Lumen Technologies in Monroe has donated its 800-thousand-square-foot commercial offices to the University of Louisiana – Monroe. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The federal government has announced its approval of a disaster declaration for Louisiana commercial fisheries over revenue lost due to three 2020 hurricanes. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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 The College World Series Champion LSU Tigers were welcomed home by the home crowd yesterday. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (34)  “….I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Ochsner Hospital for Children in New Orleans has been recognized as the number one kid’s hospital in Louisiana by U.S. News & World Report for the third year. System Chair of Pediatrics Dr. William Lennarz says Ochsner is committed to providing top-quality care for kids across the Gulf South.

Cut 4 (12)  “…the U.S.”

The 17^th annual Best Children’s Hospital rankings recognize the top 50 pediatric facilities across the U.S. in 10 pediatric specialties including cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes, and endocrinology. Lennarz says more than thirty plus pediatric specialties and sub-specialties care for 76 thousand children every year.

Cut 5 (11)   “…far between.”

The hospital was also recognized as a national leader in pediatric cardiology and heart surgery and pediatric orthopedics. These rankings help parents with children who have rare or life-threatening illnesses and their doctors in choosing the right hospital for them.

Lennarz says the children’s hospital excelled at factors such as clinical outcomes, level and quality of hospital resources…

Cut 6 (12)  “…the analysis.”

Ochsner Hospital for Children offers the only pediatric heart and liver transplant program in the state and has been recognized as a national healthcare leader since 2017.

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Lumen Technologies announces it is donating its local facilities campus to U.L.-Monroe. Lumen is moving more to hybrid and remote work, leaving the two buildings largely unused. ULM President Dr. Ronald Berry says Lumen (originally known as CenturyTel) approached them about the 800-thousand-square-foot facility…:

Cut 7 (13) “…and Lumen’s leadership.”

Lumen’s Mark Molzen says, as more employees started working from home, they sought a suitable use for their large two-building campus. He says they have had a long partnership with ULM and giving the university the facility seems like the right move…:

Cut 8 (10) “…and uhhh alumni.’”

Lumen plans to lease back just over 50-thousand square feet of space for meetings and in-person events. ULM President Ron Berry says the university will seek to recruit local and regional firms to move into the former Lumen Technologies Center for Excellence…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…at the facility.”

The mixed-use commercial facility will be renamed for CenturyTel founder and Monroe benefactor Clarke Williams.

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U.S. Commerce Department announces the state’s saltwater finfish, oyster, and shrimping industries will receive financial support due to revenue losses caused by the 2020 hurricanes. State Wildlife Fisheries Biologist Administrator Jason Froeba says this is good news for the state.”

Cut 10 (09) “…the way.”

How much will be allocated will be determined by NOAA. Froeba says despite waiting two years on federal financial assistance from a 2019 disaster, the determination is another step towards disaster funding.

Cut 11 (12)  “…be spent.”

Froeba says shortly after the storms LDWF and LSU Ag Center put together a report on estimated damages and NOAA had a 35% loss requirement to be eligible.

Cut 12 (12)    “…million dollars.” 

Froeba says the process will help the seafood industry be more resilient to future disasters. Funding recovers losses from 2020 hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta.

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The National Champion LSU baseball team returned home yesterday to the cheers and support of the Tigers faithful. Hundreds of fans reflected on a victorious season and welcomed home what some believe to be one of the greatest in LSU history…

Cut 13 (12) “…what happened.”  

The Tigers players celebrate a well-deserved triumphant end to the season. For many of the Tigers stars it will be how they cap off their careers in Baton Rouge. This Tigers team relied on both LSU veterans and young talent, and there are a lot of fan favorites…

Cut 14 (11)  “…got it big.”

In a season that began with Omaha-or-Bust expectations, fans, players, and coaches celebrated a successful end to a long season. As the Tigers fought back through the College World Series, many fans said it wasn’t hard to tell what set this group apart…

Cut 15 (07)  “…this thing.”

