Drug dealers caught with fentanyl will now face stiffer penalties thanks to a new law that went into effect on August first. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Legislation that prohibits the creation of explicit content using an individual’s likeness without their knowledge or approval went into effect on August 1st. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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US Senator Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for governor may help him get back in the good graces of the Republican Party. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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If you’re caught dealing fentanyl in Louisiana, you could face up to life in prison now. The stiffer penalties went into effect August 1^st and bill author Crowley Representative John Stefanski believes it sends a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 4 (11)  “…fentanyl distribution.”

Individuals with less than 28 grams of detectable fentanyl face five to 40 years in prison. More than 28 grams for a first offense, seven to 40 years. A second offense is 30 to 40 years.  Stefanski says for a third offense it’s life in prison without parole.

Cut 5 (10)   “…twenty-five years.”

The leading cause of death for 18 to 45-year-olds is fentanyl and Stefanski says to reduce the number of deaths it’s a two-prong approach. Rehabilitation for addicts and putting dealers behind bars. The new law hopes to put dealers out of business.

Cut 6 (10)  “…stop doing it.”

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A new law that makes it illegal to create and distribute deepfakes depicting someone engaging in pornographic acts without their consent, especially minors went into effect Tuesday. Senator Jeremy Stine says this type of material is used for revenge porn or fraud and causes harm to the victims involved…

Cut 7 (09) “…picture of.”

Louisiana has become one of the first states to pass legislation explicitly criminalizing the creation of deep fake child sexual abuse material. Violators will face stiff penalties. Stine says when a violation involves a child…

Cut 8 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

Stine says perpetrators could also be fined no less than ten thousand dollars. He says this is a safeguard against potential abuse of technology…

Cut 9 (09)  “…in Louisiana.”

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Bill Cassidy’s endorsement of Jeff Landry for Governor could help Louisiana’s senior U-S Senator score political points with the Republican Party. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeff Sadow says Cassidy has fallen out of favor with some Republicans and the state G-O-P party strongly supports Landry…

Cut 10 (10) “…left behind”

The state GOP censured Cassidy after he voted to certify President Joe Biden’s electoral college victory and then the Baton Rouge Republican voted against former President Donald Trump in his impeachment trial. Sadow says Cassidy is up for re-election in 2026 and knows he needs the state GOP on his side…

Cut 11 (08)  “…for re-election.”

Current Louisiana Republican Congressman Garret Graves, Mike Johnson, and Clay Higgins have been rumored as potential challengers to Cassidy in 2026. If Landry is elected as governor, Sadow says Cassidy does not want a Republican governor who may oppose his re-election efforts……

Cut 12 (12)   “…same team” 

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The LSU football team reports for fall camp today with high expectations after winning ten games and an SEC West title last year. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says the ceiling should be high, considering the playmakers LSU has on offense…

Cut 13 (12) “…in the country.” 

Horne also returns four starters on the offensive line and the defensive line should also be strong with the return of Maason Smith from injury. He says there are concerns about LSU’s defensive secondary, which returns just two starters, Major Burns and Greg Brooks…

Cut 14 (09)  “…in camp.” 

Many LSU fans believe the Tigers can be national title contenders and follow in the footsteps of Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson, who won in their second year. Kelly has tried to tap down on expectations, but Horne says the players in the locker room plan on playing for a national championship…

Cut 15 (14)  “…this year.”

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The Saints are continuing training camp and all pro wide receiver Michael Thomas is looking to make his return after an injury last year sat him out for most of the season. Thomas will be catching passes from a new face this year, that being former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. Thomas says how he already impacted the offense after a short time with the team.

Cut 16 (14) “…his job easier.”

The Saints offense has made a flurry of roster moves in preparation for the new season including the acquisition of many new offensive players. Thomas says that he has confidence in the new-look group.

Cut 17  (11) tremendous group.” 

