The state Department of Transportation announced today that construction will likely begin this year on a new two-point-three billion dollar I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge. That’s because DOTD and the contractor, Calcasieu Bridge Partners have reached a financial close which allows work on the project to begin. Tolls will help pay for construction.

Joe Petraro is taking online classes at LSU as a sports leadership major. He’s also an 11-year-old with Tourette Syndrome. Mel Bridges has this incredible story.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The Hammond Police Department is charging 26-year-old Trystan McMillon with second-degree murder in the fentanyl overdose death of 27-year-old Nicholas Platt. Platt’s father, Jay Platt, says he hopes this will lead to more fentanyl-related arrests and spare other families from losing a child or other loved ones.
Cut 5 (11) “…Thank You .”
McMillon was booked into the Tangipahoa Parish Jail.

Todd Graves, the founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, donated $100,000 to fund the creation of a 3D-printed artificial reef off the coast of Grand Isle. The reef will replace an old, decommissioned oil platform, contributing to marine conservation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico.
Cut 6 (08) “…for the community.”
Graves says he plans to donate more dollars to build four other artificial reefs off the coast of Louisiana.

Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming has called for the elimination of the state’s personal income tax, arguing it is time for Louisiana to adopt a more competitive tax structure.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Entergy Louisiana customers will see an increase in their bills. Public Service Commissioner Davanta Lewis says customers can expect about a four-dollar a month increase. He says the rate increase could have been higher, but a settlement was reached over allegations that Entergy bilked ratepayers and mismanaged a nuclear power plant in Mississippi.

26-year-old Trystan McMillon, from Hammond, was arrested on charges of second-degree murder after allegedly selling fentanyl that led to a fatal overdose. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron reported that McMillon sold the potent synthetic opioid to 27-year-old Nicholas Platt who later died from an overdose.
Cut 3 (11) “…everything we can to stop that”

Rapides Parish sheriff deputies have arrested a Pineville man for allegedly selling THC products to kids. R-P-S-O spokesperson Tommy Carnline says the illegal activity took place at the Pineville Smoke Shop, run by 40-year-old Ahmed Gaber (gah-bear)…
Cut 10 (12) “…THC-infused products.”
Carnline says the THC infused items include vape liquids, gummies and other illegal edibles.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation says a major step forward in constructing a new I-10 Lake Charles Bridge has been completed. DOTD says the two-point-three billion dollar project has officially reached a financial close and the contractor, Calcasieu Bridge Partners can begin work. Construction could begin later this year and take seven years to complete.

Some of Louisiana’s educators will be evaluated under a new system this school year: It’s called LEADS. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming is encouraging state lawmakers to approve legislation next year to phase out of the state’s personal income tax. This tax provides the state with five-billion dollars to pay for higher education, public safety, health care and other programs. But Fleming says the state spends too much on things that do not help the state’s economy…
cut 9 (12) “…and voters”
Lawmakers will hold a fiscal regular session next year, so legislators can vote on proposed tax changes.

An eleven-year-old from Long Island, New York will attend online classes at LSU this fall, majoring in sports leadership. Joe Petraro has an IQ of 168 and it only took him two years to graduate middle and high school. Joe got a jump start on his college career, by taking a couple of online class this summer…
cut 5 (10) “…but it was awesome”
Joe says he decided to attend LSU because of its sports teams.

11-year-old Joe Petraro from Long Island, New York, will take online classes at LSU this fall as a sports leadership major. Joe, who has Tourette’s, graduated high school this year after speeding through middle and high school in two years. He says his Tourette’s and intelligence used to be at odds, but now he’s using them to his advantage.
Cut 4 (11) “…and it helps.”
Joe has an IQ of 168. He’s built a friendship with former LSU basketball star Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, who also has Tourettes.

