DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters went before the Senate Health and Welfare Committee to discuss how the agency is responding, after admitting it didn’t do enough to help a two-year-old child before he died from a drug overdose, and how a foster parent was arrested, accused of raping foster children. Covington Senator Patrick McMath believes the agency needs a complete overhauled but doesn’t expect that to happen under the current administration.

Cut 10 (11) “… caregivers.” 

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes believes the agency doesn’t have a money problem instead they have a low morale problem. But Walters says caseload is the biggest issue facing their employees…

Cut 11 (11)  “…job description.”

Typically, this is the time of year when political ads start cranking up, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says don’t expect the ads to get too repetitive. For example, southwest Louisiana congressman Clay Higgins’s race could become competitive because of Higgins’ low fundraising totals.

Cut 4  (11) “…grassroots.”

Higgins’ most well-known opponent is Lafayette attorney Holden Hoggatt.

Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Republicans view the Biden Administration’s ability to circumvent congress to cancel student debt as an abuse of executive and emergency powers. He expects Republicans to challenge it in court and says it’s also a violation of the nondelegation doctrine under the constitution…

Cut 8 (11) “…taxpayers’ dollars.”

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters spelled out to a legislative committee today the problems her agency is facing when it comes to having enough case workers. Walters says last week one of their best-case managers left for a lower-paying job because that employee could not handle the high case load anymore

Cut 9 (10)  “…need a break”

Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino believes the Biden Administration’s student loan forgiveness plan will end up in court. He says it’s an overreach of executive power and it’s Congress that decides how funds are appropriated and then it’s passed onto the executive branch for signature.

Cut 7 (12) “…been successful.” 

A U-S Senate race and all six of Louisiana’s U-S House seats are on the ballot in November, but the political season is expected to remain quiet. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

The Biden Administration’s student debt forgiveness plan could be challenged in court. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the White House’s rationale for debt forgiveness is based on the 2003 Heroes Act that granted loan forgiveness if an individual experiences a natural disaster or is off fighting a war.

Cut 6 (12) “…cancellation.” 

He says it’s an abuse of executive power and expects a court challenge.

After the Labor Day holiday, it usually gets busy during election years. Federal elections are coming up in two months. But pollster Bernie Pinsonat says don’t expect it to get much nosier.

Cut 3 (13) “…period of time” 

Louisiana Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc says a failed education system, lack of parenting, and COVID are reasons for the increase in violent juvenile crime and the recidivism rate among adult inmates is dropping. He credits the correctional system’s rehabilitation and reform efforts.

Cut 9 (05)  “…for us.”

Former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu has passed away at the age of 92. After serving as a state representative and a New Orleans City Council member, Landrieu served as the city’s 56th mayor from 1970 to 1978. Landrieu pushed for the integration of drinking establishments and political analyst Clancy Dubos says he significantly increased the number of black employees working for the city

Cut 10 (09) “…for years.”

DCFS has recently faced criticism over issues taking place within its child welfare division, and a Senate Committee is meeting now to discuss what’s going on. Health and Welfare Chairman Senator Fred Mills says they’ll also review personnel to see if Secretary Marketa Garner Walters’ statements of staffing shortages are a contributing factor.

Cut 5 (10) “…in those positions.”

You can watch the meeting on the legislature’s website.

After multiple escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish, a plan to move violent juvenile offenders to a more secure location at Angola is on hold pending a hearing. Louisiana Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc says however when you compare juvenile crime to incarcerated adults in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (04)  “…our systems.

Former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu has passed away at the age of 92. After serving as a state representative and a New Orleans City Council member, Landrieu served as the city’s 56th mayor from 1970 to 1978. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says Landrieu served in all branches and levels of government…

Cut 12 (12) “…Jimmy Carter’s cabinet.” 

Landrieu was the U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary from 1979 to 1981.

Many LSU fans are at a loss for words over Sunday night’s season-opening defeat to Florida State. The Tigers made way too many mistakes in Brian Kelly’s first game as head coach of the Bayou Bengals. Quarterback Jayden Daniels says they have to learn from those mistakes…:

Cut 13 (10) “…for Southern”

The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare meets in Baton Rouge this morning to discuss child welfare issues at DCFS. Brooke Thorington has more of the committee’s chairman.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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After multiple escapes from youth detention centers and more teens committing violent crimes, Brooke Thorington asks Louisiana Correction’s Secretary his thoughts on juvenile crime.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Former New Orleans mayor and political family patriarch, Moon Landrieu, has passed away at 92. Jeff Palermo has more on Landrieu’s legacy..

