7:30 LRN Newscast January 25

Federal workers are missing a second two-week payday today as the federal government remains shutdown. A proposal to fund paychecks for active duty and retired Coast Guard members failed yesterday. Senator Bill Cassidy says if the deadlock continues, pursuing piecemeal legislative efforts to get federal workers paid may be necessary…
cut 15 (08) “…that end”

St. Francisville fifth grade teacher Stephanie Whetstone got one heck of a surprise yesterday, as she received the 25,000 dollar Milken Award for her work in the classroom at Bains Elementary. Whetstone was recognized for her commitment to making sure students understand not just the STEM curriculum, but why they need those vital math skills.
Cut 7 (09) “…life skills.”
The 25,000 is a no strings attached cash prize.

The Sunshine Bridge in St. James Parish will be shut down from Saturday morning until Monday morning as some major repair work is set to begin on the structure that was struck by a crane barge back in October. The bridge has been partially open since December. Department of Transportation Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says it’s impressive work.
Cut 4 (08) “in place.”
Mallet estimates this will be the last time the bridge is shut off to traffic through the end of scheduled repairs.

A Sulphur woman has been charged with negligent homicide and faces numerous drug charges in the death of her eight-month-old son. Calcasieu Sheriff Tony Mancuso says his deputies went to the home after receiving a call about an infant not breathing and when officers were trying to save the child’s life, 26-year-old Lacey Blount was allegedly hiding her drugs. And Mancuso gave this disturbing detail on how investigators believe the baby stopped breathing….
cut 12 (07) “….and a nightstand”