We’re following breaking news at the Port of New Orleans, where a river cruise ship is currently on its side, with half the ship underwater in the Mississippi River. We’re learning that the American Heritage cruise ship collided with an asphalt tanker near the port. There were 129 passengers onboard the ship, and they were actually in the process of disembarking at the time of the collision. A city spokesman says many of those people have been rescued, and search and rescue operations are ongoing. It’s unknown how many people are unaccounted for.
A multi-agency operation targeting registered sex offenders using social media networks nets 35 arrests. The operation, dubbed Operation Safe Networks, took place between August and October. Attorney General Liz Murrill says while law enforcement will work tirelessly to take child predators off the streets, parents need to be vigilant as well.
Cut 4 (08) “…not their friend.”
Swyft Fiber is expanding its operations and will build its new headquarters in Metairie. Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission President Jerry Bologna says Swift Fiber employs more than 230 people today and they plan to grow to more than 300 employees by the end of 2027.
Most of the company’s planned network will be built underground to reduce exposure to high winds from hurricanes and severe storms.
In other breaking news, the president of the UL System has resigned. The Board of Supervisors said Rick Gallot’s resignation will take effect December 1st. It comes following a report that Gallot owed 350-thousand dollars in outstanding federal income taxes. The board has appointed current Superintendent of Public Education Cade Brumley as the new system president. Gallot will remain with the system as a faculty member.