More criticism from Lake Charles officials over the state department of transportation’s proposal to use toll money to pay for a proposed two-point-one billion dollar I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver believes the project is too elaborate and so is the price tag…
cut 12 (10) “…years now”

Louisiana is the 12th state to enact surgical smoke evacuation legislation. Director of the State Nurses Association Ahnyel Burkes says smoke can form when skin is burned during surgical procedures…
cut 5 (10) “….is harmful”
The new law requires operating rooms to have equipment to get the smoke out of the room.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be inducted this weekend in Natchitoches. Hall of Fame Foundation President Ronnie Rantz gave Kace Kieschnick a rundown…
cut 3 (33) “…I”m Kace KIeschnick”

One of the top pitchers in the Southeastern Conference is transferring to LSU. Alabama’s Luke Holman is heading to Baton Rouge after going 7-4 with a 3.67 ERA and 87 strikeouts.

WBRZ-TV in Baton Rouge is reporting the autopsy on former LSU student Madison Brooks found no DNA inside her from the suspects who were in a vehicle with her when she was allegedly raped before she died. The NAACP says the charges should be dropped, while District Attorney Hillar Moore is upset these details were leaked.

A law requiring operating rooms to provide smoke evacuation for surgical smoke goes into effect on August 1st. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Local officials in the Lake Charles area continue to express frustration over tolls being used to fund the construction of a new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. The state department of transportation proposed a toll schedule that it would cost over 12-dollars for a large truck with a toll tag to cross the new bridge, almost 19-dollars without a tag. Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver says that would put more trucks on the I-210 bridge….
cut 11 (10) “…18 dollars”
These concerns are expected to be brought to the House and Senate transportation committee who will need to approve the DOTD’s toll plan.

A law requiring operating rooms to provide smoke evacuation for surgical smoke in Louisiana goes into effect on August 1^st. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The National Retail Federation is predicting record spending on back-to-school items. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2023 will be inducted this weekend in Natchitoches. Hall of Fame Foundation President Ronnie Rantz spoke about some of the headliners of the class. Kace Kieschnick has more

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

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A new law that goes into effect on August first is one to increase safety in operating rooms so surgical smoke is properly removed from the rooms. It’s the smoke from burning flesh that presents the hazard. Executive director of the Louisiana State Nurses Association Ahnyel (On-yell) Burkes says the law requires that policies and procedures are in place…

Cut 4 (08)  “…healthcare workers.”

Louisiana is the 12^th state to enact surgical smoke legislation. Burkes says whenever skin, for example, is burned during a surgical procedure…

Cut 5 (10)   “…is harmful.”

Burkes says a common procedure that generates surgical smoke is a c-section which is often performed after a mother has given birth.

Cut 6 (05)  “…being used.”

Burkes says the passage of the bill has also raised awareness about the dangers of surgical smoke.

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The National Retail Federation expects consumers will spend record amounts for both back-to-school and back-to-college shopping this year. N-R-F Vice President of Industry and Consumer Insights Katherine Cullen says this increase  in expected spending is primarily driven by more demand for electronics…

Cut 7 (12) “…survey’s history”

The N-R-F says back-to-school spending is expected to reach an all-time high of 41.5 billion dollars, up nearly 37 million dollars from last year. Back-to-college spending is expected to hit 94 billion dollars, about 20 billion dollars more than last year’s record. Cullen says big-ticket items are leading to a huge increase in spending…

Cut 8 (11) “…nights of studying”

Cullen says even though consumers plan to spend more on school and college-related items this year, they are still looking to find the best value and deals…

Cut 9 (12)  “…department stores”

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News that the proposed new I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge will require a toll hasn’t set well with many including Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver. The Republican says funding for the bridge can be prioritized to avoid the use of tolls…

Cut 10 (13) “…with people.”

Tarver worries the high cost for large trucks to travel one way over the bridge will force them, along with others, to use the alternative route of the I-210-loop…

Cut 11 (10)  “…and $18 dollars.”

Tarver says DOTD isn’t taking advantage of all the federal funding that’s available for transportation projects and the proposed bridge, which he agrees is needed, isn’t to scope. He says the project is too elaborate and so is the price tag.

Cut 12 (10)   “…years now.” 

He says the alternatives would be for a legislative transportation committee to vote against the project and/or wait until there’s a new governor and see if more funds can be diverted for the project.

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Twelve Louisiana sports legends will be inducted on Saturday into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame  in Natchitoches. Two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback Eli Manning former LSU Coach Paul Mainieri headline the class. Hall of Fame Foundation President Ronnie Rantz says Mainieri has a connection to one of the other inductees

Cut 13 (14) “…1976.” 

In football, entering alongside Manning are Tulane running back Matt Forte and LSU great Wendell Davis.  Rantz says Davis was Ja’Marr Chase before Ja’Marr Chase. He put up historic numbers for a wideout in the 80’s and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 1987

Cut 14 (10)  “…of the Bears.” 

