The Senate Select Committee on Women and Children heard from frustrated foster parents upset they’re getting less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says based on the testimony he heard, it’s harder to be a foster parent in Louisiana and urged DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris to bring back the reimbursement policy.

Cut 11 (09) “…this fiscal year.”

ULM receives a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through its Rural Transformation Project, allowing it to expand its health science offerings. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the college to admit more students.

Cut 8 (12) “…win for everyone.”

May and June were very wet months in Louisiana. August – not so much. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Up north, it’s not only the hot, dry air that’s shaking people up, it’s a magnitude 3.4 earthquake. That’s what people in Red River Parish felt Friday afternoon. It was about five miles deep, with the epicenter just over four miles north-northwest of Edgefield. Some people reported their furniture shaking and their photos falling off the walls.

May and June were very wet months in Louisiana. August – not so much. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Foster parents went before state lawmakers to say a recent policy change has made it more difficult to care for children in state custody. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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What a difference a couple months make in Louisiana. Whereas May and June were marked by torrential rains throughout the state, August is a completely different story. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says this month has been almost completely devoid of rain throughout the state.

Cut 3 (09) “…way, way behind.”

Keim says two things are contributing to this unusually dry August here in Louisiana. One is El Nino, which is being largely credited for the forecast of a below-normal hurricane season. The other, Keim says, is a lot of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico which is serving as a pump of hot air into Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12) “…Gulf into Louisiana.”

Keim says whereas May and June reversed drought conditions throughout much of the state, August could be bringing them right back.

Cut 5 (13) “…on the surface.”

Keim says the lack of clouds and water on the surface to cool things off has led to the heatwave that’s been baking much of the state.

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ULM is expanding its health science offerings, thanks to a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through the Rural Transformation Project. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the school to provide well-educated medical professionals to rural hospitals.

Cut 6 (09) “…becomes very expensive.”

Dr. Bailes says one of the three initiatives of the grant is to increase nursing school enrollment.

Cut 7 (08) “…students per year.”

Bailes says the grant will allow ULM to expand its capacity in its health science college.

Cut 8 (12) “…win for everyone.”

The other two initiatives are adding a Diagnostic Medical Sonography concentration to the Bachelor of Science in Radiological Technology program, and establishing a Nurse Residency Hub serving rural hospitals in northeast Louisiana.

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Louisiana lawmakers heard from frustrated foster parents upset they are receiving less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody.  Starting July first, DCFS raised the foster care board rate payments from 600 to 900 dollars a month but stopped reimbursing families for incidental expenses. Danielle Eley from Franklin Parish says it was packaged as a raise for foster parents, but in reality that’s not the case.

Cut 9 (06)  “…go up.”

Eley cares for three children and she says the reimbursements help pay for a lot of incidental expenses.

Cut 10 (11) “…theater.”

Eley testified before the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children. Covington Senator Patrick McMath is a member of that panel and says based on the testimony, it’s harder to be a foster parent in Louisiana and urged DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris to bring back the reimbursement policy.

Cut 11 (09) “…this fiscal year.”

Harris agreed and reimbursements will return for the remainder of this fiscal year, which will end on June 30th, 2027.

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LSU fifth-year senior offensive guard Bo Bordelon has earned his starting spot the old-fashioned way. The Raceland native spent four years as a backup but has stood out as the likely week one starter during spring and fall practices. He says he just put his head down and worked.

Cut 12 (14) “…100-percent.”

Bordelon was rated as high as a four-star prospect out of Isidore Newman High School. Despite his time on the bench, he says he never considered transferring. When Lane Kiffin and his staff came to Baton Rouge, he asked them to give him a chance.

Cut 13 (08) “…what I can do.”

The son of former standout Tigers lineman Ben Bordelon, Bo says he had to earn his starting job. He made a switch from right tackle to left guard and put on extra weight this offseason. He says his new O-line coaches have made a big difference.

Cut 14 (13) “…what I want.”

