A New Orleans state lawmaker is calling for a change at the top of Louisiana’s Department of Children & Family Services. After a Baton Rouge toddler died from eating fentanyl and multiple kids in foster care were sexually abused, Representative Jason Hughes asked on social media, “How many horrific incidents need to happen for us to realize new leadership is needed?” DCFS Secretary Marketa Walters says the agency is taking “disciplinary actions” in wake of the toddler’s death but would not give any details on what those might be.

While they may not be the “New Kid in Town” The Eagles are coming to New Orleans on November 19^th. The band announced today they’re extending their tour with six new stops including the Smoothie King Center. Program Director and DJ at Eagle 98.1 in Baton Rouge Michelle Southern…:

CUT 12(12)      “…extend it.”

I’ll start seeking a co-sign for financing to get my tickets.

Louisiana community colleges are providing workforce development training as part of a program to gear up for future infrastructure projects. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thorington.”

Ville Platte Police Chief Neal Lartigue has been barred from running for re-election on the November 8th ballot after the LA 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled he lives outside the city limits. The ruling, if upheld under further appeal, would install Al Perry Thomas as Ville Platte’s next police chief unopposed.

Louisiana community colleges are providing workforce development training as part of a program to gear up for future infrastructure projects. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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A food fight is brewing in Washington Parish, over whether cattle ranchers can sell meat directly without sales taxes…and the state Ag Commissioner is getting in the mix…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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Nationwide average gasoline prices fell below four dollars a gallon today; dipping to their lowest level since March, according to Triple-A. Today’s average of $3.99 a gallon nationally and $3.61 in Louisiana is almost a dollar cheaper than the June high. Louisiana Triple A  fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s a direct reflection of supply and demand.

Cut 3 (11) “…pulling back” 

Redman says if people become used to the lower prices they could start driving more…

Cut 4  (05) “…wait and see on that.”

In a March survey, drivers told Triple-A they would drive much less if gas prices kept rising.

Cut 5  (10) “…we drove less.”

The drop in gasoline prices comes as the U.S. government is reporting a slight drop in inflation.

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Central Louisiana Technical Community College along with others in the state is offering a nine-week course to receive heavy equipment certification and students can also earn a commercial driver’s license. Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Misty Slayter at CLTCC says the enrollment is also accessible.

Cut 6 (10) “…tremendous opportunity.” 

Slayter says the program is called PRO Louisiana, which stands for Professional Resilience Occupations, and it will help train potential workers for future infrastructure projects.

Cut 7 (09) “…out of work.” 

The program will help ensure a trained workforce for not only infrastructure projects in Louisiana but also broadband installations. Slayter says the opportunity could be life-changing.

Cut 8 (12) “…household income.”

For more information contact your local community college.

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Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says a sheriff suing a Washington Parish cattleman for taxes unpaid from selling beef directly to customers on his farm is in error. Washington Parish Sheriff Randy “Country” Seal says Mount Herman rancher Jason Smith owes about $40-thousand in taxes and penalties. Strain quotes from the Louisiana state tax code…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…any taxing authority.”

Strain sent the sheriff a letter to that effect, but Seal and the parish tax collector say “livestock” is not the same as processed meat, and IS taxable. Strain says processed meat falls under “food & groceries” which ARE tax exempt in Louisiana. A great many farmers and ranchers sell meat and produce directly to customers without state or local sales taxes. He says Smith is worried, but so are food producers statewide…:

Cut 10 (08) “…a precedent case.” 

Strain says over 100 Louisiana ranchers and farmers sell their wares directly from the farm. It will be up to a judge to decide if the tax code is not clear. If that judge finds for the plaintiff (Washington Parish) farmers could face huge losses. Strain says if that’s the case, the law CAN be further clarified on farmers’ behalf…:

Cut 11 (06)  “…next legislative session.”

