The Legislative Auditor’s Office releases a report that found 19-percent of the calls to the state’s child abuse-neglect hotline resulted in the person making the call hanging up after a DCFS counselor failed to answer the call. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says they need more staffers to monitor the 24-hour hotline, and she advises callers, they could have the call returned…
cut 8 (11) “…available again”
The audit also revealed that only 60-percent of the calls to the hotline were answered directly by a staffer.

We are one month away from the gubernatorial primary and still not a lot of buzz over the governor’s race. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says give credit to the front-runner Jeff Landry for keeping it a mundane race…
Cut 4 (06) “…gaining on him.”
There is a televised gubernatorial debate tomorrow night.

A lawsuit that attempts to get a judge to rule FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance rates are unlawful will be heard in federal court in New Orleans today. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

U-S judge Shelly Dick has denied a motion from the state to allow juvenile offenders to stay at Angola, until their appeal is heard. Dick ruled from the bench last Friday that the teens must be moved to another facility over concerns for their physical and mental health. The judge’s order means the youths must be re-located by the end of the day tomorrow.

A state audit reveals the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services needs to improve the handling of calls to its child abuse and neglect hotline. That includes the average number of minutes to answer calls and the number of calls abandoned by the person who called into the hotline. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the agency needs 14 additional staffers.
Cut 7 (12) “…are needed.”
The audit found 19 percent of the calls to the hotline, resulted in the person hanging up before someone answered.

In New Orleans this morning oral arguments will be heard in a lawsuit that seeks to find FEMA’s flood insurance rates unlawful. Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon…
cut 10 (11) “..individual properties”
The court hearing begins at 9 AM.

We are a month away from a gubernatorial primary that hasn’t provided many fireworks. Teiko Foxx has the story…
cut 1 (32) “….I’m Teiko Foxx

We are a month away from a gubernatorial primary that hasn’t provided many fireworks. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 1 (32)……I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A new state audit finds the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services can improve incoming hotline calls for child abuse and neglect. Teiko Foxx has more

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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A lawsuit seeking transparency of how FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance rates are calculated will be heard in federal court in New Orleans today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We are one month away from the gubernatorial primary and still not a lot of buzz over the governor’s race. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you have to give a lot of credit to the front-runner Jeff Landry for keeping this a mundane race…

Cut 4 (06) “…gaining on him.”

Recent polls show Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson in a good position to face off in a run-off. Stockley says the other candidates need to campaign hard in order to overtake Wilson for a second-place finish in the primary…

Cut 5 (12) “…with the state.”

There is a statewide TV debate tomorrow night featuring all seven major candidates. But Stockley says the problem with the debate is that it’s on a Friday night…

Cut 6 (09) “…gubernatorial debate”

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A state audit reveals the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services needs to improve the handling of calls for child abuse and neglect hotline. That includes the average time to answer calls and the number of calls abandoned over the last five years. DCFS Secretary Terri Ricks says the agency needs 14 additional staffers to help lessen the seven-minute wait.

Cut 7 (12) “…are needed.”

The audit found early 19 percent of people who called to report child abuse last year hung up while waiting for someone to pick up. Ricks says the agency will research best practices for speed to answer calls. She says callers do not have to abandon the call – there are call prompts for staffers to return the call.

Cut 8 (11) “…available again.”

The agency aims for staff to answer 66 percent of hotline calls without the caller needing to leave a voicemail. Auditors found that staff answered only 60 percent of calls last year. Ricks says they will monitor outcomes daily to better the performance targets.
Cut 9 (12)  “…the information”

If you know a Louisiana child is being abused or neglected, call 855-4LA-KIDS.

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In New Orleans this morning a lawsuit seeking transparency of FEMA’s flood insurance rates will be heard. Legal action was filed after multiple failed inquiries into how FEMA calculates Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance rates for property owners. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon…

Cut 10 (11) “…individual properties.”

Donelon says under the previous guidelines, rates were based upon elevation, certified levees, pumping capacity, and things that were encouraged for decades back to 1965. It was in the aftermath of Hurricane Betsy that private companies stopped offering flood insurance. Donelon says rates before Risk Rating 2.0 were transparent.

Cut 11 (10) “…etc.”

Donelon says billions were spent by both the federal and local governments to accommodate the previous requirements and improve flood resistance by communities.

Now he says rates are supposedly based on the so-called risk of your individual home, separate and apart, priced individually.

As for if Donelon believes Attorney General Jeff Landry, who’s leading the lawsuit against the federal government will be successful…

Cut 12 (10) “…is try.” 

In addition to Louisiana, nine other states, as well as 43 parishes, 12 levee boards, and two municipalities are suing FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration declaring the new rating system for setting flood insurance premiums unlawful.

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US Senator Bill Cassidy is sponsoring bipartisan legislation, the Savings Penalty Elimination Act, to protect individuals who receive supplemental security income (SSI) from losing their benefits for simply working hard. It’s the first push to reform the program in almost 40 years. Cassidy says it…

Cut 13 (12) “…after that.”

