Department of Children & Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned; under fire after two Baton Rouge children under DCFS supervision died from drug overdoses in a four-month span. In her resignation letter, Walters said the uptick in reports of abuse and neglect has created what she calls an impossible task for child welfare workers.

The nation celebrates Veteran’s Day today… Kace Kieschnick has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

After winning song of the year at the Country Music Awards on Wednesday night, to say Shreveport mother Luwanna Davis is proud of her sons Jordan and Jacob is an understatement. The pair are co-writers of the song Buy Dirt and Jordan sings the hit with Luke Bryan. Luwanna Davis remembers when Jacob played music in college.
Cut 13 (12) “…free (laughing).”
Lainey Wilson of Franklin Parish was also a big winner at the CMAs winning Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

Good news in the state’s effort to re-grow the state’s whooping crane population as ten more whooping cranes have been added to the wildlife along coastal Louisiana. That brings the population to 87 after re-starting the flock in 2011. LDWF’s Eva Szyszkoski says whooping cranes face a number of threats, including other predators…
cut 11 (09) “…powerlines”

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned after a second child died from a drug overdose death that the state agency received warnings about.  The resignation comes one day after Governor John Bel Edwards called last week’s fentanyl overdose death of a one-year-old child an absolute failure by DCFS…

Cut 6 (12)  “…absolute failure”

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and current House Minority Whip has made his intentions known he’d like to be House Majority Leader in January, but LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says until outstanding congressional races are settled it’s still up in the air if the GOP will be the majority party.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a majority.

One Louisiana election is making national headlines. 23-year-old Tyrin Troung (TIE-RIN TRONG)-the grandson of a Vietnamese immigrant—ousted the two-term mayor of Bogalusa Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (08) “..gun violence.” 

Byrd High School is buzzing over two of its alumni who won song of the year at last night’s Country Music Awards. The hit song “Buy Dirt” is co-written by Shreveport natives Jordan and Jacob Davis. Byrd English teacher Stephanie Springer was one of Jordan’s teachers, and she says the entire school is very proud of Jordan Davis and his brother, Jacob…

Cut 14 (06)  “…don’t pursue.” 

Franklin Parish native Rainey Wilson won Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

Under fire for recent overdose deaths of small kids under her agency’s care, Department of Children & Family Services Secretary Marketa Walters has resigned. This comes a day after Governor John Bel Edwards says the death of a one-year-old DCFS client on October 31^st from fentanyl was an “absolute failure” of the agency…:

CUT 08  (07)        “…what happened.”

Before resigning, Walters had complained of too few staff to handle the massive caseload of at-risk kids and families in the state.

Bogalusa elects a new mayor; the 23-year-old grandson of a Vietnamese immigrant, Tyron Truong. He says he will work to innovate ways to address the root causes of violence, and he wants to use community policing and set up a mayor’s camp…:

CUT 05(10)      “…new skills.”

Fresh off his resounding re-election victory Tuesday night, District One congressman and House Minority Whip Steve Scalise begins his efforts to be elected House Majority Leader in the next Congress. Scalise says he supports California Congressman Kevin McCarthy to be the next House Speaker, but he wants that #2 position. It can be beneficial to Louisiana to have a delegate holding high office in the Capitol.

Last night’s Country Music Awards saw some Louisiana talent take honors. Franklin Parish native Lainey Wilson won Female artists of the year and New Artist of the Year. Plus Shreveport brothers Jordan and Jacob Davis won Song of the year for writing “Buy Dirt”, a hit by Luke Bryan. Back at home, Stephanie Springer, who taught them at Byrd High school, says she saw Jordan’s creativity even then…:

CUT 14(06)      “…very naturally.”

She says all of Byrd High School is very proud of the Davis Brothers.

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned one day after Governor Edwards had harsh criticism of her state agency. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

New Orleans Police arrest a couple after their 17-month-old was found dead, with burns and bruises all over his body. 23-year-old Johnna Barnum and 24-year-old Donell Williams are charged with suspicion of second-degree cruelty to a juvenile while an investigation take place.

District 1 Congressman and current House Minority Whip Steve Scalise has made his intentions known he’d like to be House Majority Leader in January. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it would not be the first time a Louisiana delegate held a key role in the House…:

CUT 11(08)      “…as beneficial.”

Scalise has been House Minority whip since 2018, before that he was House Majority Whip.

Byrd High School is buzzing over two of their alumni who won an award at last night’s Country Music Awards. The hit song “Buy Dirt” won song of the year and Shreveport natives Jacob and Jordan Davis are the co-writers. Jordan sings on the recording with Luke Bryan. Stephanie Springer was Jordan’s English teacher at Byrd…:

CUT 12(08)      “…for sure.”

Also Baskin’s Lainey Wilson won New Artist of the Year and Female Artist of the Year. Big Night for Louisiana.

The head of the state Department of Children & Family Services has resigned; under fire after several children under DCFs supervision died from drug overdoses. This comes a day after Governor Edwards called last week’s fentanyl death of a one-year-old an absolute failure by DCFS. The agency announced new policies in August after a two-year-old died in June. But, Edwards says that didn’t prevent another child from dying…:

CUT 07(07)      “…been announced.”

Prior to her resignation, Walters said a smaller-than-needed workforce and higher worker caseload has been very difficult on their agency.

The Louisiana Treasury Unclaimed Property Program has received more than $8 million in uncashed state income tax refunds. This money represents nearly 33-thousand state tax refunds. An online list is available and the money is ready to be claimed. Search for your name at      “LACashClaim.org”

The two term mayor of Bogalusa was unseated Tuesday by a 23-year-old. Tyron Truong’s election is making national headlines…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Golsby.”

