This morning, Governor John Bel Edwards rolled up his sleeves for the fifth time to get the latest booster against COVID and is urging you to do the same. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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A Caddo Parish substitute teacher is charged with paying five students cash to bully one. More from Jeff Palermo…:

Cut 2 (30) I’m  Jeff Palermo.”  

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Thibodaux Police continue to search for the gunman who fatally shot 15-year-old Jarian Cole from Assumption Parish on Saturday afternoon. Lt. Clint Dempster says Cole was shot multiple times in the back inside a home…

Cut 3 (12) “…in the helicopter.” 

Dempster says detectives are working around the clock searching for the shooter.

Cut 4 (07) “..come forward with” 

Dempster would not provide details on why Cole was in Thibodaux. He says it’s a city that’s only had a few murders over the years

Cut 5 (08) “… the victim.” 

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State health officials say ninety percent of the new COVID19 cases in Louisiana are caused by the latest variant of the disease, Omicron BA-FOUR, and BA-FIVE. This morning, Governor John Bel Edwards received the new bivalent COVID booster shot. He says the latest variants are highly transmissible.

Cut 6 (09)  “…people do that.” 

State health officer Dr. Joseph Kanter says people are still dying daily from COVID in Louisiana. Nearly 18-thousand people have died since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Pfizer bivalent COVID shot is available for anyone who is 12 and older and the Moderna bivalent shot is available for anyone who is 18 and older.

Edwards says protection from boosters becomes weaker after a few months.

Cut 7 (13) “…Johnson and Johnson .”

This is the fifth COVID shot the governor has received.

He also received a flu shot. It’s available for people who are six months old or older.

Cut 8 (07)  “…with COVID.”

Health officials are concerned that after two mild flu seasons, because of COVID mitigations and mask-wearing, this year’s flu season could be an active one.

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Caddo Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrest a substitute P.E. teacher; accused of encouraging students to bully a classmate. CPSO spokesperson Bia Rolden says detectives became aware of the allegations against 24-year-old Aadrina (uh DREE nuh) Smith, of an incident in late August…:

Cut 9 (14)  “…for money.”

Rolden says Smith allegedly paid the five students $5 each to attack their classmate in the gym at North Caddo Elementary Middle School. Three of them actually carried out the request. She says Smith was present and offered the bullied child no help or support…:

Cut 10 (08) “…after this happened.” 

Rolden says once school officials became aware of what happened, they alerted the sheriff’s office who began an investigation. Rolden says it is shocking for a teacher to be a part of school bullying…:

Cut 11 (09)  “…somebody said something.”

Smith has terminated and is now charged with 5 counts of contributing to the delinquency of juveniles and malfeasance. Rolden says more arrests may be coming.

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CVS Pharmacies in Louisiana add an extra measure of security against prescription drug thefts; time delay pharmaceutical safes. CVS Chief Policy Officer Tom Moriarty says criminals steal drugs from pharmacies and sell them illicitly on the street; leading to higher crime and even overdose deaths. He says using time-lock technology will discourage that…:

Cut 12 (06) “.. from happening.”  

Moriarty says time delay drug safes are now in place in all 133 CVS locations across Louisiana. He says the technology has been proven effective in reducing drug theft…:

Cut 13 (07) “…of this technology.” 

Moriarty says, in stores with a working time-lock drug vault, thieves are limited to only whatever product is out on the counters from the day’s business. He says once thieves determine a pharmacy has a time-lock drug vault, they rarely attempt a second theft. Moriarty says CVS doesn’t do this to reduce their pharmaceutical losses; they do it to prevent drugs from being sold on the street for ill-gotten cash…:

Cut 14 (12)  “…on the street.” 

The U-S Marshal’s Service announces they recovered 14 missing children and made several arrests during their “Summer Knights” operation in New Orleans. More from Whitney Thomas

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas”

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Louisiana ranks among the Top Ten states nationally for Educational Freedom. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Lawmakers meet in Baton Rouge today to discuss the idea of eliminating the state income tax. More from Jeff Palermo…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The U.S Marshals Office has announced the results of their operation “Summer Knights”, conducted in the New Orleans metro area, leading to the recovery of fourteen missing endangered teens. One additional child was located, and eight arrests were made.  

Brian Fair, a senior inspector said some teens were fugitives, while others were held captive.  

Cut 4 (12)  “…That recovery.”

Out of the eight arrests made, one individual associated with a 16-year-old runaway will be facing hit-and-run charges, along with the aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.  Fair says another suspect associated with the 16-year-old runaway was wanted for various burglaries in the New Orleans Area.  

Cut 5 (10) “..with minors.”  (3x)

Fair says they couldn’t have done this deliberate operation alone.  

  Cut  6 (10)  “…these recoveries.” 

Any information about missing children should be reported to your local police department or the National Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-The-Lost.  

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A new report from the Heritage Foundation ranks Louisiana among the Top Ten states for “Educational Freedom.” State Education Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says Louisiana’s Number 9 ranking is a great place to be in the first-ever such report by Heritage. He explains what it meant by Educational freedom…:

Cut 7 (12) “…in education appropriately.”

