Sungas Renewables officials say their proposed one-point-eight billion dollar plant they plan to build in Pineville will produce  a renewable low-carbon methanol that will help the shipping industry. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 1 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Karma is bringing Taylor Swift back around to the Superdome in 2024. Brooke Thorington has all the details.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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For years, teacher pay in Louisiana has lagged behind most of the other Southern states, but starting pay for a teacher in the Bayou State is among the highest in the South. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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SunGas Renewables CEO Robert Rigdon says building a $1.8 billion renewable low-carbon methanol site in Pineville at its Beaver Lake Renewable Energy facility will make a meaningful impact in producing clean energy. Rigdon says after inspecting several sites, this was the best location.

Cut 4 (11)  “…be outstanding.”

The project will produce nearly 400 thousand tons of green methanol every year. Green methanol is a low-carbon fuel that is made from carbon dioxide and wither biomass or renewable electricity. Rigdon says the low-carbon energy solution will help fuel a better world.

Cut 5 (11)   “…of choice.”

The state has prepared competitive incentives that includes a $6 million performance-based grant for infrastructure improvements. Rigdon says there are currently in phase two of the project and hope to be in the final phase by the fourth quarter before full construction.

Cut 6 (13)  “…that process.”

The company expects to make a final investment decision in August 2024.

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The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves new catch limits for the speckled trout because there’s been a decline in the overall size of the popular recreational fish. LDWF Assistant Secretary Patrick Banks says he’s pleased the commission approved a measure…

Cut 7 (06) “…very, very close.”

Under the plan approved, anglers would only be allowed to catch a speckled trout that’s more than 13 inches long. The maximum size allowed is 20 inches and only two fish above that limit are allowed. Also, the total catch per angler per day would go from 25 fish to 15. Banks says this conservation plan is needed…

Cut 8 (07) “…concerned.”

Banks says the public will have the opportunity to comment on the plan and legislators could prevent it from going into effect.

Cut 9 (12)  “…wanna go”

Banks says if there are no hold-ups, it could take effect as early as November and they’ll look at it again in 2028.

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Taylor Swift fans can’t seem to calm down after the announcement she’s adding a stop in New Orleans on The Eras Tour 2024. When her 2023 dates were announced New Orleans was noticeably missing.  General Manager of the Caesars Superdome Evan Holmes says construction was the problem that kept her from appearing this year, but when another leg was added…

Cut 10 (06) “…real excited.”

It was 2018 when she last performed in New Orleans, but karma is bringing her back around and she’ll play not one, not two, but three nights in Crescent City the weekend before Halloween. Holmes says if you’re trying to get tickets…

Cut 11 (11)  “…scalpers.”

2024 is shaping up to be a big year for the Superdome, it will be The Dome’s 50^th birthday, renovations should be completed, and with Taylor Swift appearing three nights in a row, Homles says they’ll be ready for it.

Cut 12 (08)   “…for us.” 

You can find a link to pre-register for tickets at Louisiana-Radio-Network-dot-com.

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A recent study on teacher salaries finds starting pay for Louisiana teachers is among the highest in the South, but yet overall pay for teachers is among the lowest. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says public school teacher salaries do not grow very much over time…

Cut 13 (12) “…to stay.” 

Erwin says the data shows that the average salary growth potential for teachers in Louisiana is the second lowest in the region, ahead of only Alabama. He says in most cases the difference is only about 10 thousand dollars a year between a first-year teacher and a 20-year veteran…

Cut 14 (10)  “…conversation.” 

Erwin says salary hikes on a percentage basis instead of across-the-board pay raises is one way to address this situation…

Cut 15 (08)  “…in play.”

Erwin says local school systems also need to offer differential pay mechanisms to address hard-to-fill positions and reward high-performing teachers.

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Head football coach Brian Kelly addressed the media after their first fall practice on Thursday. Kelly is entering his second year with the team and is expecting to build off last year’s success.

Cut 16 (09) “…to build upon.”

The team heard some unfortunate news recently that defensive line coach Jimmy Lindsey. Lindsey has stepped away from the team due to a health issue and a timetable on his return is unknown.

Cut 17  (15) “…the immediate here.”

Kelly recently changed the team’s injury update protocol to limit the questions from the media on the status of players. Kelly does not think this results in a competitive disadvantage even though he is putting out more information on players’ health than most teams.

Cut 18 (10) “…what you expect.”

A federal jury finds a white state police trooper not guilty of depriving Aaron Bowman, a black man, of his civil rights during a violent arrest in 2019. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Republican Party of Louisiana endorses Liz Murrill in the Attorney General’s Race. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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State Police have charged 23-year-old Vonteeko Anderson with first degree murder in the shooting death of Ville Platte City Marshal Barry Giglio. Giglio and other law enforcement officers were executing a search warrant on a known drug house in Ville Platte on Monday night when gun fire rang out. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Anderson was taken into custody that night and booked on drug and weapon charges

Cut 3 (05) “…yesterday” 

There were four people inside the Beauregard Street home when officers arrived with a search warrant. Gossen says their investigation has determined Anderson shot at the police…

Cut 4 (04)  “…city marshal” 

Two women were also inside the home. One of them was shot and at last report was in the hospital. An 18-year-old woman was also at the home, but was not shot. She was in custody after the shooting, but was released as L-S-P did not bring charges against her.