Louisiana lawmakers heard from frustrated foster parents upset they’re receiving less money from the state to provide care for kids in state custody.  Starting July first, DCFS raised the foster care board rate payments from 600 to 900 dollars a month but stopped reimbursing families for incidental expenses. Danielle Eley from Franklin Parish says it was packaged as a raise for foster parents, but in reality that’s not the case.

Cut 9 (06)  “…go up.”

ULM receives a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through its Rural Transformation Project, allowing it to expand its health science offerings. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the college to admit more students.

Cut 8 (12) “…win for everyone.”

We’re in the midst of a weeks-long heat wave; and during periods like this, the 988 Helpline typically sees an increase in volume of calls and texts. That’s because people tend to sleep less in hot weather, making them more agitated. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the people at the 988 helpline are compassionate people who are there to help.

Cut 15 (07) “…carry anything alone.”

LSU fifth-year senior offensive guard Bo Bordelon has earned his starting spot the old-fashioned way. The Raceland native spent four years as a backup, but he has stood out as the likely week one starter during spring and fall practices. He says he just put his head down and worked.

Cut 12 (08) “…what I can do.” 

Bordelon the rest of the LSU Tigers take on Clemson in Baton Rouge September 5th.

ULM is expanding its health science offerings, thanks to a grant of more than two-million dollars from the Louisiana Department of Health through the Rural Transformation Project. Dr. Wendy Bailes, the dean of the ULM College of Health Sciences, says the grant will allow the school to provide well-educated medical professionals to rural hospitals.

Cut 6 (09) “…becomes very expensive.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveil their marketing campaign for out-of-state tourism. Nungesser says the campaign, which was unveiled during the Louisiana Travel Summit in New Orleans, is entitled “Every Moment Feeds Your Soul.”

Cut 10 (11) “…world to Louisiana.”

May and June were very wet months in Louisiana. August – not so much. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

An ICE officer is arrested for allegedly entering his ex-girlfriend’s Covington-area home without her permission. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says they arrested 58-year-old Thomas Bailey this morning on one count of unauthorized entry. Sheriff Bret Ibert says regardless of where you work, the law applies to everyone.

August has been a very dry month throughout Louisiana. Whereas the state averages five inches of rainfall in August; this year, the state has averaged only seven-tenths of an inch. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says two things are at play – El Nino and a lot of high pressure in the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 4 (12) “…Gulf into Louisiana.”

Volunteers at Louisiana’s 988 Helpline get an increase in the volume of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the fact that people normally get less sleep in hot conditions has a lot to do with it.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the crisis line.”

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that physical education classes will be designed to get students moving. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

September 5th won’t be the only time a game featuring LSU will be the featured matchup on ESPN’s College Gameday. Two weeks later, Rece Davis and the crew will be in Oxford, Mississippi, for the highly-anticipated matchup between LSU and Ole Miss. It will be Lane Kiffin’s first game in Oxford since leaving Ole Miss for LSU.

The Louisiana Department of Education announces that physical education classes will be designed to get students moving. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana Office of Tourism unveils a new marketing campaign aimed at out-of-state tourists. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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During extended heatwaves like what we’re in right now, Louisiana’s 988 Helpline experiences an uptick in calls and texts. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Starting next school year, physical education classes in Louisiana public schools will put a greater emphasis on getting students moving. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says educators and stakeholders developed the revised standards which will focus on fundamental movement skills students can use to stay active long after graduation.

Cut 4 (10) “…and heart health.”

Brumley says the old standards asked students to identify or name a skill. The new standards require them to actually demonstrate those skills.

Cut 5 (14) “…to do it.”

Brumley says the skills will build on one another from kindergarten through 12th grade. He says the new standards are designed not only to get students involved in physical activity, but also to help them understand the benefits, including better health and social relationships.

Cut 6 (09) “…their social relationships.”

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Sunday is Clean Out Your Freezer Day. Hunters For The Hungry is encouraging those of you who hunt to make room in your freezer for the upcoming hunting season by removing wild game and fish out of your freezer and donating it to a local food bank. Julie Grunewald is the executive director for Hunters for the Hungry.