Brumley says Heritage Foundation gives high marks for empowering parental choice, in transparency in education policy-making and spending public dollars wisely and properly. The Heritage report ranks Louisiana among the Top 20 for both school choice and transparency. Brumley says both are important to him as the state’s Top Educator…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…even home school.”

The Heritage “Education Freedom Report Card” comes as the Department of Education observes Celebrate Freedom Week. Brumley says the recognition by heritage is good, but there’s more progress to be made

Cut 9 (07)  “…being classroom teachers.”

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A recent Washington Post analysis ranks Louisiana 17th in the nation in retention of college graduates. That puts the Pelican State ahead of southern states like Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas and South Carolina. The governor’s communications director Lauren Leist says the state’s investments in higher education are paying off

Cut 10 (07) “…we’ve seen.”

Leist says in the six years the governor has been in office, he’s worked to diversify the state’s economy which is allowing college graduates to stay right here to begin their careers.

Cut  11 (13)  “..lately” 

Leist says the state has created nearly 200-thousand jobs since the worst of the COVID pandemic and many people filling those jobs are recent college grads. She says the governor will continue to diversify the economy in order to prevent the brain drain….

Cut 12 (10) “…water management.” 

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The House Ways & Means Committee meets today to discuss broad state tax reforms, including eliminating the state income tax. The meeting is the result of a resolution passed this spring by Mandeville Republican Rep. Richard Nelson. He says he hopes lawmakers can get to “the root of some fundamental problems” within the tax structure…:

Cut 13 (09) “…move the state forward.”

Nelson feels getting rid of the state income tax would help move Louisiana forward to compete with states like Texas and Florida which have no such tax. He proposed a tax reform package in 2021, but it was a bit too weighty to get passed during a short “fiscal only” session. In 2022, he came back with a resolution to meet in the off-months to discuss the idea…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…better way to go.”

Nelson feels our tax structure is “broken” and it drives people and business away from the state. He says today is likely the first of many meetings to map out a strategy for crafting a new tax system. He says it won’t be easy, but it CAN be done…:

Cut 15 (12)  “…a local level.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly says the Tigers need a better week of preparation than last week to defeat Mississippi State this Saturday in Baton Rouge. The Bulldogs are 2-0, with wins over Memphis and Arizona and State’s air raid offense is averaging 385 passing yards, fifth best in the nation. Kelly his defensive players will need to execute their assignments

Cut 16 (12)  “…get exposed” 

LSU’s running game should get a boost with the return of running back John Emery, who served a 15-game suspension as a result of some sort of an academic infraction. Kelly says he’s excited to have the former Destrehan star back…

Cut 17 (19) “…can’t do that 

This will be Kelly’s first SEC game, but he doesn’t feel like he’s behind the other coaches in the league when it comes to familiarity. He says that’s because at Notre Dame, which does not belong to a conference, he was always preparing for a new opponent…

Cut  18 (19)“…their tendencies”

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There are plenty of corrections to be made following the Saints come from behind 27-26 win over the Atlanta Falcons. New Orleans Coach Dennis Allen is not happy that the Dirty Birds rushed for 201 yards. Allen says that’s not the Black and Gold standard…

Cut 19 (23) “..that area”

The Saints offense also struggled for the first three quarters, but Allen says offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael did an awesome job calling plays and Allen liked that the quarterback received the play call with plenty of time left on the play clock…

Cut 20 (20) “ …good job” 

Running back Alvin Kamara only had 39 yards rushing and three catches. Allen says Kamara was dealing with a rib issue, but should be fine. New Orleans hosts Tampa Bay this Sunday.

It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week and the Louisiana Motor Transport Association is celebrating drivers who deliver America’s freight every day. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Unconventional U.S. Senate candidate Gary Chambers appeared on “Talk Louisiana” with Jim Engster this morning, and faced more questions about his electability Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) I’m  Marsanne Golsby.”  

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This week, representatives of the trucking industry are here to remind you how important truck drivers are. It’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Renee Amar is executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

Cut 3 (08) “…brought it to you.” 

More than fourteen hundred appreciation kits were sent to truck drivers across Louisiana. Wallace Simien the third, of Jennings, is the Louisiana Motor Transport Association’s truck driver of the year.

Cut 4 (:11) “..his truck” 

Amar says truckers nationwide have shown their commitment to delivering the goods people need during challenging times. One big concern is the nationwide shortage of truck drivers. Amar says they are aggressively trying to recruit new drivers, especially women.

Cut 5 (06) “… Louisiana.” 

There are more than 3.6 million professional truck drivers nationwide, including 10-thousand trucking companies in Louisiana. LMTA says these businesses provide 88-thousand jobs across the state.

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US Senate candidate Gary Chambers says that contrary to the opinion of many political experts, he has a real chance to beat Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy last ran in 2016. Chambers says in that election 585 thousand black voters turned out to vote for Hillary Clinton.