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The Senate Committee on Health and Welfare will meet this morning to discuss concerns of the child welfare division at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services. Committee Chair Senator Fred Mills says they want to know how the department will address recent failures, mainly a toddler overdose death and alleged child sexual abuse by a foster parent.

Cut 4 (10)  “…over with.”

Mills says the committee wants to know the department’s plans going forward and they’ll also review personnel to see if Secretary Marketa Garner Walters’ statements of staffing shortages are a contributing factor.

Cut 5 (10) “…in those positions.”

He says the committee will also investigate why employees have left the department.

Mills says he expects committee members to directly question Secretary Walters along with division heads at the first oversight committee meeting.

Cut 6 (08)  “…for sure.”

Mills also encourages members of the public to reach out to committee members with any concerns about the department and if residents are unable to attend the 10 o’clock meeting it can be viewed on the legislature’s website. Visit Louisiana Radio Network for a link to the site.

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Juvenile crime in Louisiana has consistently made the headlines in the last two years, with multiple escapes from youth detention centers and what appears to be more violent crimes committed by teens. Louisiana Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc attributes the increase to multiple factors.

Cut 7 (08) “…impact on that.”

After multiple escapes from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish, a plan to move violent juvenile offenders to a more secure location at Angola is on hold pending a hearing. Le Blanc says however when you compare juvenile crime to incarcerated adults in Louisiana…

Cut 8 (04)  “…our systems.”

And with construction underway for a new women’s prison, the Office of Juvenile Justice is having to look at ways to make existing youth facilities more secure. Le Blanc credits the correctional system’s rehabilitation and reform efforts for helping reduce the recidivism rates of adult inmates.

Cut 9 (05)  “…for us.”

A hearing on the state’s plan to move violent youth offenders to Angola is scheduled for September 15^th.

_______________________________________________

Former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu has passed away at the age of 92. After serving as a state representative and a New Orleans City Council member, Landrieu served as the city’s 56th mayor from 1970 to 1978. Landrieu pushed for the integration of drinking establishments and political analyst Clancy Dubos says he significantly increased the number of black employees working for the city

Cut 10 (09) “…for years.”

Dubos says Landrieu transformed the city economically…

Cut  11 (10)  “…the Superdome.” 

Dubos says Landrieu pushed for the construction of the 103-million dollar Louisiana Superdome on Poydras Street. He says that allowed for downtown New Orleans to thrive, while other major cities saw their downtowns deteriorate.

Dubos says Landrieu served in all branches and levels of government…

Cut 12 (12) “…Jimmy Carter’s cabinet.” 

LSU was the U-S Housing and Urban Development Secretary from 1979 to 1981.

Landrieu had nine children, Mitch served as mayor of New Orleans from 2010 to 2018, one of his daughters Mary, served three terms as a U-S Senator, and another daughter Madeleine is a former appellate judge and now dean of Loyola University’s law school.

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Many LSU fans are at a loss for words over Sunday night’s season-opening defeat to Florida State. The Tigers made way too many mistakes in Brian Kelly’s first game as head coach of the Bayou Bengals. Quarterback Jayden Daniels says they have to learn from those mistakes

Cut 13 (10) “…for Southern”

Daniels played well in his first game as the starting quarterback for LSU, tossing two touchdown passes and rushing for over 100 yards. There were numerous breakdowns with LSU’s offensive line and special teams. Two blocked kicks and Malik Nabers muffing two punts. Kelly says they though Nabers could do the job…

Cut 14 (09)  “…we made.”

LSU’s defense struggled to get off the field, allowing F-S-U to convert 11 of 17 times on third down. Edge rusher B-J Ojulari says they still have the whole season ahead of them….

Cut 15 (13)  “…little things.”

