The HBO documentary Katrina Babies highlights how childhood trauma can manifest as violence. Brooke Thorington talks to a psychiatrist about it.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Citizens have begun an effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, but can they succeed in cutting her term in office short? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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LSU fans will have to wait a few more days to find out who will start at quarterback when the Tigers face Florida State in the Superdome Sunday. Kevin Gallagher has that story…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The HBO Documentary Katrina Babies tells the story of how the trauma children experienced was never addressed and its relationship to the uptick in crime.  LSU Health New Orleans Professor of Psychiatry Dr. Rahn Bailey says tragic events like hurricanes and the pandemic can affect children later in life, and it’s often ignored.

Cut 4 (07)  “…our fears.”

Bailey says the common response from children, teens, and even adults after traumatic events are “I’m good,” or “I’m alright.”  He says it’s only when you dig and ask that second or third question that you’re able to get that individual to possibly open up.

Cut 5 (06) “…emotional difficulty.”

In the absence of discipline, safety, security, and a home life where children can be children, Bailey says childhood trauma is later visible when they act out even as adults.

Cut 6 (10)  “…reckoning on us.”

Bailey says to seek professional help if you believe your child or someone you know is showing signs of trouble. He says proper mental health does work.

________________________________________________

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is now the subject of a recall petition; filed last week with the Secretary of State’s office. To get a recall on a ballot, organizers will need to collect legitimate signatures from 20-percent of Orleans Parish registered voters within six months; about 53-thousand people. UNO political science professor Ed Chernevak says that could be pretty difficult…:

Cut 7 (10) “…not registered voters.”

Historically in Louisiana, recall petitions have met with little success. Chervenak says he gives the effort to recall Mayor Cantrell about a 3-out-of-5 chance of success. He says citizen morale in the Crescent City HAS been very low…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…how successful they can be?”

Often a recall effort can serve as a wake-up call to a public official; triggering a change in policy or behavior. Does Chervernak think that could happen with Mayor Cantrell…?

Cut 9 (09)  “…path that she’s on.”

Petitioners have six months to collect the 53-thousand signatures needed to put a recall on a New Orleans ballot. They’ll also need a few thousand extras, to offset any disqualified names.

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Monroe police officers were called out to Carroll High and the middle school yesterday morning because two 14 years old students had handguns in their possession. Sargent Mike Fendall says school resource officers reacted quickly to ensure everyone was safe.

Cut 10 (12) “…shortly thereafter.”

Fendall says luckily the school’s resource officers weren’t alone in reporting this incident to Monroe Law Enforcement

Cut  11 (07)  “…both cases.” 

The reasoning behind both incidents is unknown, however, no one was harmed. Fendall says they are looking to see how the teens got the guns…

Cut 12 (11) “..at this time.” 

_______________________________________________

Up until this week, the tropics have been pretty calm but now there are at least three disturbances the forecasters are watching. And while none pose an immediate threat to Louisiana, state climatologist Barry Keim says after two very active seasons back-to-back, this season feels a bit off, especially for late August.

Cut 13 (10) “…this point.”

Keim says traditionally this is the time of year when we see the major storms in the Atlantic and hopefully, we’ll remain fortunate and escape any major activity in the gulf for the next six weeks…

Cut 14 (10)  “…strong ones.”

With Labor Day coming up many people have plans for the three-day weekend and Keim says so far so good tropics-wise.

Cut 15 (07)  “…plans.”

________________________________________________

LSU Coach Brian Kelly has named a starting quarterback, but he’s not releasing the information publicly. Kelly wants to keep Florida State guessing, will they see Jayden Daniels or Garrett Nussmeier. The first-year coach says there’s not much difference between the two, so he looks at as 1A and 1B and not first string and second string…

Cut 16 (16)  ”     ….itself” 

As far as other positions on offense, Kelly expects seven to eight receivers to play and there’s a lot of versatility…

Cut 17 (25) “..keep guys fresh” 

Kelly has announced his starting offensive line, the tackles are Will Campbell and Cam Wire, guards Miles Frazier and Anthony Bradford and the center is Garrett Dellinger…

Cut  18 (18)“…his technique”

_____________________________________________________________    

It’s cutdown day in the NFL as all 32 teams have to get their active roster down to 53 by 3 PM central time. Coach Dennis Allen it’s one of the toughest days of the season…

Cut 19 (19) “…tough business part”

Looks like rookie tackle Trevor Penning will start the season on injured reserve. Allen says Penning is expected to miss several weeks.

Cut 20 (12) “ …toe injury” 

For southeast Louisiana, today brings back bad memories.  Hurricanes Katrina, Isaac, and Ida all hit on August 29^th. Marsanne Golsby looks back at the one-year anniversary of Ida….

