Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says he is a “no” vote on the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has gone ahead and declared his intent to run for Governor in 2023. Nungesser says he will likely start actively campaigning in January. Attorney general Jeff Landry and state Treasurer John Schroder are also expected to run. No Democrats have solidly mentioned interest in running as yet.

According to the State Department of Education in the last five years, truancy has risen 22 percent. Baton Rouge Area BESE member Ronnie Morris says a task force consisting of school leaders, law enforcement, state leaders, and even family support groups met last month with a goal of reducing the statewide truancy rate from 40-percent to 28-percent.

Cut 10 (12) “…group effort.” 

Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet and Sea Grant Agent Kevin Savoie with the LSU Ag Center explains part of the problem for local shrimpers is due to the massive amounts of imported shrimp.

Cut 13 (07) “…down with it.”

In order for Louisiana shrimpers to profit they are having to sell product themselves.

Louisiana District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says he is a “no” vote on the federal Inflation Reduction Act. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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The truancy rate in Louisiana is 40 percent, and one BESE member wants to change that. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Congress is poised for a final vote on the $359-Billion Inflation Reduction Act, but Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his vote will be “no.” Graves says the bill is basically the Green New Deal with a different label and will do little to actually help curb inflation.

Cut 3 (11) “…just a farce” 

Graves made the comments on WBRP radio in Baton Rouge today. He says Americans are being asked to trust Congress and the White House to solve a problem that didn’t exist until they took power…:

Cut 4  (08) “…of their policies.”

Graves says the bill WILL succeed in raising taxes for a great many Louisianans, but most likely will NOT ease inflation. He says Republican amendments are proposed to ease the pain on taxpayers, but he’s not sure they will even be allowed for debate or vote. He says Democrat policies got the country into this state…:

Cut 5  (06) “…un-forced errors.”

Graves says giving House members only 4 days to review the bill before a vote, is a sign the bill is not good.

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Twelve years after the worst oil spill in human history a new report by LSU coastal ecologists says fingerprints of the damage from the Deepwater Horizon spill can still be seen. Dr. Ed Overton says most of the chemicals from the spill degraded in the environment and what’s left are small quantities of chemical residues.

Cut 6 (08) “…asphalt pad.” 

Overton says most of the land that was impacted has already been lost due to coastal erosion and hurricanes.

Cut 7 (07) “…isn’t there anymore.” 

The marsh is still littered with fingerprints of contamination, but Morris says most of the environmental damage is gone.

Cut 8 (04) “…major environmental damage.”

Thirty to forty percent of the spill evaporated and more dissolved in the water and was consumed by marine organisms.

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Truancy is a growing problem in Louisiana. According to the State Department of Education in the last five years, student absences have risen 22 percent. Truancy is defined as five or more unexcused absences in one semester. Baton Rouge Area BESE member Ronnie Morris says it was even an issue before the pandemic.

Cut 9 (07)  “…where are they.”

Morris says a task force that consists of school leaders, law enforcement, state leaders, and even family support groups met last month with a goal of reducing the statewide truancy rate from 40-percent to 28-percent.

Cut 10 (12) “…group effort.” 

The reason why students do not attend school is multifold, Morris says in some instances it is a lack of parent engagement, but there are other issues as well.

Cut 11 (12)  “…in society today.”

Morris says it will take a collaborative effort to address truancy in Louisiana.

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Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet. After calculating gas prices and what they charge per pound it’s just not feasible. Shrimper Anthony Theriot (terry-oh) says for example if he catches 1,000 pounds of shrimp one day, he’s looking at $650, but

Cut 12 (10) “…nothing there.”  

Sea Grant Agent Kevin Savoie with the LSU Ag Center explains part of the problem for local shrimpers is due to the massive amounts of imported shrimp.

Cut 13 (07) “…down with it.”

During the pandemic, shrimping in Louisiana took a hit, causing retailers to go elsewhere for product, and now there’s an overflow, and no one to sell to unless it’s at plummeting prices.

Cut 14 (07)  “…is crazy.” 

In order for Louisiana shrimpers to profit they are having to sell product themselves.

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Cut 15 (09) “…under the influence.” 

Cut  16 (10)  “…off the streets“

Twelve years after the worst oil spill in human history a new report by LSU coastal ecologists says fingerprints of the damage from the Deepwater Horizon spill can still be seen. Dr. Ed Overton says most of the spill has been degraded and what’s left are small quantities of chemical residues from oil molecules.

Cut 6 (09) “…asphalt pad.” 

Congress is poised for a final vote on the $359-Billion Inflation Reduction Act, but Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s voting “no.” He says it won’t reduce inflation and Americans are being asked to trust Congress and the White House to solve a problem that didn’t exist until they took power.

Cut 4  (08) “…of their policies.”

