11:30 LRN Newscast Sept 7

A former caseworker at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services calls the environment within the state agency as toxic. Stacy McPherson left her job as a Rapides foster care worker in July because her supervisors failed to address their repeated complaints…

Cut 9 (09)  “…excruciating”

McPherson testified in front of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee who plans to hold future meetings to look at how they can improve the agency.

Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett also testified she says they are doing what they can to increase the number of case workers…

Cut 12 (12) “…higher gear.”  
The state agency is facing criticism for the mishandling of cases, including the overdose death of a two-year-old.

In the first month that the three-digit 988 National Suicide Hotline was launched the crisis number received more than 1,400 calls in Louisiana. And Dr. Robyn Thomas, Suicide Prevention Coordinator with the department of health says the response rate for answering local calls increased significantly.

Cut 3 (12) “…connected to services.” 

The State Fire Marshall’s Office wants to remind you not to have an open flame around oxygen tanks. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says over the weekend a 32-year-old wheelchair-bound woman in St. Martinville who was known to be a smoker was killed in a house fire.

Cut 6 (07) “…do so outside.” 

Oxygen tanks should be kept at least five feet away from anything flammable.

 

10:30 LRN Newscast

A former caseworker at the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services calls the environment within the state agency as toxic. Stacy McPherson left her job as a Rapides foster care worker in July because her supervisors failed to address their repeated complaints…
cut 9 (09) “…excruciating”
McPherson testified in front of the Senate Health and Welfare Committee who plans to hold future meetings to look at how they can improve the agency. Assistant Secretary for Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett told lawmakers they are doing what they can to increase the number of case workers…
Cut 22 (12) “…higher gear.”

After being questioned about suggested Title IX changes to protect sexual orientation and gender identity at K-12 schools, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley offers clarification. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Congressman Troy Carter presented a multi-million dollar check from the federal government during a press conference this morning that will go towards a new athletic stadium in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Carter says he’s excited to help fund such a worthwhile project…
cut 14 (09) “…of their own”

9:30 LRN Newscast Sept 7

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants schools and parents to know that the suggested federal Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity are just suggestions at this time. He gives examples of how the proposed Title IX expansions could impact schools.

Cut 5 (09) “…(x2) not based on biological sex.”

He says they are proposed changes and not law at this time.

In Louisiana, 20-cents of each gallon of gas goes into a fund for roads, bridges, and other transportation projects. But a report from Legislative Auditor says the money generated isn’t enough. The tax was set three decades ago and is not indexed for inflation. DOT Secretary Shawn Wilson agrees with the findings.

Cut 7 (09) “…sales tax.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is helping folks in Jackson, Mississippi after severe flooding damaged the city’s water treatment plants. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Louisiana native Lainey Wilson receives six nominations from the Country Music Association in her first year as a nominee. Wilson is the fourth artist in award history to receive six nominations in their first year. The 30-year-old singer was raised in the small town of Baskin in Franklin Parish.

8:30 LRN Newscast

The legislative auditor’s office releases a report that shows Louisiana’s 20-cent gasoline tax is not able to keep up with the state’s 15-billion dollar backlog on road and bridge construction needs. Louisiana Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the audit notes that other states use a variety of transportation funding sources, including vehicle fees, tolls and even cigarette taxes…
cut 8 (11) “…what we need”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter will present a multi-million dollar plus check during a ceremony at Carver High school in New Orleans that will lead to the construction of a football stadium that will be built in the Ninth Ward….
cut 15 (08) “…of Katrina”
Carter will be joined by other election officials, sports figures, community advocates and students who will benefit from the stadium.

Earlier this summer the Biden Administration proposed expanding Title nine regulations at public schools that would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity and protecting transgender students. Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says at this time they are just proposed changes and encourages the public to voice their opinion via the federal registry…
cut 6 (08) “….proposed changes”

A four-person Louisiana Department of Health drinking water engineering team has returned after helping Jackson, Mississippi officials restore water pressure in the city’s drinking water system that was damaged by severe flooding. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steels says Louisiana was glad to help after receiving assistance from other states during Louisiana’s natural disasters…
cut 12 (10) “…to other states”

7:30 LRN Newscast September 7

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is facing scrutiny after failing to react to reports of a drug abuse case that eventually resulted in the overdose death of a two-year-old child. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters told state lawmakers they need 400 case workers. Covingon Senator Patrick McMath believes DCFS needs a complete overhaul, but says it will not happen while Governor Edwards is in office…
cut 30 (11) “…caregivers”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants schools and parents to know that the suggested federal Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity are just suggestions.
Cut 4 (11) “…not law yet.”
Back in June, the Biden Administration proposed regulations to expand the definition of discriminaton to protect gay and transgender students.

A new report from the legislative auditor says the state’s gasoline tax is not enough to address the state’s 15-billion dollar road construction backlog.
Cut 2 (28) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.”