Cut 1 (28)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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The tropics are showing signs of heating up as the National Hurricane Center is monitoring four areas for possible development. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Today brings bad memories for a lot of people in Louisiana. Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, Hurricane Isaac in 2012, and Hurricane Ida last year. St John Parish was among the hardest hit by Ida. Parish President Jacklyn Hotard finally got back into her home 45 days ago. She says the recovery from Ida has been slowed by supply chain issues and insurance red tape.

Cut 3 (13) “…extremely difficult” 

She says a lot of people in St John are still in either temporary housing or living with relatives but it’s hard to track how many Her long-term concerns are about the affordability and availability of homeowners insurance.

Cut 4  (07) “…from both ends.”

More than half a dozen insurance companies have left Louisiana since Ida hit. Hotard says even with the challenges, St. John Parish looks much better this year than it did a year ago.

Cut 5  (10) “..entire region.”

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Four people drowned in Beauregard Parish over the weekend. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Mark Herford says they received a call Friday evening that four people were in distress and unaccounted for in the Sabine River. He says a group was swimming and the recent rains brought on a strong current.

Cut 6 (12) “…their lives.” 

According to a GoFundMe account, the four-year-old victim has been identified as Bentley Lane Fountain. Herford says the three adults who lost their lives are Troy M. McCollough of the Junction community, Kelly Bailey of Hornbeck, and Austin Scott of DeRidder.

Cut 7 (07) “…that way.” 

And with four fatalities, Herford says it’s the worst case of multiple drownings he’s worked in his more than three-decade career in Beauregard Parish.

Cut 8 (10) “…at one time.”

All four victims have been recovered and the identity of the young boy has not been released.

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And with so many hurricane anniversaries this time of year, it’s a reminder to keep our eyes on the tropics. The National Hurricane Center is monitoring four areas for possible development and State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system in the central Atlantic is one to be mindful of as far as Louisiana is concerned.

Cut 9 (10)  “…about it.”

The 2022 hurricane season was forecasted to be above average with 14 to 21 named storms, of which three to six would be major hurricanes. Keim says so far there have only been three named storms and they posed no threat to the Bayou State.

Cut 10 (10) “..scare yet.” 

And because there’s not an immediate threat to Louisiana as far as the four systems go, Keim says you shouldn’t have to cancel any upcoming plans.

Cut 11 (08)  “…a little premature.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly has decided on a starting quarterback for Sunday’s season opener against Florida State, but he’s not announcing who it is publicly. The first-year coach says he does not want the Seminoles to have that information…

Cut 12 (08) “…announce it.”  

Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier have been battling for the role as the starter and last week Kelly said the competition was tight. Kelly says Florida State has an advantage in that they played a game on Saturday, beating Duquesne 47-7. So Kelly says he’ll keep the starting quarterback announcement a secret to use as an advantage for the Tigers

Cut 13 (10) “as a weapon.” 

Kelly says he made a decision in the last 48 hours and it was a tough decision. Kick-off Sunday against the Seminoles is at 6:30.

An HBO documentary looks at Katrina but from the perspective of children who lived through it. Brooke Thorington has more from the filmmaker of Katrina Babies.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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It’s been one year since Hurricane Ida made landfall – devastating Lafourche Parish. Kevin Gallagher reports on the parish’s recovery…:

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The annual late summer swarms of love bugs are showing up in Louisiana. Marsanne Golsby says there’s no escape.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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It was 17 years ago today when Hurricane Katrina made landfall, and filmmaker Edwards Buckels’ documentary “Katrina Babies,” tells a story many haven’t heard, it’s from the perspective of children who lived through it. Buckles says he found a common theme when he interviewed others like himself.

Cut 4 (08)  “…of New Orleans.”

And while the city has rebuilt, Buckels says the emotional well-being of the children who lived Katrina and lost their homes, sense of community, and security, for many, remains adrift. Buckles says it was when he asked himself why the city is so overrun with crime, that it inspired his documentary.

Cut 5 (08) “…that film.”

For himself and others in the film, Buckels says it’s been therapeutic to finally talk about their experience. He hopes it’s an example going forward to recognize that children often hide and bury their trauma and if not addressed it can manifest itself later.

Cut 6 (07)  “…single day.”

“Katrina Babies” is now streaming on HBO/Max.

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Today marks one year since the landfall of Category 4 Hurricane Ida. Lafourche Parish was among those hit hardest by the storm’s winds and storm surge. A year later, Parish President Archie Chaisson says (and he uses the term loosely) “we’re getting back to normal”

Cut 7 (10) “…recovery process.”

Chaisson says about 25-hundred households in Lafourche still live in temporary housing. He says areas that looked like a war zone in Ida’s aftermath, are starting to look more normal again.

Cut 8 (10)  “…recreational activities.”

Chaisson says many homeowners are still struggling with their insurance companies to get their homes rebuilt. Others are finding new coverage, after having been dropped by one of the many companies to exit Louisiana. He says Lafourche just received a $50-million Community Development Block Grant to help with rebuilding

Cut 9 (11)  “…like that.”

