If you have a 337 or 504 area code, as of today, you have to dial all ten digits when calling locally. FCC Spokesperson Paloma Perez says it’s because those area codes have 988 exchanges which will be used in the future for a national suicide hotline.

Cut 3 (09) “….intended for.”

Perez says the change is being implemented now so callers in the 337 and 504 area codes will be in the habit of dialing all ten digits well before the July 2022 launch of 988 the national counseling phone line.

If your wallet’s banking on seeing a drop in gas prices sometime soon, Don Redman, field analyst for Triple-A, says that doesn’t seem to be in the cards this fall for drivers in Louisiana or elsewhere.

Cut 6 (12) “…the immediate horizon.” 

Early Voting for the November 13^th election starts on Saturday. Governor Edwards has come out in favor of two of the four amendments on the ballot. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 30 (28)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

The Saints return from a bye week tonight as they visit the Seahawks in Seattle. New Orleans has a couple of big injuries on offense, Taysom Hill and Deonte Harris are out.

Now today’s commodity report.

MiniPig

Booster shots are now available and depending on which one you got, your age and or medical conditions dictate if you need one. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

An additional 65-million-federal-dollars are being allocated to Louisiana for transportation and infrastructure projects. That word comes from Congressman Garret Graves who believes “the flexibility of these specific funds will help solve real transportation needs in our community immediately.”

Cut 9 (07)  “…are right now.”

There are four constitutional amendments on the November 13^th statewide ballot, and Louisiana’s governor says he’s all for two of them. Amendment One would authorize a centralized state tax collecting authority. Currently, there are numerous such Authorities in different cities across the state. Governor John Bel Edwards says he would like to see the amendment pass…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…their support for this.” 

Three weeks after the governor announced the Louisiana-managed FEMA-funded Hurricane Ida Sheltering Program, 13-hundred travel trailers have been purchased by the state for use by the storm’s victims who were left at least temporarily homeless by the damage. At least 31 of the trailers have been set up in St. Charles, Terrebonne and St. James parishes. Another 61 units are staged at locations in the five parishes hardest hit by Ida to await installation. Nearly 500 are at staging areas at Blue Bayou Water Park and the Houma Civic Center.

COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine to provide additional protection.

Cut 4 (08) “…severe illness.”
The booster is recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk. And boosters are recommended for everyone who got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

An additional 65-million-federal-dollars are being allocated to Louisiana for transportation and infrastructure projects. Congressman Garret Graves.

Cut 7 (09) “…state of Louisiana.”
Graves says the money can be used to improve LA one and I-10 land reconfiguration in Baton Rouge.

Of the four Constitutional amendments on the November 13^th statewide ballot, Governor Edwards supports the first two. Amendment One would authorize a centralized state tax collecting authority. And Amendment Two would actually LOWER the maximum allowable rate of state income tax and authorize a state tax deduction for federal income taxes paid. Under the current tax structure, Edwards says the feds – in effect – determine how much tax Louisianans pay and feels it’s better to trade exemptions for lower tax rates.

Cut 12 (09) “…volatility in Louisiana.”

Tickets go on sale today for Louisiana’s State Penitentiary Arts and Crafts Show on December fourth. Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says they wanted to hold a scaled-down event to boost morale and give attendees a chance to buy one-of-a-kind goods since the rodeo had to be canceled.

Cut 14 (08)  “…exposed to.”

More federal dollars are headed to Louisiana to help address what Congressman Garret Graves sees as Louisiana’s highest priority transportation projects.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Since February of 2020 Louisiana has lost sixteen percent of its construction jobs, more than 47 other states according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Widespread supply chain disruptions and lack of federal infrastructure funding are reasons given as to why the state has seen a loss of 22,000 construction jobs.

COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine for additional protection. It’s recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk. And it if you had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine…

Cut 5 (08) “…first shot.”

Since the Angola Rodeo had to be canceled this year, the Louisiana Penitentiary is hosting an Arts and Crafts show December 4^th instead and tickets go on sale today. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says this is the perfect opportunity to do your holiday shopping locally and be sure you have plenty of space in your vehicle.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the make.”

You can purchase tickets at AngolaRodeo-dot-com or at the gate on the day of the festival.

Early Voting for the November 13th election starts on Saturday. Governor Edwards has come out in favor of two of the four amendments on the ballot. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

According to the governor’s office. Edwards is in Seattle for a fundraiser at the Saints game. A COVID media briefing could be called tomorrow as the statewide mask mandate expires on Wednesday. As of Friday, the number of COVID patients in the hospital was 342, a significant drop from the three thousand we saw in August.

COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine to provide additional protection.
Cut 4 (08) “…severe illness.”
The booster is recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk. He says if you had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine the booster shot is highly recommended for you, regardless of age or preexisting health conditions.

And good news from Congressman Garret Graves’ office, he says the state will receive an additional 65-million dollars from the federal government that can be spent on transportation and infrastructure projects…
cut 8 (12) “…..work on I-12”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports Constitutional Amendment Two on the November 13th ballot. Edwards likes the proposal because it would lower individual and business income taxes, but also do away with the ability to deduct federal taxes paid on your state income tax form…
cut 11 (06) “….that’s what this does”
Early voting for the November 13th election begins Saturday.