According to the State Department of Education in the last five years truancy has risen 22 percent. Baton Rouge Area BESE member Ronnie Morris says a task force consisting of school leaders, law enforcement, state leaders, and even family support groups met last month with a goal of reducing the statewide truancy rate from 40-percent to 28-percent.

Cut 10 (12) “…group effort.” 

Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet and Sea Grant Agent Kevin Savoie with the LSU Ag Center explains part of the problem for local shrimpers is due to the massive amounts of imported shrimp.

Cut 13 (07) “…down with it.”

In order for Louisiana shrimpers to profit they are having to sell product themselves.

Truancy is a growing problem in Louisiana. According to the State Department of Education in the last five years, student absences have risen 22 percent. Truancy is defined as five or more unexcused absences in one semester. Baton Rouge Area BESE member Ronnie Morris says it was even an issue before the pandemic.

Cut 9 (07)  “…where are they.”

A task force has been created to address the issue.

Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet. After calculating gas prices and what they charge per pound it’s just not feasible. Shrimper Anthony Theriot (terry-oh) says for example if he catches 1,000 pounds of shrimp one day, he’s looking at $650, but

Cut 12 (10) “…nothing there.”  

Congress is poised for a final vote on the $359-Billion Inflation Reduction Act, but Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his vote will be “no.” Graves says the bill is basically the Green New Deal with a different label and will do little to actually help curb inflation.

Cut 3 (11) “…just a farce” 

As kids return to the classroom the looming teacher shortage is a top concern. Brooke Thorington has more from the President of the Louisiana Teachers Federation.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Tech University has found a clever way to increase scholarship funds. It’s actually connected to the challenges of the COVID economy Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve the emerging Louisiana wind energy industry. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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This week most students and teachers are returning to the classroom and in addition to the excitement of beginning a new school year, the teacher shortage remains a looming issue. Louisiana Federation of Teachers president Larry Carter says the shortage of instructors is extremely worrisome, especially for the teachers themselves.

Cut 4 (09)  “…big concern.”

Carter fears the teacher shortage will be tremendous. He says in some districts he’s seen more than 150 vacancies for certified teachers.

Cut 5 (07) “…year with.”

Carter says it comes down to respect and support. Respect for the profession and support which includes more pay, so they can recruit more instructors and retain the ones they have.

Cut 6 (08)  “…be competitive.”

And while teachers and support staff were given pay raises, Carter says were not enough to keep teachers from leaving their parish or even the state for other teachings positions

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Louisiana Tech University has set a record increase in licensing revenue from their trademarked merchandise. It’s a matter of school pride and it helps students directly. Tonya Oaks Smith is Tech’s communications director.

Cut 7 (07) “….for scholarships.”

She says the university worked closely with its licensing partner to overcome COVID-related licensing issues.

Cut 8 (;06)  “…not gone away.”

Smith says revenues are up by sixty-one percent over last year, and the school’s Amazon store sales are up a whopping eighty-two percent.

Cut 9 (06)  “…royalty program.”

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With wind energy emerging in Louisiana, The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve that industry. UNO Research & Technology Foundation director Shafin Khan (sha-FEEN KONN) says there is increasing demand for training, talent development, and research to take advantage of wind as an energy source…:

Cut 10 (10) “…work in the industry.”

The state’s Climate Action Plan calls for producing at least 5 gigawatts of offshore wind power yearly by 2035. A new state law provides for offshore wind farm lease sales and increases the maximum wind farm size five-fold. Khan says UNO’s Louisiana Wind Energy Hub will be a big part of expanding the wind industry…:

Cut  11 (14)  “…to educate students.” 

The Hub will coordinate with energy utilities, other universities, and state authorities to grow wind energy in Louisiana. In addition, Shafin says the Hub will aid in developing the support industries that help keep wind farms up and running, via seed technology commercialization grants…:

Cut 12 (11) “…that industry has.” 

To learn more, go online to “lawindhub.com”

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Because Louisiana has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the country, the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative is working with hospitals to encourage and instruct more mothers to breastfeed. It’s called The Gift and Medical Director of the Collaborative, Dr. Veronica Gillispie (Gah-lispee) -Bell says it’s so important that mothers breastfeed as soon as possible after birth.

Cut 13 (08) “…facilities.”

August is National Breastfeeding Month and when parents were unable to find formula during the shortage, the practice was discussed considerably, however, Gillispie-Bell says it’s not as easy or common as you might think.

Cut 14 (07)  “…the hospital.”

Among the hospitals that participate in The Gift program, Gillispie-Bell says the rate of mothers who do breastfeed is higher than those who do not.

Cut 15 (09)  “…white mothers.”