SSI was created in the 1970s to provide additional income for disabled and elderly Americans. Cassidy says the current cap of $2,000 was set in the 1980s.

Cut 14 (11) “…to inflation.”

Cassidy says the current cap is a negative work incentive, and it deprives a disabled person of the dignity of work.

Cut 15 (07) “…poverty.”

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LSU and Mississippi State kick off at 11 AM on Saturday. The Tigers did not play well in a pair of 11 a.m. kickoffs last year. They got behind early to Tennessee last October and fell to the Volunteers 40-13 and played a sluggish game on a cold day in November in Fayetteville, but still beat Arkansas 13-10. Defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo knows they need to bring the juice this Saturday.

Cut 16 (12) “…ready for it.”

LSU will go up against Mississippi State’s 3-3-5 defense, which means three defensive linemen, three linebackers, and five defensive backs. This unit forced five turnovers in an overtime win over Arizona last Saturday. The Bulldogs defense also had nine tackles for a loss, eight pass breakups, and one sack. LSU offensive lineman Emery Jones says the Dogs like to move people around at the line of scrimmage.

Cut 17 (21) “…some runs.”

LSU also has to prepare for thousands of fans ringing cowbells. This is receiver Malik Nabers’ second trip to Davis Wade Stadium and he remembers what it sounds like…

Cut 18 (18) “…my job done.”

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Louisiana Tech hosts former Conference USA foe North Texas this Saturday night at Joe Aillet Stadium. The Bulldogs are coming off a 51-21 win over Northwestern State. Bulldogs Quarterback Hank Bachmeier wants to finish off more drives with a touchdown…

Cut 19 (21) “…right direction.”

North Texas is still looking for its first win as they have losses against Cal and FIU. They beat Tech 47 to 27 last year and Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they bring back a lot of their skill position players…

Cut 20 (21) “…on offense.” 

We are one month away from the gubernatorial primary and still not a lot of buzz over the governor’s race. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says if you have to give a lot of credit to the front-runner Jeff Landry for keeping this is a mundane race…
Cut 4 (06) “…gaining on him “
Recent polls show Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson in a good position to face off in a run-off.

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has directed the House to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden and his family’s business dealings. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says for example, the President’s son, Hunter, has been paid 20-million dollars by countries like Ukraine and Russia…
cut 10 (11) “….20 million dollars”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called the impeachment inquiry absurd.

The investigation continues today into yesterday’s fatal shooting at a high school in Greensburg. Joe Chaney with the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office says a student started shooting in the parking lot at St. Helena College and Career Academy…
cut 3 (09) “…in the gunfire”
The gunman, a 14-year-old boy, was taken into custody. A relative has identified the victim as 16-year-old Vernon Gordon a football player.

A mother and her two children were tragically killed in a house fire in the Mount Airy community of St. John the Baptist Parish this morning. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they believe the fire started in an upstairs apartment over a vacant home. 38-year-old Quintella Chopin and her two children were found in different areas of the home.
Cut 13 (10) “…bedroom area”
The cause of the blaze is unknown.

30-year-old Douglas Brown has been charged with murder for allegedly shooting his elderly father, 79-year-old John Brown, according to Baton Rouge Police. John Brown was found dead from a gunshot wound on Saturday morning inside the home the two shared. Lt. L’Jean McKneely says evidence led to Douglas Brown’s arrest.

Cut 7 (08) “…apprehended him.” 

Douglas Brown was booked in the East Baton Rouge Prison.

US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is launching a formal impeachment inquiry of President Biden to receive financial records of the president and his son Hunter Biden. Republican Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves

Cut 9 (12) “…an investigation.” 

Graves says over the past few months, serval committees, like Judiciary, Oversite, and Ways & Means, have all done investigations and requested information concerning the Bidens and they’ve found questionable items.

A school shooting in St. Helena Parish has left one person dead and left two others wounded. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

A 15-year-old male student at Homer High School has been arrested for reportedly bringing a gun to school this morning. Authorities were notified by school staff that a weapon was found in the student’s backpack. Authorities say the teen was taken to the Homer Police Department and arrested and charged with being in possession of a firearm on a school campus. He was transported to a juvenile detention facility in Jonesboro.

A 14-year-old is in custody after authorities say he fatally shot one person and injured two others as school was dismissing at St. Helena College and Career Academy. Joe Chaney with the St. Helena Sheriff’s Office says the gunman faces multiple charges…
cut 4 (10) “….free zone”
A relative has identified the deceased victim as 16-year-old Vernon Gordon a football player.

A mother and her two children were tragically killed in a house fire in the Mount Airy community of St. John the Baptist Parish this morning. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they believe the deadly blaze started in an upstairs apartment over a vacant home.
Cut 12 (09) “…was inside”
38-year-old Quintella Chopin and her two children ages seven and two were found in different areas of the home.