The state health department says Moderna and Pfizer booster shots are now available to certain high-risk adults. And the CDC allows for the mixing and matching of doses, so if you first had the Pfizer vaccine, you can receive a Moderna booster. State Immunization Director Doctor Frank Welch says if you are confused about the vaccines or booster shoots…
cut 6 (10) “….hotline”
The COVID vaccine hotline is 1-855-453-0774.

An additional 65-million-federal-dollars are being allocated to Louisiana for transportation and infrastructure projects. That word comes from Congressman Garret Graves.
Cut 7 (09) “…state of Louisiana.”
Graves says the money can be used to improve LA one and I-10 land reconfiguration in Baton Rouge.

Tickets go on sale today for the Fall Arts and Crafts Show at the Louisiana State Penitentiary set for December 4th. Since the Angola Prison Rodeo has been canceled for the last two years due to the pandemic, Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc says they wanted to give inmates an opportunity to show and sell the crafts.
Cut 13 (09) “…are ready.”
Tickets can be purchased at angola-rodeo-dot-com.

Booster shots are now available and depending on which one you got, your age and or medical conditions dictate if you need one. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Jury selection begins today in the aggravated rape trial of former St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain. The 58-year-old was indicted in 2019 on eight counts of sex crimes involving juveniles. The alleged incidents date back as far as 1975. The trial is expected to last a couple of weeks.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he supports the first two constitutional amendments on the November 13th ballot. Amendment One would authorize a centralized state tax collecting authority. …:
Cut 10 (10) “…their support for this.”
Edwards says he also supports Amendment two which would lower the state’s income tax rate, but do away with the ability to deduct federal income taxes paid.

The Angola Prison Rodeo was not held this month, but Louisiana’s State Penitentiary will hold an Arts and Crafts Show on December fourth. Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says now that COVID numbers are more stable they wanted to hold a scaled-down event to boost morale and give attendees a chance to buy one-of-a-kind goods.
Cut 14 (08) “…exposed to.”
Tickets go on sale today at angola-rodeo-dot-com.

COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines now and State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine to provide additional protection.

Cut 23 (08) “…severe illness.”

The booster is recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk.

Today is the DEA’s Drug Takeback event. Brian Singleton talks about the kind of prescription meds and one other thing that you’ll be able to turn in during the Drug Takeback event.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of it.”

No illegal drugs will be accepted and that goes also for syringes and liquids.  The Drug TakeBack takes place until two this afternoon.  For a drop off location near year visit the website DEA.gov.

Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Kim Hood says it’s going to take multiple conversations to change the mind of an individual who’s hesitant about the COVID vaccine and they are working on a person-by-person approach versus changing a demographic.

Cut  11 (11)  “…step of the way.”  

The October breakdown of 43 states by the Kaiser Foundation indicates 49% of Whites are vaccinated in Louisiana, 51% of Blacks, 56% of Hispanics, and 84% of the Asian population are vaccinated.

Congressman Garret Graves is calling out the Biden Administration as gas prices continue to increase across the nation. Graves says it makes no sense with the President asking OPEC and other oil-exporting nations to increase production instead of here at home.

Cut 12 (08) “…in America.”  

In terms of a resolution with the Biden Administration on energy production in general, Graves feels they are very far off because the administration is more focused on renewable energy at the moment.

Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder wants to see the legislative leadership make a decision on how the state plans to contribute financially to the proposed improvements to the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A Baton Rouge man is facing five years behind bars after being sentenced on federal charges of setting two fires at a strip mall in Alexandria in 2019.  Jasmine Roberson entered a guilty plea this past June.  He was convicted of torching the mall on behalf of a prison inmate who had put money into the strip mall and was looking to collect insurance money.  Roberson initially set fire to the wrong business.

Today marks the 21^st edition of the DEA’s Drug Takeback event. Brian Singleton of the agency says you’ll be able to drop off a variety of unwanted prescription drugs at the time, no questions asked.

Cut 3 (08) “….a proper way.”

Singleton says the collection points will not be accepting illegal drugs, such as marijuana, and syringes and liquids will not be accepted either. The Drug Takeback event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. Visit www.dea.gov for a list of locations.

A Kenner mom may opt to sue after her child received a COVID-19 shot without her permission at East Jefferson High School on Wednesday. The 16-year-old was vaccinated after a mobile clinic from Ochsner Health pulled onto the campus, but legally the student couldn’t consent to the shot, something that a parent must do for those under 18-years of age.  WWL-TV report the attorney for the parent labeled the situation “lawless behavior.”

Cox communication is blaming voltage issues for reported outages in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and surrounding areas yesterday. The problem has been mostly resolved and customers may have to restart their modem to get back up and running.

The DEA is holding its 21^st Drug Takeback event this today..

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Congressman Garret Graves is calling out the Biden Administration as gas prices continue to increase across the nation. Graves says it makes no sense with the President asking OPEC and other oil-exporting nations to increase production instead of here at home.

Cut 12 (08) “…in America.”  

A planned 450-million-dollar renovation to the Ceasars’ Superdome in the Big Easy is at least temporarily hobbled financially. The state has only committed two-point-five-million of 90-million dollars in funding for the project, leaving State Treasurer John Schroder looking for direction from the legislature.

Cut 6 (09) “…of New Orleans.” 

Louisiana is the only state where the percentage of Blacks vaccinated for COVID is higher than whites. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation 51-percent of Blacks are vaccinated compared to 49-percent of whites. Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Kim Hood says their hard work to remove barriers for minorities to get vaccinated has shown results.

Cut 9 (07) “…happy about it.”