Congratulations to Franklin Parish’s own Lainey Wilson, who scored Country Music Awards during ceremonies in Nashville Wednesday night. Wilson received Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. Her single “Heart Like a Truck” has received over 20-million listens on Spotify and over 3-million views on YouTube. Wilson comes from Baskin.

Governor Edwards accepts the resignation of embattle DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters. Walters came under fire after a toddler, the department was alerted of numerous times was in suspected danger died of a fentanyl overdose and then a second toddler the department was informed of died on Halloween.

Louisiana will be providing families with vouchers to pay for their children’s tutoring to bridge the literacy crisis happening in the state. Whitney Thomas has more…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

After being elected as the youngest major of Bogalusa 23-year-old Tyrin Troung (TIE-RIN TRONG)-is garnering national headlines. The grandson of a Vietnamese immigrant was a summer intern for Missouri Congressman Lacy Clay and says he moved back home to help.

Cut 4 (11) “…politicians couldn’t.” 

In addition to being Mayor, he’s engaged to be married.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and current House Minority Whip has made his intentions known he’d like to be House Majority Leader in January. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says it makes sense that Scalise wants to be House Majority Leader because it’s the next step in the leadership ladder.

Cut 10 (11) “…lined up on.” 

If the GOP will be the majority party in the House has yet to be determined.

Louisiana Congressman Steve Scalise and current House Minority Whip has made his intentions known he’d like to be House Majority Leader in January, but LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says until outstanding congressional races are settled it’s still up in the air if the GOP will be the majority party.

Cut 9 (12)  “…a majority.

One Louisiana election is making national headlines. 23-year-old Tyrin Troung (TIE-RIN TRONG)-the grandson of a Vietnamese immigrant—ousted the two-term mayor of Bogalusa Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (08) “..gun violence.” 

Troung grew up near Bogalusa in Angie, has a degree in political science from Washington University in St Louis, where he was student body president.

UPDATED

Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters has resigned one day after Governor Edwards had harsh criticism of her state agency. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 2 (30)  “… I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards calls last week’s fentanyl overdose death of a one-year-old child an absolute failure by the state Department of Children of Family Services. DCFS admits they received a tip the infant could be in danger about ten days before the child died. Edwards has been quiet about this latest tragedy until now…

Cut 6 (12)  “…absolute failure”

DCFS announced new policies in August after a two-year-old died from a fentanyl overdose.

A BESE meeting takes place this morning to discuss a major change on how high schools are graded. BESE President James Garvey supports a proposal put forth by the department of education that would give more weight to schools that provide technical courses…

Cut 14 (10)  “…four-year college.”
Now that the fall elections are over, except for some run-off races in local elections, the 2023 governor’s race can really start to ramp up. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…

Cut  11 (11)   “…behind the scenes.” 

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, who is a likely candidate for governor, said last week he would make an official announcement in January.

The small town of Melville remains in limbo after the election day death, of their mayor, 84-year-old Velma Hendrix, who was seeking a second term. One of her challengers Sam Londerno (LON-drah-no) says the community is in shock.

Cut 9 (06)  “…to believe.”

Due to her death candidates will have to qualify to run again by Monday for the December 10^th election. If no one else runs, then the results stand and Londerno is declared the winner.

The fall midterms are over, so now we can turn our attention to the 2023 Louisiana Governor’s Race. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Wastewater in Shreveport has the most methamphetamines in the US, that’s according to research from the Louisiana Addiction Research Center. Wastewater in city has double the amount of meth than anywhere in the United States. Wastewater is used water from homes, businesses, sinks, toilets, washing machines, and dishwashers.

The Louisiana Department of Education is addressing the state’s literacy crisis by launching the Steve Carter Literacy Program, providing families with $1,000 vouchers for tutoring. Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says families will be able to apply the vouchers to different vendors in the state for different sessions.

Cut 6 (12)  “…over the course of the year.” 

For more information visit LouisianaLiteracy at La-dot-gov

The small St. Landry Parish town of Melville remains in limbo after the election day death, of their mayor, 84-year-old Velma Hendrix, who was seeking a second term. Secretary of State’s office spokesperson John Tobler says when a candidate dies after qualifying but before the polls close qualifying starts over. So, qualifying will begin today and will close on Monday.

Cut 8 (05)  “…will be final.”

That would mean Sam Londerno with 52 percent would be the winner.

The state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is holding a special meeting today to discuss a proposal that reforms how Louisiana grades high schools. BESE president James Garvey says the current grading system doesn’t put enough weight into how a high school prepares a student to attend a tech school…
cut 15 (12) “…equally”

Now that the November election is over, more attention can be placed on next year’s governor’s race that could feature several well-known candidates. So far the only major candidate to get in is Attorney General Jeff Landry. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says we should be hearing from some of the other potential candidates soon…
cut 12 (13) “…fairly quickly”
After winning re-election to the U-S Senate, John Kennedy side stepped a question about running for governor next year.

The state department of education has launched a voucher program that will provide one-thousand dollars to families who have a K-through-5th grader struggling with reading….
cut 1 (31) “….I’m Whitney Thomas”

FEMA has announced nearly nine million dollars in relief for Hurricanes Laura and Ida. Jefferson Davis Electric Co-Op is getting four-million for electric distribution repairs, two-million dollars for repair to Calcasieu Parish Schools and Slidell receive one-million dollars for emergency protective measures.