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves gave us his thoughts on the announcement of an impeachment inquiry of President Biden. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A U-S judge in Baton Rouge has denied a request from the state to keep 15 juvenile offenders at Angola, until their appeal is heard on a ruling last week that said the youths must be moved to another facility. Judge Shelly says the juvenile offenders must be re-located from Angola no later than Friday, because their constitutional rights had been violated.

The investigation continues into yesterday’s fatal shooting at St. Helena College and Career Academy in Greensburg. A relative has identified the deceased victim as 16-year-old Vernon Gordon, a football player at the school. Joe Chaney with the St. Helena Parish Sheriff’s Office says the shooting at the high school has shocked the community…

Cut 5 (07) “ …local schools.”

Two others were also injured in the shooting.

A mother and her two children were tragically killed in a house fire in the Mount Airy community of St. John the Baptist Parish this morning. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says they believe the fire started in an upstairs apartment over a vacant home. 38-year-old Quintella Chopin and her two children were found in different areas of the home.

Cut 13 (10) “…bedroom area”

The cause of the blaze is unknown.

30-year-old Douglas Brown of Baton Rouge has been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of his father. 79-year-old John Brown was found dead inside his home on Leonidas Street on Saturday. BRPD Lt. L’Jean McKneely says they have a possible motive.

Cut 6 (08) “…the shooting.”
John Brown was found dead from a gunshot wound Saturday morning in the home the two shared.

Congressman Garret Graves says the impeachment inquiry of President Biden is basically an investigation to see if there are grounds for impeachment. He says whistleblowers are coming forward claiming the President is using his office to benefit his son, Hunter’s clients.

Cut 11 (10) “…lines.”

Democrat and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, says the decision to open an impeachment inquiry is quote “absurd.”

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves gave us his thoughts on the announcement of an impeachment inquiry of President Biden. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

There was a school shooting in Louisiana yesterday. It happened at St. Helena College and Career Academy which is a high school in Greensburg. Authorities say a 14-year-old student fatally shot another student and wounded two others. The suspected gunman is in custody and classes for today and tomorrow are canceled.

Two children and a mother were tragically killed in a house fire on Marigold Street in St. John the Baptist Parish this morning. Ashley Rodrigue with the State Fire Marshall Office says the fire occurred in an upstairs apartment over a vacant home.

Cut 12 (09) “…was inside”

38-year-old Quintella Chopin and her two children ages 7 and 2 were found dead.

30-year-old Douglas Brown of Baton Rouge has been arrested for the death of his elderly father, 79-year-old John Brown who was found dead inside his home on Leonidas Street on Saturday. BRPD Lt. L’Jean McKneely says Douglas Brown may have had an ulterior financial motive for killing his father. McKneely says Douglas Brown was booked in the East Baton Rouge Prison.

Cut 8 (08) “…convicted felon.”

A school shooting in St. Helena Parish has left one person dead and left two others wounded. Jeff Palermo has the details…
cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Caddo Sheriff’s Office detectives have arrested an 18-year-old for shooting two brothers, one of them died at a home in Vivian and the other was recovering in the hospital after being shot in the chest. Bond has been set at 1-point-five million dollars for Jadaveuen Dillard of Oil City. He’s facing multiple charges.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a 30-year-old man after he allegedly fatally shot his 79-year-old father at a home the two shared. Lt. L’Jean McKneely says tips and evidence led to Douglas Brown’s arrest…
cut 7 (08) “….apprehended him”
McKneely says they believe the murder was financially motivated.

US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has directed the House to open an impeachment inquiry into President Biden and his family’s business dealings. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says for example, the President’s son, Hunter, has been paid 20-million dollars by countries like Ukraine and Russia…
cut 10 (11) “….20 million dollars”
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called the impeachment inquiry absurd.

A 14-year-old is in custody after authorities say he fatally shot one person and injured two others as school was dismissing at St. Helena College and Career Academy. Joe Chaney with the St. Helena Sheriff’s Office says the gunman faces multiple charges…
cut 4 (10) “….free zone”
A relative has identified the deceased victim as 16-year-old Vernon Gordon a football player.

30-year-old Douglas Brown of Baton Rouge man has been arrested in connection to the fatal shooting of his father. 79-year-old John Brown was found dead inside his home on Leonidas Street on Saturday. BRPD Lt. L’Jean McKneely says they have a possible motive.
Cut 6 (08) “…the shooting.”
John Brown was found dead from a gunshot wound Saturday morning in the home the two shared.

US Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy announced he will begin an impeachment inquiry of President Biden in an effort to seek financial records of the president and his son Hunter Biden. Louisiana Congressman Garrett Graves says an inquiry doesn’t automatically mean impeachment hearings are a sure thing.
Cut 9 (12) “…an investigation.”
Democratic leadership calls the impeachment inquiry absurd.

Drought conditions and excessive heat are affecting wildlife in the Bayou State. State Wildlife Veterinarian Dr. Jim Lacour says when plants die, deer and other wildlife miss out on the nutrition that plants provide.
Cut 14 (11) “…everything else.”