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Pelicans first-round pick Jordan Hawkins was welcomed to the team today. The Uconn guard spent 2 seasons with the Huskies including an NCAA championship run this past season. The 21-year-old says his experience on a championship-winning team has helped prepare him for the NBA…

Cut 16 (13) “…really well.”

Hawkins was widely regarded as one of the best shooters in this year’s draft. Specializing in of-ball movement and shooting, Hawkins was a 39 percent three-point shooter at Uconn. He says he’s studied some of the greatest shooters ever to improve his Reggie Miller style of play…

Cut 17 (10) “…them too so.”

Although he’s known for his shooting, he’s also shown flashes of athleticism and says he’s added 10 pounds this offseason to adapt to the NBA’s physical defense. Hawkins will provide some much-needed shooting for the Pelicans but says he’s ready to contribute however necessary…

Cut 18 (15) “…needs me to do.” 

LSU is a national champion in baseball for a seventh time in program history. Jeff Palermo looks back at a dominating win in the final game of the College World Series…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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With a $1.36 billion investment by the federal government, Louisianans will receive high-speed internet. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx”  

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The LSU Tigers are national champions of college baseball for the first time since 2009 and the seventh time in program history after blowing out Florida 18 to 4 in the final game of the College World Series. Cade Beloso has been waiting for this since he arrived on campus in the fall of 2018…

Cut 3 (12) “…work for”

The Tigers had a College World  Series record 24 hits and eleven different Tigers recorded a hit, including shortstop Jordan Thompson who had two hits. Thompson had just one hit in the C-W-S entering the game and committed a couple of errors on Sunday. Coach Jay Johnson spoke with J-T before the game…

Cut 4 (12)  “…I’m good.” 

Johnson wins a national championship in his second season as head coach at LSU. He’s grateful the LSU administration believed in them…

Cut 5 (11)  “…they gave me the chance” ”

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The federal government has awarded Louisiana 1.36 billion dollars for the expansion of affordable, reliable high-speed internet service for businesses and residents. Connect LA Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says these funds represent the eighth largest allocation in the country

Cut 6 (13)  “…once for for all” 

Iyengar says Louisiana has now received more than one-point-eight billion dollars in total federal funding for broadband expansion. He says the state has also appropriated $10 million to the community college system to build a workforce that can bring high speed internet to every area of the state…

Cut 7 (07)  “…by 2025” 

Iyengar says the goal is to provide every Louisiana business and home with high-speed, affordable and reliable internet by 2029.

Cut 8 (13)  “…reliable internet.” 

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While the baseball team won their 7^th College World Series championship, tiger fans in Omaha won their first Jell-o Shot Challenge and the real winner is LSU’s food pantry.  LSU Campus Life spokesperson Alison Paz says Rocco’s Pizza and Cantina will be sending them a $60-thousand donation.

Cut 9 (11) “…our students.”

Paz says food insecurity on college campuses can be as high as 30 percent and last year they distributed almost 262-thousand pounds of food.

Two dollars from every $5 shot is being donated by Rocco’s Pizza to each participating school and Jevo, the company that made the shots, will also make a charitable donation. Paz says they were contacted by the owners of Rocco’s just before the first shot congealed and they explained how the contest would work. But did they ever imagine the donation would exceed $60-thousand?

Cut 10 (06)  “…turn out.”

Paz says the donation is among the largest they’ve ever received. The owners of Rocco’s Pizza in Omaha say they had such a great time entertaining Tiger fans they are planning a road trip to attend an LSU football game. Paz says she’d welcome the visit.

Cut 11 (09)  “…that donation.”

LSU fans in Omaha consumed a record 68,888 shots in the 2023 CWS Jell-O Shot Challenge.

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A bizarre carjacking in Slidell Sunday ended with an arrest in Alabama. Slidell Police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau says shortly before 1 PM 37-year-old Tyron Pryor of Kingsville, Texas barged into the Outback Steakhouse, grabbed a kitchen knife, and threaten employees and customers.

