Candidates in the special election for Secretary of State say they know how important preventing sexual harassment is, considering its what toppled the last Secretary. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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The duplication of benefits issues that have plagued some flood victims appears to be in the rearview mirror. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (30) ”I’m Kevin Barnhart.”
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A petition is out calling for the Crescent City to celebrate Drew Brees’ legacy by giving him a statue at a famous New Orleans circle. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”
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Nine candidates are running in the Secretary of State’s special election race that wouldn’t even be open this year if not for the resignation of former Secretary Tom Schedler in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal. As such, the candidates were asked what they would do to make sure that never happens again. Interim Secretary Kyle Ardoin says his office has put in place a comprehensive plan.
Cut 4 (07) “…was pressed.”
The alleged victim of Schedler’s harassment says Ardoin, who was Assistant Secretary at the time, was aware of the harassment. Ardoin denies that allegation.
But several women in the race say despite the department’s claim of a strict new no-tolerance policy, there’s still work that needs to be done.
Democrat Renee Fontenot Free says her positive reputation and management style while in the Attorney General’s office and as a former Assistant Secretary of State promoted a culture that empowered victims to come forward.
Cut 5 (09) “…my experience.”
Turkey Creek Mayor Heather Cloud says in her years managing her shipping company, she’s never had an incident of sexual harassment because everyone knew it wouldn’t be tolerated.
Cut 6 (08)“of women”
Kenner Representative Julie Stokes brought up a moment two years ago on the legislative floor where a colleague introduced an amendment considered sexist by some. She says her stand, excoriating the body for what she says is a culture of disrespect to women was proof that she won’t put up with harassment.
Cut 7 (07) “…tolerated.”
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Currently, flood victims who applied for SBA loans immediately following the floods are not eligible for grant money available through the Louisiana Restore Program. But President Trump has signed legislation corrected the Duplication of Benefits issue. Division of Administration Executive Director Pat Forbes says now they are waiting on written guidance from HUD on the specifics of implementation.
Cut 8 (09) “…help these folks.”
Flood victims have until October 19th to fill out an initial survey at restore-dot-la-dot-gov and the deadline to complete the application has been extended until to November 16th. More than 1,000 new surveys have been submitted since news that the duplication of benefits issue would be resolved. Forbes says he anticipates new applicants will receive the same benefits as the initial wave of recipients.
Cut 9 (08) “…building their home.”
Forbes says once the anticipated specifics on implementation come down from HUD, the state is ready to act quickly to get benefits to those who need them.
Cut 10 (10) “…new grant calculation.“
Homeowners who meet the program’s eligibility requirements based on their survey responses will be invited to complete the formal application. No action is needed by those that have already completed the survey or application.
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20 years ago voters approved a constitutional amendment to create the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. The LCTCS is comprised of 12 unified, open-access two-year colleges. LCTCS President Monty Sullivan says the system has created opportunities for all walks of life…
Cut 11 (10) “…the economy”
Over 2.1 million students have enrolled at LCTCS schools since the system was established. Sullivan says having a community college system has made the two-year schools stronger…
Cut 12 (12) “…degree”
Sullivan says he is excited to see how the LCTCS can continue to effect communities as it seeks to be more accessible…
Cut 13 (10) “…years”
A petition is circulating that calls for the former Lee Circle in New Orleans to be named Brees Circle in honor of the Black and Gold’s most beloved athlete. Lee Circle saw its titular General Lee removed last year along with other Confederate statues city-wide. Petition creator Blake Ivey says the idea came to him back in April.
Cut 14 (09) “…New Orleans”
The removal of the statues led to heated, weeks-long confrontations between pro and anti-confederate monument factions at several monument locations.
Ivey says the popular reputation of historical figures can be controversial, but if there’s one guy in the city who everyone agrees isn’t controversial, it would be Brees.
Cut 15 (08) “…this guy.”
The petition doesn’t call for any specific statue, or moment to be enshrined, just that it feature number nine. But, if given a choice, Ivey says he has a few recommendations for what he would like to see on display.
Cut 16 (08) “.. was something”
You can join the petition by liking the Brees Circle Petition Facebook page.
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LSU’s offensive line performed poorly in the Tigers 27-19 loss in Gainesville to the Florida Gators. Florida sacked quarterback Joe Burrow five times and the Gators produced 10.5 tackles for a loss. But starting center Lloyd Cushenberry says the mistakes are correctable
Cut 17 (11) “going to clean up”
Starting left guard Garrett Brumfield will not be back for Saturday’s game, so Adrian Magee will start for a second straight week at that position. If there are no injuries during the week of practice, the Tigers could start the same starting five on the O-Line for consecutive games for the first time this season. Cushenberry says continuity is important, but they can’t make excuses…
Cut 18 (14) “…our job”
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After a frustrating home loss to UAB, Louisiana Tech goes back on the road this Saturday to face the UTSA Roadrunners. The Bulldogs scored one touchdown against the Blazers and coach Skip Holtz says they’ll face another good defense in San Antonio…
Cut 19 (20) “..against that”
Tech had a poor offensive performance against the Blazers. They were just 2-of-12 on 3rd down conversions, threw for just 109 yards and had three turnovers. UAB also had five sacks. Holtz says it’s as bad as performance he’s seen since arriving in Ruston…
Cut 20 (20) “do more”