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While they may not be the “New Kid in Town” The Eagles are coming to New Orleans on November 19^th. The band announced today they’re extending their tour with six new stops including the Smoothie King Center. Program Director and DJ at Eagle 98.1 in Baton Rouge Michelle Southern…

Cut 12 (12) “…extend it.”  

Southern says the band’s extended tour has been extremely popular with some cities receiving multiple visits from the classic rock band, so if you want tickets, you’ll want to purchase them as soon as they go on sale Friday, August 19^th.

Cut 13 (09) “…going on sale.”

The Eagles will play the Hotel California album in its entirety accompanied by an orchestra and choir.  Southern says the 1976 album is historic.

Cut 14 (12)  “…in Louisiana.” 

The second half of the concert will be a full set of their greatest hits.

The National average for a gallon of regular gas fell below four dollars today to 3.99. And in Louisiana, it’s $3.61, almost a dollar cheaper than the June high. And while it’s nice to see a drop in prices, Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says if people become get used to lower prices they could start driving more…

Cut 4  (05) “…wait and see on that.”

Central Louisiana Technical Community College along with others in the state is offering a nine-week course to receive heavy equipment certification. Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Misty Slayter at CLTCC says the program will help train potential workers for future infrastructure projects.

Cut 7 (09) “…out of work.” 

For more information contact your local community college.

The new Netflix series I Just Killed My Dad, which features the story of Anthony Templet of Baton Rouge who killed his father when he was 17 in 2019, is one of the top streaming shows on the platform. It highlights years of abuse Templet endured at the hands of his father. Templet’s attorney Jarrett Ambeau says his client has watched the series and says he wants to work on a relationship with his  estranged mother…:

Cut  11 (06)  “…existed.” 
Templet was offered a plea deal for manslaughter, avoided jail time, and was given five years of supervised probation.

The National average for a gallon of regular gas price fell below four dollars a gallon today to 3.99. And in Louisiana it’s $3.61, a dollar cheaper than the June high. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says it’s a direct reflection of supply and demand.

Cut 3 (11) “…pulling back” 

He says if motorist start driving more it could drive prices back up.

Center Louisiana Technical Community College along with others in the state are offering a nine-week course to receive heavy equipment certification and students can also earn a commercial driver’s license. Vice Chancellor of Workforce Development Misty Slayter says the enrollment is also accessible.

Cut 6 (10) “…tremendous opportunity.” 

For more information contact your local community college.

The state has distributed $28 million in homeowner assistance to thousands affected by the pandemic and there’s more to go around if you’re behind on your mortgage. Desiree Honore Thomas with the Division of Administration says it’s easy to apply and there are plenty of checks and balances to prevent fraud…:

Cut 9 (11)  “…mortgages services.”
For more information visit LAcovidhousing.com.

One of the top 10 streaming shows on Netflix this week is the story of a young man from Baton Rouge who admitted to killing his father when he was 17 in 2019. “I Just Killed My Dad” highlights years of Anthony Templet child abuse by his father. Attorney Jarrett Ambeau says his client has received a ton of support and compassion from viewers…:

Cut 12 (07) “…people care.” 

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the $20-million federal grant to help develop passenger rail service between Baton Rouge & New Orleans should be spent elsewhere. While he says a passenger train between the two cities is NOT a bad idea, it’s not what Louisiana needs most right now.

Cut 6 (11) “…are the top priority.”

The state has distributed $28 million in assistance to thousands of eligible homeowners affected by the pandemic and there’s more to go around. Desiree Honore Thomas with the Division of Administration 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.”

To apply or for more information visit LAcovidhousing.com.

Among the top shows streaming on Netflix this week is I Just Killed My Dad – the documentary follows Anthony Templet of Baton Rouge who confessed to murdering his father when he was 17 in 2019. Templet’s Attorney Jarrett Ambeau says a production company contacted him within days of the murder making headlines…:

Cut 10 (06) “…the time.”
The series highlights years of child abuse inflicted on Templet at the hands of his dad. He pleaded down to manslaughter and was given 5 years supervised probation.