Cut 6 (09)  “…believed in.” 

Chambers was a guest on “Talk Louisiana” with Jim Engster this morning. He faced questions about his electability in a low turnout election year. He says of the three  Democratic candidates he is the clear leader

Cut 7 (08) “…being disingenuous .”

Kennedy has a massive war chest and has already begun advertising. Chambers says if he can get into the runoff he can beat Kennedy.

Cut 8 (08)  “…the left and the right.”

Chambers accused Kennedy of being a coward for refusing to debate him.

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Louisiana woke up to somewhat cooler, and more “Autumn-like” weather today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a pocket of dry and cool air is parked over Louisiana…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…across the state.”

Keim says many parts of Louisiana woke up temperatures in the 60’s today; bringing in a first small “taste” of Fall…:

Cut 10 (05) “…made it through.” 

Keim says it’s not necessarily time to break out the jackets and sweaters, but we can expect even cooler weather tomorrow morning…:

Cut 11 (08)  “…most of the state.”

He says morning low temperatures should only dip into the 70’s in coastal areas. He says the less humid weather should be with us at least through Thursday.

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A Chalmette grocery store is having fun with the Saints come from behind 27-26 win over the Falcons. The bakery at Breaux Mart was already preparing cakes with icing that read 28-3, a jab at the Falcons Super Bowl collapse, but assistant store manager Stephen Exnicios says the cake decorator changed the decorations so it reads 26-10 which was the score before Atlanta blew the lead yesterday…

Cut 12 (04) “.. everybody else does.”  

The Saints trailed 26-10 with just over eleven minutes left in the game, but New Orleans scored the final 17 points to win 27-26. Exnicios says they wanted to do something to celebrate the Black and Gold’s largest fourth quarter comeback in team history…

Cut 13 (04) “…nerve racking” 

Exnicios says the cakes are the size of a traditional birthday cake and they are taking orders…

Cut 14 (04)  “…requesting them.” 

Seen at a recent Jeff Landry alligator hunt fundraiser: “Team Landry Governor” merchandise. Is this a signal the Attorney General is officially in the race? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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When a Calhoun man went gator hunting for the first time ever, he had no idea what he was in for. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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After three frustrating quarters, the Saints erupted for 17 fourth-quarter points to beat the Atlanta Falcons 27-26. Jeff Palermo has a recap.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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Attorney General Jeff Landry’s annual alligator hunt event appeared to an un-official launch of his campaign for Governor in 2023. At the event, people passed out “Team Landry Governor” merchandise. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says that’s a good indicator that he intends to run, however…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…you’ll know it.”

Landry’s event was attended by numerous deep-pocketed Republican supporters and conservative political celebrities like Donald Trump Jr. and Kimberly Guilfoyle. Photos posted on Facebook show the Landry merchandise pretty plainly. Alford says anyone could have supplied the hat & t-shirts, and the most important thing is Landry’s eventual official announcement…:

Cut 5 (10) “..as a candidate.”

So far, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser looks poised to run next year, and state Treasurer John Schroder is expected to make an announcement soon. Alford says an actual official announcement from the Attorney General may not come until the November mid-term election…:

Cut 6 (09)  “…his own campaign.” 

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An advocacy group is seeking compensation for a man wrongly convicted, who served decades in prison. 62-year-old Malcolm Alexander’s rape conviction was overturned in 2018 after serving 38 years in Angola. But Innocence Project New Orleans executive director Jee Park says Alexander was denied compensation last year, and they are appealing the ruling. In Louisiana, it’s $40,000 for each year of wrongful imprisonment.

Cut 7 (11) “…for that.”

So the maximum amount he could receive is $400,000.

Park says now they are waiting on a ruling from the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeal. The defense argued that DNA from evidence collected matched neither the victim nor Alexander. Park says not everyone who is exonerated receives compensation.

Cut 8 (10)  “…court jurisdiction.”

Even though Alexander has been free since 2018, Park says compensation is long overdue for him and is another acknowledgment of his innocence.

Cut 9 (10)  “…finish line yet.”

Park is hoping they will receive a ruling before the end of the year.

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So, imagine your 71-year-old friend who’s never been gator hunting in their life, tells you he caught one that he thought weighed around 400 pounds. You’d laugh at them, right? Well, Jerry Sepulvado of Calhoun did just last week on Lake St. John. He actually caught three gators and one was a real whopper.

Cut 10 (09) “…1,000 pounds.”

Fortunately, Sepulvado has witnesses, and thanks to Nathan Gauthier, he has video evidence of the massive gator. Sepulvado says they worked for hours on getting his prize catch in the boat.

Cut  11 (06)  “…he was.” 

So, what does one do with an almost 12-foot alligator that weighs more than 750 pounds, Sepulvado says you sell it…

Cut 12 (11) “…my man cave.” 

And if you bagged a gator like that you’d probably quit while you’re ahead right? Well, Sepulvado thinks he’ll give gator hunting another try.