A four-person drinking water engineering team at the Louisiana Department of Health is back after helping Mississippi officials get the water pressure restored in Jackson. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says the Louisiana team went to Mississippi as part of the nation’s mutual aid system…
cut 11 (09) “…after a disaster”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Many LSU fans were concerned after watching Kayshon Boutte’s body language during Sunday night’s loss to Florida State. The preseason All-American scrubbed his Instagram account of LSU content after catching just two passes in the season opener. But Coach Brian Kelly believes his best wide receiver will be just fine…
Cut 16 (19) “..our 0ffense.”
The Tigers will look to get Boutte going this Saturday when LSU hosts Southern at 6:30 on Saturday night.

The Ragin Cajuns received a vote in the USA Today Coaches Poll. U-L Lafayette defeated Southeastern Louisiana in the season opener and will host Eastern Michigan at 6 PM this Saturday at Cajun Field.

After losing the season opener to Missouri 52-24 last week, Louisiana Tech is now getting ready for its home opener against Stephen F Austin. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they have a list of items they can improve on…
Cut 19 (20) “…as coaches”
Despite a rough debut, Cumbie is sticking with Matthew Downing as his starting quarterback.

Over in Shreveport on Saturday night, Northwestern State will face Grambling State at Independence Stadium. The Demons are playing in Shreveport for the first time since 2002, while Grambling is 15-3-and-1 in the Shreveport Classic. Both teams suffered blowout losses in their season openers.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters explained to state lawmakers yesterday about the difficulty in hiring and retaining their employees. Walters says one of their best case managers recently left for a lower paying job….
cut 29 (10) “…need a break”
Walters says the agency needs about 400 workers as reports of abuse and neglect of children increase across the state. But some lawmakers are skeptical an increase in workers will solve the problems at D-C-F-S.

The state says a four-person drinking water engineering team from the Louisiana Department of Health is back after responding to the drinking water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi. GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele….
Cut 10 (12) “…quality issues.”

After being questioned about suggested Title IX changes to protect sexual orientation and gender identity at K-12 schools, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley offers clarification….
cut 1 (30) “…I”m Brooke Thorington”

Congressman Troy Carter will present a 4.5 million dollar check from the federal government today to go towards the construction of a high school sports stadium in eastern New Orleans.
Cut 13 (10) “…upper 9th Ward.”
The check presentation will take place at Carver High School at 9 AM.

LRN AM Newscall September 7

After being questioned about suggested Title IX changes to protect sexual orientation and gender identity at K-12 schools, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley offers clarification. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

________________________________________________

A new report from the legislative auditor says the state’s gasoline tax can not put a dent in the state’s 15-billion dollar infrastructure backlog. Marsanne Golsby has more.

Cut 2 (30) “….I’m Marsanne Golsby.” 

________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health helped play a role in getting the water flowing again in Jackson, Mississippi after severe flooding damaged the city’s treatment plants. Whitney Thomas has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

________________________________________________

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley wants schools and parents to know that the suggested federal Title IX protections to include sexual orientation and gender identity are just suggestions. He says there’s no need to implement the proposed changes at this time.

Cut 4 (11)  “…not law yet.”

Because he was questioned about the proposed changes Brumley sent a letter to school leaders clarifying that it’s not law. He gives examples of how the proposed Title IX expansions could impact schools.

Cut 5 (09) “…(x2) not based on biological sex.”

If enacted, Brumley says schools that fail to comply could lose federal funding, and it could jeopardize the school lunch program for students who receive free or low-cost meals.

Brumley says because these are proposed changes at this point if you strongly feel one way or another about them, he encourages you to voice your opinion via the federal registry.

Cut 6 (08)  “…proposed changes.”

_________________________________________________

When you buy gasoline, 20 cents of each gallon goes into a fund for roads, bridges, and other transportation needs. But a new report from the Legislative Auditor says the money generated isn’t nearly enough. The tax was set 32 years ago and is not indexed for inflation. Department of Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he agrees with the findings.

Cut 7 (09) “…sales tax.”

Wilson says thanks to a new law, starting next year, up to 60-percent of the vehicle sales tax you’re already paying will be used for transportation projects, up to $300 million a year. But he says the state needs more revenue in order to make a dent in a 15-billion dollar backlog. The DOTD secretary says the audit notes that other states use a variety of transportation funding sources, including vehicle fees, tolls, and even cigarette taxes.

Cut 8 (11)  “…what we need.”

The audit says 22 other states adjust their gasoline taxes for inflation, but Louisiana doesn’t. Wilson has lobbied lawmakers in the past to increase the state’s gasoline tax, but those efforts failed and he doesn’t expect the issue to come up again next year, which is an election year.

Cut 9 (07)  “…is changing.”

Earlier this year lawmakers approved an annual fee for those who own hybrid and electric vehicles.