Cut 12 (11) “…then took off.” 

Just hours later, Seuzeneau says Pryor encountered an Alabama State Trooper who was working an accident in Tuscaloosa County.

Cut 13 (14) “…in Alabama.” 

After the chase, Seuzeneau says Pryor was apprehended and is being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail facing multiple charges in Alabama. Eventually, Pryor will be extradited to Slidell where he’ll be charged with carjacking and more. Seuzeneau says carjackings are rare in Slidell.

Cut  14 (10)  “…little disturbing.”

The state Democratic party has endorsed Shaw Wilson for gone. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The U.S. Supreme Court boots a challenge of Louisiana’s 2022 Congressional district map back to a federal judge or state lawmakers to decide. Kevin Gallagher reports the issue is over the desire for a second majority-black voting district…:

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Culinary chefs from across the state heat it up with their best seafood dish at the 16th annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off today. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The state Democratic Party officially endorses former DOTD secretary Shawn Wilson as their candidate in the 2023 governor’s race. UL-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says it’s interesting because it’s usually the Republican Party that issues endorsements in an effort to unite party members to support one candidate.

Cut 4 (08)  “…candidates.”

The Republican party made their endorsement of Jeff Landry very early in the governor’s race before any other Republicans even announced their candidacy. Cross says the business of endorsements is an odd one.

Cut 5 (09)   “…Shawn Wilson.”

Cross says while an endorsement can be beneficial for fundraising, in the grand scheme of things the general public isn’t easily impressed or swayed by endorsements…

Cut 6 (11)  “…difference.”

The official endorsement of Wilson puts to rest rumors that state party chairwoman Katie Bernhardt will run for the state’s highest office. And former US Senate candidate Gary Chambers also endorses Wilson.

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The U.S. Supreme Court has kicked a case challenging Louisiana’s 2022 Congressional district map back to Louisiana, meaning it will either be decided by a federal judge in Baton Rouge or by the state legislature. Plaintiffs sued because the map does not have 2 black majority congressional voting districts, which would reflect the state’s 32-percent black population. District 2 Congressman Troy Carter says this sends the message that Louisiana needs to “get it right”…:

Cut 7 (08) “…United States Congress.”

The Supreme Court’s release of a hold on the case means it now returns to Louisiana, where it can either be decided in a state courtroom, or by a new district map drawn by state lawmakers. Congressman Carter says, if the state has a 32-percent black population, then two of its six congressional districts should reflect majority black voter strength…:

Cut 8 (10) “…meets muster constitutionally.’”

A second majority-minority district would likely start in north Louisiana, taking in heavily black parishes along the Mississippi River and stretching into areas north of Baton Rouge and adjacent to parts of Carter’s District 2. Carter says as the state’s population shifts and changes, voter representation needs to change with it…:

Cut 9 (05)  “…district in Louisiana.”

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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board are set to select/crown the next king or queen at the 16^th Annual Louisiana Seafood Cook-Off later today. Nungesser says the culinary competition will feature a dozen chefs from across the state.

Cut 10 (13) “…fresh seafood.”

After being held in Lafayette for the past five years, this year’s competition is moving to Lake Charles to help the city recover from the hurricanes. The chefs draw their cooking order the night before. Nungesser says the culinary creators have an hour to do their best.

Cut 11 (13)  “…their restaurants.”

Nungesser says the winner will have the opportunity to represent the state at a variety of events.

Cut 12 (13)    “…the world.” 

The winner will participate in the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans.

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LSU is a national champion for a 7th time in baseball as the Fighting Tigers roared back after losing by 20 runs on Sunday to beat Florida 18-4 on Monday to win the College World Series. LSU designated hitter Cade Beloso believes another dynasty is about to happen, because of Coach Jay Johnson…

Cut 13 (14) “…promise that”  

This 2023 team was filled with great players and led by Paul Skenes who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the College World Series and center fielder Dylan Crews. The Golden Spikes Award winner had four hits in his final game as a Tiger…

Cut 14 (14)  “…that’s good”

Jay Johnson wins a national championship in his second season as head coach. Johnson credits the players for doing the hard work….

