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.

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.”

 

12:30 LRN Newscast July 30

Governor Jeff Landry was on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster this morning talking about the pushback against the Ten Commandments Law requiring all state-funded schools and universities to display them.

Cut 9 (09) “…if you would.”

The law is facing litigation from several families and advocacy groups.

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins will serve on a 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.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, home of the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing was held today. Dean of Nursing Raquel Engolio says currently the program enrolls 80 students per semester …

Cut 4 (10) “…the end goal.”

The annex will provide state-of-the-art classrooms, simulation labs, and collaborative spaces. The project is seen as a critical investment in the future of healthcare in the region.

11:30 LRN Newscast July 30

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins will be serving on the bipartisan task force investigating the assassination attempt of former President Trump. ULM political science professor Pearson Cross says because Higgins is among the most conservative members of Congress…

Cut 6 (12) “…meant to do.”

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

Groundbreaking was held today for the new nursing Annex Building at Nicholls State University, Dean of Nursing Raquel Engolio (In-go-lee-ah) says this marks the beginning of their project aimed at enhancing the Thibodaux Regional Health System School of Nursing.

Cut 3 (07) “…enter the field.”

The state has invested $27 million in funding for the project.

State Revenue has sent notice to almost 19-thousand individual and business taxpayers to claim their refunds before they are transferred to the state treasury’s Unclaimed Property division. Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says any refunds not claimed by the September 6th deadline remain the property of the taxpayer…

Cut 9 (07)  “…State Treasures office.

Those notices were mailed this week.

President Joe Biden is calling on Congress to impose term limits of 18 years on Supreme Court Justices and an enforceable ethics code. Ethic reforms to SCOTUS would require justices to disclose gifts, refrain from political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouse have a financial or conflict of interest. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan referred to Justice Clarence Thomas.

Cut 11 (10) “…has made.”

AM LRN Newscall July 30

The Louisiana Department of Education has named Elise Boutin (boo-tan) from Rayne High School the Teacher of the Year. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_______________________________________________

President Biden wants to put a term limit of 18 years and issue a code of conduct for US Supreme Court Justices. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

LDWF is still investigating a fatal boat collision on the Tickfaw River that occurred on Sunday leaving 31-year-old Thuy Gustin of Springfield and 36-year-old Chase Sharkey of Greenburg dead. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson” 

______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Education has named Elise Boutin (boo-tan) Teacher of the Year. Boutin teaches 12th-grade English at Rayne High School in Acadia Parish.

Cut 4 (07) “…children to adults.”

Boutin revived the student-produced YouTube Channel Rayne, Alive which connects students to local broadcasting opportunities in their area, and started a cross-country team at the school.

Cut 5 (07) “…bit of an impact.”

Boutin is going into her 15th year as a teacher and says seeing past students succeed as adults and reach goals they didn’t think were possible is a reward in itself.

Cut 6 (12) “…did my job.”

_________________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Revenue sent Notice of Unclaimed Property letters to almost 19-thousand individual and business taxpayers reminding them to claim their refunds before they are transferred by law to the Unclaimed Property Division of the state treasurer’s office. Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson…

Cut 7 (11) “…unclaimed property.”

The total amount of unclaimed refunds due for transfer is over $15 million, and you can claim your refund one of two ways…

Cut 8 (12) “…July 26, 2024.”

Henderson says any refunds not claimed by the deadline remain the property of the taxpayer…

Cut 9 (07)  “…State Treasures office.

The Department of Revenue will issue paper checks to all taxpayers submitting claims electronically or with the voucher by the September 6th deadline.

________________________________________

President Biden revealed sweeping changes he’d like to enact for the US Supreme Court that include term limits and an ethics code. LSU political science professor Dr. Robert Hogan says because justices receive lifetime appointments it can cause a problem when they stay on too long…

Cut 10 (08) “…talk about it.”

Biden wants to set 18-year-term limits for justices. The president would appoint new justices every two years and they’d serve a maximum of 18 years.

Ethic reforms to SCOTUS would require justices to disclose gifts, refrain from political activity, and recuse themselves from cases in which they or their spouse have a financial or conflict of interest. Hogan referred to Justice Clarence Thomas.

Cut 11 (10) “…has made.”

Hogan says because the proposed changes appeal to Democrats’ criticisms of the courts along with a constitutional amendment to eliminate presidential immunity, it’s very unlikely any of these changes will make it to the floor in either chamber.

Cut 12 (11) “…on this.”

And with a Republican-controlled House, Hogan says it’s very doubtful the lower chamber will vote on the measures either.

_______________________________________________________________________

Authorities are still investigating a fatal boat collision on the Tickfaw River that occurred on Sunday leaving 31-year-old Thuy Gustin of Springfield and 36-year-old Chase Sharkey of Greenburg dead and six injured. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents, along with local law enforcement, are leading the investigation to determine the cause of the collision. LDWF Sgt. Randy Lanoux…

Cut 13 (08)  “…kinds of things.”

Lanoux says it seems both boats were traveling at a moderate speed and…

Cut 14 (11)  “…taking action,”

Authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. Lanoux says boating accidents can take weeks to investigate due to the time it takes to reconstruct the accident and process forensics.

Cut 15 (12)  “…to say.”

No one was wearing a personal flotation device at the time of the collision.

Lanoux says to stay alert on the water, especially during the busy summer months when recreational boating activity peaks.