You might want to think twice about posting those back-to-school photos of your child on social media. Better Business Bureau’s Carmen Million…

Cut 13 (12) “…your child is.”

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…:
Cut 1 (28) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Practice caution if you post first day of school pics of your kids this week. Carmen Million of the Better Business Bureau says cyber criminals are relentless..:
Cut 15 (09) “and get two”

The new Netflix series I Just Killed My Dad, which features the story of Anthony Templet of Baton Rouge who killed his father when he was 17 in 2019, is one of the top streaming shows on the platform. It highlights years of abuse Templet endured at the hands of his father. Templet’s attorney Jarrett Ambeau says his client has watched the series and now wants to reunite with his estranged mother…:
CUT 11 (06) “existed”
Templet was offered a plea deal for manslaughter, avoided jail time, and was given five years of supervised probation.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is investigating a single vessel fatality in St. Tammany Parish, as the body of the man involved was recovered. Agents believe 28-year-old David Anderson of Slidell went kayaking alone when his kayak flipped for unknown reasons. Anderson is the 20th boating fatality this year in Louisiana.

The documentary of a Baton Rouge teen who murdered his father in 2019 is among the top 10 on Netflix THIS WEEK. Brooke Thorington has more from Anthony Templet’s attorney..:
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

You’re probably sick of it but there is more wet weather in the forecast today for most of the state. Widespread flooding is not expected but forecasters say heavy rains could lead to high water on roadways.

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 a new Mississippi Bridge in Baton Rouge is more important, not that he’s against the rail service…:
Cut 5 (11) “top priority”

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”
For more information visit LAcovidhousing.com.

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”

The man who brutally killed a woman in an attack that was broadcast live on social media has been indicted by a Baton Rouge Grand Jury. 35 year old Earl Lee Johnson Jr is indicted on charges including first degree murder, kidnapping and obstruction of justice stemming from the April stabbing death of Janice David in an incident that was streamed on Instagram.

Among the top shows streaming on Netflix this week is I Just Killed My Dad – a documentary follows Anthony Templet of Baton Rouge who confessed to murdering his father when he was 17 in 2019. Templet’s Attorney Jarrett Ambeau says a production company contacted him within days of the 2019 murder making headlines…:
Cut 10 (06) “the time”
The series highlights years of child abuse inflicted on Templet at the hands of his dad. He pleaded down to manslaughter and was given 5 years supervised probation.

If you’ve posted pictures of your kids going back to school this week, the Better Business Bureau issues some caution. Spokeswoman Carmen Million urges you to be diligent about your security information if you do decide to share pics of your kids online…:
Cut 14 (08) “are protected”

Though the federal Department of Transportation has awarded a $20 million grant to develop a passenger rail service between Baton Rouge and New Orleans, Congressman Garret Graves feels the money should go towards more immediate needs. On WBRP this week, Graves says Baton Rouge needs another bridge over the Mississippi — a project that’s moving at a snail’s pace…:
CUT 4 (06) “that’s ridiculous”
Graves says spending money on a train is less pressing than enabling east-west traffic to move more quickly through Baton Rouge.

The state has distributed $28 million in homeowner assistance to thousands affected by the pandemic and there’s more to go around if you’re behind on your mortgage. Desiree Honore Thomas with the Division of Administration says it’s easy to apply and there are plenty of checks and balances to prevent fraud…:
Cut 9 (11) “mortgages services”
For more information visit LAcovidhousing.com.

One of the top 10 streaming shows on Netflix this week is the story of a young man from Baton Rouge who admitted to killing his father when he was 17 in 2019. “I Just Killed My Dad” dives into the home life of Anthony Templet and highlights years of child abuse by his father. Jarrett Ambeau, the Attorney for Templet, says his client has received a ton of support 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.

With today’s check on gas prices, AAA reports Louisiana’s statewide average is now $3.61 — down 2 cents overnight and 61 cents less than the same time last month, but still about 80 cents up from a year ago.