For more information visit TheGiftLA.org

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At this time last year, Taysom Hill was battling with Jameis Winston to be the starting quarterback. He lost that battle and is back to his role as a swiss army knife on the Saints offense, playing a variety of positions. Hill says his preference is to be a quarterback in the NFL, but he knows that decision is not up to him…

Cut 16 (16)  “…I love playing.”

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LSU defensive end B-J Ojulari had seven sacks and nine quarterback hurries to lead the team last season. Ojulari also wants to be known as a defender who can play well against the run too

Cut 17 (17) “…creating havoc.” 

The coaching staff is trying to figure out the five best players on the offensive line. Garrett Dellinger is taking snaps at first-team center, a position he’s never played before

Cut  18 (13) “…I’ll be good”

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 Cut 19 (12) _“…that’s the biggest” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …aware of yet.” 

A new national survey of small business owners says inflation is still the number one worry facing them. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

A Neflix series about a Baton Rouge teenager who killed his abusive father in 2019 premiered today. Anthony Templet, (tom-play) is the subject of the series titled I Just killed My Dad. It’s three episodes about the teen who pled no contest to negligent homicide.

The shortage of infant formula put the practice of breastfeeding in the spotlight. Kristen Hill who’s a peer counselor with the Louisiana Department of Health says since they promoted their breastfeeding program more WIC mothers signed up for guidance.

Cut 6   (07) “…they love it.” 

The use of breastfeeding peer counselors at WIC clinics increased 30 percent from August of last year.

At LSU,  Junior defensive end B-J Ojulari (O-juh-lar-e) has been chosen to wear number 18, which goes to the player that’s not only a stand out on the field, but also does great work in the community and is a leader for the university. Ojulari says having great character is important for him…

Cut 13 (12) “…little bit”

Charges have been upgraded for 25-year-old Anderson King, Jr of Baton Rouge because preliminary autopsy results indicate his two-year-old son died as a result of injuries. BRPD’s Lt. Don Coppola says on Sunday officers responded to a local hospital regarding an assault that involved a two-year-old child. On Monday King was arrested.

Cut 10 (08) “…cruelty charge.” 

He’s charged now with 1^st Degree Murder.

A new survey of small business owners shows they’re not optimistic about business conditions right now. Director of the Louisiana Federation of Small Business Dawn McVea says the national Inflation Reduction Act, which gives the IRS billions more dollars for audits, worries small business owners.

Cut 4  (09) “…process of audit.”

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters tells a legislative committee they’ve made policy changes following the overdose death of a two-year-old who was hospitalized at least twice prior to his death. DCFS was notified of the child twice. Walters says they are investigating what went wrong, but their current system prevents a quick turnaround…

cut 12 (11) “…..be accurate”

she says lack of staff is an issue.

It’s National Breastfeeding Month and Kristen Hill who’s a breastfeeding peer counselor with the Louisiana Department of Health says even mothers with their second child are taking instruction through the program and some of her clients are the first in their family to ever breastfeed.

Cut 8 (06) “…mom and baby.”

It’s a service through the WIC program.

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters tells a legislative committee they’ve made policy changes following the overdose death of a two-year-old who was hospitalized at least twice prior to his death. The hospitalizations were reported to DCFS. Walters says they are investigating what went wrong, but there current system prevents a quick turnaround…

cut 12 (11) “…..be accurate”
Walters says having more case workers could have prevented this tragic situation, but Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson says if a young child is admitted to a hospital as a result of potential abuse, DCFS should immediately intervene…

cut 29 (09) “…at its finest”

Louisiana’s Inspector General is also investigating the case.

The kids are heading back to school, so slow down in those school zones. State Trooper Jonathan Odom says fines are doubled it’s because higher speeds mean you have slower reaction times. And be sure to hang up that cell phone. You’re not supposed to use it at all, not even on speaker.

Cut 8 (09)  “…on your music.”

On tonight’s episode of House Hunters, a Baton Rouge couple will narrow down their search for the ideal home in the capital city. Chris Fiore, who’s also the spokesperson for the Louisiana Workforce Commission says when they were chosen for the long-running TV series they looked at homes in Mid-City area and the Garden District in Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (10)  “…national television.”

A Louisiana appeals court rules Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins is still disqualified from running for another term. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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It’s pushing mid-August and that means schools are starting again. State police say that means you need to change your driving habits. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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After a toddler overdose death and the alleged rape of a foster child in East Baton Rouge parish lawmakers question the Department of Children and Family Services. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A state appeals court upholds the disqualification of incumbent Mayor Adrian Perkins from running for re-election this fall. Perkins was found to have used an incorrect address on his qualifying papers, and a local judge ruled that a violation of election law. LSU-Shreveport political science professor Jeff Sadow says Perkins’ lawyers argued it was just a clerical error, but the three judges didn’t see it that way…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…particular explanations.”