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A high-ranking state lawmaker comes out with an endorsement for Democrat Luke Mixon in November’s U.S. Senate race. The 42-year-old Mixon, a former Navy fighter pilot and current airline pilot, is from Bunkie. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins, who chairs the House Democratic Caucus, says he feels Mixon has the “right stuff” for the Senate…:

Cut 13 (10) “…Barksdale Air Force Base.”

Mixon is a White man. He is challenging Republican John Kennedy for re-election, along with two Black Democrats: activist Gary Chambers from Baton Rouge and non-profit director Syrita Steib from New Orleans. Jenkins says this is his personal endorsement for Mixon; not necessarily that of his caucus. He explains why he chose Mixon over the others…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…well-rounded candidate.”

Mixon and Chambers report having raised over a million dollars each for their campaigns, while Kennedy has nearly $16-million and is already running TV ads. Jenkins says, for him, Mixon is a good candidate with an impressive resume^’…:

Cut 15 (10)  “…of Louisiana first.”

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What a start to the Dennis Allen era in New Orleans. The Saints roared back from a 26-10 fourth-quarter deficit to beat their biggest rival the Atlanta Falcons 27-26. Michael Thomas caught two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter as the offense finally woke up after three sluggish quarters…

Cut 16 (15)  “…make a play.” 

Thomas finished with five catches for 57 yards in his first game since 2000. Saints fans are glad Can’t Guard Mike is back and so is Allen…

Cut 17 (13) “…what he did” 

Veteran receiver Jarvis Landry also had a big game in his first contest as a Saint. He caught seven passes for 114 yards including a fantastic 40-yard grab to set up Will Lutz’s game-winning 51-yard field goal. Landry on the come-from-behind win…

Cut  18 (18)“…made plays”

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The first-ever meeting between LSU and Southern on the football field turned into a blowout quickly and the Fighting Tigers went on to a 65-17 victory over the Jaguars. LSU scored 37 points in the first quarter, the most points scored ever in a single period in school history. Coach Brian Kelly wanted to see a fast start…

Cut 19 (16) “..go play”

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels completed ten of his eleven pass attempts for 137 yards and three touchdowns. Kayshon Boutte got involved right away and caught five passes for 42 yards and had a 41-yard carry.

Kelly also changed his offensive line, starting Charles Turner at center, Garrett Dellinger moved to guard and Miles Frazier went from guard to tackle and last week’s starting right tackle Cam Wire watched the start of the game from the sidelines…

Cut 20 (20) “ …guard position” 

Saturday is the statistical peak of hurricane season, one that remains quiet despite predictions for an above-average season. Whitney Thomas reports..

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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Louisiana’s whooping crane introduction program had a successful breeding season as a record high eight wild hatched chicks have fledged and have been added to the state’s population, which is 76. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at the age of 96, Brooke Thorington has more on Britain’s longest-reigning monarch

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The statistical peak of the hurricane season is Saturday. Surprisingly, this is one of the calmest hurricane seasons Louisiana has seen in a while. NOAA predicted up to 20 named storms, but there have only been five named storms.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says after two super active seasons, it’s nice to get a break

Cut 4 (10)  “…much going on.”

Keim says this year’s hurricane season is actually running behind a normal season.

Cut 5 (13) “..long term average.”

Below normal numbers this year stem from the Saharan air layer that blows off the African Continent, which isn’t conducive to storms. Keim says this causes the atmosphere to be more aberrant than usual.

Cut 6 (12)  “…surface temperatures” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is celebrating a successful breeding season for the endangered whooping crane . LDWF biologist Sara Zimorski says eight more chicks have reached fledgling stage in south Louisiana that’s out of the 15 that hatched….

Cut 7 (07) “…a record.”

The first wild hatched Louisiana chick came in April of 2016, the first to hatch in the state in more than 75 years. Zimorski says the eight chicks this year is the highest ever for any of the reintroduction projects nationwide. She says dry conditions may have helped during this breeding season from February until June…

Cut 8 (10)  “…conditions as well.”

Louisiana began its reintroduction project in 2011 when ten juvenile whooping cranes were released at the White Lake Wetlands Conservation Area in Vermilion Parish. The population is now up to 76. Zimorski says whooping cranes are slow to mature and only lay one or two eggs a year, but she hopes  this year’s record is the beginning of a trend.

Cut 9 (07)  “…more experience.”

Fledglings redefined as a bird that has feathers and wing muscles good enough to fly, but that is still dependent on their mother for food.

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The death of Queen Elizabeth II ends the reign of Britain’s longest-serving monarch. At the age of 25, she succeeded her father, King George VI, after his death in 1952. LSU History Professor Meredith Veldman said even though the royal family no longer governs the United Kingdom…

Cut 10 (10) “…symbolic weight.”

Queen Elizabeth’s reign of 70 years bore witness to numerous historic events, but Veldman believes the Queen will be most remembered for her sense of obligation and her auxiliary service during WWII.