________________________________________________

Game week has arrived for the Saints as they will visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Instead of facing Matt Ryan at quarterback, Atlanta has a new Q-B, Marcus Mariota, who has not started a game since 2019 when he was with the Tennessee Titans. Saints Coach Dennis Allen….

Cut 16 (16)  “…attack it.” 

The Saints put rookie offensive tackle Trevor Penning on injured reserve after undergoing surgery to repair a torn ligament in his foot in the preseason finale. NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports Penning could return in early November and Allen says the prognosis on Penning is good…

Cut 17 (11) “…than later.” 

Allen will coach his first game as the Saints head coach on Sunday and he’s fired up for the chance to lead the Black and Gold…

Cut  18 (10)“…fun week.”

Cut 19 (14) “…wanna see”

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Cut 20 (13) “ …playoff atmosphere” 

A stunning defeat to open up the Brian Kelly era last night as Florida State held on a for 24-23 victory over LSU in the Superdome. A blocked extra point on the final play of the game was difference. It came right after Tigers quarterback Jayden Daniels threw a touchdown pass to complete a 99-yard scoring drive…
cut 30 (06) “…that point”
Florida State blocked two kicks on the night.

It’s Labor Day so how’s the “labor picture” in Louisiana? State officials have recently touted low unemployment figures as signs of a healthy labor market, but economist Dr. Loren Scott says those numbers do not give a clear picture…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…looking for work.”

Scott says Louisiana has a huge number of available jobs, and employers are anxious to hire.

Plenty of folks are firing up the grill for Labor Day and Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says prices are higher compared to last year but you might be able to catch some specials. And if you are able to find markdowns on beef it might be a good time to stock the freezer because Foster says it looks like prices aren’t going down anytime soon.

Cut  11 (10)  “…higher prices.” 

As you enjoy Labor Day without a hurricane looming, it might be good to get a refresher on all the efforts underway to protect Louisiana’s coast. Chip Kline, executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says Louisiana’s one point three-billion-dollar investment in coastal restoration projects is paying off.

Cut 3 (11) “…hit our state.”

COVID cases among school age children has almost quadrupled since school began according to an article in The Advocate. Case counts among 5- to 17-year-old are higher compared other age groups and the second highest age group with COVID cases are among 18- to 29-year-olds.

On this Labor Day holiday, we look at Louisiana’s labor market. How is the jobs outlook More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

According to Chip Kline, executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Louisiana’s one point three-billion-dollar investment in coastal restoration projects is paying off and one of the most significant projects involves dredging the Mississippi River near its mouth to fill in sinking marshlands.

Cut 4 (12)  “…oil spill”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is urging Louisiana to formally request USDA assistance for farmers impacted by excessive rainfall last month. LSU Ag Center soybean specialist Doctor David Moseley says soybeans planted in April in northeast Louisiana has some damage, but those planted in May are ok because the crop was still growing…

Cut 13 (12) “..any damage”

It’s Labor Day; the federal holiday recognizing those that work hard for a living with a day of rest. With that in mind, what is the “labor picture” in Louisiana? We asked economist Dr. Loren Scott, who says the state is still suffering worker from shortages due to the pandemic…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…the Covid shutdown.”

Scott says there are shortages of available employees in almost all sectors of business and industry.

Plenty of folks are firing up the grill for Labor Day, Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster says you’ve probably noticed food costs are up compared to this time last year but if you’re hoping to impress your guests, he says to make sure your selection is USDA choice for example…

Cut 10 (11) “…great Labor Day.”

State officials say the state’s one-point three-billion-dollar investment in coastal protection projects is paying off in results.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

What an insane finish to last night’s LSU game. The Tigers went on a 99-yard touchdown drive in the final minute, only to have the extra point blocked, which resulted in a 24-23 defeat to Florida State. It was the second kick blocked in Brian Kelly’s LSU head coaching debut…

cut 16 (09) “…coaching”

State Police in Troop B ask the public’s help solving a hit & run early Friday morning in Marrero, in Jefferson Parish, that left two people dead. Trooper First Class Kate Stegall says it happened on the elevated Westbank Expressway at about 3:30 Friday morning…:

Cut 9 (12)  “…occupants on the scooter.”

Stegall says the suspect was driving a white early 2000’s model Ford F-150 extended cab pickup, with a silver toolbox in the bed.