Cut 7 (07) “…want to donate.”

Grunewald encourages you to visit clean-out-your-freezer-dot-com to find out where you can bring your frozen food so that it can be distributed to food banks, shelters and public kitchens.

Cut 8 (07) “…to accept ’em.”

Grunewald says they collected nearly 18,5000 pounds of frozen goods from Clean Out Your Freezer Day last year. She says the goal is to surpass that number this year. She says this is one of the best days of the year for food banks.

Cut 9 (09)  “…many hot meals.”

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser and the Louisiana Office of Tourism unveil their marketing campaign for out-of-state tourism. Nungesser says the campaign, which was unveiled during the Louisiana Travel Summit in New Orleans, is entitled “Every Moment Feeds Your Soul.”

Cut 10 (11) “…world to Louisiana.”

The marketing campaign will include a mixture of traditional media, as well as social media and influencers. Nungesser says the goal is to highlight the unique things in Louisiana that you don’t get to do anywhere else.

Cut 11 (08) “…in the state.”

They also unveiled the theme and float for Louisiana’s entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day. The float is called “Bienvenue en Louisiana,” or “Welcome to Louisiana” when translated to English. It features a gigantic pelican surrounded by Mardi Gras colors and other Louisiana staples like alligators and crawfish. Louisiana’s prior entries have also included musical performances; Nungesser says this one will be no different.

Cut 12 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

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Volunteers at Louisiana’s 988 Helpline get an increase in the volume of calls and texts coming in during periods of brutally hot weather conditions. Sherrod Crespo with Via Link, the nonprofit which operates the 988 Helpline, says the fact that people normally get less sleep in hot conditions has a lot to do with it.

Cut 13 (13)  “…the crisis line.”

Crespo says if the heat is affecting your mental health to the point that you’re considering harming yourself or others, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out for help, regardless of the circumstances.

Cut 14 (09) “…very much is.”

Crespo says the people at the 988 helpline are compassionate people who are there to help.

Cut 15 (07) “…carry anything alone.”

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LSU is just two weeks away from its season opener versus Clemson on September 5th. Head coach Lane Kiffin says quarterback Sam Leavitt did not look like himself as he recovered from his foot surgery in the spring, but he has reminded him what he can do during fall camp.

Cut 16 (16) “…plays around him.”

Former five-star defensive tackle Dominick McKinley made headlines for all the wrong reasons during the start of preseason practice. McKinley got reps with the second and third teams at times, but Kiffin says he has really turned his camp around.

Cut 17 (15) “…with our ones.”

Kiffin says he continues to be very satisfied with the starting defense, especially Ole Miss transfer edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen.

Cut 18 (19) “…get him down.”

Umanmielen had nine sacks as a Rebel last season.

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The Saints held their final preseason joint practice against the Rams yesterday. Wide receiver Chris Olave sat out the practice on a rest day, so head coach Kellen Moore says it was a good opportunity for quarterback Tyler Shough to face a great defense without his top target.

Cut 19 (14) “…led by Tyler.”

The Saints play the Rams in their second preseason game tomorrow at 3 p.m. Moore did not name a starting quarterback for the game.

Starting cornerback Quincy Riley went down with a groin injury on Tuesday. The next man up is free agent signing Martin Emerson Jr., who is coming off an Achilles injury that ended his time with the Browns. Saints corner Kool-Aid McKinstry says he has done a good job learning the scheme quickly.

Cut 20 (13) “…player for sure.”

After a child was infected by a brain-eating amoeba while swimming in Lake Claiborne, Louisiana health officials are advising you to protect yourself when swimming in fresh water. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

DCFS tells a Senate committee the number of child deaths this year is on pace to surpass that of last year. It says abuse or neglect has played a role in 25 child deaths so far this year, compared to 29 in all of last year.