_______________________________________________

New research from LSU shows that climate change had a big impact on flooding from Hurricane Harvey, which caused massive flooding in Houston in 2017.  LSU sociology professor Kevin Smiley is the study’s lead author.

Cut 10 (09) “…from climate change.”

But Smiley says the study goes even further. For the first time, scientists have found that climate change-fueled flooding hit low-income Hispanic neighborhoods the hardest.

Cut  11 (09)  “…Latino residence” 

Smiley says low-income neighborhoods grew up along Houston’s waterways and petrochemical corridor. Smiley says the study points researchers in the direction of future studies to see if similar impacts occur in other cities.

Cut 12 (10) “…damage from flooding.” 

Smiley says there’s a clear climate and environmental justice story about the location of poor neighborhoods.

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In case you haven’t noticed, there’s an explosion of love in the air. Love bugs. LSU etymologist Aaron Ashbrook says love bugs are prolific procreators.

Cut 13 (07) “..larvae in there.”

That’s 100 to 350 larvae. From one mating. Ashbrook says the summer’s heavy rains make welcome environments for the baby bugs.

Cut 14 (03)  “…much better”.

He says we have a lot of large swarms this year because of moist leaves and other organic matter. And he adds as much as they are a nuisance, they aren’t a threat to humans. In fact, they’re an important part of the food chain.

Cut 15 (07)  “…I think.”

Ashbrook says they mate for twelve hours, but after they detach the female lays eggs and then they die.

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We are now less than a week away from Brian Kelly making his debut as the head coach of the Fighting Tigers. Kelly has brought in dozens of new players. One of those guys is cornerback Mekhi Garner, who transferred in from U-L Lafayette…

Cut 16 (16)  “..this staff.”

Cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse is also a new edition. The Shreveport native transferred in from Oklahoma State and he can’t wait to wear the Purple and Gold in New Orleans….

Cut 17 (07) “..ready to go” 

LSU’s biggest strength is its defensive line and linebacker Greg Penn the Third says it’s an impressive group, especially at defensive tackle…

Cut  18 (13)“…playing good”

_____________________________________________________________    

The preseason schedule is over and now the Saints need to get their roster from 83 to 53-player by three o’ clcok on Tuesday. Coach Dennis Allen believes after the cuts are made, he’ll have a very solid group…

Cut 19 (19) “…got that”

The Saints concluded the preseason with a 27-10 win over the Chargers on Friday. Jameis Winston returned to the field for the first time since tearing his ACL last October. Allen says Winston looked sharp as he led the team down the field on a touchdown drive…

Cut 20 (22) “ …together” 

A preliminary settlement in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean and the botched nursing home evacuation during Hurricane Ida has been reached. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

The attorney for a woman who was refused an abortion in Louisiana even though her fetus has an unformed skull is calling on the legislature to hold a special session and clarify the law. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”  

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The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources announces a 25-million dollar grant from the federal government that will go towards cleaning up abandoned wells. D-N-R spokesperson Patrick Courreges says they can begin spending the money on October 1st

Cut 3 (10) “…really well” 

D-N-R says Louisiana’s orphaned well count is around 45-hundred. That number has grown considerably in recent years due to operators going out of business or abandoning the site due to state regulations.

Courreges says the federal funding comes from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and the federal government has indicated states will receive additional funding in the coming months….

Cut 4  (11) “…dealing with.”

Most of the orphaned wells are in north Louisiana with 31 hundred of the 45-hundred current abandoned well sites in the Shreveport and Monroe areas. Courreges says these wells become an environmental hazard over time…

Cut 5  (09) “..methane.”

DNR is seeking qualified contractors to plug, cap and reclaim these orphaned wells.

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A preliminary settlement has been reached in the class-action lawsuit against Bob Dean over the evacuation of more than 800 nursing home patients to a warehouse last year during Hurricane Ida. Blair Constant, one of the attorneys representing patients, says a trial date of October 3^rd has been set.

Cut 6 (09) “…the court.” 

Which equates to approximately $17- thousand for each patient.

The class-action lawsuit is seeking restitution for the 843 nursing home residents who experienced deplorable conditions at the Tangipahoa warehouse after the category 4 storm made landfall a year ago Monday. Constant says reaching a settlement in such a short time frame is rare.

Cut 7 (08) “…from now.” 

Family members of some of the nursing home patients appeared at a news conference Thursday and while many said no amount of money can make up for the suffering caused by Dean, Constant says they hope this keeps others from suffering in the future.

Cut 8 (08) “…happen again.”

Dean has since lost his nursing home licenses and is also facing other civil and criminal lawsuits.

