A new way to test and treat patients diagnosed with cancer is placing Ochsner Health – New Orleans front and center of universal genomic testing. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The state’s Secretary of Environmental Quality has resigned. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Almost 50 percent of LSU Health graduates will remain in instate for their residency. Brooke Thorington has more from the Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Ochsner Health – New Orleans is one of the first hospitals in the nation to standardize genomic testing for cancer drugs to better treat cancer patients. Ochsner Health System Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Catherine Oliver says genomic testing helps to identify a person’s DNA and how the changes in a person’s DNA impact how they respond to medication.

Cut 4 (09)  “…from that medication.”

Pharmacogenomics testing guides doctors on how patients metabolize certain drugs and warns of possible side effects so they may adjust dosage in a way that provides personalized treatments. Oliver says the process evaluates the function of nearly 30 genes its preventing hospitalization and saving lives.

Cut 5 (09) “…decreasing that dose.”

Ochsner launched a pharmacogenomics program that is available to all patients in March 2022. The systems testing partner, OneOme, is working with insurance companies to make testing affordable. Oliver says providers can have results in about five days and costs are determined by health benefits.

Cut 6 (07)  “…minimal cost.” 

Pharmacogenomic testing is only needed once during a lifetime for most patients and is reflected in the patient’s record in a way that it is accessible now or in the future.

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Governor John Bel Edwards announces the resignation of the Secretary of Environmental Quality, Chuck Carr Brown. He will step down on March 31^st. Brown has led LDEQ from the time Edwards was first sworn into office. Brown says he is proud of the progress made in cleaning Louisiana’s air in recent years, after having the federal government set benchmarks for air quality…:

Cut 7 (11) “…the  Industrial Revolution.”

Brown previously served the Department of Environmental Quality as Assistant Secretary under Governor Kathleen Blanco. As Secretary, he oversaw LDEQ’s response the 2016 flood, and has worked with federal authorities as a steward of the state’s environment. He says he hopes his successor will carry on in his path…:

Cut 8 (09) “…and honest dialog.”

Brown’s resignation is effective at the end of this month. He tells LRN he is not retiring, but rather moving into a new phase in his life; doing environmental work in the private sector…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…State of Louisiana.”

LDEQ Assistant Secretary Roger Gingles has been appointed Interim Secretary.

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LSU’s Center for Energy Studies says the planned carbon capture hub in Calcasieu Parish could decrease climate change and also support jobs at the same time. Greg Upton, Interim Executive Director for the center says they have identified more than 50,000 jobs within a hundred miles of the planned hub.

Cut 10 (11)  “…look to decarbonize.”

Upton says when you look at the capacity of this one carbon capture hub in Louisiana the long-term impacts on the environment are significant. He says they’ve estimated $11.3 billion in what they call abated social costs over the lifetime of one carbon capture hub facility.

Cut 11 (05)  “…the atmosphere.”

And because many of Louisiana’s exports create carbon emissions and the state’s geology allows for the creation of a carbon sequestration hub, Upton says such facilities provide unrealized opportunities for the state.

Cut 12 (10)  “…to the customer.”

Upton says companies are looking to deliver those exports in a way that keeps them cost-effective internationally and reduces their carbon footprint.

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Match Day figures from LSU Health New Orleans indicate 80 percent of their graduating students who are staying in Louisiana for their residency will enter one at LSU Health. Richard DiCarlo, Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine says it is very encouraging when their graduates remain in-state.

Cut 13 (10) “…at LSU.” 

Match Day is when every medical graduate student in the country learns which residency program they will enter, based on which one they chose and which program chose them, similar to signing day for athletes.

And the ones who will do their residency out of state, DiCarlo says they are entering prestigious ones.

Cut 14 (11)  “…for practice.”

DiCarlo says about 20 to 25 percent of their students will practice internal medicine, and others enter general surgery, pediatrics, and family practice. And recently he says more are entering the field of psychiatry.

Cut 15 (10)  “…also important.”

Forty-nine percent of LSU Health New Orleans medical grads will remain in Louisiana for their residency and 46 percent of LSU Health Shreveport grads will stay in-state for theirs.

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The top-ranked LSU baseball team missed out on sweeping Texas A-and-M last weekend as they blew a four-run lead on Sunday and lost to the Aggies eight to six. Coach Jay Johnson says he would have loved the sweep, but he’s dwelling on Sunday’s loss..

Cut  16 (16)  “…move on.” 

LSU left 12 runners on base in Sunday’s loss, but Johnson says he liked the offensive approach of his team as they scored 27 runs…

Cut 17 (18) “…to the hitters.” 

