Disney is bringing New Orleans to Disney World with its’ newest ride Tiana’s Bayou Adventure, which opens today. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”
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Former New Orleans Saints Safety Steve Gleason who founded Team Gleason after he was diagnosed with ALS in 2011 is being honored with the 2024 Authur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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The Louisiana Farm Bureau is holding its 102nd Annual Convention this weekend in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Disney is bringing New Orleans to Disney World with its’ newest ride, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure. Mark Romig (Roh-mig) with New Orleans and Company says the ride is a way for people to experience the best of New Orleans and the surrounding areas…
Cut 4 (03) “…Leah Chase.”
The ride, which replaces Splash Mountain, is based on the 2009 film “The Princess and the Frog.” It takes place after the movie and follows Princess Tiana as she gathers musicians for a Mardi Gras party. Romig thinks the ride, like the movie, highlights the best of Louisiana.
Cut 5 (10) “…our people.”
Several notable Louisianians previewed the ride, including Saints’ quarterback Drew Brees and defensive end Cameron Jordan, as well as the family of legendary chef Leah Chase, who was the inspiration for Tiana. Romig says he hopes the ride inspires people to come see the real place.
Cut 6 (11) “…come visit.”
Tiana’s Bayou Adventure opens at Disney World today and Disneyland later this year.
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Former New Orleans Saints Safety, Steve Gleason will be honored with the 2024 Authur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYS. The award is granted to those whose contributions transcend sports. Like Ashe whose work to improve the lives of people with HIV began after his own diagnosis, Gleason, diagnosed with ALS in 2011, founded Team Gleason to improve life for those living with ALS. Gleason’s publicist, Clare Durrett …
Cut 7 (10) “…able to do.”
After learning he was being honored, Gleason wrote, “My aim has always been to see if we can discover peace and freedom with a love of Life, in the midst of extreme adversity.” Durrett says Gleason’s memoir, “A Life Impossible” released in April provides a glimpse into his life.
Cut 8 (07) “…he’s done.”
The mission of Team Gleason, founded by Steve Gleason and his wife Michel is to improve life for others living with ALS by providing technology, equipment, and support services. Durett believes through this award others will be encouraged by Gleason’s ability to be purposeful and productive.
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This year’s ESPYS will air live on Thursday, July 11 at 7 PM.
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The Louisiana Farm Bureau’s 102nd Annual Convention is in New Orleans this weekend. Where more than 15 hundred farmers and their families are gathered. Spokesperson Avery Davidson says the Bureau advocates for farmers, ranchers, and rural residents and ensures that policies are in place for those…
Cut 10 (10) “…practices.”
Friday evening members will hold a talent show which Davidson says is one of the highlights of the weekend for members and their families. And Saturday evening a new Farm Bureau Queen will be crowned and on Sunday members will hold elections.
Because bureau President Jim Harper, a Rapides Parish producer, who’s led the organization for four years is not seeking another term, Davidson says members will choose a new president to lead the organization.
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Davidson says they are also holding commodity conferences that allow farmers who grow rice and sugarcane to discuss things that are impacting their crops specifically and bring those issues before the voting delegates.
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LSU fans who donated to the College World Series Jell-o Shot Challenge helped the Tigers place third in the overall competition money-wise this year even though they weren’t in Omaha. Mike Manning with the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank says LSU fans donated almost 93-hundred dollars.
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Manning says it’s greatly needed because he says they are seeing people who typically didn’t need assistance but due to inflation, they are having to turn to the food bank for help.
Cut 14 (11) “…working poor.”
Because Louisiana is number one in childhood and senior food insecurity…
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To find a food bank near you visit. FeedingAmerica.org
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Nicholls introduced new head baseball coach Brent Haring yesterday. Haring spent the 2024 season as the Director of Baseball Operations for LSU and has spent more than 22 years in baseball. 10 of those seasons were as an assistant coach at BYU where he was named assistant head coach in 2022. Haring says Nicholls has stood out to him since a 2014 visit the Cougars made to Thibodaux…
Cut 16 (21) “…(laughter).”
Haring helped develop 34 All-West Coast Conference players, 5 Freshman All-Americans, and 3 All-Americans in his time at BYU. Haring said he tried hard to get the Colonels coaching job in 2021 before the school hired Mike Silva. He says he’s glad he’ll have the opportunity to lead the Red and Gray after three successful seasons under Silva…
Cut 17 (20) “…with you.”
Silva helped the Colonels to back-to-back NCAA Regionals and Southland Conference Tournament titles. Haring hopes to bring the same success to Thibodaux and believes he has the competitive spirit to do it…
Cut 18 (19) “…I’m here.”
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Cut 19 (19) “…adversity.”
Cut 20 (22) “…overcome that.”