______________________________________________

Attorney Ben Crump is calling on the state Legislature to hold a special session to address the state’s abortion ban law. Crump represents Nancy Davis who was denied an abortion in Louisiana despite being told her baby had Acrania, a lethal condition for the fetus in which the skull does not fully form. Crump says this is the type of medical exemption in which an abortion should be allowed in Louisiana.

Cut 9 (11)  “…actually clear.”

Davis says doctors were afraid of being charged criminally if they performed the abortion, so she’s going out of state next week to have a two-day procedure. Davis appeared at the press conference with her partner and three children. She says the ordeal has been heartbreaking and mentally exhausting.

Cut 10 (06) “..this diagnosis” 

Louisiana law imposes harsh penalties on doctors who perform newly-illegal abortions. Doctors can face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Crump says the Legislature needs to act as soon as possible because of other women in similar situations who will suffer if the law isn’t changed.

Cut 11 (10)  “.beautiful mother”

The governor’s office has not said if Governor Edwards is considering calling a special session to clarify the law.

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A petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has been filed with the Secretary of State’s Office, as she faces criticism for a taxpayer funded trip to France.  Also Cantrell showed up in court in support of a 14-year-old convicted carjacker and his family. Stephanie Uddo was one of his victims, and says Cantrell’s appearance was an unpleasant surprise…:

Cut 12 (09) “….for us.”  

The recall petition claims that Cantrell has shown a “failure to put New Orleans first and execute the responsibilities of the position.”

Wednesday afternoon, Cantrell addressed growing anger about her choice. She said the teen’s family asked for her support. Of the victims, Cantrell said, “I did say God bless you, that means something to me, may be not to you, but that means something to me.” Uddo says that felt to her like an attack, and she feels victimized all over again…:

Cut 13 (10) “as a weapon.” 

The mayor says she “didn’t take sides”, but Uddo disagrees. Uddo says Cantrell reached out to the perpetrator and his family, but never her. The mayor’s office says she didn’t know how. Uddo says Cantrell apparently didn’t want to

Cut 14 (13)  “..poor explanation.” 

Uddo and other victims would like an apology from Cantrell. The recall effort must garner signatures from 20% of people eligible to vote in Orleans Parish within 6 months to get on a ballot.

LSU officials are thrilled about the success of their latest fundraising campaign. It has surpassed its goal and done that three years early. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

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While many blame the Biden Administration for the increase in gas prices after a ban on new oil and gas leases, the state’s chief regulator of the industry says drilling activity is up in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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LSU’S one point five billion dollar fundraising campaign has surpassed its goal—and done so three years early. The Fierce for the Future campaign received donations for every LSU campus. LSU Foundation President Rob Stuart says donations to the previous campaign were split evenly between academics and athletics. But this time two-thirds of the money went to academics.

Cut 3 (10) “…academic side” 

Stuart says four hundred million dollars has been raised in the year since President William F. Tate IV arrived. He says direct donations flowed into every LSU campus in the system, and there’s more for scholarships.

Cut 4  (09) “…are important.”

The largest donations came from Our Lady of the Lake and LCMC Health to make major improvements in health care in Louisiana. Stuart says the focus on health care and research initiatives is important.

Cut 5  (11) “..going forward.”

The next campaign has already begun. Its focus is on the university’s Scholarship First campaign.

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When gas prices soared to record highs, several placed blame on the Biden Administration for limiting oil and gas leases. But Louisiana’s Commissioner of Conservation Richard Ieyoub says last year the department issued more than 500 permits and they project that number will exceed 800 this year.

Cut 6 (11) “…comes up.” 

As the Chief Regulator of the Oil and Gas Industry in Louisiana and the oversight of permitting of wells, Ieyoub says it’s an actual increase versus a decline of drilling here in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (07) “…our jurisdiction.” 

As commissioner, Ieyoub oversees a budget of $28 million and 170 employees at the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and while the agricultural industry is considered the largest as far as people, he says oil and gas revenues are the largest contributors to the state’s budget.

Cut 8 (08) “…the state.”

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Republican members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation do not support President Biden’s plan to cancel or in some cases reduce the student loan debt for millions of Americans. Senator Bill Cassidy calls it a spit in the face of Louisiana families who are struggling to get by.

Cut 9 (13)  “…they make.”

Cassidy says the President is spending 300-billion dollars that the country does not have. But Democratic Congressman Troy Carter of New Orleans says the President is bringing long-needed relief to student loan borrowers and allow them to seek more opportunities in the future.

But Cassidy says it is unfair for a person who paid off their college loan, while others who have not are catching a big break…

Cut 10 (12) “..paid for” 

Carter says America regularly forgives the debt of businesses, industries and even small countries.

Cassidy says instead of providing student loan relief, he believes the federal government should require greater transparency to college costs and post-college earnings. He’s once again calling on Congress to pass his College Transparency Act..

Cut 11 (12)  “.average earn”

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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is defending the 43-thousand dollars spent on a four-day trip to France where she signed a “sister city” agreement with a resort town on the French Riviera. Cantrell says the trip allowed her to promote tourism back to Louisiana..

