Today is the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Legislation awaiting the governor’s signature would lift the requirement every high school student has to take the A-C-T test. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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The Kenny Wayne Shepard band is performing at the Raising Canes River Center on July 13th, and they are looking for a local band to open their show. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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It was 80 years ago today when more than 156,000 Allied ground troops stormed the beaches of Normandy, a turning point in WWII, what’s referred to as D-Day. Of the 2,500 Americans who were killed, 33 were from Louisiana. Colonel Jerome Butler with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs says this anniversary is notable because…
Cut 4 (10) “…operation.”
Of the Louisianans killed in action 12 are buried in state, 17 in American cemeteries in France, one in England, and three were never found.
Buller says while D-Day was a successful operation, it’s also a somber day because of the 4,500 Allied forces who died…
Cut 5 (10) “…be remembered.”
In the regular legislative session, Buller says a House Concurrent Resolution 127 was submitted paying honor to the 33 Louisianans who died on D-Day.
Cut 6 (06) “…their sacrifice.”
To learn more about Louisianas or other Americans who fought on D-Day you can visit dday.org/learn/necrology-project/
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Taking the A-C-T would no longer be a requirement for some high school students under legislation awaiting the governor’s signature. On the final day of the legislative session, state lawmakers gave approval to Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg’s bill that says if a student is seeking a career-path diploma they could take a job skills test or a military readiness test. Bamburg says it’s about giving parents options…
Cut 7 (07) “…daily basis.”
The vote for this bill in the House was close, 55 in favor, 46 opposed. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes voted against it. He says there’s a purpose for the ACT and he believes requiring every student to take the ACT has improved the state’s rankings in public education…
Cut 8 (08) “…move backward.”
Since 2013 Louisiana has required every high school student to take the ACT. Supporters of this legislation say Louisiana’s average ACT score has been dragged down, because there are students not taking the A-C-T seriously, if they are going to a four-year college. Bamburg made that point on the House floor…
Cut 9 (09) “…the ACT.”
Louisiana’s ACT score has been trending downward. Last year the state average was 18, while the national average is 19.5.
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The Treasure Chest Casino in Kenner will open its doors today for its new land-based casino in Kenner. David Strow (rhymes with how) with Boyd Gaming Corporation says it will be quite a change from their riverboat casino and he’s betting visitors will be impressed.
Cut 10 (12) “…before.”
The new facility has a gambling hall that’s 47,000 square feet, twice the size of the previous casino, and 8,000 square of convention space.
Strow says in addition to gambling they’ll have four dining options, including a high-end steak house and a state-of-the-art sports bar next to a Fan Duel Sportsbook.
Cut 11 (11) “…expand the appeal.”
At the riverboat property, visitors had to park off-site and take a shuttle to the casino. Strow believes guests will appreciate the parking lot at the new land-based casino.
Cut 12 (12) “…before.”
Strow says of all their properties the one in Kenner is among their most successful ones and believes that will continue to grow with the new facility.
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The Kenny Wayne Shepard band is performing at the Raising Canes River Center on July 13th in Baton Rouge, and they want a band from Louisiana to open up for them. They plan to hold a Battle of the Bands competition at the Texas Club in Baton Rouge on June 21 and they are taking submissions now. Kenny Wayne Shepard says this is a great opportunity for an aspiring Louisiana band.
Cut 13 (10) “…touring act.”
Shepard says just about any band that does a great show will fit the bill and they are not limiting the search to blues and rock bands.
Cut 14 (07) “…our crowd.”
Opening for an international touring act is a huge opportunity for a local band to be able to use this platform and b grow their audience base, says Shepard.
Cut 15 (11) “…illegally.”
The band’s original opener, Blues legend, Jimmie Vaugh had to step down due to a cancer diagnosis.
Eagle 98.1 is taking submissions through the 12th.
Go to Eagle981.com and click on “Battle of the Louisiana Bands” for more info.
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Saints defensive end Isaiah Foskey did not make an impact in his rookie season last year after he was drafted in the second round out of Notre Dame. Foskey appeared in ten games last year and had nine tackles. The 23-year-old says he feels much more comfortable this year…
Cut 16 (16) “…helps a lot.”
Wide receiver Chris Olave is entering his third season. He caught 87 passes for 1,123 yards and had five touchdowns last year. Olave averaged 13 yards a reception last year. He hopes to produce more big plays this year in new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s system…
Cut 17 (17) “…the system.”
Saints defensive end Carl Granderson had a career-high 8.5 sacks last season. Granderson believes the defensive line will be really good with the addition of Chase Young…
Cut 18 (18) “…get after it.”