The Tigers are back at home tonight to take on Central Arkansas. Johnson says it will be a good non-conference test…

Cut 18 (17) “…well to win.”

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The Ragin Cajuns started Sun Belt play by sweeping Arkansas State, limiting the Red Wolves to ten runs during the three-game series. Coach Matt Deggs liked how his pitchers throw strikes…

Cut 19 (20) “…very exciting.”

U-L Lafayette hosts Grambling tonight then Southeastern Louisiana tomorrow and then they head to Mobile next weekend to take on South Alabama. Deggs says Grambling brings a 6-and-13 record to Tigue Moore Field…

Cut 20 (20)  “…can’t happen.”  

Money management, spending, credit, saving, and investing are just a few components that will be added to promote financial well-being for Louisiana high school students if state lawmaker Nicholas Muscarello has his way. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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The state will allow Neuty, the pet nutria, to stay at a home in Jefferson Parish. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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A bill filed for the upcoming legislative session would require high school juniors and seniors to complete a Financial Literacy course to graduate from high school and qualify for TOPS. The author of House Bill 103, Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello says this has been on his radar for some time.

Cut 3 (08) “…two years.” 

The current curriculum requires students to complete at least four mathematics credits. Muscarello has been working with Superintendent of Education – Dr. Cade Brumley on the content components and says this will move students towards being fiscally responsible.

Cut 4 (08)  “…currently getting.” 

The proposed law would be added as part of the qualifications for TOPS and TOPS Tech awards which apply to graduates of public and nonpublic schools. Muscarello says twenty-five states have already implemented this requirement in their curriculum and he’s hopeful Louisiana will be added to that list.

Cut 5 (06) “…this through.”

The legislative session begins on April 10.

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Baton Rouge Police says 45-year-old Derrick Perkins faces additional charges for his involvement with the Georgia businessman Nathan Millard who went missing last month and his body was found wrapped in plastic and a rug on March 6th.  BRPD Sgt L’Jean McKneely says Perkins was already in custody on related charges of Access Device Fraud and investigators learned more about his involvement.

Cut 6 (08)  “…the information.” 

Perkins is also charged with Simple Criminal Damage to Property for burning the car he allegedly used that night and Failure to Seek Assistance in Millard’s death.

Last week Perkins was arrested last week on other charges and never posted bail. McNeely says they believe Millard’s actions in the early morning hours of February 23^rd resulted in his death.

Cut 7 (11)  “…his death.” 

McKneely says investigators believe Perkins was the last person to see Millard alive.

Cut 8 (05)  “…in now.” 

Toxicology results to determine Millard’s exact cause of death are pending.

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There appears to be a happy ending involving the story of Neuty the Nutria. Last week, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries attempted to take the wild animal away from a Jefferson Parish couple who had Neuty as a pet. But L-D-W-F spokesperson Ed Pratt says an agreement has been reached so that the nutria can remain with the family…

Cut 9 (08) “…about this.”

Several elected officials, including Lt Governor Billy Nungesser, said the state shouldn’t take the nutria away from the family. Pratt says the couple has applied for a permit which allows them to keep the animal under certain conditions…

Cut 10 (12) “…the nutria” 

Under state law, it’s illegal to possess a wild animal. But Pratt says L-D-W-F is making an exception in this case…

Cut 11 (09)  “…all sides.”

Details of the permit have not been released.

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The LSU women’s basketball program is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014. Angel Reese was dominant as she had 25 points and 24 rebounds and the Lady Tigers held Michigan to a season-low for points in a 66-42 win in front of a raucous crowd at the PMAC. Reese on the team’s defensive performance…

Cut 12 (13) “…it was fun.” 

LSU needed a great defensive effort, because they only shot 35-percent from the field. But they made six three-pointers, three of them were made by Jasmine Carson. Coach Kim Mulkey told Carson to look for her shot

Cut 13 (12) “…so big”

LSU will head to Greenville, South Carolina where they’ll play second-seeded Utah on Friday.

81-year-old Delhi Representative Francis Thompson who has represented northeast Louisiana in the state legislature for almost 50 years has switched parties. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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There is a new man leading the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. Jeff Palermo talked with Jim Patterson about L-A-B-I’s priorities in the upcoming legislative session

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Entergy files for state regulatory permission to vastly expand its solar energy capabilities. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The newest member of the state Republican Party is the longest-serving member of the Louisiana legislature. Delhi Representative Francis Thompson was a lifelong Democrat and by joining the GOP both chambers are a Republican super majority. The 81-year-old says he’d been contemplating switching parties for years.

Cut 4 (12)  “…elected me.”