WNBA legend Alana Beard, who Rantz says is probably the second-best women’s basketball player to come out of the state behind just Simone Augustus, will be entering while dynamic LSU track and field star Walter Davis and pitcher Paul Byrd round out the Tigers. Rantz says powerlifter Walter Imahara is on the Mount Rushmore of Louisiana powerlifters and has an incredible story…

Cut 15 (13)  “…late 50s.”

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Saints wide receiver Chris Olave had a great rookie season and the hope is that he can improve on the 72 receptions and 1,042 yards receiving he had last year. Olave says he got stronger in the offseason and he’s ready to contribute to what he thinks will be an explosive offense…

Cut 16 (17) “…ready to explode.”

If Michael Thomas can stay healthy and perform at a high level, Olave could find himself receiving a lot of single coverage. Both are from Ohio State and have built a strong relationship. Olave says he looks up to Thomas…

Cut 17 (17) “…a lot.”

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Preseason camp has started for Louisiana Tech as the Bulldogs’ first game is August 26th against FIU. Boise State transfer Hank Bachmeier is expected to get the start at quarterback and Coach Sonny Cumbie likes how Bachmeier is picking up the offense…

Cut 18 (16) “…learning mode.” 

During the middle of the season, Tech will play a string of games not on Saturday. It starts Friday, September 29th at UTEP, the following week it’s Thursday at home against Western Kentucky and then back-to-back Tuesday games against Middle Tennessee and New Mexico State. Cumbie is looking forward to the unique schedule…

Cut 19 (19) “…national TV.” 

ESPN U is televising the game against Western Kentucky, the others will be on CBS Sports Network.

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Cut 20 (21)  “…outstanding player.”  

A law to allow women to recoup half of their out-of-pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the father goes into effect on August 1st. Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman says his legislation gives mothers a way to recover those expenses, but you hope fathers would do so on their own…

Cut 9 (06) “…have today.”
Frieman says he filed the bill after a family practice lawyer told him there’s no way for women to legally recover half of those expenses.

Covington Representative Paul Hollis says he’s running for the District One seat on BESE. Hollis says much of the focus at the state capitol has been on meeting the needs of teachers, he wants to shift the focus to students…
cut 8 (09) “….can provide”

Hollis is term-limited in the legislature.

The oldest fishing tournament in the United States gets underway today at Grand Isle. 23 months ago, the state’s only inhabited barrier island, took a pounding from Hurricane Ida. But Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet says Grand Isle is once again ready to host thousands of fishermen and their families…

Cut 3 (09) “…live bait.”
Tarpon Rodeo starts today and lasts through Saturday.

In Cincinnati, former LSU star and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has to be carted off the field after injuring his right calf during practice. Video shows him scrambling out of the pocket when all the sudden he can no longer put pressure on his right leg and falls to the ground. No word on the severity of the injury.

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne tells Elle Magazine, she will complete her education online and not remain on campus out of an abundance of caution for her safety. Dunne is the top-ranked female in all of college sports in terms of NIL endorsements.  Dunne says it’s harder and harder to blend in on campus and she is routinely hounded by fans.

A few bills approved by lawmakers earlier this year will go into effect August 1st. One of them is legislation by Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman which would allow a woman to recoup 50-percent of her pregnancy related medical expenses from the biological father. Frieman says the measure received strong support from women groups and fellow lawmakers…
cut 11 (09) “….and the Senate”
Paternity must be proven for mothers to recoup half of their pregnancy-related medical expenses.

Covington Republican Representative Paul Hollis is running for a seat on the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Hollis is term-limited as a state lawmaker but wants to continue his public service.
Cut 6 (09) “…the ballot.”
Hollis is looking to replace Jim Garvey on the board. Garvey is term limited.

The Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo got underway today. It was only a couple of weeks ago that the fishing pier damaged by Hurricane Ida in 2021 reopened and it now has high quality lights that attract fish of all kinds…
cut 5 (12) “…..a fish”
That’s Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet who says the island will attract about 25-thousand visitors this weekend.

And Saturday night is the induction ceremonies for the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Shreveport native and former LSU star Wendell Davis is among the athletes who will be inducted. Hall of Fame Foundation President Ronnie Rantz says for a receiver Davis put up big numbers in the 1980s….
cut 14 (10) “…of the Bears”
Also going into the Hall, Eli Manning, Paul Mainieri and former WNBA great Alana Beard.

A law to allow women to recoup half of their out-of-pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the father goes into effect on August 1^st. Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman authored the bill and says on the heels of Roe v Wade being overturned, he felt motivated to file the legislation.

Cut 10 (10)  “…originated.”

Paternity must be proven, and the mother would have to file in court to recoup half of the expenses from the father.