US Senator Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican to back Jeff Landry in the governor’s race. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Gas prices are on the rise again with the average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide at $3.36 up by fifteen cents compared to last week. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

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US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. Landry is the perceived front-runner in the race and is one of five Republicans who’ve declared their intent to run. Cassidy issued his support this morning.

Cut 3 (08) “…of the state.” 

University of Louisiana Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross believes other Republicans will follow suit and begin to announce their support of Landry.

Cut 4 (12)  “…unchecked.” 

Cassidy says Landry, like himself, is fighting to make flood insurance more affordable.

Cut 5 (11)  “…paying jobs.”

And Cassidy says Landry also agrees the state must increase access to mental health services.

Cross says the momentum for Landry continues to grow he believes after the October 14^th primary that Landry will be in a runoff against the lone Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson.

Cut 6 (09)  “…fundraising.” 

We’ll find out on August 10th if any of the seven formidable candidates drop out of the gubernatorial race. Qualifying is next week, August 8-10.

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Despite a decrease in demand, the cost of gasoline in the Bayou State jumped up fifteen cents since last week. Today’s statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.36 according to AAA. Fuel analyst Don Redman says crude prices and other factors are pushing prices higher.

Cut 7 (11)  “…weakening supply.” 

Crude oil prices were down at 67 dollars a barrel last month. Redman says oil-producing countries recently agreed to hold back oil production on crude driving prices higher.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the market.” 

Redman says the current average is less than this time last year’s price at $3.89. He says scorching temperatures have forced refineries to slow down and motorists to travel less…

Cut 9 (12)  “…the heat.”

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The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for most of north and southeast Louisiana. The warning is in effect from 10:00 today to 7:00 this evening in southeast Louisiana and 11:00-8:00 in north Louisiana. Meteorologist Aaron Davis says residents within the warning area will experience downright oppressive temperatures…

Cut 10 (10)  “…some areas.”

The National Weather Service has not issued any warnings for the rest of the week but Davis says they’re evaluating whether one may be necessary tomorrow as well. It doesn’t look like relief will be coming anytime soon…

Cut 11 (08)  “…into the weekend.”

Louisiana has experienced an uncharacteristically dry summer and it looks like that trend will continue. Davis says North Louisiana and east Texas are already in severe drought conditions and rainfall isn’t expected…

Cut 12 (11) “…and thunderstorms” 

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The City of Minden will soon be without power as a citywide blackout is planned to repair damage to an Entergy substation due to an early morning fire Sunday. Mayor Nick Cox says there was major damage to the transformer that connects to the power grid…

Cut 13 (12) “…on fire.”

Entergy and AEP currently are working to plan a timeline for the controlled outage. Cox says the major issue right now is his concern for residents dealing with the heat. He disputes any current rumors on timelines and advises residents to look out for official communications through social media and local radio for updates…

Cut  14 (12)  “…to us.”

Officials are working with the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness to establish relief for residents during the outage. Cox says preparation is underway for possible challenges that may come about during this time.

Cut 15 (09) “…we’re ready.”

One legislator is calling for more transparency and oversite into the third party vendor OMV data breach. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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If you have blue tarp on your house because of previous damage to your roof, the Louisiana Housing Corporation has a Blue Tarp Roofing Repair Program that can result in a new roof. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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With election season right around the corner, are you ready for an onslaught of text messages from the candidates? Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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After the data breach involving a third party vendor used by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles last month, the OMV is offering a free year of Life Lock credit monitoring to those impacted. But Leesville Representative Chuck Owen believes the incident warrants legislative oversite.

Cut 4 (09)  “…the administration.”

Owen says at this time he only knows what information was released to the public about the data breach and he admits he hasn’t reached out directly to OMV for more information. He says he’d like to know the types of data that were stolen…

Cut 5 (09)   “…to expect.”

A decision on whether to call for an oversite committee into the matter is left to the Speaker of the House. Owen believes the breach could fall under the scope of existing committees either Homeland Security or Transportation, or a special committee could be merited as well.

