The University of New Orleans has run into financial trouble, so would moving the school back under the management of the LSU system help? Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
_____________________________________________
Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is counting down to a major milestone. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
One of Louisiana’s biggest music festivals announces its lineup for 2025. Michelle Southern reports.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”
______________________________________________________
Amid financial difficulties at the University of New Orleans, the board of regents is conducting a study to determine whether to transfer the university back to the LSU system from the University of Louisiana system. New Orleans Democratic State Representative Matthew Willard says he’s glad that the regents are undertaking this effort.
Cut 4 (13) “…for the university.”
Representative Willard says the regents will take their time in fully studying the situation.
Cut 5 (08) “…another this session.”
UNO was a part of the LSU system until 2011, when it was transferred to the University of Louisiana system. It has experienced a drop in enrollment since the COVID-19 pandemic, with current enrollment at just over five-thousand students. Willard says the university is a critical component of not just New Orleans, but all of southeastern Louisiana.
Cut 6 (12) “…university out here.”
______________________________________________________
Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge is approaching a major milestone. It’s counting down to the delivery of its 400-thousandth baby. Chief Nursing Officer Cheri (shuh-REE) Johnson says Woman’s has delivered babies who now live all over the world.
Cut 7 (18) “…in Australia.”
Johnson says what sets Woman’s Hospital apart is its ability to execute high-risk deliveries.
Cut 8 (09) “…to our state.”
Today, the most popular baby names are Noah for boys and Amelia for girls. What were the most popular baby names when Woman’s started delivering babies in 1968?
Cut 9 (11) “…girl was Linda.”
Johnson says the heaviest baby ever delivered at Woman’s weighed a whopping 16 and a half pounds. No word on whether the head coach of LSU football at the time immediately offered that kid a full-ride scholarship.
______________________________________________________
One of the biggest music festivals in Louisiana announces its lineup for 2025. More than 60 bands from all around the world will be in Lafayette next month for Festival International de Louisiane. Marketing Director Carly Viator (VEE-uh-tore) Courville says the lineup is diverse in both style and origin.
Cut 10 (10) “…regionally as well.”
Viator Courville says there’s a prelude of sorts on Wednesday, April 23rd, with two acts performing. The festival gets underway in earnest the following night with two acts on the Scene Lus Internationale stage.
Cut 11 (10) “…from New Orleans.”
Viator Courville says the festival wraps up on April 27th with some notable performances.
Cut 12 (12) “…out of Jamaica.”
About 300-thousand people are expected to take in the free festival over the five days.
______________________________________________________
Soon, RV enthusiasts will have an easier time enjoying Jimmy Davis State Park in North Louisiana. State Parks Director Brandon Burris (BYOOR-iss) says work is underway to enhance all 72 RV sites in the park.
Cut 13 (11) “…system right now.” (installing sewer lines and electrical service throughout the park)
Burris says those electrical and sewage hookups will be a huge benefit to RVers.
Cut 14 (06) “…have to move.”
Burris says by not having to move, RVers can spend more time enjoying the park and less time having to do some nasty RV chores.
Cut 15 (08) “…on the site.”
Work is slated to be completed by this fall, weather permitting.
______________________________________________________
Spring football got underway this week for the LSU Tigers and it’s a chance for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to start working with his new skill position players on offense. The Tigers have 16 transfers who have joined the program, including several new wide receivers and a tight end. Coach Brian Kelly this is a good time to get that connection down…
Cut 16 (20) “…last year.”
The nation’s number one high school running back is also on the practice field, Harlem Berry from St. Martin’s in Metairie. Kelly says he can tell Berry is an instinctive player….
Cut 17 (12) “…Harlem Berry.”
___________________________________________________
For the second year in a row and the fourth time ever, McNeese is going to the Big Dance. The Cowboys beat Lamar on their home court, 63-54, to win the Southland Conference championship and earn an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. After the game, Coach Will Wade said after a mediocre start to the season, his team persevered and is ready for March Madness.
Cut 18 (17) “…last couple months.”
McNeese has never won an NCAA Tournament game. Last year as a 12 seed, the Cowboys lost to fifth-seeded Gonzaga, 86-65. Senior guard Jahvon Garcia says that loss last season has served as a motivation for the team – and the fans – this season.
Cut 19 (14) “…fans were amazing.”
Junior guard Quadir Copeland says playing for McNeese has been a growing process for him.
Cut 20 (13) “…it was amazing.”
The Cowboys are expected to once again be a 12 seed or within close proximity to there. The brackets will be unveiled Sunday.