As the feds give south Louisiana $20-mllion for a passenger train between Baton Rouge & New Orleans, one congressman feels there are better uses for the money. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The documentary of a Baton Rouge teen who murdered his father in 2019 is among the top 10 on Netflix since it premiered Wednesday. Brooke Thorington has more from Anthony Templet’s attorney

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

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Entergy commits over $4-million to the United Way to help folks with paying unusually high utility bills. Kevin Gallagher has that…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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The federal Department of Transportation awards a $20-million grant to help develop passenger rail service between Baton Rouge & New Orleans, but Congressman Garret Graves says the money could be put toward more immediate needs. On WBRP in Baton Rouge this week, Graves said a new bridge over the Mississippi at the Capital City is more important. He says that project is moving at a snail’s pace…:

Cut 4 (06)  “…that’s ridiculous.”

The millions will be used for land acquisition and to design and build train stations in Baton Rouge and Gonzales. Graves says spending money on a train is less pressing than enabling east-west traffic to move more quickly through Baton Rouge. He says he’s not AGAINST the idea of a train, but the state has much more pressing transportation needs to address…:

Cut 5 (10) “…top priority.”

Graves points out that Federal DOT money comes from dedicated “pots”; for roads or rail or air transport etc… He favors NO such pots; letting states decide where the money needs to go. He says a passenger train between the two cities is NOT a bad idea, but it’s not what Louisiana needs most at this time…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…are the top priority.”

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The state has distributed $28 million in homeowner assistance to thousands affected by the pandemic and there’s more to go around. Desiree Honore Thomas with the Division of Administration says it provides up to $25,000 for those behind on their mortgage.

Cut 7 (12) “….on the street.”

The Louisiana Homeowner Assistance Fund is open to eligible homeowners who are behind on their mortgages. Thomas says income requirements are set by HUD which is equal to or less than 150 percent of the average area-median income, or 100 percent below the median income, for example…

Cut 8 (04)  “…family of one.”

The program is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Thomas says it’s easy to apply and there are plenty of checks and balances to prevent fraud.

Cut 9 (11)  “…mortgages services.”

To apply or for more information visit LAcovidhousing.com.

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Among the top shows streaming on Netflix this week is I Just Killed My Dad. The documentary follows what happened after then 17-year-old Baton Rouge teen Anthony Templet confessed to murdering his father. Attorney Jarrett Ambeau says a production company contacted him within days of the 2019 murder making headlines.

Cut 10 (06) “…the time.”

The three-part series details why Templet had a volatile relationship with his father and what led to his decision to kill Burt Templet after years of abuse. Without giving away any spoilers Ambeau feels after his client viewed the series it will help him to mend his relationship with his mother

Cut  11 (06)  “…existed.” 

Reaction to the series Ambeau says has been overwhelming and he’s received many words of encouragement and compassion from viewers.

Cut 12 (07) “…people care.” 

Templet was offered a plea deal for manslaughter, avoided jail time, and was given five years of supervised probation.

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Students are heading back to school this week in Louisiana and many parents are proudly sharing pictures on social media. Carmen Million of the Better Business Bureau is asking you to think twice.

Cut 13 (12) “…your child is.”

Million urges you to be diligent about your security information if you do decide to share.

Cut 14 (08)  “…are protected”

Million says if you don’t think like a criminal you might be surprised how smart scammers can be.

Cut 15 (09)  “…and get two.”

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Texas Tech transfer Parker McNeil and TCU transfer Matthew Downing are the top two candidates to be the starting quarterback at Louisiana Tech this season. McNeil is familiar with first-year Head Coach Sonny Cumbie’s offense as both were in Lubbock, Texas last season….

Cut 16 (20)  “…especially.”

Downing started his college career at Georgia and spent the last two seasons at TCU, playing in a total of seven games. He says the battle for starting quarterback is a healthy competition between himself and Parker

Cut 17 (17) “…every day.” 

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With Jameis Winston sidelined by a sprained foot, backup quarterback Andy Dalton is taking advantage of the time getting snaps with the first team offense. The former Cincinnati Bengals starting Q-B feels right at home in New Orleans…

Cut  18 (16)“…good place.”

Dalton has been solid during training camp and might have had his best practice yesterday, throwing five straight touchdown passes during seven-on-seven drills in the red zone. Three of them went to Michael Thomas, who seems to be regaining his form. Dalton says Thomas is a great target to throw to…

 Cut 19 (14) _“…special.” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …aware of yet.” 

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

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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

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

Cut 10 (12) “…group effort.” 

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

Cut 13 (07) “…down with it.”

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

Congress is expected to vote final passage of the $359-billion Inflation Reduction Act, but District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says it’ll be a “no” vote for him. On WBRP radio in Baton Rouge today, Graves said Americans are being asked to trust Congress and the White House to solve a problem that didn’t exist until they took power…:

CUT 04(08)      “…of their policies.”

He says Republican amendments are proposed to ease the pain on taxpayers, but he’s not sure they will even be allowed for debate or vote.