The state department of education is rolling out a new teacher evaluation system. It’s called LEADS which stands for Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System. Deputy Superintendent of Education Jenna Chiasson (sha-son) says LEADS will provide educators with a highly customized approach to coaching…
cut 15 (10) “…what could be improved”
Chiasson says struggling teachers will receive immediate instructional support.

A ten-month old child is hospitalized after being left in a hot car for about an hour and a half on Tuesday. Jennings Police say the mother told detectives she was called in to work and inadvertently left the toddler in the car while she was inside. At last report the child was in critical condition.

40-year-old Ahmed Gaber of Pineville is facing charges after allegedly selling THC infused products and other vape products to juevenilles at the Pineville Smoke Shop. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says Gaber was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center for distribution of THC greater than 2.5 pounds…
cut 11 (10) “…juveniles”
Gaber has been released on a ten-thousand dollar bond.

The state department of education is rolling out a new teacher evaluation system called LEADS. Deputy Superintendent of Education Doctor Jenna Chiasson says it rewards effective teachers with fewer observations. In fact, teachers with at least three years of experience who score highly on their first observation can opt out of remaining observations that school year.
Cut 14 (09) “…rewarded.”
Chiasson says the LEADS evaluation system will also provide better feedback for improvement and resources to support individual growth.

Rapides Parish sheriff deputies have arrested a Pineville man for allegedly selling THC and other vape products to juvenile customers at the Pineville Smoke Shop. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says they can’t have this going on in their community…
cut 12 (12) “…this type of stuff”
40-year-old Ahmed Gaber of Pineville was arrested on allegations he’s distributed THC greater than two and a half pounds.

Add State Treasurer John Fleming’s name to the list of politicians who would like to see Louisiana lawmakers pass legislation to phase out the state’s personal income tax.
Cut 8 (09) “…business-friendly state.”
State lawmakers will take a hard look at tax reform proposals during next year’s fiscal session.

An eleven-year-old from Long Island New York will take online classes at LSU this after graduating middle and high school in two years. Joe Petraro has an IQ of 168, despite having Tourette’s Syndrome. Joe says he chose LSU because of its sports teams and he’s majoring in sports management…
cut 6 (11) “…..and inclusion”
To read more about Joe’s story, go to Louisiana Radio Network-dot-com.

The Louisiana Department of Education is rolling out a new way to evaluate teachers. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (sha-son) says it’s called Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System, or LEADS…
Cut 13 (09) “…one-time event.”
Chiasson says LEADS will promote the recruitment and retention of effective teachers and struggling teachers will receive immediate instructional support.

Louisiana Treasurer John Fleming wants lawmakers to pass legislation next year that would rid the state of its personal income tax. Fleming believes this major tax reform would attract more businesses and residents to the state….
cut 7 (10) “….Texas or Tennessee”
Expect lawmakers to look at ways next year to lower the state’s income tax and balance that by eliminating certain sales tax exemptions.

Joe Petraro is taking online classes at LSU as a sports leadership major. He’s also an 11-year-old with Tourette Syndrome. Mel Bridges has this incredible story.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell and linebacker Harold Perkins have both been named to ESPN’s All-American preseason team.
Ragin Cajuns coach Michael Desormeaux has yet to make any decisions on who will be the starting quarterback for the season opener against Grambling. It’s a tight battle between Chandler Fields and Ben Woolridge.

This school year, some of Louisiana’s educators will be evaluated under a new system: Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System, or LEADS. Under LEADS, teachers with at least three years of experience who score highly on their first observation can opt out of remaining observations that school year. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (sha-son)…

cut 14 (10) “…rewarded.”

Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming has advised against approving Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent for the state based on concerns that the bank denied services to customers and potential customers based on their political perspectives, including Christian organizations, gun manufacturers and fossil fuel producers…

cut 9 (10) “…with their vocation.”

President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden announced 23 million dollars in funding for Tulane University to secret an imaging system that can scan a tumor during surgery and determine if any cancer tissue was left behind. Lead Researcher Dr. J. Quincy Brown says this project embodies the goals of cancer research…

cut 7 (12) “…has stalled.”

