11:30 LRN Newscast July 31

The oil spill from the Crescent Midstream facility in Bayou Lafourche on Saturday has been successfully contained. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says preliminary reports suggest minimal long-term damage.

Cut 4 (05) “…coming months.”

A judge was expected to certify the transfer and bankruptcy proceedings of Steward Health Care, the operator of West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center, today but it’s been pushed to August 13th. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says Steward’s mismanagement and the property owner Medical Properties Trust have crippled the facility and there needs to be fail safes in place to avoid disruption in care.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to light.

It used to be for those under the age of 13.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is heading to the US House after passing the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Senator Bill Cassidy says his legislation updates online data privacy rules for children, like banning data collection on users under 17….

Cut 13 (08)  “…peer pressure.”
Newsweek has ranked St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as the 104th best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best in Louisiana. St. Tammany Health System President Joan Coffman

says she and her team prioritize screening education and early detection to try and stop cancer before it’s a problem.

Cut 12 (09) “…focus on.”

Newsweek used professional surveys, hospital quality metrics, and patient experience surveys for the rankings

10:30 LRN Newscast July 31

The oil spill in Bayou Lafourche has been successfully contained. The spill prompted immediate response efforts to minimize environmental damage. The containment was achieved through the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, along with specialized clean-up crews. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson…

Cut 3 (08) “…against the bank.”

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is heading to the House after passing the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Senator Bill Cassidy says his legislation is about protecting online users when they’re most vulnerable.

Cut 14 (10)  “…those laws,”

The bill updates online data privacy rules for children, like banning data collection on users under 17 instead of just those under 13

Newsweek ranked St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as the 104th-best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best cancer hospital in Louisiana. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley is urging school system leaders to quote “recommit to assertive discipline action” as the new school year approaches. New laws allow teachers to remove disruptive students from the classroom and mandatory expulsion for conditions involving weapons and drugs.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The hearing that was scheduled for today on the possible sale of Steward Health Care, the operator of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe to American Healthcare Systems has been postponed to August 13th. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The cleanup continues in Lafourche Parish after an estimated 34-thousand gallons of crue oil spilled into Bayou Lafourche. Parish officials say the drinking water is still safe to drink. The investigation continues into how a tank from Crescent Midstream started leaking, draining oil into the bayou.

The U-S Senate has approved the Children and Teens Online Privacy Protection Act and the kids online safety act. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-sponsor and it prohibits internet companies from collecting personal information from users who are 13 to 16 years old without their consent. Cassidy says internet companies have not been respectful of children’s online privacy…
cut 15 (12) “…harmful behavior”
The legislation still needs House approval.

Doctor Amanda Austin has been named the principal of the year by the state department of education. She’s the principal at Iberville Math, Science and Arts and Academy East in St. Gabriel…
cut 5 (10) “…ideas”

8:30 LRN Newscast

A judge was expected to certify the transfer and bankruptcy proceedings of Steward Health Care, the operator of West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center, today but it’s been pushed to August 13th. Because the actual property is owned by Medical Properties Trust, Monroe Representative Michael Echols says American Healthcare Systems should be buying the asset, not the operator.
Cut 7 (11) “…Ponzi schemes.”
Echols says Steward’s financial problems have led to poor patient care at Glenwood.

Senator John Kennedy was one of several senators who had a chance to grill Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Kennedy pointed out the Secret Service snipers were in an elevated position and had a chance to look down on a roof where Thomas Crooks was waiting to fire his weapon 150 feet away from Trump…
Cut 30 (06) “…see the guy.”
Rowe says he’s ashamed of the security breach.

Newsweek ranks St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as the best hospital in the state for cancer treatment. St. Tammany Health System President Joan Coffman says the secret to their success is their staff…
cut 11 (09) “…with so many”
Coffman says they prioritize screening education and early detection to stop cancer before it’s a problem.

Congratulations go out to Doctor Amanda Austin as she’s been named Principal of the Year by the Department of Education. Austin is a principal at Iberville Math. Science and Arts Academy East in St. Gabriel. Austin says throughout her career she worked with amazing principals who mentored her when she was teaching and now, she can become a mentor for her teachers.
Cut 6 (07) “…those opportunities.”
She’s also credited with reopening North Iberville High School after the school had been shuttered for more than a decade.

7:30 LRN Newscast

A hearing regarding the sale of Glenwood Regional Medical Hospital in West Monroe was scheduled for today in U-S Bankruptcy Court, but it’s been pushed to August 13th. Local leaders are glad Steward Health Care is selling Glenwood. A-H-S South and American Healthcare Systems have agreed to buy Glenwood, but the property will continue to be owned by Medical Properties Trust. State Representative Michael Echols of Monroe…
cut 8 (09) “….operator”
Echols says Glenwood has suffered from staff and supply shortages because the hospital has been mismanaged by Steward Health Care.