Cut 6 (11)  “…the future.”

For more information about the data breach, you can visit nextsteps.la.gov.

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Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) expands the 2023 Blue Tarp Fund Roofing Repair Program waitlist for those with roof damage who did not apply in February. LHC Executive Director Joshua Hollins says with additional funding will help cover parishes beyond the capital region…

Cut 7 (12) “…few years.”

The program guidelines require homeowners to meet low-income requirements of 80 percent of the area median income or lower. Hollins says the home must be their primary residence and purchased a year prior to the assistance. He says certain groups of applicants will be placed at the top of the list…

Cut 8 (06) “…the home.”

Since February, LHC has been able to award nearly 150 applicants with new roofs in Ascension, East Baton Rouge, Iberville, Livingston, and West Baton Rouge Parishes. Hollins hopes this is the beginning of a commitment to help communities recover and rebuild after disasters

Cut 9 (12)  “…storm damage”

Blue Tarp Program awards will be awarded on a first come first served basis and will be subject to funding availability. Homeowners can apply at lhc.la.gov/bluetarp.

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Construction for a new warehouse for Second Harvest Food Bank in Houma will get underway in August. The 17,000-square-foot facility will allow the agency to better serve Grand Isle along with Terrebonne, Lafourche, and St. Mary parishes. Second Harvest President Natali Jayroe…

Cut 10 (10) “…in operation.”

The new warehouse will also contain a 3,400-square-foot community kitchen in the future that will be able to serve up to 3,000 meals daily.

Second Harvest currently operates out of three warehouses and serves the southern portion of the state, from Mississippi to Texas. Jayroe says after Katrina they opened a facility in Lafayette, and they hope to have a total of four after the expansion.

Cut 11 (09)  “…resilient hubs.”

Jayroe says they’ll do some economic development with the hubs, they’ll be outfitted for local farmers to be able to process their crops. The hubs will also house emergency workers…

Cut 12 (08)   “…neighbors” 

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new warehouse is scheduled for August 29^th.

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Louisiana’s gubernatorial candidates are using text messaging as another way to reach out to voters. You may have received a text message from Sharon Hewitt, Richard Nelson, Stephen Waguespack or one of the other candidates. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 13 (11) “…name recognition” 

Hogan says even campaigns that do not have a lot cash can use text messages as a way to reach out to voters…

Cut 14 (08)  “…less costly.” 

Hogan says text messages from candidates can also backfire on them as it might anger potential voters…

Cut 15 (11)  “…from campaigns.”

The FCC says political text messages can be sent without permission as long as the sender does not use autodialing technology.

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The Saints begin their first full week of training camp today and it’s still a little surreal seeing tight end Jimmy Graham back on the practice field and wearing Black and Gold. Graham signed with the Saints last week re-joining a franchise that drafted him in 2010, but traded him to Seattle in 2015…

Cut 16 (20) “..this city” (2x)

After four straight seasons of 85 catches or more, Graham says he was shocked and also hurt by the trade to the Seahawks…

Cut 17 (21) “…for me.”

Graham admits he didn’t do many media interviews in Seattle, because he didn’t want talk about the Saints trading him. After three years with the Seahawks, two years in in Green Bay, and two years in Chicago, Graham is now hoping to make the Black and Gold a Super Bowl contender again….

Cut 18 (21) “…my career” 

If you thought this past week was hot, weather officials say next week’s temperatures will be stunningly awful. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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Students who received reduced prices meals at school in Louisiana are now able to have them for free. Brooke Thorington explains…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The MegaMillions Multistate Lottery Jackpot is approaching $1 billion dollars, that’s a billion with a “B.” The $910 million prize is one of the largest in U.S. lottery history. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says tonight’s jackpot has a cash value of $464.2 million.

Cut 3 (06) “…US history.” 

Annison says sales in Louisiana through this MegaMillions Jackpot run that began on April 19th are more than $12.9 million.

Cut 4 (07)  “…like this.” 