Cut  11 (12)  “…sense of duty.” 

And while the Queen also weathered several royal scandals, for example, the fallout from Princess Diana’s death, Veldman says ironically there’s more fascination with the royal family across the pond.

Cut 12 (05) “…in Britain.” 

Queen Elizabeth II died Thursday at Balmoral Castle in Scotland at the age of 96.

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The Apprenticeship Louisiana Conference was held in Baton Rouge yesterday. The Registered Apprenticeship grant program has over 75 different programs offered and over 38-hundred active apprentices in Louisiana, which gives people the option to detour college and jump straight into the workforce. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says the program is flourishing…

Cut 13 (11) “…of the growth.”

Fiore says the possibilities are endless being that the program has partnered with multiple businesses that allow workers to collect money while receiving hands-on training.

Cut 14 (10)  “…and instructions.”

The conference that took place was used to discuss ways the program could improve beyond this year.

Cut 15 (13)  “…moving forward.”

Signing up for the program is free. For more information visit apprenticeshipla.com or go to laworks.net.

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U-L Lafayette welcomes Eastern Michigan from the Mid-American Athletic Conference into Cajun Field on Saturday. Just like the Cajuns, the Eagles are coming off week one victory over an FCS School as Eastern Michigan defeated Eastern Kentucky 42-34. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux expects a good challenge tomorrow…

Cut 16 (21)  “…physicality.” 

The game will kick-off at 6 PM and the NFL Network will televise the contest. Desormeaux appreciates the national TV exposure…

Cut 17 (21) “…is all about.” 

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Many LSU fans have been critical of the start of the Brian Kelly era after the season-opening one-point loss to Florida State. It was a sloppy performance by the Tigers. LSU wide receiver Jarray Jenkins says the team is not allowing the negative noise affect them…

Cut  18 (12)“…stay doing.”

The Tigers will host Southern tomorrow night. A lopsided game is expected as LSU should win by a large margin. Jaguars Coach Eric Dooley expects his team to battle for 60 minutes…

Cut 19 (19) “..that way”

Dooley says playing LSU is good for the Southern brand…

Cut 20 (20) “ …for us” 

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the financial losses to soybean farmers are so bad they will need special help from the federal government. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 1 (27)  “…I’m Marsanne Golsby”

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One of the harshest critics of DCFS continues to call for the resignation of Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) I’m  Brooke Thorington”  

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says excessive rainfall in August has damaged soybean crops. He says the beans are so wet that they are hard to harvest. Leaving farmers in a bind.

Cut 3 (:08) “…huge issue.” 

Strain says one barge load of beans was already rejected for international export because of the poor quality of the beans. He says the low prices mean it may be better for farmers who can afford to hold onto them to do that.

Cut 4  (07) “…market shifts.”

Strain is using every avenue that is available now to get quick financial help. He says a federal appropriation may be necessary. He says he’s been promised help from Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who is on the federal Appropriations committee.

Cut 5  (12) “…is harvested.”

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When the Saints kick-off the season on Sunday, star receiver Michael Thomas is expected to make his long-awaited return after missing all of last season to recover from ankle surgery. Thomas says he’s excited…

Cut 6 (13) “…make highlights” 

Thomas says he’s put in countless hours to get back.

Cut 7 (:10) “… no one is looking.” 

The 29-year-old Thomas set a record with 149 receptions in 2019. But he injured his ankle in the first game of 2020 and only played in six more games that season and missed all of the 2021 campaign. Thomas believes he can top is record setting performance in 2019…

Cut 8 (10) “…like my chances.”

The Saints are set to visit the Falcons in Atlanta on Sunday.

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As the Department of Children and Family Services is under fire for child welfare concerns, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes remains a harsh critic of DCFS and head of the agency Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Hughes says he has yet to hear Walters accept any responsibility.

Cut 9 (09)  “…not leadership.”

The agency’s failure to investigate multiple drug overdoses of a Baton Rouge toddler who finally died as a result and a foster parent accused of raping a child placed in his care by DCFS are the two most notable incidents involving the agency.

Hughes says Walters has blamed the previous administration on several occasions for the difficulties she faces, he says that’s understandable for the first six months…

Cut 10 (11) “…within DCFS.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards supports his appointment of  Walters and fellow democrat Hughes says she should resign. Hughes says he has yet to speak with Edwards about Walters.

Cut 11 (08)  “…not backing down.”

On Twitter Hughes says he will begin to release emails and letters sounding the alarm on issues at DCFS since 2020.

LSU announces Saturday night’s historic football game against Southern University is a sell-out. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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LDH is recommending the newest COVID boosters that are formulated to offer protection from the Omicron variants. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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A new poll of New Orleans voters shows over half want to see Mayor LaToya Cantrell removed from office. More from Brooke Thorington…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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LSU has announced Saturday night’s historic match-up against Southern University is a sell-out. LSU Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry says tickets for this first-ever match-up between the two Baton Rouge schools are more in demand than the Alabama game in November.