On the flip side, Newsweek ranks St. Tammany Hospital in Covington as the best hospital in the state for cancer treatment. St. Tammany Health System President Joan Coffman says the ranking, which was determined in part through patient surveys, is an honor.
Cut 10 (12) “…broader community.”

A very sad story out of Baton Rouge as an infant has died after being left in a steamy hot car all day. East Baton Rouge Sheriff deputies say the parent intended to bring the six-month old child to daycare, but forgot, and didn’t realize the toddler was left in the car, until the parent went to the daycare facility in the late afternoon to pick the child up. Deputies say an autopsy needs to be done before determining if charges should be filed.

The U-S Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation to update online data privacy rules for children. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

New Saints defensive end Chase Young has looked good in his limited reps during team drills at training camp. New Orleans is bringing Young along slowly after undergoing offseason neck surgery. Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson are penciled in as the starters at defensive end, but Coach Dennis Allen was asked if Young could play himself into the starting lineup…
Cut 16 (22) “…starting lineup.”
Today we will hear from Young as the Saints are making him available to the media. The Saints top wide receiver, Chris Olave, suffered a hip injury towards the end of practice. Following practice, Allen did not have enough information to provide an update.

LSU football reports for preseason camp today and a major story heading into the season opener will be the improvement of the defense. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne says new defensive coordinator Blake Baker has a tough job ahead of him in improving the Tigers defense…
cut 21 (12) “…tackle”
Defensive tackle and cornerback remain big question marks for LSU heading the season.

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top defender.

And Ragin Cajuns left guard AJ Gillie is one of 75 players named to the Outland Trophy preseason watch list. That award goes to the top returning interior lineman.

Louisiana Tech will resume playing Southern Miss in football, but not until 2029. The two schools have agreed to a four-game series starting in 2029. The programs have met 53 times since 1935 and the last meeting was in 2021, when they faced each other as Conference USA rivals.

6:30 LRN Newscast

On Capitol Hill, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe. Kennedy says he’s heard reports Secret Service snipers saw Thomas Crooks 20 minutes before he fired at former President Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month. Rowe says that’s inaccurate.
Cut 20 (06) “…of the president sir.”
Rowe says he can’t defend why the Secret Service did not have the roof where Crooks was stationed secured better.

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is heading to the House after passing the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Senator Bill Cassidy says his legislation, nicknamed COPPA 2.0, updates online data privacy rules for children, like banning data collection on users under 17….
Cut 13 (08) “…peer pressure.”

Newsweek ranks St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as the 104th best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best cancer hospital in Louisiana. Mel Bridges has the details.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”

The Louisiana Department of Education has named Dr. Amanda Austin from Iberville Math, Science, and Arts (MSA) Academy East in St. Gabriel as Principal of the Year.
Cut 4 (04) “…smiling faces.”
Austin has also served on district curriculum teams and has served as a Teacher Leader for the Department of Education.

LRN AM Newscall July 31

The hearing that was scheduled for today on the possible sale of Steward Health Care, the operator of Glenwood Regional Medical Center in West Monroe to American Healthcare Systems has been postponed to August 13th. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

Newsweek ranked St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington as the 104th best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best cancer hospital in Louisiana. Mel Bridges has the details.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

____________________________________________

The Senate overwhelmingly approved legislation to update online data privacy rules for children. Mel Bridges has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.” 

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education has named Dr. Amanda Austin from Iberville Math, Science, and Arts (MSA) Academy East in St. Gabriel as Principal of the Year.

Cut 4 (04) “…smiling faces.”

Austin started as an elementary school teacher fifteen years ago and became Assistant Principal at Plaquemine High School and now is the Principal at Iberville MSA Academy East.

Cut 5 (09) “…this school year.”

Austin says throughout her career she has worked with amazing principals who mentored her when she was teaching and now, she can become a mentor for her teachers.

Cut 6 (07) “…those opportunities.”

She’s also credited with reopening North Iberville High School after the school had been shuttered for more than a decade and created a thriving school with a STEM magnet program.

_________________________________________________________

A judge was expected to certify the transfer and bankruptcy proceedings of Steward Health Care, the operator of West Monroe’s Glenwood Regional Medical Center, today but it’s been pushed to August 13th. Because the actual property is owned by Medical Properties Trust, Monroe Representative Michael Echols says American Healthcare Systems should be buying the asset, not the operator.

Cut 7 (11) “…Ponzi schemes.”

Echols says he doesn’t believe American Healthcare Systems’ bid of a half-million to purchase the operator is the best option for Glenwood.

Cut 8 (09) “…operator.”

Echols says there needs to be fail safes in place to avoid disruption in care for medical facilities in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to light.

Since being forced by the Louisiana Department of Health to reduce patient load because of Steward’s financial problems, Monroe area hospitals have had to accept more patients.