Some stormy days are ahead for our state, as a tropical wave interacts with a cold front over the area leading to some showers and thunderstorms through the weekend. Expect good chances of showers Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with rain tapering a bit Sunday. Meanwhile the tropical disturbance in the Atlantic is showing less chances of becoming a named storm.

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

CUT 12(10)      “…nothing there.”

He says, to make a profit, many shrimpers are selling their catch themselves.

What to do about kids cutting school? Truancy is at 40-percent statewide; a jump of over 20-percent in a year. BESE member Ronnie Morris, of Baton Rouge, says it was a big problem even before the pandemic…:

CUT 09(07)      “…where are they?”

A truancy task force has set a goal of reducing truancy to 28-percent by 2024.

Twelve years after the worst oil spill in modern U.S. history a new report by LSU coastal ecologists says fingerprints of the damage from the Deepwater Horizon spill are still in evidence. Coastal expert Dr. Ed Overton says an asphalt-like residue turns up on coastal beaches and marsh grasses. But, he says, it’s not hurting the land or wildlife because it’s largely inert…:

CUT 08(04)      “…environmental damage.”

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s a big “no” vote on the $359-billion Inflation Reduction Act, largely because – he say – it won’t reduce inflation. Graves, this morning on WBRP radio in Baton Rouge…:

CUT 03(11)      “…just a farce.”

He asks why trust congress and the white House to fix a problem that they created?

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

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

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

Congress is poised for a final vote on the $359-Billion Inflation Reduction Act, but Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says his vote will be “no.” Graves says the bill will only succeed in raising taxes for a great many Louisianans, but most likely will NOT ease inflation. He says Republican amendments are proposed to ease the pain on taxpayers, but he’s not sure they will even be allowed for debate or vote. He says Democrat policies got the country into this state…:

CUT 05(06)      “un-forced errors.”

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

Louisiana shrimpers are struggling to make ends meet. After calculating gas prices and what they charge per pound it’s just not feasible. Shrimper Anthony Theriot says the pandemic hit shrimpers hard; causing retailers to go elsewhere for product…and now there’s an overflow, and no one to sell to unless it’s at plummeting prices…:

CUT 14(07)      “…is crazy.”

He sells selling dockside is shrimpers’ best option for now.

School is in, but a lot of Louisiana kids aren’t showing up. Truancy – 5 or more un-excused absences in a semester – is up 22-percent over last year. Board of Elementary & Secondary Education member Ronnie Morris says lack of parental engagement is a big part of that, but that’s not all…:

CUT 11(12)      “…in society today.”

He says a solution is going to take collaborative effort by education stakeholders.

Evidence of the 2010 BP oil spill still linger some 12 years later. Coastal researcher Dr. Ed Overton says crude oil residue was found in several places, but not ALL areas affected by the spill. Why…?

CUT 07(07)      “…isn’t there anymore.”

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

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

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

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

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

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

Cut 3 (11) “…just a farce” 

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

Cut 4  (08) “…of their policies.”

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

Cut 5  (06) “…un-forced errors.”

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

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

Cut 6 (08) “…asphalt pad.” 

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

Cut 7 (07) “…isn’t there anymore.” 

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

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

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

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

Cut 9 (07)  “…where are they.”

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

Cut 10 (12) “…group effort.” 

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

Cut 11 (12)  “…in society today.”

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

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

Cut 12 (10) “…nothing there.”  

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

Cut 13 (07) “…down with it.”

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

Cut 14 (07)  “…is crazy.” 

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

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Cut 15 (09) “…under the influence.” 

Cut  16 (10)  “…off the streets“

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

Cut 6 (09) “…asphalt pad.” 

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

Cut 4  (08) “…of their policies.”

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

Cut 10 (12) “…group effort.” 

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

Cut 13 (07) “…down with it.”

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

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

Cut 9 (07)  “…where are they.”

A task force has been created to address the issue.

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

Cut 12 (10) “…nothing there.”  

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

Cut 3 (11) “…just a farce” 

The school year is now up and running, but Louisiana’s truancy rate is high; about 40 percent. One BESE member wants to change that…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The Department of Health urges folks to stay safe in and around the Terrebonne Bay area, where a moderate oil spill took place this week. LDH says stay out of the water, do not take fish from those waters, and keep kids and pets out as well. The Coast Guard is overseeing cleanup of the spill.

With wind energy emerging in Louisiana, The University of New Orleans launches an endeavor to help support and serve that industry. UNO Research & Technology Foundation director Shafin Khan says the Wind Energy Hub at UNO will – among many other things – aid in developing the support industries that help keep wind farms up and running, via seed technology commercialization grants…:

CUT 12(11)      “…that industry has.”

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

CUT 13(08)      “…facilities.”

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

CUT 07(07)      “…for scholarships.”

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

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

CUT 09(07)      “…where are they?”

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

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

The Baton Rouge to New Orleans rail receives $20 million in federal funding, but District 6 Congressman Garret Graves says the money would be better spent elsewhere. He feels a new bridge crossing the Mississippi River and upgrades to Highway 30 and LA1 need to be built ASAP.