U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy believes the Senate will still be able to pass a health care measure to repeal and replace Obamacare. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Cable barrier installation is set to begin this week in Caddo and Desoto Parishes along I-49. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says this is one of the larger cable barrier projects in the district with a total 41 miles to be installed..:
Cut 7 (09) “parish line”
She says construction should take about a year.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson said after a tour of Denham Springs Monday that the state is doing a good job with the flood recovery dollars, which he feels will be well spent. He acknowledges regulations could be improved…:
Cut 11 (11) “their home”
He says as a nation, we can grow and improve from the experiences here.

LSU is moving it’s football fan day to the spring instead of holding the annual event this month. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says Coach O is really focused on making the spring game a bigger, day-long event that will attract more fans…:
Cut 14 (11) “for the first time”
He says the facilities where they normally hold fan day are not available due to construction right now.

US Senator Bill Cassidy says his plan to repeal and replace Obamacare is the “only game left in town.” He says the idea is to let the states decide how they want to handle healthcare, because each has their own unique need…:
Cut 4 (11) “D.C.”
He believes the measure would have bi-partisan support.

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation and the governor toured Denham Springs with HUD Secretary Dr. Ben Carson Monday, and praised him for efforts in cutting red tape during flood recovery. Carson says he is very impressed with the progress south Louisiana has made since last August…:
Cut 10 (07) “spent here”
He added there are still a lot of hurdles in the system that slows down the process.

The cost of making emergency repairs to the pumps and generators in New Orleans that are counted on to keep the city drained is $35 million, according to city figures cited by WWL-TV. That includes $15 million for a new generator and $7 million for more than two-dozen portable generators. According to the report, the board has an $85 million dollar “rainy day” account it can tab for these expenditures.

This week crews will begin installing cable barriers along I-49 in Caddo and Desoto parishes. Jeff Palermo has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Louisiana delegates toured Denham Springs one year after the historic floods. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (28) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

The First Circuit Court of Appeals will hear arguments in the case of Governor John Bel Edwards’ executive order protecting the LGBT community from employment or service discrimination. Attorney General Jeff Landry has already won one battle in challenging the constitutionality of the order, and the governor appealed that decision which was assigned the August 15th court date.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is still optimistic the Senate can pass a health care bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Cassidy is one of three senators that have constructed a plan he says returns power to the states…:
Cut 5 (09) “as well”
Cassidy says is the only instrument the Republicans have left.

LSU has announced that the annual Fan Day normally held this month, will be moved to the Spring. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says venues where they normally hold the event are in construction right now.:
Cut 13 (08) “this month”
He adds Coach O wants Fan Day to be held in conjunction with the Spring game.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson toured homes in Denham Springs today, a year after the city was underwater from the devastating flood. Mayor Gerard Landry was present for the event. He says a year ago, it was all hands on deck to start search and rescue efforts.

Cut 11 (09) “to even think”

An audit of the state’s foster care program revealed that understaffing has led to increased caseloads for workers at the department of children and family services. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they lost 2,000 workers in the Jindal Administration, which left workers with an average of 16 cases at a time.

Cut 13 (12) “of caseloads”

The American Duchess paddle wheeler made her maiden voyage up the Mississippi River today, leaving out of the Port of New Orleans and making stops at historic sites and attractions. Port of New Orleans spokesperson Donnell Jackson says it’s a 166-guest ship offering inland cruises.

Cut 6 (11) “loft suites”

This is the third vessel in the American Queen Steamboat Company’s fleet.

Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from LSU becoming the 11th player to leave the Tiger football program since Head Coach Ed Orgeron took over. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says that’s not unusual to see.
Cut 5 (10) “in roster”

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the town was under water. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
Carson praised the recovery efforts of the state, and acknowledged that regulation can be improved.

LSU has announced that fans will have to wait a little longer to take pictures and get autographs from their favorite players and coaches, as the annual Fan Day has been moved to the spring. Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette said there are many construction projects taking place on campus which just didn’t make Fan Day feasible this fall.

An audit of the state’s foster care program unveiled some not-so-surprising shortcomings. Karen Leblanc with the legislative auditor’s office says they found not all foster care providers had the required criminal background checks. They either had no check, or they were not completed in a timely manner. She says that’s not the only shocking discovery they made.
Cut 12 (10) “foster care provider”
says they’ve been trying to call attention to the problem after the department lost 2,000 workers, and they are working on ways around it.