Cut 12 (11) “….city of New Orleans.”  

Cantrell and her aides stayed at a luxury hotel overlooking the Eiffel Tower. The mayor says she did not pick the hotel…

Cut 13 (12) “that regard.” 

Cantrell is also taking heat for appearing in juvenile court supporting a 14-year-old convicted carjacker who was convicted on three first-degree robbery charges. The mayor says the juvenile offender participated in a program she created called Pathways. Her appearance in court upset the victims in the case, but Cantrell says she was not picking a side…

Cut 14 (10)  “..what I did.” 

Is Louisiana actually IN an economic downturn? Kevin Gallagher reports an economist predicts thousands of jobs lost over the next year…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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 The board that governs Louisiana public higher education has created another way for high school students to get into college. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (29) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby” 

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Louisiana adopts the state’s first accountability plan to measure progress in K through second grade. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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As state officials boast of record low unemployment and big job gains, a U.L.-Lafayette economist says the state could lose thousands of jobs in the coming months, amid an economic downturn. ULL’s Dr. Gary Wagner says inflation is the reason. As interest rates rise to combat inflation, businesses see costs increase and the need for budget and payroll cuts in the months to come…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…my best estimate.”

The state Workforce Commission recently posted big job gains and low unemployment figures from the early summer. Wagner doesn’t dispute that, but says the developing “economic malaise” in the state economy will surely impact employment…:

Cut 5 (11) “…last three months.”

Wagner says the root problem is the rise in interest rates, to help stem the tide of inflation. He says the cure, in this case, can be as bad as the sickness…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…all slowing down.”

________________________________________________

Louisiana high school students who want to attend college but don’t quite meet the current requirements now have another way to get in.

To graduate, all students must pass a list of basic classes.  Today the Board of Regents decided that if a student’s grades aren’t good enough or their test scores aren’t high enough they can still get into college if they pass college-level courses in high school. Tristan Denley is Deputy Commissioner of Higher Education.

Cut 7 (06) “…likely to succeed.”

Louisiana is the first state in the country to do this. The change takes effect in the Fall of 2023.

Right now not quite half of Louisiana adults have either a college degree or some kind of other formal training beyond high school. In a poor state, Denley says officials are rushing to increase that amount.

Cut 8 (10)  “…post-secondary attainment.”

Denley says The Regents have also made it easier for students to transfer from community and technical colleges to four-year universities with a technical associate’s degree.

Cut 9 (09)  “…their education.”

_______________________________________________

The first set of Isle de Jean Charles residents in Terrebonne Parish has relocated to The New Isle resettlement community near Schriever. Pat Forbes with the Office of Community Development says 12 of the 37 families who’ve agreed to relocate moved into their new homes Wednesday.

Cut 10 (09) “…together.”

Approximately 96 residents will relocate to New Isle by the end of the year. The community was forced to move due to rising sea levels and coastal land loss. Forbes says the resettlement is funded through a $48-million HUD grant.

Cut  11 (10)  “…climate change.” 

Forbes says while the residents are excited about moving into their new homes it’s also bittersweet leaving their former homes but the new houses are much safer and dryer.

Cut 12 (10) “…leaving the island.” 

Since 1955 the island, which is located about 40 miles south of the new site, has experienced a 98-percent land loss and continues to be at risk.

________________________________________________

Beginning next year, a new accountability plan to measure success in kindergarten through second grade will go into effect. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there’s already an accountability system that measures children in early childcare centers and then again for third graders, but there’s been a void in K through second grade.

Cut 13 (06) “…learners.”

And while Brumley says LEAP scores indicate a three-percent increase in mastery rates in grades three through eight, the largest increase since 2016…

Cut 14 (11)  “…have missed.

Moving forward in kindergarten, first and second-grade students will receive an age and developmentally appropriate literacy screener at the beginning and end of the year. Brumley says they’ll look at their performance level and how it grew over the course of a year.

Cut 15 (12)  “…literacy levels.”

Brumley says the department will continue to focus on foundational literacy and a back-to-the-basics approach that includes phonics.

_________________________________________________

Chandler Rogers will be ULM’s starting quarterback when they visit Texas a week from Saturday. Rogers beat out Jiya Wright for the opportunity to lead the Warhawks…

Cut 16 (16)  “…very good things.”

Rogers started seven games as a freshman last season, including six consecutive games during the middle season. He says that experience should help….