The redistricting session last year played a role in the decision because District 19 is majority red.  Thompson voted then with Republicans to overturn Governor Edwards’ veto of a congressional map. He says his values are more aligned with the GOP nationally and on the state level and the switch comes after almost 50 years in the legislature.

Cut 5 (09) “…Republican party.”

When the regular session begins next month Thompson says how he votes will not change but for the first time, Thompson will have an “R” beside his name instead of a “D” on the October ballot.

Cut 6 (09)  “…continue that.” 

Thompson was the lone Democrat to join Republicans to vote for the state’s first veto override session to reverse Edwards’s veto of legislation to ban transgender girls from female sports and to remove restrictions on conceal carry.

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Federal regulators have approved Canadian Pacific’s acquisition of Kansas City Southern, a huge step towards reestablishing passenger rail service linking Baton Rouge to New Orleans. A passenger train has not run between both major cities since 1969. Baton Rouge Area Foundation Vice President John Spain says the deal specifically says the deal would allow Amtrak to add passenger service on the K-C-S owned line…

Cut 7 (04) “…April”

Another obstacle is getting the funding to establish the service. The largest price tag is nearly $108 million to replace the bridge across the Bonne Carre Spillway and the Louisiana Department of Transportation has applied for federal grants to help cover 80% of the cost. Spain says the pieces are starting to fall into place.

Cut 8 (07) “…the obstacles.”

The passenger line would include stops in Baton Rouge, Gonzales, LaPlace, Louis Armstrong New Orleans Airport, and Union Passenger Terminal in New Orleans.  Spain says this is a great solution for transportation infrastructure issues.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the train.”

A decision on the grant awards could happen by the end of the year.

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Longtime L-A-B-I official Jim Patterson is the interim president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, taking over for now gubernatorial candidate Stephen Waguespack. With the legislative session coming up, Patterson says L-A-B-I will be involved in the property insurance crisis and they would like to see the legislature address the high taxes on insurance premiums…

Cut 10 (10)  “…fiscal session.”

Patterson says they will also be involved in discussions about eliminating the state’s income tax and phasing out the state’s inventory tax, but that maybe difficult to do in an election year.

Patterson says they will oppose any bills that seek to prevent carbon capturing. Some lawmakers do not like the idea of capturing emissions and burying them underneath the ground or a waterway. But Patterson says

Cut 11 (11)  “… prevent a risk”

And Patterson says the business lobbying group will oppose efforts to raise the minimum wage from the current $7.25 an hour. He says it will drive up inflation even more….

Cut 12 (12)  “…goods and services.”

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Entergy is seeking regulatory blessing to make a huge increase in its amount of renewable energy. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says they have filed a request with the Public Service Commission to add another 3 gigawatts of solar power to its generation portfolio. May says there are billions in potential investments in Louisiana, but many firms want to see a commitment to renewable energy sources…:

Cut 13 (10) “…important for them.” 

The proposed additional solar power facilities would – if approved – be built in Iberville and Ouachita parishes, and would bring hundreds of jobs during construction. May says increasing Entergy’s green energy portfolio will likely bring billion into the state…:

Cut 14 (11)  “…made in Louisiana.”

May says the 3-gigawatt proposal will benefit local economies by way of tax revenues and wages. He says there are numerous advantages in expanding Entergy’s renewables energies, such as…:

Cut 15 (11)  “…renewable portfolio.”

Collectively, there are now 3,225 megawatts (3.23 gigawatts) of solar power in the approval queue for Entergy.

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The LSU Lady Tigers are headed to the Sweet 16 as they defeated Michigan 66-42 in front of a loud crowd inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Angel Reese was outstanding for LSU as she had 25 points, 24 rebounds, and six blocked shots. Reese says she was hungry for a win…

Cut  16 (16)  “…tonight.” 

LSU heads to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014 and they’ll play Utah. Coach Kim Mulkey says the program has reached another milestone…

Cut 17 (13) “…this program.” 

LSU held Michigan to a season-low 42 points and outrebounded the Wolverines 46-26. LSU led by 15 at halftime, but Michigan quickly scored the first points of the second half. So Mulkey called a time-out and reminded the team of blowing a 17-point lead against Tennessee in the SEC Tournament…

Cut 18 (18) “…remember” (2x)

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New Saints running back Jamaal Williams comes to New Orleans after leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns with 17.  Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and averaged 4.1 yards a carry. But Williams says he also has the capability to break off long runs…

Cut 19 (23) “…that going”

New Saints defensive tackle Khalen Saunders had a career-high 3.5 sacks last season and also a career-high 48 tackles with the Super Bowl champion Chiefs. Saunders says it was a read-and-react defense in Kansas City and likes that the Saints play a more attacking style of “D”…

Cut 20 (15)  “…learn a defense