_______________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Health responded to the water crisis in Mississippi by deploying a four-person drinking water engineering team to Jackson after severe damage from flooding.  

GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says the team is well equipped and experienced for these types of disasters  

Cut 10 (12) “…quality issues.”

LDH team members were proactive due to the EMAC act. Steele says this allows different states to become allies in a time of need.  

Cut  11 (09)  “…after a disaster.” 

Steele says Louisiana was glad to help after receiving assistance from other states during Louisiana’s natural disasters 

Cut 12 (10) “…to other states.” 

For more information visit www.emacweb.org 

______________________________________________

Congressman Troy Carter will present a sizeable check today to go towards the construction of a public athletic stadium in eastern New Orleans. Carter says he’s secured $4.5 million in federal funds for the project.

Cut 13 (10) “…upper 9th Ward.”

Carter along with elected officials, sports figures, and students in the local area will be on hand for the check presentation at George Washington Carver High School at 9 am. Carter says he’s excited to help fund such a worthwhile project.

Cut 14 (09)  “…of their own.”

The publicly accessible stadium will be a first for the area for students, athletes, and the community to enjoy. Carter says it will be a positive impact for the city, especially for the 9th ward.

Cut 15 (08)  “…of Katrina.”

________________________________________________

Many LSU fans were concerned after watching Kayson Boutte’s body language during Sunday night’s loss to Florida State. The preseason All-American scrubbed his Instagram account of LSU content after catches just two passes in the season opener. But Coach Brian Kelly believes his best wide receiver will be just fine…

Cut 16 (19)  “..our 0ffense.” 

Kelly is concerned about the missed tackles on defense. Florida State was able to convert 11 times on 17 third-down opportunities. He says Jordan Travis broke many of those tackles…

Cut 17 (20) “…no question.” 

LSU’s offensive line had trouble protecting quarterback Jayden Daniels. Kelly says they lack what he calls o-line awareness…

Cut  18 (17)“…goes along”

_________________________________________________

After losing the season opener to Missouri 52-24 last week, Louisiana Tech is now getting ready for its season opener against Missouri. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says they have a list of items they can improve on…

Cut 19 (20) “…as coaches”

Cumbie knows he needs better play from the quarterback position after Matthew Downing threw three interceptions and was sacked three times in the loss to Mizzou…

Cut 20 (15) “ …do it” 

Cumbie says Downing will start again this Saturday in the home opener against Stephen F Austin.

5:30 LRN Newscast Sept 6

Leaders of the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services went before a legislative committee today to discuss their plans on increasing case workers. Assistant Secretary of Child Welfare Rhenda Hodnett

Cut 12 (12) “…higher gear.”  
The state agency is facing criticism for the mishandling of cases, including the overdose death of a two-year-old.

Typically, this is the time of year when political ads start cranking up, but political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says don’t expect the ads to get too repetitive. For example, southwest Louisiana congressman Clay Higgins’s race could become competitive because of Higgins’ low fundraising totals.

Cut 4  (11) “…grassroots.”

Higgins’ most well-known opponent is Lafayette attorney Holden Hoggatt.

Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Republicans view the Biden Administration’s ability to circumvent congress to cancel student debt as an abuse of executive and emergency powers. He expects Republicans to challenge it in court and says it’s also a violation of the nondelegation doctrine under the constitution…

Cut 8 (11) “…taxpayers’ dollars.”

A historic matchup will take place Saturday night in Tiger Stadium as LSU and Southern will face each other for the first time in football. The two coaches spoke about the matchup today. Tigers First-year head coach Brian Kelly says it should be a spectacle…

Cut 13 (12) “..college football.” 

The meeting against the Jaguars is also the first time LSU has ever played against a historically black college in football.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU football coach Brian Kelly confirmed the reports that came out yesterday that sophomore defensive tackle Maason Smith will miss the rest of the season with a torn ACL…
cut 16 (16) “….extremely disappointing”
And Florida State Quarterback Jordan Travis says LSU defensive end Ali Gaye apologized for his helmet-to-helmet hit that led to Gaye’s ejection.

Louisiana Tech lost its season opener to Missouri last Thursday 52-24, but Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie said today he saw some positives…
cut 19 (12) “….very positive”
The Bulldogs host Stephen F Austin in the home opener.

Game Week has arrived for the Saints. The Black and Gold will travel to Atlanta on Sunday to face the Falcons. Dennis Allen will coach his first game as the Saints Head Coach and he’s fired up for the chance to lead the Black and Gold…
cut 18 (10) “…fun week”
Former Saints Coach Sean Payton picked the Black and Gold to win the NFC South during an appearance on Fan Duel TV today.

History will be made Saturday night as LSU will host Southern in the first ever meeting on the football field between the two Baton Rouge universities. Jaguars head coach Eric Dooley says it’s great for the two fanbases to get together…
Cut 14 (12) “…city of Baton Rouge.”
Kick-off is set for 6:30 at Tiger Stadium.