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”
______________________________________
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”
______________________________________
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.
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.
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.
________________________________________________
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…
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.
______________________________________________
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.
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…
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.