The Second Circuit Court of Appeals made its ruling public Monday afternoon. In her concurrence with the decision, Judge Shonda Stone said Perkins’ Ivy League education made it hard to believe he’d simply made a mistake. Sadow explains…:

Cut 5 (15) “…very convincing.”

For his part, Perkins claims he’s been targeted by political foes, who wish to suppress the vote of his supporters. Sadow says he will almost certainly take his appeal further, to the state Supreme Court…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…that’s what he wants.”

Sadow says he doesn’t expect Perkins outcome in the High Court to change.

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It may still be summer but schools are starting back and that means you need to begin to drive like it’s autumn. State Police reminds us, that school zones are back. Drivers need to adjust. Trooper Jonathan Odom

Cut 7 (12) “….on the road”

He says fines are doubled in school zones in order to get you to slow down. Higher speeds mean you have slower reaction times. And remember, hang up that cell phone. You’re not supposed to use it at all, not even on speaker.

Cut 8 (;09)  “…on your music.”

Perhaps most importantly, when a school bus stops in front of you, you must stop thirty feet back. Pay attention to the signals on the buses.

Cut 9 (09)  “…safe to do.”

Most school zones have reduced speed limits from seven to nine am and two to four pm.

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Lawmakers questioned the Department of Children and Family Services after a Baton Rouge toddler died from an overdose and the agency was notified twice before that the child was in danger. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters…

Cut 10 (13) “…strong enough.”

Walters says they are investigating and reviewing where things went wrong so they can learn how to prevent such a tragedy in the future, but she says their ongoing staffing shortage is a major factor.

Cut  11 (12)  “…not replaced.” 

And while the public and lawmakers want answers immediately Walters says a thorough investigation takes time and their current system prevents a quick turnaround.

Cut 12 (11) “…be accurate.” 

The two-year-old child in Baton Rouge overdosed twice on fentanyl prior to his fatal overdose in June. The child’s mother Whitney Ard faces multiple charges. And DCFS made headlines again after a 14-year-old was allegedly raped while in foster care in Zachery.

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On tonight’s episode of House Hunters, a Baton Rouge couple will narrow down their search for the ideal home in the capital city. Chris Fiore, who’s also the spokesperson for the Louisiana Workforce Commission says it was unique having a camera crew document the experience.

Cut 13 (08) “…it tonight.”

The show follows prospective buyers as they look at three homes, they weigh the pros and cons of each, and make their final decision. Fiore says once chosen for the long-running TV series they looked at homes in Mid-City and the Garden District in Baton Rouge.

Cut 14 (10)  “…national television.”

Fiore says like any couple, each of them wanted different things in their prospective new home, and keeping it secret for four months was hard, but that all ends tonight when their choice is finally revealed.

Cut 15 (07)  “…happy with it.”

The House Hunters episode is titled Southern Charm in Baton Rouge, and it airs at 9pm on HGTV.

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LSU offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says he’s looking for someone to take ownership of the offense as the battle for starting quarterback of the Tigers is underway….

Cut 16 (16)  “…at LSU.”

There are questions about the offensive line as the Tigers need to find four new starters. Denbrock says there is talent for him to work with….

Cut 17 (24) “…or not.” 

Denbrock says they are working with Jayden Daniels on his footwork to make him a more accurate passer…

Cut  18 (23) “…accurately.”

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There’s a battle for starting quarterback at ULM between Chandler Rogers and Jiya Wright. Rogers appeared in 12 games last season while Jiya Wright appeared in four games. Coach Terry Bowden breaks down the competition

 Cut 19 (12) _“…that’s the biggest” 

Bowden says replacing four starters in the secondary is another important storyline…

Cut 20 (12) “ …aware of yet.” 

The Concordia Parish Sheriff’s office has arrested a teacher for sending text messages to a 15-year-old student for sexual purposes. C-P-S-O spokesperson Brandy Spears says 26-year-old Bradly Dyer was arrested with the assistance Grant Parish Sheriff’s office at his home in Colfax…

Cut 13 (08) “…the school”

He’s charged with Indecent Behavior with juveniles and the investigation is ongoing.

Louisiana performs poorly in the Annie E Casey Foundation’s child wellbeing ranking. Foundation president Lisa Hamilton says the incidence of anxiety and depression among kinds spiked with 12 percent of kids nationally struggling to make it through the day, up 26 percent from 2016

Cut 10 (10) “…pandemic deaths.” 

Overall Louisiana ranked 49^th in the country.

Former Congressman and state legislator Buddy Leach of Leesville has passed away at the age of 88. Marsanne Golsby has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

Now that school has restarted for most of Louisiana, State Police are reminding us all to be extra careful, especially in and around schools and school zones. Troopers say be vigilant for kids walking or riding bikes to and from school and remember to never use your cell phone while in a school zone.