The new all-suite, 166-guest American Duchess makes her inaugural sail today out of the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesperson Donnell Jackson says the paddle wheeler will leave city and head up river…:
Cut 7 (08) “in Baton Rouge”
He says the ship offers inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River.

An audit of the state’s foster care system uncovered shortcomings in the state program. Halen Doughty has more…:

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham said in an interview with the Fox network that he does not stand by any of the comments made by David Duke who was on hand at the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. Fellow Republican Congressman Tom Garrett of Virginia blamed the violence on outsiders from states like Louisiana, like Duke. Abraham said he’s offended by the comment and that the former KKK grand wizard does not speak for Louisiana.

A year ago today 77% of the city of Denham Springs was impacted by at least 18 inches of water during the historic floods of 2016. Mayor Gerard Landry says for the most part, businesses that were impacted have either rebuilt or relocated, it’s the citizens that are having the hardest time in the recovery, especially those not insured…:

Cut 10 (10) “these folks”

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham and speaking at this hour.

Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from LSU. The redshirt-freshman from Zachary announced his decision on twitter this morning. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Scott is behind starter Danny Etling and true freshman Myles Brennan on the depth chart…:

Cut 3 (10) “too much”

Head Coach Ed Orgeron said in a statement that Scott is a great young man and they wish him all of the best in the future.

Dr. Ben Carson, the United States HUD Secretary, met today with GOHSEP to talk about ongoing flood recovery efforts, and he’s slated to speak in Denham Springs this afternoon after a tour of the city. He is slated to be with Mayor Gerard Landry who said on Talk Louisiana memories of the devastating event are something no resident in the Livingston Parish city will ever forget…:
CUT 9 (10) “not a sprint”

An audit of the state’s foster care program unveiled some not-so-surprising shortcomings. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the department has already taken steps to improve the foster care like with the new Quality Parenting Initiative, which is a new way for the staff to work with foster parents…:
Cut 15 (08) “in this problem”

LSU announced today that it’s moving this year’s Fan Day and all future fan days to the spring. The school says it’s making this move because of facility renovations, as construction is going on at the PMAC, the field house, and the basketball practice gym. LSU plans to host fans at an event in April on the same day as the spring game as part of a new day-long Fan Day concept.

The American Duchess, the third vessel in the American Queen Steamboat Company’s fleet, left for its first voyage today out of the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesman Donnell Jackson says 2016 marked the third consecutive year that they saw more than a million cruise passengers, and they hope this new paddle wheeler cruise ship will help to continue that trend…:
Cut 8 (11) “of New Orleans”
The American Duchess is an all-suite 166-guest ship offering inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the town was under water. Jeff Palermo reports…:
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from LSU becoming the 11th player to leave the Tiger football program since Head Coach Ed Orgeron took over. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says that’s not unusual to see…:
Cut 5 (10) “in roster”

An audit of the state’s foster care program unveiled some not-so-surprising shortcomings. Karen Leblanc with the legislative auditor’s office recommended DCFS evaluate staffing levels and request additional funding. She says they also think DCFS should take advantage of other services offered in the state…:
Cut 14 (11) “help them”
DCFS says the department has already taken steps to improve the foster care program, like hiring new workers and restructuring the system to decrease the work load.

North Louisiana Chef Cory Bahr was not the big winner on Food Network Star, as Jason Smith picked up that title during the season finale last night. But Bahr had about 250 people show up to watch the final show with him last night at the Flying Tiger Brewery in Monroe, and he thanks everyone for their support.

Nobody won the big Powerball jackpot Saturday and the big prize moves up to $430 million dollars for Wednesday’s drawing.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the town was under water. Jeff Palermo reports…:

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

An audit of the state’s foster care system uncovered shortcomings in the state program. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

______________________________________

Quarterback Lindsey Scott is transferring from LSU. The redshirt-freshman quarterback from Zachary announced his decision on twitter this morning. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Scott is behind starter Danny Etling and true freshman Myles Brennan on the depth chart…

Cut 3 (10) “too much”

Lowell Narcisse and Justin McMillan are the other scholarship quarterbacks on the roster. Scott signed with LSU in 2016 after helping Zachary win a state championship in football. Worsham says Scott faced long odds to get any serious playing time at LSU after Head Coach Ed Orgeron signed Narcisse and Brennan in his first recruiting class…

Cut 4  (05) “better way”

Head Coach Ed Orgeron said in a statement that Scott is a great young man and they wish him all of the best in the future. Scott is the 11th player to leave the LSU program since Orgeron took over and Worsham says you see that happen a lot when a new coach takes over…

Cut 5  (10)  “in roster”

________________________________________________

Today, a new boutique paddle wheeler cruise ship makes her maiden voyage from the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesperson Donnell Jackson says the American Duchess is an all-suite 166-guest ship offering inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River.

