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…
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Hurricane season is officially June first through November 30th 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.
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.
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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.
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….
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.
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.
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…
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…
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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…
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
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…
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…
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 4th 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…