To be eligible for tonight’s drawing you must purchase your ticket by 9 PM. And if you don’t have all the winning numbers on your ticket Annison says don’t toss it aside too quickly…

Cut 5 (12)  “…to be won.”

You can check your ticket on the Louisiana Lottery App on your smartphone or take it to one of the vendors and have it reviewed there also.

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Temperatures are expected to reach triple digits once again baking the Bayou State starting this weekend. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s no true insight into the dome of high pressure that has parked itself over the south.

Cut 6 (10)  “… unusual setup.” 

Dangerous heat with peak index values of 102-104 degrees is forecasted for Shreveport and Monroe. Keim says the state will see oppressive heat indices…

Cut 7 (10)  “…at times.” 

This stretch of hot weather will continue well into next week across the state. Keim urges everyone not to spend a lot of time outdoors when the heat index hits dangerous triple digits.

Cut 8 (11)  “…of yourself.” 

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Louisiana students who received reduced-price lunches and breakfast will be able to get those meals at no cost now thanks to Marrero Representative Kyle Green’s legislation. Green says because Louisiana is such an impoverished state there’s a great need to also provide meals to these 7,000 students.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the classroom.”

Providing additional free meals will cost the state about $859,000. Green says it’s an investment in the education of students because you can’t learn on an empty stomach. He says another benefit of the bill is to end the practice of lunch shaming in schools.

Cut 10 (12)  “…of substance.”

Green, who’s running for re-election, says this is just the beginning. He plans to introduce legislation in the future to expand the program to include all students.

Cut 11 (06)  “…well spent.”

Green credits the Louisiana Budget Project for helping him get the legislation across the finish line this legislative session.

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Former LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri will be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame tomorrow night during a ceremony in Natchitoches. Mainieri coached at LSU for 15 seasons and won four SEC regular season titles and six SEC Tournament championships. He led the Tigers to a national title in 2009…

Cut 12 (09) “…talent” 

Mainieri and two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback Eli Manning highlight the 2023 induction class, which also includes former LSU wide receiver Wendell Davis and former Tulane star Matt Forte (For-tay). Forte was a consistent running back in the NFL, rushing for nearly 10-thousand yards and caught over 500 passes…

Cut 13 (12) “…I had.”

Also going into the Hall is women’s basketball great Alana Beard. She scored over 26-hundred points at Duke and won a W-N-B-A Championship with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2016. But she says it all started at Southwood High School in Shreveport and playing for legendary coach Steve McDowell….

Cut  14 (12)  “…my life.”

Louisiana Public Broadcasting will livestream Saturday night’s induction ceremonies.

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SunGas Renewables will build a $2-billion green manufacturing facility in Central Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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With football season starting up again, sports betting will also be picking up. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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The Louisiana Pardon Board has returned the clemency applications filed by death row inmates hoping Governor John Bel Edwards would commute their sentence to life without parole. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The announcement of a green manufacturing facility coming to central Louisiana is welcome news.  SunGas Renewables will build a $2 billion facility in Pineville at the former International Paper Mill site. Louisiana Central President and CEO Jim Clinton says facility construction will create more than a thousand jobs.

Cut 4 (09)  “…indirect jobs.”

Pineville Mayor Rich Dupree says it’s a huge announcement for Central Louisiana and the City of Pineville for a piece of property he says has been dormant for close to 14 years.  He says SunGas Renewables is a $2-billion investment for the area…

Cut 5 (12)   “…marine fuels.”

It will be used by Denmark-based Maersk, the second-largest container shipping company in the world.

Dupree says landing SunGas Renewables is a collaborative effort among several organizations and the existing infrastructure and ports make the location ideal for the green methanol production facility.

Cut 6 (07)  “…this manufacturer.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2024 and the facility should open in 2027.

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Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Louisiana ranks top ten nationally for the amount of money wagered in legalized sports betting based on population size. Johns says they saw a bump in June thanks to LSU’s run to a College World Series championship…

Cut 7 (09) “…last year.”

