Just days after Governor Landry told it to pick up the pace, the EPA says it has made significant progress in cleaning up the oil from the waterways from the Smitty’s Supply explosion in Roseland. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is urging the public to go “Lights Out” to protect migrating birds this fall. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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The College Football National Championship game is coming back to New Orleans in January of 2028. Andre Champagne has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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The EPA says it’s making progress in the cleanup of the Tangipahoa River more than a month after the explosion at Smitty’s Supply in Roseland. The update comes just days after Governor Landry took to social media to urge the EPA to pick up the pace. During a news conference, in which Landry attended, EPA Region Six Administrator Scott Mason says crews have cleaned up most of the oil that ended up in the waterways.
Cut 4 (11) “…material recovery effort.”
Mason says they’re also working to prevent additional oily materials from reaching the river or the ponds.
Cut 5 (09) “…petroleum-based liquids.”
Mason says they’re also working with state partners on soil sampling, working to determine whether there’s a risk to human health for farmers or other outdoor workers.
Cut 6 (05) “…to human health.”
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The Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources is now the Department of Conservation and Energy. C-and-E spokesman Patrick Courreges (koo-RAHJ) says despite a new name, the mission remains the same.
Cut 7 (13) “…and land itself.”
When Governor Landry took office last year, he issued an executive order to re-organize the agency that was known for a long time as the Department of Natural Resources.
Courreges says technology, industry, and environmental best practices have changed a great deal over the last several decades, and this re-organization helps the agency catch up.
Cut 8 (12) “…policy going forward.”
Courreges says the Department of Conservation and Energy will be organized into six divisions, better tailored to specific roles and operations. He says previously permitting responsibilities were split between two different offices, now they’ve been integrated into a centralized structure.
Cut 9 (08) “…of these problems.”
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The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is calling on building owners, businesses and residents to turn off unnecessary lighting from 11 p-m to 6 a-m to help an estimated 500 million migratory birds pass through Louisiana safely. LWF member Charles Williams says migratory birds navigate by the light of the moon and stars, but bright lights can lead to fatal collisions.
Cut 10 (09) “…injured or dying.”
Williams says this is the fall migration season, so they are asking the public to turn off outdoor lighting that’s non-essential for safety or operation during the night.
Cut 11 (08) “…that run continuously.”
Williams says a billion birds die every year from building collisions in North America. He says by turning off or dimming non-essential lights during peak migration hours, the public can help birds navigate safely.
Cut 12 (11) “…by saving birds.”
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The College Football National Championship game is returning to New Orleans as it will be held in the Caesars Superdome on January 24th, 2028. Rich Clark, the executive director of the College Football Playoff, says they are thrilled to bring the national championship game to New Orleans in 2028, and they know the fans will enjoy the experience.
Cut 13 (12) “…big events.”
Not only will New Orleans host the CFP National Championship game in 2028, the Allstate Sugar Bowl will once again serve as a CFP Quarterfinal on New Year’s Night. 2020 was the last time New Orleans hosted both the Sugar Bowl and a CFP national championship game. Jeff Hundley, the chief executive officer of the Allstate Sugar Bowl, says this will be a huge economic impact for the city.
Cut 14 (09) “…same year.”
Governor Landry says the big football games will bring thousands to the city, which serves as the front door to the rest of Louisiana.
Cut 15 (11) “… unbelievable place.”
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The Saints are 0-and-4, but they have a great opportunity to get in the win column as they host the New York Giants Sunday. Head coach Kellen Moore says that second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler is not going to be perfect every play, but he’s given the Saints numerous chances to win games.
Cut 16 (11) “…it done.”
The Saints will face rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart Sunday. Dart made his first start last week against the Chargers and lifted the Giants to a 21-18 win. Moore says that Dart has numerous strengths that make him a dangerous weapon on offense.
Cut 17 (20) “…those guys.”
The New Orleans offense will be challenged with facing one of the best defensive lines in the NFL which features Dexter Lauwrence, Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns. With a banged-up offensive line, Rattler says the Saints will have to get the ball out quickly.
Cut 18 (15) “…the chains.”
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Northwestern State will play a home game for the first time in 37 days on Saturday when it hosts East Texas A&M. The Demons are coming off of a bye week, and head coach Blaine McCorkle says that his team has a chance to learn from their heartbreaking 27 to 24 loss to Prairie View A&M.
Cut 19 (16) “…a win.”
Northwestern quarterback Abram Johnston made his first career start about a year ago against East Texas A&M. Johnston now has several more games of experience under his belt and is more comfortable with the offense. Johnston says Saturday’s game is an opportunity for the Demons to make a statement as conference play begins.
Cut 20 (12) “…important it is.”
Kickoff at Turpin Stadium is at 6 p-m.