HUD is being sued by 2016 flood victims in an effort to access Restore grant money. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
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Want to make 80,000 dollars a year and get to call yourself a special agent? If so, check out the FBI’s recruiting event in New Orleans next Wednesday…
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The AgCenter scores a million bucks to study the endangered, and vital bayou roseau cane that’s being threatened by rising tides and a nasty parasite. Matt Doyle has more.
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A Denham Springs couple whose home was flooded in 2016 is suing HUD in an effort to access Restore grant money. The couple’s lawyer, J.R. Whaley, says the suit against HUD is for their inaction in correcting the issue, saying many were eligible, yet not qualified for further help due to their use of an SBA loan.
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Whaley says HUD has offered excuse after excuse for delays in changing their rules as they were ordered to do, with HUD crediting the latest slowdown due to the recent government shutdown.
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Whaley says the goal is to get HUD to follow the law and has made sure to shape the suit in a manner to not slow things down even further in the court system.
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The FBI is hiring and wants to meet those interested in being special agents in New Orleans next Wednesday. They’re looking for those with STEM backgrounds, lawyers, accountants, and even teachers, and New Orleans field office lead agent Eric Rommal says they’re focusing next week on hiring women and people of color.
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Of the 13,538 agents in the FBI, 20 percent are female and 2,252 are from minority groups.
They’re seeking applicants aged 23 to 36, with at least two years of work experience, and a clean background. Rommal says they’ll be hearing from active agents about the benefits of the FBI lifestyle, but you’ll need to get that paperwork in early if you want to attend…
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You can apply at FBIjobs.gov SLASH agent SLASH d-a-r, or you can their office directly.
Starting pay for special agents is more than double the average salary in Louisiana at a whopping 80,000 dollars a year. Rommal says if you’re selected, you’ll be shipped off to Virginia to receive your training.
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The LSU AgCenter is getting a grant potentially worth one million dollars to study the vital bayou stalwart roseau cane. The cane helps keep the bayou intact, but is threatened by sea level changes and an infection of roseau scale. Professor Roberto Diaz says they’ll use the money to run a series of tests in isolated greenhouses and out in the field.
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As much as 90 percent of the total vegetation of more southern bayous is comprimsed of the cane, and it’s massive root system that can result in an eight foot tall plant.
Once they investigate the different strains, and determine which is best suited to resist the scale and rising tides, Diaz says they’ll work with conservation groups and other organizations to hopefully get more of the tougher variety planted in the wetlands.
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The cane is credited with sustaining bayous by reducing the action of waves as they crash into the wetlands.
The grant was praised by a series of state leaders, and Diaz says it’s been nice to see the growing acceptance of the threat the state would face if it were to lose the roseau cane.
Cut 12 (08) “…closer attention”
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Yesterday’s LSU basketball press conference once again saw interim head coach Tony Benford fielding questions on the two individuals of interest in the recent FBI wiretap investigation, the suspended Coach Will Wade and freshman Javonte Smart. Benford says Smart’s status is still up in the air as to if he will be playing in the upcoming SEC tournament.
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He also gave an update on Naz Reid, who missed the regular season finale with an injury. It looks like Naz will be in action coming up Friday.
When asked about how Will Wade is currently doing during his suspension, Benford says it’s been tough for him.
Cut 14 (11) “…a tough time.”
When asked about if he second guesses himself while at the helm, wondering if Wade would make similar calls. Benford says Wade was great with delegating and it’s resulted in a strong staff around him.
Cut 15 (06) “…lot of success.”