The state received one point seven million dollars in tax revenue for sports betting for the month. Sports betting became legal in 2022 and Johns says it’s been a popular activity for many….

Cut 8 (11) “…of Louisiana.”

Twenty-five percent of the tax revenue from sports betting goes towards early childhood education, ten percent goes to local government and Johns says the rest goes to other projects and gambling addition programs…

Cut 9 (10)  “…advocated for”

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Alexandria Republican Representative Lance Harris announces his candidacy for District 5 of the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Harris is term-limited and has served the last two years as chair of the House Education Committee.

Cut 10 (11) “…educational issues.”

Harris referred to his experience with transparency and accountability for education and his efforts with parents’ rights in school systems.

Among the issues, Harris says he’ll focus on if elected is workforce development and improving literacy rates.

Cut 11 (12)  “…programs.”

Harris also believes the state needs to be more proactive in recruiting and retaining certified teachers in Louisiana. He says that includes compensation and reducing the burden placed on teachers.

Cut 12 (11)   “…that correction.” 

Current board member Ashley Ellis, who’s not seeking re-election, has endorsed Harris to be her successor.

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The Louisiana Pardon Board has decided to return the clemency applications from 56 death row inmates hoping Governor Edwards would reduce their sentence to life in prison. Louisiana District Attorneys Association Director Loren Lampert says if the Pardon Board took up these petitions they would violate their own rules

Cut 13 (10) “…must be changed.” 

The rules say the Pardon Board can consider clemency petitions from death row inmates if the application was made within one year of their final appeal or if an execution date is approaching.

But the director of the Louisiana Capital Appeals Project, Cecelia Kappel, says what the Louisiana Pardon Board did is unprecedented. She says the board has a history of waiving its rules so death penalty clemency applications are heard

Cut 14 (08)  “…procedural grounds.” 

The Louisiana Capital Appeals Project filed the applications for clemency after Governor John Bel Edwards announced his opposition to the death penalty. Kappel says the governor still has the authority to direct the Louisiana Pardon Board to review the cases

Cut 15 (08)  “…does so.”

But Lampert believes the Pardon Board’s decision to return the clemency petitions puts an end to any hope that these death row inmates can have their death sentences commuted to life in prison without parole. He says even the governor is powerless in this situation…

Cut 16 (11) “…that is no.”

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For the Saints to get back to the playoffs, new starting quarterback Derek Carr will need to have a big year. Carr has been learning the offense since he signed his four-year deal with New Orleans in March and the vet understands the importance of his role…

Cut 17 (20) “…here to do.”

During the first day of training camp, Carr finally got to throw passes to wide receiver Michael Thomas during seven-on-seven drills. The Saints’ new Q-B has a lot of respect for Thomas…

Cut 18 (21) “…done the work.” 

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Anticipation is building for the LSU football season as the Tigers are set to report next week. Everyone always looks forward to seeing the newcomers, but Coach Brian Kelly told the Baton Rouge Rotary Club there are guys that have been on the roster for a while that are ready for a breakout season…

Cut 19 (21) “…make impacts.” 

SEC games are won in the trenches and Kelly likes what he has on the offensive and defensive lines….

Cut 20 (21)  “…outstanding player.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy is urging Louisianans with passport issues to reach out to his office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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”  

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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.” 

Cassidy says his office in Baton Rouge has been successful in helping individuals with the passport process and he encourages Louisianans to contact his local office if they are having difficulty.

Cut 4 (07)  “…resolve this.” 

The State Department reportedly receives 400,000 applications a week and says the delays are a result of the pandemic and renewed interest in international travel. 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.

