and nine games last season respectively. Both young talents have shown they have what it takes to win the job, and Allen believes the cornerback room is one of the deepest on the roster…

Cut  14 (12)  “…a lot of others.”