Legislation supporting high-speed passenger rail lines along the Gulf Coast and between New Orleans and Baton Rouge could soon reach Gov. Bobby Jindal’s desk. Louisiana House Bill 1410, would create a board of directors responsible for finding alternative sources of revenue to fund portions of the project rather than relying heavily on federal funding.

Visitors to the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium in Cocodrie on Friday received more than an education about the marine research center. They also got to hear the state’s governor explain why they could not go to a popular nearby beach.

Thick, brown oil continued to make its way along the Louisiana shore, touching southeast Louisiana parishes Wednesday, according to satellite and high altitude images.