Cut 15 (08)  “…this thing.”

On Monday night, LSU fell behind by two runs in the first inning but exploded for six runs in the second inning. Jordan Thompson, who had just one hit in the College World Series coming into the final game, got the scoring started with an RBI single. Thompson heard the love from the fans who were in his corner when he came up to the plate…

Cut 16 (16) “…ready to go”

By lifting a hold on the Louisiana case regarding congressional maps, the Supreme Court is allowing the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals to rule if the state’s maps should be redrawn or not. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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A project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers designed to lower the risk of flooding by elevating homes along the coast of Southwest Louisiana has already received $300 million dollars in funding. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx”  

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An excessive heat warning has been issued this week as Louisiana is dealing with its first lengthy heatwave of the summer. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says new record high temperatures may be broken.

Cut 3 (12) “…to 120.”

Heat indices ranging from 100 to 104 degrees are forecasted for Shreveport this afternoon. Tomorrow, Alexandria could see a heat index of 114 degrees. Wetherbee says heat-related issues can develop quickly when heat indices get this high.

Cut 4 (11)  “…heat advisories.” 

Dangerous heat with peak index values of 113-119 degrees is expected for all of southeastern LA tomorrow.

Wetherbee says we could see a break from the extreme heat.

Cut 5 (10)  “…heat smart.”

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News of the Supreme Court of the United States’ lifting of a hold on Louisiana’s Congressional map case makes it highly likely the map will be redrawn to have two black-majority-district instead of one. Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis was among the voters who sued the state because the map was not indicative of the state’s 33-percent Black population.

Cut 6 (08)  “…I believe.” 

The Louisiana case was before the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals before SOCTUS placed a hold on it. Lewis says Judge Shelly Dick could rule to use the congressional map she was having drawn or let the Governor decide if he should call another re-districting session.

Cut 7 (12)  “…the case.” 

Lewis says he’s pleased with the ruling that opens the door for the maps to be revised before the next congressional election in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (13)  “…in congress.” 

State Senate Majority Leader, Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt issued a statement on the ruling. She says she respects the judicial process and looks forward to having our day in court concerning the maps.

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The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has received hundreds of millions of dollars to elevate homes and businesses in Southwest Louisiana. Corp of Engineers Senior Project Manager Darrel Broussard says this money will be used to elevate at-risk structures.

Cut 9 (10) “…1,000 structures.”

The elevation of 1,000 homes in Cameron, Calcasieu, and Vermillion parishes could begin by January 2024.  The home’s elevation levels will provide protection from surge flooding that has a 1% chance of occurring as a so-called 100-year event in 2075. Broussard says hundreds of residents will be protected against flooding when the next storm comes.

Cut 10 (13)  “…structuring is.”

Broussard says this is part of the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Risk Reduction Project. He says additional environmental restoration projects aimed at restoring marsh areas will also be included.

Cut 11 (09)  “…five or six p.m.”

Congress has already appropriated $300 million. Additional funds must still be appropriated to elevate as many as 2,500 additional homes.

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Tonight is the night, the college baseball season comes to an end and it will be either LSU or Florida holding up the national championship trophy. Will LSU’s ace pitcher Paul Skenes pitch on three days rest?   ESPN Radio Baton Rouge talk show host Charles Hanagriff sees Skenes being used at the end of the game…

Cut 12 (12) “…pitches tops” 

LSU’s most reliable pitcher out of the bullpen Riley Cooper is questionable as he was not at yesterday’s game because of a stomach virus. Hanagriff says LSU needs Cooper tonight…

Cut 13 (11) “…big deal man” 

LSU can use some clutch hits tonight. They’ve left 20 runners on base in the first two games of this series. But Coach Jay Johnson has confidence the hits with men on base will come…

Cut  14 (14)  “…I’m good with that”