US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the town was under water. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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An audit of the state’s foster care system uncovered shortcomings in the state program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from LSU. The redshirt-freshman quarterback from Zachary announced his decision on twitter this morning. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Scott is behind starter Danny Etling and true freshman Myles Brennan on the depth chart…

Cut 3 (10) “too much”

Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan are the other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster. Scott signed with LSU in 2016 after helping Zachary win a state championship in football. Worsham says Scott faced long odds to get any serious playing time at LSU after Head Coach Ed Orgeron signed Narcisse and Brennan in his first recruiting class…

Cut 4  (05) “better way”

Head Coach Ed Orgeron said in a statement that Scott is a great young man and they wish him all of the best in the future. Scott is the 11th player to leave the LSU program since Orgeron took over and Worsham says you see that happen a lot when a new coach takes over…

Cut 5  (10)  “in roster”

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Today, a new boutique paddle wheeler cruise ship makes her maiden voyage from the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesperson Donnell Jackson says the American Duchess is an all-suite 166-guest ship offering inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River.

Cut 6 (11) “loft suites”

Two dining venues on the shop offer open seating and regionally-inspired cuisine with complementary beer and wine at dinner. Jackson says the paddle wheeler will leave New Orleans and head up river, making stops at historic sites and attractions along the way.

Cut 7 (08)  “in Baton Rouge”

The American Duchess is the third vessel in the American Queen Steamboat Company’s fleet. Jackson says 2016 marked the third consecutive year that the Port of New Orleans saw more than a million cruise passengers, and they hope this new paddle wheeler cruise ship will help to continue that trend.

Cut 8 (11) “of New Orleans”

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US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the city was under water in the August 2016 floods. He is slated to be with Mayor Gerard Landry who said on Talk Louisiana memories of the devastating event are something no resident in the Livingston Parish city will ever forget…:

Cut 9 (10)  “not a sprint”

Landry says a little over 77% of the structures in the city received 18 inches or more. He says, for the most part, businesses that were impacted have either rebuilt or relocated, but it’s the citizens that are having the hardest time in the recovery, especially those not insured…:

Cut 10 (10) “these folks”

Carson is expected to hold a news conference this afternoon at 4:15. Landry says what makes this historic event stand out most was how fast the water rose and essentially took everyone by surprise. He says City Hall itself got 52 inches of water within a matter of three hours, and during that time it was “all hands on deck” to head out and start saving people…:

Cut 11 (09) “to even think”

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An audit of the state’s foster care program unveiled some not-so-surprising shortcomings. Karen Leblanc with the legislative auditor’s office says they found not all foster care providers had the required criminal background checks. They either had no check, or they were not completed in a timely manner. She says that’s not the only shocking discovery they made.

Cut 12 (10) “foster care provider”

The audit also found that not all children who came into the program received the necessary physical and behavioral health services. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’ve been trying to call attention to the problem after the department lost 2,000 workers under the previous administration. She says cases workers average 16 cases each, putting a heavy burden on vital employees.

Cut 13 (12) “of caseloads”

The maximum recommended case load is 10 per case worker. Walters blames a high turnover rate and increasing number of foster kids in the system. That’s why the legislative auditor recommended the department evaluate staffing levels and request additional funding. Leblanc says they’re also recommending DCFS take advantage of other services offered in the state.

Cut 14 (11) “help them”

Walters says the department has already taken steps to improve the foster care program, like taking extra steps to hire new workers and restructuring the system to decrease the work load. She says they’ve also launched new programs like the Quality Parenting Initiative, which is a new way for the staff to work with foster parents.

Cut 15 (08) “in this problem”

An audit of the state’s foster care system uncovered shortcomings in the state program. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

LSU is losing a quarterback as redshirt-freshman Lindsey Scott announces he’s leaving the Tiger football team. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Scott faced long odds to get any serious playing time at LSU after Head Coach Ed Orgeron signed Lowell Narcisse and Myles Brennan…:
Cut 4 (05) “better way”

The new all-suite, 166-guest American Duchess makes her inaugural sail today out of the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesperson Donnell Jackson says the paddle wheeler will leave city and head up river…:
Cut 7 (08) “in Baton Rouge”
He says the ship offers inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the city was under water in the August 2016 floods. He is slated to be with Mayor Gerard Landry who looks back a year later and feels what surprised everyone most of all was how fast everything happened. He says “rescue mode” began almost immediately…:
Cut 11 (09) “to even think”
Landry says a little over 77% of the structures in the city received 18 inches or more.

An audit of the state’s foster care program unveiled some not-so-surprising shortcomings. Karen Leblanc with the legislative auditor’s office says they found not all foster care providers had the required criminal background checks. They either had no check, or they were not completed in a timely manner….:
Cut 12 (10) “foster care provider”
Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’ve been trying to call attention to the problem after the department lost 2,000 workers under the previous administration. She says they average 16 cases each, putting a heavy burden on vital employees..:
Cut 13 (12) “of caseloads”
Walters blames a high turnover rate and increasing number of foster kids in the system.

A year ago today 77% of the city of Denham Springs was impacted by at least 18 inches of water during the historic floods of 2016. Mayor Gerard Landry says for the most part, businesses that were impacted have either rebuilt or relocated, but the it’s the citizens that are having the hardest time in the recovery, especially those not insured…:
Cut 10 (10) “these folks”
US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham today and will speak this afternoon.

