The federal government awards Louisiana an additional $98 million to put toward planned road and infrastructure needs. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A spokesperson for New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the recall effort against her is a Republican-backed maneuver by people with an agenda. The statement praises the mayor for leading the city through the pandemic and Hurricane Ida. Recall organizers say the mayor’s political action committee is spreading lies to try and discredit their effort.

Stakeholders involved in the implementation of high-speed internet for the state are meeting in Alexandria today. Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity, says it’s an opportunity to discuss what’s been done so far and anticipated challenges…
Cut 4 (10) “…not sooner.”
Among the attendees are Senator Bill Cassidy and Governor John Bel Edwards.

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces plans to construct a 70,000-square-foot Engineering building. The mission is to increase students’ resources in and out of the classroom. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering, says the building will offer a plethora of opportunities
Cut 7 (10) “…industry partners.”
Construction will begin next year and 15-million dollars in state funds, along with 35-million dollars in private and public funds will be used to pay for the building.

To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will work with state healthcare workers at Southern Decadence Festival. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s a happy ending to the kidnapping case of a Louisiana nun who was abducted almost five months ago while doing missionary work in West Africa. Sister Suellen Tennyson is alive and in U-S Hands. Officials are not saying when the 83-year-old Kenner native will be brought back to the United States.

Louisiana will receive another 98-million dollars in federal transportation funds that other states failed to use, while Louisiana used its full allotment in federal highway money for 2021-22. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…
cut 14 (07) “…to good use”
The previous high was 80-million dollars in 2018.

15-million dollars in state funding will go towards a new College of Engineering Building at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Dean of the College of Engineering Doctor Ahmed Khattab says the building will provide a cutting-edge learning environment and will be an improvement over two existing buildings…
cut 8 (11) “….we currently have”
Construction is set to begin next year.

Louisiana will get another $98 million in federal dollars for transportation and infrastructure projects. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional funds are a reward of sorts, for making good use of federal dollars previously awarded to the state. Wilson says this will allow the state to continue its momentum in road and bridge improvements…:
Cut 13 (12) “…we’ve ever received.”

In preparation for Decadence Festival in New Orleans this weekend, the National Monkeypox Response team has sent teams along with 6,000 vaccine doses to help mitigate and raise awareness of the virus. Governor John Bel Edwards praised the efforts to reach those most at-risk.
Cut 10 (10) “…appreciate that.”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces plans for a new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces a plan for its new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.  

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will be working with state healthcare workers at Decadence. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

________________________________________________

The federal government awards Louisiana an additional $98 million to put toward planned road and infrastructure needs. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

________________________________________________

Stakeholders involved in the implementation of high-speed internet for the state are meeting in Alexandria today. Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity, says it’s an opportunity to discuss what’s been done so far and anticipated challenges…

Cut 4 (10)  “…not sooner.”

Among the attendees are Senator Bill Cassidy and Governor John Bel Edwards. Iyengar says invitations to the summit were extended to school superintendents, legislators, and other community leaders. Iyengar says it’s a chance for attendees to discuss local issues concerning broadband.

Cut 5 (09) “…take home.”

It’s estimated approximately 1.5 million people in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet. Iyengar says it could be for a number of reasons, for example, access, affordability, literacy, or even device issues.

Cut 6 (05)  “…access issue.”

Iyengar believes infrastructure funds, federal funding from the FCC, and matching funds will be able to make a significant contribution to improving broadband accessibility.

________________________________________________

The University of Louisiana Lafayette is in the process of constructing a 70,000-square-foot Engineering building.  The mission is to increase students’ resources in and out of the classroom. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering, says the building will offer a plethora of opportunities  

Cut 7 (10) “…inductor partners.”

The Louisiana Legislature assisted the university with 15 million in funding. The original planned structure costs about 50 million but is needed being that their existing buildings are outdated.  

Cut 8 (11)  “…we currently have.”

Several new programs that focus on expansion and leadership will emerge from this project. Dr. Khattab says the students will benefit the most.  

Cut 9 (09)  “…and develop.”

Now the groundbreaking has been set for spring or fall 2023 with 16 to 18 months of construction.  

_______________________________________________

In preparation for Decadence Festival in New Orleans, the National Monkeypox Response team has sent teams along with 6,000 vaccine doses to help mitigate and raise awareness of the virus. Governor John Bel Edwards praised the team for their efforts to reach those most at-risk.