Covington Republican Representative Paul Hollis is running for a seat on the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Hollis believes the quality of education students receive is a strong predictor if they will remain in-state and there must be plenty of jobs available when they graduate.

Cut 7 (12)  “…political career.” 

Hollis is term-limited in the legislature.

The Grand Isle International Tarpon Rodeo gets underway today. Jeff Palermo has more on the biggest event of the year for the state’s only inhabited barrier island…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne tells Elle Magazine, she will complete her education online and not remain on campus out of an abundance of caution for her safety. Dunne is the top-ranked female in all of college sports in terms of NIL endorsements.  Dunne says it’s harder and harder to blend in on campus and she is routinely hounded by fans.

The Louisiana Pardon Board has decided not to act on the 56 clemency applications they received from death row inmates. Dashing their hopes of Governor Edwards commuting their sentences to life without parole. The Board says based on its own rules, they can not take up the cases, because the applications were not made within one year of their last appeal. But Louisiana Capital appeals Project director Cecelia Kappel says they’ve waived this rule before…
cut 14 (08) “….procedural grounds”
Kappel hopes the governor will request that the Louisiana Pardon Board look at the cases.

Covington Republican Representative Paul Hollis is running for a seat on the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Hollis is term-limited as a state lawmaker but wants to continue his public service.
Cut 6 (09) “…the ballot.”

Beginning August 1st pregnant women in Louisiana will have the ability to recoup half of their out-of-pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the father. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

No break from the heat and it will only get hotter as the entire state could see triple-digit readings this weekend lasting into next week. At Saints training camp, where the heat index reached 111 degrees, two receivers Shaq Davis and Keith Kirkwood, could not finish this morning’s practice because they were over heated. Coach Dennis Allen says the heat is a serious deal.

The Louisiana Pardon Board has decided not to hear 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.”
An attorney for some of the death row prisoners says A-G Jeff Landry gave the Board a wrong reading of its policies in an attempt to steamroll a legitimate request to have these cases heard. Cecelia Kappel says the governor still has the authority to direct the Louisiana Pardon Board to review the cases
Cut 15 (08) “…does so.”
No comment from the governor’s office.

Earlier today, we told you Alexandria Representative Lance Harris plans to run for a District Five seat on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Well, Covington Representative Paul Hollis says he’s running for the District one seat on BESE. Hollis says much of the focus at the state capitol has been on meeting the needs of teachers, he wants to shift the focus to students…
cut 8 (09) “….can provide”

The Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo gets underway today, it’s the oldest saltwater fishing tournament in the United States. Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet says it’s more than a fishing tournament….
cut 4 (11) “…each night”
The rodeo begins today and ends Saturday.

A law to allow women to recoup half of their out-of-pocket pregnancy-related medical expenses from the father goes into effect on August 1st. Abita Springs Republican Representative Larry Frieman says his legislation gives mothers a way to recover those expenses, but you hope fathers would do so on their own…
Cut 9 (06) “…have today.”
Frieman says he filed the bill after a family practice lawyer told him there’s no way for women to legally recover half of those expenses.

The oldest fishing tournament in the United States gets underway today at Grand Isle. 23 months ago, the state’s only inhabited barrier island, took a pounding from Hurricane Ida. But Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet says Grand Isle is once again ready to host thousands of fishermen and their families…
Cut 3 (09) “…live bait.”
Tarpon Rodeo starts today and lasts through Saturday.

SunGas Renewables is planning to build a $2-billion green manufacturing facility in Central Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

11:30 KFNV

The Louisiana Pardon Board has decided not to act on the 56 clemency applications from death row inmates. The Board says they can’t because the applications were not made within one year of their last appeal. The Louisiana Capital Appeals Project says they have in the past and the governor can ask the board to hear them. But Louisiana District Attorneys Association Director Loren Lampert believes that won’t happen….

Cut 16 (11) “…that is no.”

SunGas Renewables is looking at investing one-point-eight billion dollars to build a low-carbon methanol facility in Pineville. Mayor Rich Dupree says a Danish shipping company has signed a letter of intent to purchase fuel from the facility…

Cut 5 (12)   “…marine fuels.”
SunGas expects to make a final investment decision in August 2024.

The state received one point seven million dollars in tax revenue for sports betting in June Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns credits LSU’s World Championship Series run for the bump. Twenty-five percent of the tax revenue from sports betting goes towards early childhood education, ten percent to local government and the rest Johns says goes to other projects and gambling addiction programs…

Cut 9 (10)  “…advocated for”

Alexandria Representative and chairman of the House Education Committee, Lance Harris, has announced he’s seeking a seat on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Harris says he would like to pass policies that improve workforce development and literacy rates….

Cut 11 (12)  “…programs.”
Incumbent Ashley Ellis, who’s not seeking re-election, has endorsed Harris.