High school athletics season is coming up, and the Louisiana High School Athletic Association is looking to rectify a shortage of referees. LHAA Director Lee Sanders says of the roughly one thousand state football officials, 60% of them are over the age of 50. He says they want to recruit younger officials before the more senior ones hang up their whistles.

cut 30 (11) “…the sports.”

This school year, some of Louisiana’s educators will be evaluated under a new system. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Jenna Chiasson (sha-son) says the old system lacked a comprehensive rubric, so they developed Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System, or LEADS…

cut 13 (09) “…one-time event.”

The LSU film program has received a 200 thousand dollar grant from Louisiana Economic Development, which will allow them to hire another faculty member in film and digital media production. Executive Associate Dean of the LSU College of Music and Dramatic Arts Kristen Sosnowsky says another professor will allow them to expand enrollment of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Television program…

cut 3 (11) “…significant growth.”

Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming has advised against approving Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent for the state based on concerns that the bank denied service to customers based on political perspectives. Fleming’s stance reflects a pushback against financial institutions perceived as prioritizing progressive agendas over traditional economic considerations,

cut 10 (12) “…in Louisiana.”

President Joe and First Lady Jill Biden announced 23 million dollars in funding for Tulane University to create an imaging system that can scan a tumor during surgery and determine in minutes if any cancer tissue was left behind. Lead researcher Dr. J. Quincy Brown…

cut 8 (10) “…for every American.”

The state department of education is rolling out a new teacher evaluation system. It’s called LEADS which stands for Louisiana’s Educator Advancement and Development System. Deputy Superintendent of Education Jenna Chiasson (sha-son) says LEADS will provide educators with a highly customized approach to coaching…
cut 15 (10) “…what could be improved”
Chiasson says struggling teachers will receive immediate instructional support.

State Treasurer John Fleming has recommended that Bank of America not be approved as an authorized fiscal agent in Louisiana. Fleming says there’s evidence the financial institution is denying banking services to religious organizations, gun manufacturers and fossil fuel producers…
cut 11 (13) “…weaponizing private institutions”
Fleming says he’s not recommending Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent to the Interim Emergency Board.

LSU has received a $200 thousand grant from the state Economic Development Department, which allows them to hire an additional faculty member to teach film and digital media production. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (36) …I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hurricane Ernesto formed today and it’s heading to Bermuda, so no threat to the Gulf Coast. It’s the third hurricane of the season and 2005 was the last time we had three or more hurricanes before August 14th and that of course was the year for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

President Joe Biden announced an award of $23 million to Tulane University for the creation of an imaging system to give surgeons the ability to scan tumors during surgery to determine in just minutes if any cancer tissue has been left behind. The President says this will transform surgery as we know it.
Cut 17 (13) “…and families.”

LSU has received a $200 thousand grant from the Louisiana Economic Development Department so they can hire an additional faculty member for the film program in the College of Music and Dramatic Art. Executive Associate Dean Kristen Sosnowksi says the program has been growing fast…
Cut 4 (12) “…diversify our offerings.”
This funding is part of LED’s effort to boost the state’s creative economy and strengthen its position as a hub for film production

Louisiana Treasurer Dr. John Fleming has advised against approving Bank of America as an authorized fiscal agent for the state. Fleming’s recommendation is based on concerns the bank denied services to customers and potential customers based on their political perspective. Fleming says multiple cases were cited with Christian organizations, gun manufacturers, and fossil fuel producers…
Cut 9 (10) “…with their vocation.”
Bank of America also joined the Net-Zero Banking Alliance which pushes a green energy agenda.

Morgan City’s Vernon Norwood is the owner of four Olympic medals after winning two more medals at the Paris Games. Norwood grew up in New Orleans, but left after Hurricane Katrina. Retired Morgan City Principal Tim Hymel says the move to Morgan City helped launch his career.…
Cut 14 (10) “…took off for him.”