Cut 10 (10) “…appreciate that.”

The annual Labor Day weekend event, which hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, can attract up to 300 thousand people from all over the country. Edwards says it’s an ideal opportunity to reach a vulnerable demographic.

Cut  11 (08)  “…important.” 

The vaccine can help prevent and also treat Monkeypox symptoms from worsening. Ideally, the vaccination is given in two doses four weeks apart. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (Dousk ah lock -ss) says Decadence allows them to reach those who are less likely to go to a clinic.

Cut 12 (04) “..the event.” 

In addition to Decadance this weekend the federal response team will also be doing similar outreach at Atlanta Black Proud.

_______________________________________________

Louisiana is set to get another $98 million federal dollars to apply to transportation and infrastructure projects. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional funds are a reward of sorts, for making good use of federal dollars previously awarded to the state. He says this will enable DOTD to continue its momentum in road and bridge improvements…:

Cut 13 (12) “…we’ve ever received.”

Wilson says the nearly $100-million infusion will be used to help secure financing for projects already in the planning stages, which are ready to begin once they are funded. He says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…to good use.”

Wilson says if DOTD were not effective & efficient in their programs, they would not have received the dollars. He says the federal money will be applied to projects DOTD has “planned to let or are capable of letting” before the end of the current federal fiscal year, September 30^th. Wilson says the money will go a long way to help planned road and infrastructure projects start turning dirt…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…expect to get it done.”

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The Saints have traded fan favorite Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Eagles for three draft picks, a fifth-round selection in 2023, and two sixth-round picks in 2024. Gardner-Johnson had a career-high three interceptions last season and this summer the 24-year-old called himself the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. Coach Dennis Allen addressed the trade with reporters…

Cut 16 (10)  ”    wish him the best” 

Gardner-Johnson is expected to start at safety for Philadelphia. He was looking for a new contract with the Saints and those talks reportedly broke down, which led to the trade.

Allen says the depth the Saints have at cornerback made them feel they could depart with the former fourth-round pick…

Cut 17 (13) “..we made.” 

Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are the Saints starting cornerbacks and they also have Bradley Roby and second-round pick Alontae Taylor.

The Saints also had to get their active roster down to 53, which resulted in cutting several players like Ian Book, Kirk Merritt, and Taco Charlton. Allen says a lot of thought goes into these moves

Cut  18 (18)“…final decision”

_____________________________________________________________    

ULM is a huge underdog heading into their season opener against the Texas Longhorns who are ranked 18th in the coaches poll, but unranked in the AP Top 25 poll. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden calls the Longhorns a great team…

Cut 19 (27) “…ready to play.”

ULM went four and eight last season and Bowden believes there’s more talent on this team as he enters his second season as head coach…

Cut 20 (08) “ …on the field.” 

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led today’s protest

Cut 9 (12)  “…OJJ facilities.”

A federal judge has put a halt on a plan to transfer 25 incarcerated youth offenders from a youth detention center in Jefferson Parish to the State Penitentiary.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. And while we’ve been seeing gas prices fall ten to 15 cents week over week, Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those price drops are already beginning to slow.

Cut 5  (10) “…oil prices 10.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, along with the Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association and Farm Bureau are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to seek a disaster declaration because of excessive rainfall. Strain says some of the state’s row crops received 18 inches of rain in just a few days…:

Cut 12 (10) “…for some.”  

If you thought the West Nile Virus had gone away, think again. The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of the deadly form of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Department of Health says symptoms are similar to the flu.

Cut 6 (07) “…nausea or rash.” 

She says if you show symptoms, seek treatment asap.

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer violent juvenile offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack says the state should instead invest more dollars into education, therapy, and healing of the offenders and not…:

CUT 11(06)      “…incarcerating kids.”

The state is looking to remove some of the juveniles from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish because of continuous problems at the center; like four escapes and a violent riot so far this year.

Watch out for those West Nile mosquitos, warns the state Health Department, after a confirmed case of the potentially fatal West Nile disease turns up in a person in Acadiana. LDH’s Dr. Glennis Gray says two people have died so far this year, and 14 have the Neuroinvasive form of West Nile…:

CUT 08(05)      “…resurrects itself.”

Get rid if any standing water on your property, where skeeters can breed.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. But the big question is “will prices keep going down?”