Cut 6 (11) “loft suites”

Two dining venues on the shop offer open seating and regionally-inspired cuisine with complementary beer and wine at dinner. Jackson says the paddle wheeler will leave New Orleans and head up river, making stops at historic sites and attractions along the way.

Cut 7 (08)  “in Baton Rouge”

The American Duchess is the third vessel in the American Queen Steamboat Company’s fleet. Jackson says 2016 marked the third consecutive year that the Port of New Orleans saw more than a million cruise passengers, and they hope this new paddle wheeler cruise ship will help to continue that trend.

Cut 8 (11) “of New Orleans”

__________________________________________________________

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the city was under water in the August 2016 floods. He is slated to be with Mayor Gerard Landry who said on Talk Louisiana memories of the devastating event are something no resident in the Livingston Parish city will ever forget…:

Cut 9 (10)  “not a sprint”

Landry says a little over 77% of the structures in the city received 18 inches or more. He says, for the most part, businesses that were impacted have either rebuilt or relocated, but it’s the citizens that are having the hardest time in the recovery, especially those not insured…:

Cut 10 (10) “these folks”

Carson is expected to hold a news conference this afternoon at 4:15. Landry says what makes this historic event stand out most was how fast the water rose and essentially took everyone by surprise. He says City Hall itself got 52 inches of water within a matter of three hours, and during that time it was “all hands on deck” to head out and start saving people…:

Cut 11 (09) “to even think”

__________________________________________________________

An audit of the state’s foster care program unveiled some not-so-surprising shortcomings. Karen Leblanc with the legislative auditor’s office says they found not all foster care providers had the required criminal background checks. They either had no check, or they were not completed in a timely manner. She says that’s not the only shocking discovery they made.

Cut 12 (10) “foster care provider”

The audit also found that not all children who came into the program received the necessary physical and behavioral health services. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they’ve been trying to call attention to the problem after the department lost 2,000 workers under the previous administration. She says cases workers average 16 cases each, putting a heavy burden on vital employees.

Cut 13 (12) “of caseloads”

The maximum recommended case load is 10 per case worker. Walters blames a high turnover rate and increasing number of foster kids in the system. That’s why the legislative auditor recommended the department evaluate staffing levels and request additional funding. Leblanc says they’re also recommending DCFS take advantage of other services offered in the state.

Cut 14 (11) “help them”

Walters says the department has already taken steps to improve the foster care program, like taking extra steps to hire new workers and restructuring the system to decrease the work load. She says they’ve also launched new programs like the Quality Parenting Initiative, which is a new way for the staff to work with foster parents.

Cut 15 (08) “in this problem”

An audit of the state’s foster care system uncovered shortcomings in the state program. Halen Doughty has more…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

LSU is losing a quarterback as redshirt-freshman Lindsey Scott announces he’s leaving the Tiger football team. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says Scott faced long odds to get any serious playing time at LSU after Head Coach Ed Orgeron signed Lowell Narcisse and Myles Brennan…:
Cut 4 (05) “better way”

The new all-suite, 166-guest American Duchess makes her inaugural sail today out of the Port of New Orleans. Port spokesperson Donnell Jackson says the paddle wheeler will leave city and head up river…:
Cut 7 (08) “in Baton Rouge”
He says the ship offers inland cruises in the Lower Mississippi River.

US Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson is touring Denham Springs today, one year after the majority of the city was under water in the August 2016 floods. He is slated to be with Mayor Gerard Landry who looks back a year later and feels what surprised everyone most of all was how fast everything happened. He says “rescue mode” began almost immediately…:
Cut 11 (09) “to even think”
Landry says a little over 77% of the structures in the city received 18 inches or more.