Cut 17 (15) “..going great” 

Rogers completed 63-percent of his passes last season, which set a ULM single-season record. The Mansfield, Texas is looking to build on the success he had last season

Cut  18 (15)“…really the key”

_____________________________________________________________

Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston says his right foot that he sprained a couple of weeks ago is feeling much better. Winston spoke to the media on Wednesday and talked about the relationship he’s been able to build with receiver Michael Thomas…

 Cut 19 (24) “…as a man”

It’s uncertain if Winston will play tomorrow night in the preseason finale against the Chargers. He wants to play, but the final decision rests with head coach Dennis Allen. Winston says he’s looking forward to showing he’s a better passer when it comes to throwing to receivers running intermediate routes…

Cut 20 (19) “ …intermediate accuracy” 

Governor Edwin Edwards’ widow announces her engagement to another major Louisiana political figure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

State Representative Jason Hughes continues to call for leadership changes at the Department of Children and Family Services, despite the state agency announcing changes in policy and a push to increase staff. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting in Cut Off. Trooper Ross Brennan says the Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office responded to call of a domestic disturbance when a subject inside the home shot at deputies and an officer with Port Fourchon Harbor Police

Cut 3 (06) “…that subject” 

Brennan says the subject has been identified as 32-year-old Geraldo Reyes.

Cut 4  (09) “…this incident.”

He says further information will be released as it becomes available.

____________________________________________

The widow of former Governor Edwin Edwards, Trina Edwards is engaged. Former Louisiana House speaker and Senate President John Alario popped the question outside Ruth’s Chris Friday night on Edwards’ 44^th birthday. On Jim Engster’s Talk Louisiana this morning she said Alario opted to propose in the car before dinner because it was raining.

Cut 5  (06) “…endearing.”

Edwin Edwards, who was 51 years older than his third wife, passed away last summer at the age of 93, and the couple shared one child Eli.

Trina Edwards says she met 78- year old Alario years ago during a dedication ceremony after the death of his wife in 2006. Trina says they crossed paths several times but didn’t begin dating until after the death of Edwin.

Cut 6 (08) “…our time yet.” 

As for when the two will get married, Trina Edwards says they haven’t set a date yet but most likely it will be next year. Even though she’d dropped several hints that she wanted to get married, she says Alario was still apprehensive.

Cut 7 (08) “…so sweet.” 

Trina Edwards says she has a good relationship with Alario’s children and he does with her children as well.

____________________________________________

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes continues to call for leadership changes with the Department of Children and Family Services after the state agency admitted they failed to follow up properly after receiving three reports of a child subjected to substance abuse. That two-year-old child died in June of a drug overdose. Hughes says he’s tired of excuses…

Cut 8 (10) “…administration.”

DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters  says reports of small children consuming or ingesting a controlled dangerous substance will warrant an immediate trip to the home and they are also increasing staff.

But Hughes says not only does Walters need to go, but so does the Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare and the Assistant Secretary of Family Support…

Cut 9 (09)  “…the agency.”

Hughes also says DCFS has failed to complete a technology upgrade to its reporting system that was approved in 2019. He says there’s also the case of a foster father arrested for allegedly sexually abusing three different children and he says morale is low in the department

Cut 10 (07) “..starts at the top” 

DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they deeply regret the death of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson and the agency is taking steps to lessen the likelihood of similar tragedies.

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Fighters in the ongoing war against opioid addiction have just received another weapon. The ULM College of Pharmacy has a 2.5 million dollar grant to train first responders on getting people suffering overdoses into treatment. Associate Professor of clinical practice Dr. Alexis Horace says the goal is to help people get long-term treatment in addition to treating the overdose on the spot.

Cut 11 (12)  “..into care.”

Dr. Horace says her team will lead education programs for first responders and community members in Ouachita Parish, Orleans Parish and surrounding rural parishes

Cut 12 (09) “….that are in need.”  

Dr. Horace says one important hurdle to overcome for the training to be effective is the stigma some first responders have towards those who overdose and the distrust some drug users have of first responders.

Cut 13 (09) “to first responders.” 

Dr. Horace says her goal is to educate four thousand first responders in Louisiana by 2026 and to increase the program’s collaboration with local treatment and recovery centers by eighty percent.

Plans to move violent youth offenders from Bridge City to Angola are on hold. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The CDC says Louisiana’s life expectancy dropped by three years between 2019 and 2020. The state is ranked 49^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby” 

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After several insurance companies have left our state Louisiana Citizens, the state’s last-resort property insurer has doubled its number of customers. Kevin Gallagher reports what that may mean, as the height of storm season approaches…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Plans to move violent youth offenders from the Bridge City Center for Youth to Angola are on hold after attorneys representing Louisiana youth and their families filed a motion on the grounds that it violates a juvenile’s due process. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says it has merit because the US Supreme Court says you can’t treat juveniles the same as adults.

Cut 4 (10)  “…productive adults.”

A trial on the matter is scheduled for September 6^th and 7^th.

While the adult prison system’s purpose is also rehabilitation, it also includes retribution and public protection. However, Ciolino says today’s youth offender has become increasingly more violent.

Cut 5 (07) “…there is.”