___________________________________________________________________

Saints training camp is well underway in Irvine, California. One of the standouts so far has been 26-year-old linebacker Willie Gay. He and 2021 second-round pick Pete Werner are expected to compete for playing time alongside Demario Davis in New Orleans’ two-linebacker scheme, but Gay says their performance might change things…

Cut 16 (20) “…helps us win.” 

2022 first-round pick Trevor Penning has had a slow start to his career riddled with injury and finds himself battling for the starting right tackle spot this offseason. The Northern Iowa product says he learned a lot from working with former Saints All-Pro and current Dolphins left tackle Terron Armstead this offseason…

Cut 17 (22) “…what he’s gonna do.”

The Saints offense is expected to look completely 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. Penning says the new scheme won’t help just Derek Carr and the skill positions…

Cut 18 (19)  “…fit really good.”

____________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (11) “…four or five more years”

Cut 20 (13) “…higher results.”

5:30 LRN Newscast July 29

Cleanup efforts are underway after a large oil spill in Bayou Lafourche Saturday. The spill was traced to a leaking fuel tank and valve failure at the Crescent Midstream pumping station in Raceland. The cause is unknown and company officials say 820 barrels, or 34,440 gallons spilled onto the ground and into the water. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson (shasson) says response has been immediate and effective…

Cut 9 (12) “…been contained.”

The investigation continues into last Thursday’s fatal shooting of Lafayette police officer, Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette, a 35-year-old, who leaves behind a wife and five children. A candlelight vigil will be held Tuesday night at the Lafayette Police Department for Jolivette. Visitation and funeral services will be held Wednesday and Thursday in Opelousas.

Passenger rail service from New Orleans to Mobile is closer to getting on track, as soon as February 2025. Chair of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross says Amtrak and the City of Mobile will begin finalizing the paperwork over the next week so platform work can start in Mobile.

Cut 6 (11) “…downtown New Orleans.”
The goal is to have service up and running in time for the Superbowl

St. James Parish sugarcane farmer Bryce Gautreau says rainfall totals are way up over last year when the sugarcane struggled to grow because of drought conditions….
Cut 4 (11) “…last year.”

LSU Ag Center sugarcane specialist Doctor Kenneth Gravois says sugarcane production has been increasing in Louisiana and that trend will continue this year.

10:30 LRN Newscast July 29

Two people were killed over the weekend when two boats collided during the middle of the night on the Tickfaw River near Kings Point in Livingston Parish. A 25-foot pontoon boat and a 25-foot Sea Fox boat hit each other around midnight on Saturday night, causing significant damage to the pontoon boat. A 27-year-old female and a 36-year-old male died and six other suffered serious injuries.

The tropics are showing signs of getting active again. Bill Jacquemin has more on a disturbance in the Atlantic that’s showing signs of development…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin” 

 

2024 LEAP scores show a slight improvement in English scores. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says its indication early literacy policies are working and now the state department of education will put more of an emphasis on improving math scores

Cut 8 (12) “…make up.”

 

The Tiger Athletic Foundation has created a new subsidiary to help LSU’s NIL Collective Bayou Traditions raise money so it can provide enhanced NIL opportunities for athletes. TAF President Matt Borman the agreement will ensure contributors to Bayou Traditions will allow supporters receive T-A-F priority points…

Cut 5 (10) “…to T-A-F.”

1:30 LRN Newscast July 26

Responding to a hostage situation Thursday, 35-year-old Lafayette SWAT negotiator Senior Corporal Segus Jolivette (See-guss Joe-vee-ette) died in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife and five children. There will be a candlelight vigil at Jenerette City Hall tonight in his memory at 7 o’clock.

Legislative leaders have announced no special session on tax reform this year, but they want to take a crack at it before their term is up. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

 

Former President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama have officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential election. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 9 (12) “…this process.”

Harris has received enough votes to win the nomination that she’ll formally accept at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next month.

There’s a new list of what you can’t bring to New Orleans Mardi Gras next year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says to leave your tents, canopies, and portable toilets at home. And he says grills, BBQ pits, and generators are prohibited on parade routes.

Cut 4 (07) “…anymore.

Throw guidelines have also changed, among the banned throws are confetti, silly string, and anything with a sharp point.

12:30 LRN Newscast July 26

The Lafayette police officer who was killed yesterday after an hours-long standoff has been identified as Corporal Segus Jolivette. He was a SWAT officer who responded to a hostage situation when Jeanette Marshals tried to issue an arrest warrant Thursday morning. He is survived by his wife and five children.

31 LSU athletes will represent the Tigers at this year’s Paris Olympics competing in basketball, beach volleyball, gymnastics, swimming, diving, tennis, and track and field.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.” 

There will not be a tax reform special session this year, but House Speaker Phillip DeVillier says before lawmakers hold one, they would like to get more input from business leaders and state agencies to find out what’s keeping businesses from locating and growing in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…don’t know.”

He wants to hold meetings to get a better idea of needed changes

There are new rules for New Orleans Mardi Gras on what you can’t bring to parade routes next year. Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy says the devil isn’t just in the details it’s also in enforcement. He says it will be interesting to see how it’s carried out. Among the banned items are…

Cut 3 (10) “…now banned.”

And New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell faces a federal civil rights lawsuit from the woman she accused of stalking her.