The Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs announces a new way to honor a fallen loved one online. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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A bill making “noodling” legal in Louisiana has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. Kevin Gallagher reports it’s not about making pasta…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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Louisiana’s bond rating – a main barometer of how much the state pays in interest on money borrowed – has been upgraded for the first time in nearly seven years. Moody’s Investor Service last week upgraded the state from an Aa2 rating, to Aa3. State Treasurer John Schroder says that upgrade will mean significant savings to the state (and taxpayers) in interest paid…:
Cut 3 (07) “…pretty big deal.”
Louisiana had been ranked among the five lowest-rated states by Moody’s. It should easier financing and lower interest rates. Schroder says this upgrade shows that Moody’s sees Louisiana’s credit is good and the state is a responsible borrower…:
Cut 4 (07) “…the bottom five.”
Schroder says the average person may not be affected, but a better bond rating does work its way right down to the taxpayer, by saving the state money when it needs to finance projects and initiatives…:
Cut 5 (12) “…uhhh for the state.”
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To honor those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice, Louisiana’s five-state cemeteries and five veterans homes are each holding ceremonies. Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, Colonel Joey Strickland says it’s a solemn occasion for remembrance to honor those who’ve died and served in the military.
More than 7,500 veterans are interred at LDVA cemeteries.
This year the Department of Veterans Affairs has launched a digital platform where you can honor fallen soldiers in your family. Strickland says it’s called the Veterans’ Legacy Memorial.
The online memorial site can be found at VA.gov/remember. Strickland says every veteran that’s interred at the state-run veterans’ cemeteries has a profile page that is automatically populated with their military service and cemetery information.
The website also allows you to share the information you’ve added to the profile page on social media.
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A bill making it legal for Louisiana sportsmen (and women) to catch catfish with their hands has been sent to Governor Edwards’ desk. The bill is authored by Jonesboro Representative Jack McFarland, who says the sport – called “noodling” – is catching on in Louisiana, and his legislation assures folks can do it without running afoul of Wildlife & Fisheries agents…:
Cut 9 (08) “…and noodle a catfish.”
McFarland’s bill was passed with little objection in both the House and Senate, and there is little reason to think the Governor will veto it. McFarland explains exactly HOW one goes about “noodling”…:
Cut 10 (08) “…and pull it out.”
McFarland says “noodling” has become a big sensation in the Bayou State, thanks in no small part to a series of YouTube videos…:
Cut 11 (06) “…quite popular now.”
To see “noodling” in action and decide it it’s for you, search YouTube for “Hannah Barron.”
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Each year nearly 60 percent of Americans fire up the grill over Memorial Day weekend. However, this year the cost of cooking out is probably going to put a dent in a lot of wallets. Dave Foster, CEO of the Cattle Producers of Louisiana says there are a couple of things you should keep in mind before heading to the market.
Cut 12 (09) “…limited as well.”
Since Memorial Day is a special occasion, people may want to splurge and go all out, regardless of price. Foster says the one thing you shouldn’t skimp on is the quality of the cut of meat that you choose.
Cut 13 (09) “…quality experience.”
Beef prices have been on the rise, reaching record numbers earlier this year…though Americans haven’t let that deter them from getting their favorite steaks or burgers onto the dinner table. Foster says the reason for the spike isn’t a lack of product, but a distribution issue that’s only been heightened by soaring gas prices.
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Cut 15 (12) “…background check.”
Cut 16 (17) “…where we’re at.”
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Cut 19 (12) _“…and really improve.”