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Minden city officials say the citywide power outage to repair the Entergy Gilark substation damaged by a fire over the weekend is set for 10 pm tonight. Mayor Nick Cox says the plan includes setting up a temporary bypass to allow Entergy crews to make the repairs.

Cut 5 (12)  “…with power.”

Cox says Entergy has been working on a plan to reduce the length of the outage to lessen the inconvenience for residents and businesses with the heat. He says the outage is expected to last up to six hours.

Cut 6 (11)  “…the past.” 

Cox asks residents for their patience and understanding…

Cut 7 (09)  “…no doubt.” 

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Office of State Parks unveils new attractions and upgrades to Bogue Chitto State Park with a ribbon cutting in Franklinton. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says you have to think regionally so you can compete globally to attract visitors.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state park.” 

In addition to upgrades, the 2,000-acre site also added kids’ pump tracks, a bike repair area, and a new restroom. Nungesser says there’s also an award-winning mountain bike trail to cater to bike enthusiasts…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the country.”

Nungesser hopes the upgrades showcase the site and bring people across the nation and abroad to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10)  “…all interests.”

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The peak of the hurricane season arrives in a couple of the weeks and today Colorado State University hurricane forecast team updated its forecast for the rest of the season. Researcher Angelie Nieves-Jimenez says they are still calling for 18 named storms, which means an active season, despite an El Nino…

Cut 11 (08)  “…it would be”

An El Nino weather condition can help suppress hurricane activity.  But Nieves-Jimenez says warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures can neutralize the effects of an El Nino and result in an above-average season…

Cut 12 (05) “…the moment” 

18 named storms includes the five named storms that have already formed, including the unnamed storm in January. C-S-U is also predicting nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes and Nieves-Jimenez says how strong the El Nino will be, will play a big role with these projections…

Cut 13 (09) “…late August”

After running half a mile in the dark to help save her grandfather, an eight-year-girl earns the title of hero. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The state launches a new campaign to encourage Louisianans to get vaccinated to reverse declining vaccination rates, especially in the Northeast region. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A Tulane study finds the more you drink, the greater the effect on your blood pressure. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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An eight-year-old girl in Franklin Parish is being regaled as a hero after saving her grandfather’s life Tuesday night. Sheriff Kevin Cobb says the two were thrown from a four-wheeler and the 83-year-old was pinned underneath in a canal. Alli Glass knew to prop his head up to keep him from drowning and went for help.

Cut 4 (07)  “…a bind.”

Thanks to Alli’s courageousness first responders arrived and her grandfather is on the mend. Cobb says they are all amazed such a young girl knew what to do and there’s no one prouder than her grandfather.

Cut 5 (06)   “…type tears.”

Cobb says her grandfather is also extremely thankful that Alli didn’t get hurt after running more than half a mile to get help.

Cut 6 (09)  “…him help.”

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The state Office of Public Health is launching Operation Immunization, an initiative to address the importance of immunizations and reverse the downward trend in vaccinations among minors, especially in Northeast Louisiana. OPH Regional 8 Medical Director Tonya Hunter encourages parents to prioritize vaccinations as children begin a new school year.

Cut 7 (12) “…to school.”

Nine of the 12 parishes in northeast Louisiana have lower-than-average vaccination rates for children at the age of two. Hunter says all 12 parishes are below the statewide average for adult flu vaccinations. She says post-pandemic, Louisianans have to rethink the importance of vaccines…

Cut 8 (10) “…diseases.”

Small white flags will be placed along roadsides throughout the Monroe area to serve as a reminder to update vaccinations. Hunter says raising immunization rates is the goal the public should get behind…

Cut 9 (09)  “…we can.”

You can find information about recommended vaccinations at immunizations.la.gov.

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Acadian Ambulance is recruiting students for its National EMS Academy which provides credentials for EMTs and paramedics in the face of workforce shortages. Director of Operations in LA and MS Porter Taylor says there are plenty of opportunities in different divisions for EMTs and paramedics…

Cut 10 (10) “…are divisions”

Acadian have training sites in Louisiana, Texas, and Mississippi. In Louisiana, training sites include Houma, New Orleans, Lafayette, Covington, Lake Charles, and Alexandria. Taylor says paramedic students can choose their level of coursework…

Cut 11 (12)  “…fourteen months.”

Although first responders must be 18 to work and pass a certified test, Taylor says they can start training in high school…

Cut 12 (11)   “…EMT class” 

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A new study finds a correlation between consuming alcohol and high blood pressure. Co-author of the study Dr. Paul Whelton at Tulane University says the observational study of 20-thousand participants conducted over a 24-year period found a direct connection and even one beer a day can increase your BP.

Cut 13 (06) “…linear relationship.” 

Whelton says the findings aren’t terribly surprising, the more you drink the more your blood pressure increases.

Cut 14 (09)  “…as that.” 

In case you’re wondering if wine has less of an impact than liquor, Whelton says when it comes to alcohol…

Cut 15 (09)  “…spirits, etc.”