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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. DOTD says the new bridge will cost $2.1 billion and there’s only 800-million dollars in state and federal funds available, but L-M-T-A Director Renee Amar says legislators can do more…

Cut 6 (11)  “to fund it” 

Amar says existing gasoline taxes are meant to fund DOTD projects, and nowhere else on I-10 from Florida to California is the interstate tolled. She says discussions of the project began years ago with an $800 million budget. The project now has a price tag of over two billion dollars. Amar says the bridge does not have to be that expensive…

Cut 7 (07)  “…much smaller” 

DOTD says its entering negotiations with Calcasieu Bridge Partners, who will manage and oversee construction, maintenance and operations of the new bridge. The state says the new bridge will be lower than the existing one, with more lanes, full shoulders and have roadway lighting.

The Joint Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet in the coming weeks to review and approve the project. Amar says this committee can stop the toll from being implemented…

Cut 8 (12)  “…vote it down” 

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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”

Edwards says the 14 billion dollars spent on improved levees in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina is an example of how significant government investment can prevent damage to homes and businesses.  He says the levees held up well to Hurricane Ida in 2021. He says more flood control projects like this are needed…

Cut 10 (11)  “…over time.”

Edwards used his appearance before the Senate Budget Committee 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.”

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.”

Louisiana has been surpassed for the highest average combined state and local sales tax according to Vice President of State Projects with the Tax Foundation Jared Walczak. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick” 

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A survey conducted by a Louisiana pollster matches what other polls have shown, former President Donald Trump is the front-runner to receive the GOP nomination in the 2024 presidential race. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The Tax Foundation’s midyear report shows Louisiana has fallen from its spot as the highest average combined state and local sales tax rate. The state’s 9.547 percent average comes in just one-one-thousandth of a percent behind Tennessee’s. Vice President of State Projects with the Tax Foundation Jared Walczak says the two states have been neck and neck since Louisiana’s 2018 sales tax cut…

Cut 3 (09) “…local rate” 

The Bayou state is expected to see its first sales tax cut since 2018 as a temporary 0.45% portion of the state sales tax is set to expire in July of 2025. Louisan currently ranks 37^th in the nation with a 4.45% sales tax. Walczak says the reduction will be significant but not enough to bring Louisiana out of the top 5 combined averages in the nation…

Cut 4 (11)  “…real difference” 

Walczak commended legislators’ recent efforts to modernize the states antiquated tax system. Louisiana’s complex local sales tax collection system is a nightmare for businesses to navigate and while he says it may be better for the economy than some alternatives, rates are still too high…

Cut 5 (12)  “…should be.”

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A Louisiana pollster conducted a nationwide survey that finds that if the Republican Presidential primary was held today, 53-percent  say they would vote former President Donald Trump. Trump beat out nine other candidates listed in the poll of 11-hundred Republican voters. John Couvillon of JMC Analytics conducted the poll…

Cut 6 (11)  “this point” 

Fourteen Republican candidates have announced they are running for the party’s presidential nomination next year. Couvillon says in order for one of these candidates to gain ground on the former president, they need to have a break out moment in one of the debates…

Cut 7 (10)  “…look weak” 

Couvillon says Trump getting indicted on multiple charges in two separate federal cases is not hurting his popularity among Republicans. And he says the large field of Republican presidential hopefuls is helping the former President’s 2024 campaign…

Cut 8 (08)  “…anti-Trump vote.” 

Trump will be in Metairie tomorrow for a fundraiser.

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So far this year, there have only been six boating fatalities on state waterways, that’s compared to 29 deaths in 2022. Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says it’s a significant drop from last year.

Cut 9 (11)  “…last year.”

Einck encourages everyone to take LDWF’s free boating education course. He says they are required for anyone born after January 1, 1984. And before you undock, he says it’s vital that you have a sober driver at the helm.

Cut 10 (08)  “…not impaired.”

And he also reminds you to make sure there are enough lifejackets for everyone on the vessel.

Einck says in the 18 years that he’s been with LDWF last year was among the worst for boating fatalities in the state.

Cut 11 (10)  “…numbers off.”

Visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ website for their free boating education course.