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports the Saints are looking to trade cornerback Delvin Breaux. The report says the team is frustrated with the number of games he’s missed because of injuries the last three years.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the town was under water in the August 2016 floods. He is slated to be with Mayor Gerard Landry who said on Talk Louisiana memories of the devastating event are something no resident in the Livingston Parish town will ever forget…:
CUT 9 (10) “not a sprint”

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham said in an interview with the Fox network that he does not stand by any of the comments made by David Duke who was on hand at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Fellow Republican Congressman Tom Garrett of Virginia blamed the violence on outsiders from states like Louisiana, like Duke. Abraham said he’s offended by the comment and that the former KKK grand wizard does not speak for Louisiana.

Today, a new boutique paddle wheeler cruise ship makes her maiden voyage from the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesperson Donnell Jackson says the American Duchess is an all-suite 166-guest ship offering inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River…:
Cut 6 (11) “loft suites”
The American Duchess is the third vessel in the American Queen Steamboat Company’s fleet.

Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from LSU. The redshirt-freshman from Zachary announced his decision on twitter this morning. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Scott is behind starter Danny Etling and true freshman Myles Brennan on the depth chart…:
Cut 3 (10) “too much”
Head Coach Ed Orgeron said in a statement that Scott is a great young man and they wish him all of the best in the future.

A newly formed PAC supporting cops in the state is trying to get the word out about who they are, and what they’re all about. Chris Stewart is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Law Enforcement PAC. He says their group plans to tackle matters that affect police officers statewide…:
Cut 13 (08) “that they have on them”
You can find out more online at LLEPAC.com.

It’s been two months since congressional leaders were the target of an attack at a Virginia ball park. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise continues to recover from a gunshot wound to the hip. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves.
Cut 7 (10) “that is amazing”
Graves believes Scalise will return to Capitol Hill when lawmakers re-convene following the August recess.

Health officials urge the public to protect themselves against mosquitos after an Alexandria man died from West Nile Virus. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from the LSU program. The redshirt-freshman quarterback from Zachary announced his decision on twitter this morning. Head Coach Ed Orgeron said in a statement that Scott is a great young man and they wish him all of the best in the future. Scott was behind starter Danny Etling and true freshman Myles Brennan on the depth chart.

There is a new political action committee looking out for the best interests of police officers and deputies. Executive Director of the Louisiana Law Enforcement PAC, Chris Stewart, says they are supporting law enforcement by promoting policies and candidates for elected office that will help officers serve and protect communities more safely and effectively. Stewart says they also want to lure more people to the law enforcement profession….
cut 14 (10) “…to it”

House Majority Whip Steve Scalise could return to Capitol Hill soon. Here’s Congressman Garret Graves with an update….
cut 8 (10) “…very high”
Scalise has undergone several surgeries since he was shot in the hip two months ago. He’s currently undergoing intense rehabilition.

LSU researchers found the Gulf of Mexico has some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Mississippi man is in jail after he drove on to the runway of the Slidell Municipal Airport and started doing donuts. Police say 49-year-old John Robertson of Kilmichael, Mississippi, told officers he was just being stupid. He was charged with reckless operation of a motor vehicle. Airport officials are trying to determine how Robertson gained access to the runway.

A new statewide political action committee has been formed to support law enforcement officers. Executive director of Louisiana law enforcement PAC says one issue they plan to address is police officer recruiting. He says many agencies are reporting a decline in applicants…
cut 15 (10) “…way too much lately”

Louisiana has reported its first death from the West Nile virus this year. A 71-year-old Alexandria man died from West Nile after first complaining about flu symptoms. There’s been 19 human cases of West Nile in Louisiana this year. Doctor David Holcombe, with the state office of public health, says we could be looking at a more active season this year…
cut 12 (08) “…than last”

LSU oceanographer Mark Benfield has determined the Gulf of Mexico is home to the highest concentrations of microplastic in the world. The plastic is small, about the size of a Mardi Gras bead down to the microscopic level. Benfield says they’re concerned the plastic is being consumed by marine life. That’s a problem because chemicals can stick to the surface of plastic….
cut 6 (10) “….into the animal”
Benfield says they believe the Mississippi River draining into the Gulf has brought a lot plastic into that body of water.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Doctor Ben Carson will be in Livingston Parish this afternoon to tour a Denham Springs neighborhood that continues to recover from last year’s historic flood. He’ll be joined by Governor John Bel Edwards and US Senator John Kennedy and Congressman Garret Graves.

A newly formed PAC supporting cops in the state is trying to get the word out about who they are, and what they’re all about. Chris Stewart is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Law Enforcement PAC. He says their group plans to tackle matters that affect police officers statewide…:
Cut 13 (08) “that they have on them”
You can find out more online at LLEPAC.com.

71-year-old Donald Austin of Alexanderia has died after contracting the West Nile Virus. His family tells KALB-TV that he got sick two weeks prior to his death and they thought it was the flu. Doctor David Holcombe with the State Office of Public Health…
cut 11 (10) “….are asymptomatic.
There have been 19 cases of West Nile in Louisiana this year and this is the first death.

An LSU researcher has discovered the Gulf Mexico has the highest concentrations of microplastic in the world. Oceanographer Mark Benfield says you can blame the Mississippi River….
cut 5 (12) “…Gulf of Mexico”
Benfield says the plastic he sees in the Gulf is as big as a Mardi Gras bead and there’s a concern marine life is consuming the plastic.

U-S Representative Garret Graves anticipates House Majority Whip Steve Scalise will return to work after the August recess….
cut (08) “…of recovery”
It’s been two months since Scalise was shot in the hip. Scalise tweeted out a message in response to the deadly protests in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Republican from Jefferson Parish says he was disgusted by the violence and the vile white supremacist bigotry that inspired it.