Public safety came to the forefront after the most recent incident involving escapees from the Bridge City facility resulted in the shooting of a 59-year-old man who remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Judge Shelly Dick has ordered the state to submit a detailed plan on the proposed transfer to the court by September 2^nd prior to the trial. Ciolino says the plan must demonstrate how they will keep youth offenders separate from the adult population and that those juveniles will continue to receive adequate rehabilitation services.

Cut 6 (10)  “…differently.”

In addition to their detailed plan, the state has to provide the proposed list of juveniles to be transferred to Angola along with their guardian’s information to the court by Wednesday. Attorneys who filed the complaint have until Monday to interview juveniles who reside in the Bridge City facility.

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Louisiana ranks 49^th among the 50 states and the District of Columbia in life expectancy. That’s according to the latest CDC data which says Louisiana’s life expectancy in 2020 was 73 years, a decline of almost three years from 2019. Dr. Benjamin Springgate is Chief of Community and Population Medicine at LSU Health New Orleans and he says the pandemic played a significant role in a lower life expectancy…

Cut 7 (13) “…in life expectancy.”

He says the increase is due to a combination of COVID deaths, poor health care, and drug deaths. He says the increase in drug deaths is tied to the opioid crisis and stressors caused by the COVID pandemic.

Cut 8 (12)  “…overdose deaths.”

Springgate recommends the state invest more in access to prevention treatment, which is far more cost-effective than jamming emergency rooms.

Cut 9 (06)  “…intensive care unit.”

It’s not all bad news though. Springgate says the expansion of access to insurance and health care means Louisiana is definitely making progress. He believes Louisiana is slowly moving in the right direction.

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State officials say fatal vehicle crashes caused by drunk drivers are the leading cause of highway deaths—and the problem appears to be getting worse. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says drunken driving deaths were up eleven percent in 2020 compared to 2019. Spokesperson Mark Lambert says 40-percent of fatal accidents are caused by drunk drivers.

Cut 10 (10) “…in a crash.”

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign is underway through Labor Day.

Cut  11 (07)  “…the message.” 

Lambert says the Commission pays for extra law enforcement patrols during peak driving times, such as Labor Day. They are specially trained to look for the signs of drunk drivers.

Cut 12 (11) “…been drinking.” 

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As the state heads into the heart of hurricane season, the state-run last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens, has doubled its number of properties covered in just two years. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says Citizens was covering 50-thousand before Hurricane Laura in 2020, But after Laura and Delta – followed by Hurricane Ida last year – another 50-thousand have had no choice but to go with Citizens. He says that’s about 100-thousand policies…:

Cut 13 (11) “…last spring.”

Donelon says Citizens – like all other property insurers – needs re-insurance; basically their own insurance to cover the cost of claims. He says Citizens’ current re-insurance coverage is for 50-thousand policies…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…a hundred thousand policies.”

Citizens has $150-million on-hand; ready to meet the possible demand of 2022 storm claims. Donelon says the bulwark insurer requested a line of credit from the state Bond Commission last week…:

Cut 15 (08)  “…as we were last year.”

Donelon says Citizens’ customers needn’t fear they will not be covered if there is a disaster this year. By law, they WILL be. If necessary, assessments will be added to ALL property policies in the state, as they were after Katrina and Rita in 2005.

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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was still not at practice Tuesday, but quarterback Jameis Winston and defensive end Marcus Davenport took part in team drills. Davenport is coming back after offseason shoulder surgery and having a part of his left pinkie amputated. Coach Dennis Allen says he’s pleased with Davenport’s progress, but there’s still more work…

Cut 16 (18)  “…drills today.”

Saints tight end Taysom Hill was back at practice yesterday after missing a few days with an injury. Allen says Hill is also progressing well…

Cut 17 (24) “..that position” 

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is not ready to make a decision on starting quarterback. Kelly says Jayden Daniels and Garrett Nussmeier are neck-and-neck…

Cut  18 (14)“…pretty close”

Kelly knows they’ll have to make a decision in the next few days with the season opener right around the corner on September fourth against Florida State….

 Cut 19 (16) “…the SEC” 

On the defensive side of the football, sophomore defensive tackle Maason Smith is expected to have a big season. Kelly likes that Smith wants to get better…

Cut 20 (22) “ …stands out” 

Hello Affiliates,

Today, we replaced an older operaring computer with a newer one that caused a major disruption in our newsroom, which prevented us from producing a PM Newscall. You may have noticed our 12:30 and 1:30 newscasts were replays of older newscalls. Sorry for the inconvenience and we will have a morning newscall for you tomorrow. If you are looking for fresh sound, check out our newscasts from the 2:30 newscast on, some new sound is contained in those newscasts.