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office arrests a former substitute teacher for allegedly triggering false active shooter alerts. Investigators say 58-year-old Lytonja (luh-TAHN-jah) Barfield used the school district’s emergency management system to falsely report six active shooter alerts at various schools. Corporal Vincent Jackson says it was easy for the school board to determine who was triggering those false alarms.

Cut 10 (07) “…to those schools.” 

The lottery for the first-ever recreational alligator hunting season is now open. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says you will have plenty of chances to score a tag.

Cut 4 (11) “…ten-thousand opportunities statewide.”

Louisiana public health officials are urging you to take precautions when swimming in fresh water following a brain-eating amoeba infection in Claiborne Parish. Willis Knighton Health pediatric infectious disease specialist Dr. Joseph Bocchini says the infection occurs when water containing the amoeba gets up your nose.

Cut 6 (11) “…brain-eating infection.”

The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former substitute teacher for allegedly triggering false active shooter alerts. Corporal Vincent Jackson says 58-year-old Lytonja (luh-TAHN-jah) Barfield used the school district’s emergency management system to falsely report active shooter alerts at several schools.

Cut 9 (13)  “…out five more.”

For the first time ever, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding a recreational alligator hunting season, and the lottery for tags opened this morning. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says the state is able to open up the harvesting of alligators to recreational hunters thanks to an act of legislature in this year’s session, because the state is being overrun with alligators.

Cut 3 (08) “…has fully recovered.”

Governor Landry is expected to announce next Tuesday that SpaceX will build a multi-billion-dollar spaceport in Vermilion Parish. The Advocate reports a decade-long coastal damages lawsuit filed by Vermilion Parish and the state against ExxonMobil has been dismissed as part of the deal. Advocate reporter Stephanie Riegel says more details will be announced in Abbeville.

Cut 14 (08) “…puts in place.”

The lottery for the first-ever recreational alligator hunting season is now open. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says you will have plenty of chances to score a tag.

Cut 4 (11) “…ten-thousand opportunities statewide.”

The season will run throughout the entire month of October.

The first poll in the U.S. Senate general election race shows Julia Letlow with a four-point lead over Jamie Davis. One finding of the poll of 518 registered voters is that more than half had neither a favorable nor an unfavorable opinion of Davis, compared to just over one-fourth for Letlow. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it shows Letlow’s advantage in name recognition.

Cut 11 (10) “…the Republican nomination.”

State Treasurer John Fleming says the K-12 School Transparency Project has identified questionable spending by some public and charter schools. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

From questionable spending to questionable judgement – a Caddo Parish substitute teacher is arrested for allegedly triggering false active shooter alerts. Sheriff Henry Whitehorn says 58-year-old Lytonja Barfield used the school district’s emergency management system to falsely report active shooter alerts at five schools.

For the first time ever, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is holding a recreational alligator hunting season, and the lottery for tags opened this morning. LDWF Secretary Tyler Bosworth says the state is able to open up the harvesting of alligators to recreational hunters thanks to an act of legislature in this year’s session, because the state is being overrun with alligators.

Cut 3 (08) “…has fully recovered.”

Bosworth says there are roughly three-million alligators in the coastal zone alone – that’s about two-thirds of the state’s human population. 

The K-12 School Transparency Project, which launched last year, has identified questionable spending by Louisiana public and charter schools. State Treasurer John Fleming says that’s led to a complaint investigated by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor.

Cut 9 (13)  “…a private institution.”

Governor Landry is expected to announce next Tuesday that SpaceX will build a multi-billion-dollar spaceport in Vermilion Parish. The Advocate reports a decade-long coastal damages lawsuit filed by Vermilion Parish and the state against ExxonMobil has been dismissed as part of the deal. Advocate reporter Stephanie Riegel says more details will be announced in Abbeville.

Cut 14 (08) “…puts in place.”

The first poll of the U.S. Senate general election campaign may indicate a more competitive race than expected. The poll by Public Policy Polling shows Julia Letlow with a four-point lead over Jamie Davis. The poll of 518 registered voters shows more than 20-percent are undecided, and LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says Letlow still has the advantage.

Cut 12 (09) “…towards her side.”