A September 6^th trial date has been set for the woman accused of throwing her children off the Cross Lake Bridge in Caddo Parish last year. Ureaka Black was arrested in Texas last September hours after the body of her 10-month-old son was found in the water. She faces multiple charges including second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. Her five-year-old son survived the event.

After a two-year break due to COVID, the Original Southwest Louisiana Zydeco Music Festival returns to Opelousas today. Festival executive director Lena Charles says Zydeco gained popularity with poor farm workers as a way to boost their spirits after a long day in the fields. She says it has the same effect today.

Cut 6 (10) “…away from that.” 

The festival kicks off at noon.

The mystery of who will be LSU’s starting quarterback remains unsolved. But Tiger Rag Magazine Assistant Editor William Weathers believes it will most likely be Jayden Daniels because he’s had 29 starts at the Division 1 level in the Pac-12.

Cut 12 (09) “…make more sense.”  

Kickoff Sunday night is 6:30 in the Superdome against the Florida State Seminoles.

State officials say the state’s one point three billion dollar investment in coastal protection projects is paying off in results. Marsanne Golsby reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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On this Labor Day holiday, we look at Louisiana’s labor market. How is the jobs outlook More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

As you enjoy Labor Day without a hurricane looming, it might be good to get a refresher on all the efforts underway to protect Louisiana’s coast. Chip Kline, executive director of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority says Louisiana’s one point three billion dollar investment in coastal restoration projects is paying off.

Cut 3 (11) “…hit our state.”

Kline says projects are underway across the state and one of the most significant involves dredging the Mississippi River near its mouth to fill in sinking marshlands.

Cut 4 (12)  “…oil spill”

The projects are creating nearly eight thousand jobs. Money for the projects comes from a combination of state and federal funds along with funds from the BP oil spill, but that’s only good for ten more years. Kline says lobbying efforts for federal funds began in the 1990s under former Governor Mike Foster and remain critically important.

Cut 5 (09) “…federal government,”

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It’s Labor Day; the federal holiday recognizing those that work hard for a living with a day of rest. With that in mind, what is the “labor picture” in Louisiana? We asked LSU economist emeritus Dr. Loren Scott, who says the state is still suffering worker shortages due to the pandemic…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…the Covid shutdown.”

Scott says there are shortages of available employees in almost all sectors of business and industry. He says the pandemic’s effects were badly aggravated by three hurricanes and a severe winter storm – all in 2020 and 2021…:

Cut 7 (10) “…the lake Charles area.”

State officials have recently touted low unemployment figures as signs of a healthy labor market, but Scott says those numbers do not give a clear picture…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…looking for work.”

Scott says Louisiana has a huge number of available jobs, and employers anxious to hire.

_______________________________________________

Plenty of folks are firing up the grill for Labor Day and Cattle Producers of Louisiana CEO Dave Foster knows a thing or two about what’s ideal to grill. He says however beef will leave your wallet somewhat lighter this Labor Day than it did last year.

Cut 9 (08)  “…going on.”

If you’re considering serving hamburgers Foster says there are plenty of options, like ground chuck or even a leaner beef like 90/10.

If you’re wanting to impress your guests Foster says to make sure your selection is USDA choice. While you might see a less expensive steak option, he warns that your guests might decline a future invite.

Cut 10 (11) “…great Labor Day.”

And if you are able to find markdowns on beef for the holiday it might be a good time to stock the freezer because Foster says it looks like prices aren’t going down anytime soon.

Cut  11 (10)  “…higher prices.” 

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Fifth District Congresswoman Julia Letlow is urging Louisiana to formally request USDA assistance for farmers impacted by excessive rainfall last month. LSU Ag Center soybean specialist Doctor David Moseley says in northeast Louisiana anything planted in April has some damage

Cut 12 (14) “…have damage.” 

Moseley says they are not seeing any damage with soybeans planted in May because the crop was still growing when the record rainfall occurred…

Cut 13 (12) “..any damage”

Letlow says she’s heard from countless growers about significant losses to their soybean, cotton and corn crops. Moseley says in Avoyelles Parish one consultant about 20 to 30-percent of the soybean crops had damage…

Cut 14 (11)  “…down there.”