Jeff Palermo

Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell for a second straight month in July, to its lowest level ever. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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An investigation determines hospital staff contacted the Department of Children and Family Services three times about potential substance abuse involving a two-year-old child before he died of a fentanyl overdose. Kevin Gallagher reports…

Cut 2 (32) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

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Two years since Hurricane Laura slammed southwest Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish schools are still in need of repairs. Marsanne Golsby…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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For a second straight month, Louisiana set a record-low unemployment rate in July, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says the seasonally adjusted rate of unemployment is 3.6-percent. She says, coincidentally, the EMPLOYMENT rate is looking very good…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…is high as well.”

Cates says unemployment dropped slightly from June to July, and is now nearly 2-percent lower than one year ago. July 2022 figures estimate slightly over 2-million people in Louisiana are currently employed. Cates hopes the state can grow its workforce through LWC’s “Tech Ready Louisiana” program, which offers free online courses to prepare people for the workplace.

Cut 5 (10) “…essential skills.”

Cates says July saw the state add over 13-thousand jobs in business & professional, government jobs, and education and health jobs. She says Tech Ready will help to bring the jobless rate even lower in the months ahead…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…and top level.”

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The Department of Children and Family Services admits they were contacted three times by hospital staff about the well-being of two-year-old Mitchell Robinson before he died from a fentanyl overdose on June 26th. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says a case worker assigned to Mitchell’s case was on sick leave when he died and a supervisor failed to follow up on the third report…

Cut 7 (08) “…in time”

The supervisor has resigned and the case worker who was on sick leave has been suspended.

Walters says in response to this tragedy, the department has made several policy changes. She says if a small child consumes or ingests a controlled dangerous substance it will warrant an immediate trip to the home

Cut 8 (08)  “…priority response.”

Walters says they are also taking immediate steps to shore up the staff, which means robust training and coaching of staff and also increasing staffing, so they are hiring, if you want to help out children in need

Cut 9 (12)  “…looking for”

But New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says increased staffing will not solve the problems within D-C-F-S, he’s calling for changes in leadership.

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U.L. Lafayette is now ranked among the nation’s top 100 public research universities. The National Science Foundation’s (NSF) annual Higher Education Research & Development Survey (HERD) ranks ULL 94th among 655 colleges that do research. ULL’s Vice President for Research & Innovation Dr. Ramesh Kolluru (ko-LOO-roo) says it’s an important distinction for a Louisiana university…:

Cut 10 (09) “…in the top 100.”

Last year, the school invested over $181-million in R & D; a 193-percent increase in funding over 8 years. Kolluru says ULL’s contributions to science and health are something few people are aware of…including one very major project in recent years…:

Cut  11 (10)  “…emergency authorization.” 

In addition to COVID vaccine research that led the Pfizer shots, ULL has been active in numerous ground breaking R & D advances. Kolluru says the university is always competitive in obtaining federal and state grants and private sector contracts. He says ULL is proud to have the designation as an NSF Center of Excellence in Big Data and Data Science…:

Cut 12 (09) “…today and tomorrow.” 

Kolluru expects that ULL’s ranking among R & D colleges will rise even higher next year.

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Several Calcasieu Parish School buildings are still under repair from Hurricane Laura—which struck southwest Louisiana as a category four storm two years ago. One of the strongest storms to ever make landfall in Louisiana did at least 400 million dollars’ worth of damage to the schools alone. But Schools superintendent Shannon LaFargue says they’ve made a lot of progress.

Cut 13 (08) “…sense of normalcy.”

FEMA has just announced an additional three point four million dollars in Hurricane Laura relief.

Lafargue says the school system has maxed out its insurance and really needs FEMA’s help.

Cut 14 (10)  “…week to week”

He says most of the roofs were repaired by temporary fixes that won’t hold up if southwest Louisiana takes another direct hit from a major hurricane. But Lafargue says despite the physical condition of some of their schools, the school system saw an increase in LEAP scores.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the classroom.”

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Senior running back John Emery Junior might not be available for the season opener against Florida State. Emery was academically ineligible last season and Coach Brian Kelly could not provide information on why Emery’ status for the season opener…

Cut 16 (12)  “…with football.”

Emery has been running with the second team in practice. Penn State transfer Noah Cain and sophomore Armoni Goodwin have been getting first-team reps. Kelly says the running backs room lacks a player like Leonard Fournette, but it’s still a solid group

Cut 17 (18) “…at that position” 

Kelly was worried about the tight end position heading into preseason camp, but the emergence of freshman Mason Taylor has been one of the positives…

Cut  18 (17)“…quite easily.”

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The Saints have one more preseason game to go and it’s this Friday at home against the Chargers. Mostly back-ups played in last Friday’s 20-10 loss to Green Bay. Rookie left tackle Trevor Penning looked more comfortable against the Packers compared to how he played in the preseason opener…

 Cut 19 (19) “…was good” 

Third-string Q-B Ian Book played the entire game in Green Bay. He threw a touchdown pass to Chris Olave but he also turned it over two times….

Cut 20 (20) “ …got to fix.”