_____________________________________________________________________

A Newsweek ranking found St. Tammany Parish Hospital in Covington to be the 104th best cancer hospital in the U.S. and the best in Louisiana. St. Tammany Health System President Joan Coffman says the ranking, which was determined in part through patient surveys, is an honor.

Cut 10 (12) “…broader community.”

Newsweek used professional surveys, hospital quality metrics, and patient experience surveys to rank each hospital. Coffman says while St. Tammany has partnerships with other hospital networks across the state, the secret to St. Tammany’s success is their staff.

Cut 11 (09) “…in partnership with so many.”

Market research firm Statista reported there were about 2 million new cases of cancer last year and 609,000 cancer-related deaths. Coffman says she and her team prioritize screening education and early detection to try and stop cancer before it’s a problem.

Cut 12 (09) “…focus on.”

Additionally, Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge came in 110th and Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge came in 140th in the rankings.

_______________________________________________________________________

The Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act is heading to the House after passing the Senate on a 91-3 vote. Senator Bill Cassidy says his legislation, nicknamed COPPA 2.0, updates online data privacy rules for children, like banning data collection on users under 17 instead of just those under 13.

Cut 13 (08)  “…peer pressure.”

COPPA 2.0 expands on the original COPPA from 1998 by adding modern updates like requiring companies to create an “Eraser Button” which would let users remove a minor’s personal online information. Cassidy says COPPA 2.0 is about protecting online users when they’re most vulnerable.

Cut 14 (10)  “…those laws,”

Cassidy disagrees that COPPA 2.0 borders on censorship or violates internet companies’ First Amendment rights, saying it’s no different than banning cigarette ads towards minors. He thinks internet companies haven’t been respectful of children’s online privacy since…

Cut 15 (12)  “…harmful behavior.”

The Senate also passed the Kids Online Safety Act, which Cassidy cosponsored.

___________________________________________________________________

New Saints defensive end Chase Young has looked good in his limited reps during team drills at training camp. New Orleans is bringing Young along slowly after undergoing offseason neck surgery. Cam Jordan and Carl Granderson are penciled in as the starters at defensive end, but Coach Dennis Allen was asked if Young could play himself into the starting lineup…

Cut 16 (22) “…starting lineup.” 

2024 first round pick is Taliese Fuaga (Tall-ee-s-a Foo-ah-gah) is getting reps with the first team at left tackle. Fuaga played right tackle at Oregon State and Allen likes what he’s seen from the former All-American…

Cut 17 (20) “…left tackle position.”

5:30 LRN Newscast July 30

Governor Jeff Landry spoke with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana this morning about the pushback the newly signed Ten Commandments law is receiving from civil liberty groups and faith leaders in the state. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (29)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

Former LSU beach volleyball stars Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth are 2-and-0 at the Olympics after victories over Canada and Australia. They will play a duo from China on Thursday afternoon.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins will serve on a House task force investigating the assassination attempt of former President Trump. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross believes Higgins will most likely bring a skeptical view to the panel which he believes is an asset if Higgins signs off on the investigation.

Cut 7 (10) “…way quickly.”

The task force is composed of seven Republicans and six Democrats.

In the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees, Louisiana Senator John Kennedy questioned U. S. Secret Service Acting Director Ronald Rowe today. Kennedy says he’s heard reports Secret Service snipers saw gunman Thomas Michael Crooks 20 minutes before he fired shots. Rowe says that’s inaccurate.

Cut  14 (06) “…President, sir.”

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast July 30

The Saints offense is expected to look different under new Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kubiak is expected to run a motion and play action-heavy scheme like the one he did under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco. Offensive tackle Trevor Penning says the new scheme won’t help just Derek Carr and the skill positions…
Cut 18 (19) “…fit really good.”
Saints receiver Chris Olave left practice early today after landing on his hip. Coach Dennis Allen did not have any further details following practice.

Former LSU beach volleyball stars Kristen Nuss and Taryn Kloth are 2-and-0 at the Olympics after victories over Canada and Australia. They will play a duo from China on Thursday afternoon.

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins has been named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which goes to the nation’s top defender. Perkins had 26 tackles for a loss and 13 sacks over the last two seasons at LSU. The Tigers report for preseason camp tomorrow.

And Ragin Cajuns left guard AJ Gillie is one of 75 players named to the Outland Trophy preseason watch list. That award goes to the top returning interior lineman.

Grambling quarterback Myles Crawley has been named to the Walter Payton Award, which goes to the best offensive player in F-C-S football. Nicholls running back Jaylon Spears, who was the Southland Conference player of the year last season is also on the list.

Louisiana Tech will resume playing Southern Miss in football, but not until 2029. The two schools have agreed to a four-game series starting in 2029. The programs have met 53 times since 1935 and the last meeting was in 2021, when they faced each other as Conference USA rivals.