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

The Coast Guard reports two boaters were rescued from a disabled vessel off the coast near Morgan City this morning. The boaters sent a one word message: “help.” A helicopter searched and spotted the men’s signal flare, and hoisted them to safety. They were checked out a New Orleans hospital and are OK.

State health officials say we are in peak transmission time for West Nile Virus, and they urge you to take precautions…:

CUT 02(31)      “….Golsby.”

Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s investigators ask for public help in solving a missing persons case from 1989. That’s when then-53-year-old Robert Browning left his home after a spat and was never seen again. They ask anyone who may know anything about Browning’s whereabouts to call them at 318-329-1200.

As gas prices slowly go down, Nick Chabarria with AAA says one reason is the decrease in demand and the end of the summer vacation season now that kids are back in school. He says the higher prices also brought on driver fatigue…:

CUT 03(07)      “…gas prices.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. Gas can be found for as little as $2.90 is some places.

Excessive recent rains have taken their toll of Louisiana row crops; meaning big losses for farmers. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says soybeans, rice, corn, grains and especially cotton have taken a soggy beating, so he’s urging the Governor to seek a disaster declaration…:

CUT 13(10)      “…as a weapon.”

Some portions of the state have received up to 18 inches of rain in less than two weeks.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. But the big question is “will it continue to decrease?”

CUT 01(33)      “…Thorington.”

The police chief in the town of Plaquemine is accused of soliciting sexual favors from a woman to help get her boyfriend out of trouble. The woman alleges Chief Kenny Payne asked her for oral sex and said he needed to see her topless. For his part, Payne denies the allegations entirely and says he’ll defend himself vigorously.

State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, along with the Louisiana Cotton and Grain Association and Farm Bureau are urging Governor John Bel Edwards to seek a disaster declaration because of excessive rainfall. Strain says some of the state’s row crops received 18 inches of rain in just a few days…:

CUT 12(10)      “…for some.”

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led the protest…:

CUT 10(10)      “…scare yet.”

The state is looking to remove some of the juveniles from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish because of continuous problems at the center. There have been at least four escapes this year, plus a riot.

A youth justice advocacy group called Families and Friends of Louisiana gathered at the state capitol today demanding that Louisiana not transfer youth violent offenders to Angola. Executive Director Gina Womack led today’s protest

Cut 9 (12)  “…OJJ facilities.”

A federal judge has put a halt on a plan to transfer 25 incarcerated youth offenders from a youth detention center in Jefferson Parish to the State Penitentiary.

LSU police are investigating a fight that occurred inside a dorm Monday night. The video shows three females fighting, punching, and pulling hair and one female was tossed into a water fountain. LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard issued a statement that the school does not condone or tolerate physical violence on campus and the issue will be addressed as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with LDH says if you have flu-like symptoms, a rash, and have been bitten, get to a doctor as soon as possible and in the meantime down let your guard down.

Cut 7 (08) “…twice a day.” 

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. And while we’ve been seeing gas prices fall ten to 15 cents week over week, Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those price drops are already beginning to slow.

Cut 5  (10) “…oil prices 10.”

He says a decrease in demand has lowered prices but talks of OPEC reducing production could cause prices to spike again.

If you thought the West Nile Virus had gone away, think again. The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting the first case of the deadly form of West Nile in Acadiana in two years. Dr. Glennis Gray with the Department of Health says symptoms are similar to the flu.

Cut 6 (07) “…nausea or rash.” 

She says if you show symptoms, seek treatment asap.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $3.40, down nine cents from a week ago. But prices are higher than this time last year and the year before Nick Chabarria (Cha-berry) with Triple-A says those prices reflected the pandemic when travel declined heavily. As for the immediate future and prices, Chabarria says it’s anybody’s

Cut 4  (12) “…back up.”

Up until now, the tropics have been quiet and now there are two disturbances in the Atlantic. State climatologist Barry Keim says traditionally this is the time of year when we see the major storms in the Atlantic and hopefully, we’ll remain fortunate and escape any major activity in the gulf for the next six weeks…

Cut 14 (10)  “…strong ones.”

This afternoon Governor John Bel Edwards will take part in the White House Monkey Pox response team along with federal health officials for a briefing on response efforts to the virus along with preparations ahead of Southern Decadence this weekend in New Orleans.