The full study is published in the American Heart Association’s journal Hypertension.

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The Ragin Cajuns begin fall practice today with three quarterbacks competing for playing time. Chandler Fields opened last season as the starting QB, and redshirt freshman Zeon Chriss got a lot of the snaps in the spring, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says Ben Wooldridge is healthy after tearing his A-C-L last season and will get snaps with the first team…

Cut 16 (16) “…he is physically.”

The Ragin Cajuns finished with a losing record last year going six and seven. Desormeaux says they lost three games by six points or less. He says the goal is not to blow games they controlled for three quarters…

Cut 17  (23) fix those” 

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At ULM, senior Jiya Wright begins fall camp as the starting quarterback but coach Terry Bowden likes the depth that he has at that position…

Cut 18 (15) “…that position.” 

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Th Saints are a week into training camp and new staring quarterback Derek Carr is entering his tenth season in the league and he feels more in touch with the game than ever.

Cut 19 (19) “…installs grow.” 

Carr is considered a veteran in the NFL, but that does not bode the same for arguably the most important position besides the quarterback. The left tackle spot has been up in the air since Terron Armstead left in free agency, and the Saints have looked to replace him with Trevor Penning. Even though Penning does not have as much experience as the rest of the offensive line, Carr has faith in the people that put him there.

Cut 20 (10)  “…they’ve proven it.”  

The state department of education says LEAP scores for third through 12th graders are up for a second consecutive year. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Pro bass angler Jake Ormond of Sterlington set a new state record for the largest longnose gar ever caught. Kace Kieschnick has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick.”  

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State education officials say LEAP scores have improved for a second consecutive year. The latest results show a two-point jump from last year  in the percentage of students considered proficient. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says that means 33-percent of students are scoring at the mastery rate or above…

Cut 3 (12) “…work to do.” 

Brumley says for a state that struggles with literacy, he’s pleased to see the mastery rate for third graders in English Language Arts improved five points over last year to 43 for 2023….

Cut 4 (07)  “…2017-2018” 

Brumley says it’s also encouraging to see last year’s third graders showed strong improvement in English Language Arts as fourth graders.

He says high school students improved in five out of six subject areas…

Cut 5 (13)  “…with a three percent increase.”

Brumley says U-S history scores declined, but Louisiana is implementing a more rigorous set of social studies standars, called the Freedom Framework, which will be in place for the upcoming school year.

Seventy-five percent of Louisiana school systems improved during the 2022-23 school year.

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Bass pro Jake Ormond set a state record for the largest longnose gar which he caught on Bayou Bartholomew. The Sterlington native was giving a young student a lesson when he spotted the big gar on the surface of the water. After switching rods, it took Ormond three casts to hook the big fish…

Cut 6 (10)  “…too long.” 

Ormond says he didn’t know it was a state record just the biggest longnose gar he’d ever seen. He trolled the fish back, pulled it up on the ramp and tied it up. A quick google search told him the state record was a 30.88 pound gar and Ormond thought he was close…

Cut 7 (08)  “…hit thirty-one.” 

Ormond began making calls to local stores trying to find a set of certified scales, but the scales either didn’t go above thirty pounds or the store wouldn’t let him bring it in the store. He found the biggest cooler he could and put his catch on ice before finally finding K&M Coffee and Camo in Farmerville…

Cut 8 (12)  “…inches long.” 

The fish was just over 31 pounds and 65.5 inches long.

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A three-vehicle crash in Assumption Parish yesterday morning claimed the life of a Houma woman and her unborn child. Trooper Ross Brennan says 23-year-old Tia Gorrell was traveling north on Highway 308 when she was hit by a 2014 Jeep Wrangler…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the Toyota.”

The investigation revealed the 2014 Jeep Wrangler was driven by 38-year-old Kendall Dollar. A toxicology sample is pending on Dollar however, Brennan says the driver of the RAM was not suspected of being impaired…

Cut 10 (09)  “…this time.”

There have been 15 fatal crashes in the Troop C area resulting in 17 fatalities.

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It’s another day of oppressive heat in the Bayou State. We asked State Climatologist Barry Keim what is causing it and if there is any relief in sight. He says a ridge of high pressure continues to hover over the southeast, it moves in and hangs around for about a week baking the area with triple-digit temperatures.

Cut 11 (09)  “…things down.”

Keim says the ridge of high pressure eventually moves along but unfortunately, it’s replaced with another right behind it.

It’s been one of the worst summers on record for heat. Keim says when you look at New Orleans weather data for the first six months of 2023, it’s the warmest of any year on record.

Cut 12 (10) “…yesterday.” 

He says the 104 high temp August 1^st in the capital city ranks in the top seven for hottest days ever.

Usually along the coastline, moisture from the Gulf will cycle through and cool things down, but Keim says we’re in a rut with the dome of high pressure. And in that dome is a constant downward motion of hot air.

Cut 13 (12) “…case scenario.”

Keim says the dome of high pressure keeps thunderstorms that could cool things down away. Along the coast, he says the moisture is there but it’s unable to get vertical motion needed for clouds to produce rain.