Cut 4 (06)  “…it’d be good.”

Ausberry says bringing both communities together, and also allowing institutions in the state of Louisiana to benefit financially was an important aspect of this game. Southern was paid $700,00, with an extra $60,000 going to their athletic foundation fund.

Cut 5 (10) “…institutions out.”

Not only is this the first time LSU has played Southern in football, but it’s also the first time the Tigers have faced a historically black university in football…

Cut 6 (08)  “…went” 

Kick-off is set for 6:30 pm

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The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending individuals who are 12 and older and fully vaccinated against COVID, get the newest booster that’s formulated for the Omicron variant. LDH Deputy Director Glennis Gray says this booster offers prolonged protection against the original strain of COVID…

Cut 7 (08) “…and the BA.5.”

The updated booster should be widely available in the coming days. Gray says you can have the new booster as soon as two months after your last vaccine dose. The Moderna booster is for ages 18 and older and the Pfizer booster is for ages 12 and up.

Cut 8 (12)  “…age guidelines.”

Health officials say there’s supporting data that the booster provides additional protection against the current circulating variant and Gray says if you’ve recently recovered from COVID you should also have the updated booster.

Cut 9 (09)  “…your booster.”

The CDC and the FDA are also recommending the use of the updated booster. Be sure to call ahead to make sure your healthcare provider has the newest booster in stock.

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A new poll on the recall effort against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell shows over half of those surveyed say she needs to go. University of New Orleans political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak conducted to poll. He says the results were mostly similar regardless of gender, party affiliation, or race…:

Cut 10 (11) “…direction of the city.”

Cantrell said the recall is a “right-wing conspiracy” to get rid of her, but the numbers don’t seem to bear that out.

The recall petition was filed with the Secretary of State’s office after Mayor Cantrell appeared in court in support of a teen carjacker; offering little comfort to the victims. She is also under fire for lavish travel arrangements for business trips at taxpayer expense. Chervenak says respondents to this poll favor recalling her now, but…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…circumstances can change.” 

The poll surveyed just over 400 registered Orleans parish voters and showed 55-percent want her recalled. Over 64-percent say the city is headed in a bad direction. Chervenak says the poll is just a “snapshot” of how voters feel right now, and Cantrell could change those feelings before the deadline arrives to collect over 53-thousand recall signatures…:

Cut 12 (08) “…change those perceptions.” 

Recall efforts in large voter areas (including statewide) have historically met little success in Louisiana.

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A Leonville man dies after the truck he was driving ended up fully submerged in St. Landry Parish. Trooper Thomas Gossen says 59-year-old Phillip Gilyard was driving a Ford F150 north on LA 103 ran a stop sign ended up in Bayou Teche. Gossen says they know he survived the crash because he was able to call for help.

Cut 13 (06) “…the water.”

A search and rescue team located Gilyard’s body away from his vehicle. Gossen says a blood sample was collected and the accident remains under investigation.

Cut 14 (07)  “…after the crash.”

Gossen says often people assume it’s safer to not wear a seatbelt when you’re dealing with water.

Cut 15 (08)  “…water itself.”

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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas says he feels great and it’s his goal to play in Sunday’s season opener at Atlanta. Quarterback Jameis Winston did not have Thomas to throw the football too in his first season and he’s excited to have the chance this year…

Cut 16 (14)  “…the elite.” 

Instead of Sean Payton calling plays, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael will call the plays and he’s done it before, including the 2012 season when Payton served a year-long suspension as a result of bounty gate. Winston says the offense will not change much with Carmichael as the play caller…

Cut 17 (20) “…Saints history.” 

Winston was the number one pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Marcus Mariota was the second pick that year and he’s getting a new chance to start in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons. Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu on facing Mariota and the Dirty Birds offense

Cut  18 (20)“…for us.”

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After getting beat 52-10 at Texas, ULM hosts Nicholls on Saturday in its home opener. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says they could have played better in Austin, but the Longhorns were the better team

Cut 19 (15) “…good team.”

But this Saturday, ULM is the favorite to win, while the Colonels are the team looking to pull off the upset. Bowden says his guys will have to play well to win…

Cut 20 (19) “ …best improvement.” 

The three-digit 988 suicide intervention phone number launched in mid-July received more than 1,400 calls in its first month in service. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A former employee at the state’s child welfare agency tells lawmakers about the difficult work environment inside DCFS. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (33) I’m  Jeff Palermo”  

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In the first month that the three-digit 988 National Suicide Hotline was launched the crisis number received more than 1,400 calls in Louisiana. And Dr. Robyn Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the department of health says the response rate for answering local calls increased significantly.

Cut 3 (11) “…connected to services.” 

She says the state was also recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) for its response rate.  Thomas says when you call 988 from anywhere in the state you are routed to one of the state’s two certified crisis centers. One in Bossier City which answers calls in north, central, and southwest Louisiana, or the call center in New Orleans which covers southeast Louisiana.

Cut 4  (07) “…in the state.”