The state Office of Motor Vehicles is offering residents free identity theft protection due to the hack that compromised data for anyone with a state-issued driver’s license or ID. Michelle Southern reports.

Cut 1 (29)  “Michelle Southern reporting”

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The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state set a record for the number of people who were employed for the month of June. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Senator Mike Fesi responds to the expletive-filled voicemail left by an LSU grad student over the lawmaker’s vote to ban certain medical procedures for transgender minors. Michelle Southern reports…:

Cut 3 (29)  “Michelle Southern reporting”

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The restoration efforts of three heavily eroded islands along Louisiana’s coast are providing habitat for the state’s brown pelicans. Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Biologist Todd Baker says the islands serve as a nesting ground but attracting more birds was the objective…

Cut 4 (11)  “…more birds.”

The sites of restoration Rabbit Island off the southwest coast and North Breton and Queen Bess Islands off the southeast coast are the sites of the restoration projects. Funds from the BP Settlement were used to complete the island restoration projects. Baker says the North Breton project expanded by nearly 150 acres of new land…

Cut 5 (11)   “…very strongly.”

LDWF Project Manager Katie Freer says the goal is to make the habitat last for 20 years. She says islands have withstood the 2021 and 2022 hurricanes…

Cut 6 (11)  “…recover itself.”

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The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics says the number of seasonally adjusted employed individuals increased by 20 thousand from June 2022 to this past June. Chief Economist at the Louisiana Workforce Commission Emily DiPalma says there were 2,037,445 people working in this state last month…

Cut 7 (10) “…in Louisiana”

DiPalma says the Baton Rouge area has gained the most jobs over the last year, nearly 19-thousand. New Orleans has added 13-thousand jobs, Lafayette almost four-thousand and Shreveport 33-hundred. DiPalma says they are encouraged to see the Lake Charles area has added nearly three-thousand jobs. She says it’s a sign of recovery for southwest Louisiana…

Cut 8 (12) “…slower’”

DiPalma says if you are looking for work, there are over 12-thousand job openings on their HiRE website…

Cut 9 (10)  “…as well”

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State Senator Mike Fesi (Fay-Zee) responds to being cussed out on a threatening voicemail left by an LSU professor enraged the Republican from Houma voted to bring back a ban on gender-altering procedures for minors. Fesi says it’s a shame some people would go to such lengths..:

Cut 10 (09) “for sure”

Police were quickly able to track the call back to Marcus Venable who has now been banned from teaching at LSU. In the profanity-laced message, Venable indicated he can’t wait to see Fesi’s name in an obituary which is why the lawmaker involved law enforcement:

Cut 11 (07)  “if anything”

Fesi said they found posts about Venable on the RateMyProfessor page in which anonymous reviews claimed the teacher pushed his ideology on students and cursed at them in class. As to whether criminal charges would be brought, Fesi says he just hopes a lesson was learned…:

Cut 12 (11)    “to disagree” 

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The NFL season is just around the corner as the Saints begin training camp Tuesday. The last two years have been disappointing for the black and gold as they struggle with coaching and quarterback changes. Nola.com’s Luke Johnson says the Saints have been historically unlucky with injuries, starting a record 58 players in 2021 and 49 last year…

Cut 13 (13) “…win the division” 

With Tom Brady’s retirement, the Saints are the favorites to win the NFC South this year, but with Carolina and Atlanta improving over the offseason it’s no sure thing. One of the many question marks for New Orleans will be its defensive line. With the departure of Marcus Davenport, David Onyemata, and Shy Tuttle, Johnson says New Orleans will rely on contributions from new additions…

Cut 14 (12)  “.marks there” 

New Orleans biggest change this offseason was of course new signal caller Derek Carr. Carr, who spent nine seasons with the Raiders, has had ups and downs in the NFL. He’s passed for over 4,000 yards 4 times, but has a losing record as a starter and has yet to win a playoff game. Johnson says much of the Saints success will hinge on his performance…

Cut 15 (15)  “…this year”