Next for the crisis hotline is to add even more counselors. Thomas says it’s important to keep those certified counselors local because they understand the state’s culture and unique stressful events for example hurricanes.

Cut 5  (10) “…as possible.”

Thomas says they are also adding training for counselors to address marginalized populations and also ramp up awareness and promotion of the 988 crisis line.

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The State Fire Marshall’s Office is sounding an alarm about the use of oxygen tanks anywhere near anything flammable. This comes after a 32-year-old woman who used an oxygen tank was the victim of a deadly house fire in St. Martinville over the weekend. Officials found her body in a wheelchair near the front door of the home. She was known to smoke cigarettes. Ashley Rodrigue is the spokesperson for the State Fire Marshall.

Cut 6 (:07) “…do so outside.” 

Rodrigue says oxygen tanks should be kept at least five feet away from anything flammable, not just cigarettes.

Cut 7 (:08) “… a fuel.” 

Rodrigue says candles, matches, stoves, aerosol sprays, and even sparking toys can cause fires when near oxygen tanks—plus kitchen grease and any kind of oils.

Cut 8 (11) “…ignitable liquids.”

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A former caseworker at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services calls the environment within the state agency toxic. Stacey McPherson left her job as a Rapides foster care worker in July because her supervisors failed to address their repeated complaints…

Cut 9 (09)  “…excruciating”

McPherson testified in front of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee who plans to hold future meetings to look at how they can improve the agency. She says her foster kids were her life and gave them precedent over her own children, but didn’t have management’s support…

Cut 10 (11) “…from us” 

McPherson says when she would bring her concerns to her supervisors, she would face retaliation….

Cut 11 (10)  “…do it.”

McPherson says salary is not the reason why she left and she says five veteran foster care workers have left the Alexandria office in the last five weeks, it was the toxicity of the work environment.

The legislative committee plans to hold more meetings to look at how the work environment at DCFS can be fixed.

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ASAP, the Louisiana-based delivery app formerly known as Waitr, is announcing a new NIL deal for all student-athletes at LSU—not just football players. ASAP’s Kevin Burke every player who accepts the deal will promote the app on their social media accounts.

Cut 12 (13) “…promo code.”  

Burke says the arrangement with  ASAP will be offered first to athletes in fall sports—including football, women’s soccer, and even cheerleaders, and then phased in to other sports as the athletic seasons progress.

ASAP began in Lake Charles, and Burke says the company is proud to expand its partnership with LSU.

Cut 13 (10) “..the NFL.” 

Burke declined to share how much money the students might make from the arrangement. But he says it gives fans the chance to help them earn more.

Cut 14 (10)  “…student athletes.” 

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After being questioned about suggested Title IX changes to protect sexual orientation and gender identity at K-12 schools, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley offers clarification. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new report from the legislative auditor says the state’s gasoline tax can not put a dent in the state’s 15-billion dollar infrastructure backlog. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

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The Louisiana Department of Health helped play a role in getting the water flowing again in Jackson, Mississippi after severe flooding damaged the city’s treatment plants. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

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State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants schools and parents to know that the suggested federal Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity are just suggestions. He says there’s no need to implement the proposed changes at this time.

Cut 4 (11)  “…not law yet.”

Because he was questioned about the proposed changes Brumley sent a letter to school leaders clarifying that it’s not law. He gives examples of how the proposed Title IX expansions could impact schools.

Cut 5 (09) “…(x2) not based on biological sex.”

If enacted, Brumley says schools that fail to comply could lose federal funding, and it could jeopardize the school lunch program for students who receive free or low-cost meals.

Brumley says because these are proposed changes at this point if you strongly feel one way or another about them, he encourages you to voice your opinion via the federal registry.

Cut 6 (08)  “…proposed changes.”

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When you buy gasoline, 20 cents of each gallon goes into a fund for roads, bridges, and other transportation needs. But a new report from the Legislative Auditor says the money generated isn’t nearly enough. The tax was set 32 years ago and is not indexed for inflation. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he agrees with the findings.

Cut 7 (09) “…sales tax.”

Wilson says thanks to a new law, starting next year, up to 60-percent of the vehicle sales tax you’re already paying will be used for transportation projects, up to $300 million a year. But he says the state needs more revenue in order to make a dent in a 15-billion dollar backlog. The DOTD secretary says the audit notes that other states use a variety of transportation funding sources, including vehicle fees, tolls, and even cigarette taxes.

Cut 8 (11)  “…what we need.”

The audit says 22 other states adjust their gasoline taxes for inflation, but Louisiana doesn’t. Wilson has lobbied lawmakers in the past to increase the state’s gasoline tax, but those efforts failed and he doesn’t expect the issue to come up again next year, which is an election year.

Cut 9 (07)  “…is changing.”

Earlier this year lawmakers approved an annual fee for those who own hybrid and electric vehicles.

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The Louisiana Department of Health responded to the water crisis in Mississippi by deploying a four-person drinking water engineering team to Jackson after severe damage from flooding.  

GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says the team is well equipped and experienced for these types of disasters  

Cut 10 (12) “…quality issues.”

LDH team members were proactive due to the EMAC act. Steele says this allows different states to become allies in a time of need.  

Cut  11 (09)  “…after a disaster.” 

Steele says Louisiana was glad to help after receiving assistance from other states during Louisiana’s natural disasters.  

Cut 12 (10) “…to other states.” 

For more information visit www.emacweb.org 

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Congressman Troy Carter will present a sizeable check today to go towards the construction of a public athletic stadium in eastern New Orleans. Carter says he’s secured $4.5 million in federal funds for the project.

Cut 13 (10) “…upper 9th Ward.”

Carter along with elected officials, sports figures, and students in the local area will be on hand for the check presentation at George Washington Carver High School at 9 am. Carter says he’s excited to help fund such a worthwhile project.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of their own.”

The publicly accessible stadium will be a first for the area for students, athletes, and the community to enjoy. Carter says it will be a positive impact for the city, especially for the 9th ward.

Cut 15 (08)  “…of Katrina.”

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Many LSU fans were concerned after watching Kayson Boutte’s body language during Sunday night’s loss to Florida State. The preseason All-American scrubbed his Instagram account of LSU content after catches just two passes in the season opener. But Coach Brian Kelly believes his best wide receiver will be just fine…

Cut 16 (19)  “..our 0ffense.” 

Kelly is concerned about the missed tackles on defense. Florida State was able to convert 11 times on 17 third-down opportunities. He says Jordan Travis broke many of those tackles…

Cut 17 (20) “…no question.” 

LSU’s offensive line had trouble protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kelly says they lack what he calls o-line awareness…

Cut  18 (17)“…goes along”

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After losing the season opener to Missouri 52-24 last week, Louisiana Tech is now getting ready for its season opener against Missouri. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they have a list of items they can improve on…

Cut 19 (20) “…as coaches”

Cumbie knows he needs better play from the quarterback position after Matthew Downing threw three interceptions and was sacked three times in the loss to Mizzou…

Cut 20 (15) “ …do it” 

Cumbie says Downing will start again this Saturday in the home opener against Stephen F Austin.

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”

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Criticism of President Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan is getting pushback from Republicans, and the matter could end up in court. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) I’m  Brooke Thorington.”  

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

Cut 3 (:13) “…period of time” 

Pinsonat says southwest Louisiana congressman Clay Higgins is in a race that could become competitive because Higgins’ low fundraising totals.

Cut 4  (:11) “…grass roots.”

Higgins’ most well-known opponent is Lafayette attorney Holden Hoggatt. Pinsonat says while voters get a bit of a breather this year, next year will be a political barnburner because all statewide offices are up for grabs.

Cut 5  (10) “…most part”

The federal primary election is November 8th, Runoffs are on December 10th.

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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 canceling student debt is based on the 2003 Heroes Act passed by congress that granted loan forgiveness if an individual experiences a natural disaster or is off fighting a war.

Cut 6 (11) “…cancellation.” 

Ciolino says among the arguments against the cancellation of debt is an abuse of executive power. He says Congress is the branch of government that appropriates funds, passes a law, and then presents the legislation for the executive branch to sign into law.

Cut 7 (12) “…been successful.” 

Ciolino says Republicans view the Biden Administration’s ability to circumvent congress to cancel student debt as an abuse of executive and emergency powers and is also a violation of the nondelegation doctrine under the constitution…

Cut 8 (11) “…taxpayers’ dollars.”

Ciolino says abuse of executive privilege also happened under former President Trump when he diverted military funds to pay for the construction of a wall along the Mexican border. He expects that Republicans will file suit against the student loan forgiveness very soon if they haven’t already.

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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 caseload anymore

Cut 9 (10)  “…need a break”

Walters says child welfare systems across the nation have similar staffing shortages.

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 fentanyl overdose death. Also last month, a foster parent in Zachary was arrested and accused of raping foster children. Covington Senator Patrick McMath believes D-C-F-S needs a complete overhauled, but doesn’t expect that to occur while Governor Edwards is in office

Cut 10 (11) “… caregivers.” 

New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes is an outspoken critic of DCFS leadership. He believes the state agency does not have a money problem and he’s heard of low morale in the department because of how workers are treated. But Walters says caseload is the biggest issue facing their employees…

Cut 11 (11)  “…job description.”

Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett says they are doing what they can to increase the number of case workers…

Cut 12 (12) “…higher gear.”  

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A historic matchup will take place Saturday night in Tiger Stadium as LSU and Southern will face each other for the first time in football. The two coaches spoke about the matchup today. Tigers First-year head coach Brian Kelly says it should be a spectacle…

Cut 13 (12) “..college football.” 

The meeting against the Jaguars is also the first time LSU has ever played against a historically black college in football. Southern head coach Eric Dooley says it’s great for the two fanbases to get together…

Cut 14 (12)  “…city of Baton Rouge.”