Louisiana is the only state where the percentage of Blacks vaccinated for COVID is slightly higher than 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. While Hood says they are celebrating a victory, their work is far from over due to the state’s low overall vaccination rate.

Cut 10 (11)  “…to do.” 

Saturday 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 no questions asked.

Cut 3 (08) “….a proper way.”

For a list of sites go to TakeBackDay-dea-gov

A planned 450-million-dollar renovation to the Ceasars’ Superdome in the Big Easy is at least temporarily crippled financially. The state has only committed two-point-five-million of 90-million dollars in funding for the project. State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s been difficult on the Superdome funding issue for a variety of reasons, including whether the facility is even a state asset.

Cut 7 (09) “….used a lot.”  

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.”  

Congressman Garret Graves is calling out the Biden Administration over rapidly rising gasoline & diesel fuel prices. He says he’s concerned that the Biden White House has gutted U.S. oil & gas production while focusing on policies to develop renewable energy sources…:

CUT 13(07)      “…they get better.”

Graves feels being so focused on “green” energy is not in America’s best interests right now.

Louisiana is the only state with a higher percentage of blacks vaccinated than whites. This is according to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s research. Kim Hood, with the state Department of Health, says it shows that their outreach programs – especially to minorities – are working…:

CUT 09(07)      “…happy about it.”

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 02(33)      “…Palermo.”

A New Orleans school bus driver says she was assaulted by angry parents on her bus and she wants them arrested. Andrea Anderson says the adults were miffed over a bullying incident that happened on the bus, when they suddenly dragged her off the vehicle, and beat and kicked her repeatedly. The incident was captured on cell phone video. NOPD is investigating.

Saturday 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. He says turning in unwanted opioids could help prevent someone else from getting their hands on them…:

CUT 05(11)      “…for these periods”

For a location near you go to “takebackday.dea.gov”

Lawmakers have stymied efforts do a $450-million renovation of the Caesars’ Superdome – at least temporarily. They have only committed to a fraction of the $90-million in funding to assure the projects gets underway. State Treasurer John Schroder says there’s no immediate deadline looming, but the clock is ticking for the legislature and Bond Commission…:

CUT 08(09)      “…give them some direction”

Louisiana is the only state where the percentage of black people getting the COVID vaccination is higher than whites. The percentage is 51% to 49%, according the Kaiser Family Foundation. Assistant Health Secretary Kim Hood says it’s not that easy to convince doubters to get the shot..:

CUT 11(11)      “…step of the way.”

When vaccines first became available, minorities were among the most hesitant to get them. Hood says outreach efforts are working.

Congressman Garret Graves is calling out the Biden Administration as gas prices continue to rise. He says it makes no sense for the President to ask OPEC and other oil-exporting nations to increase production, when he has ended it here at home…:

CUT 12(08)      “…right here in America.”

Graves feels the Biden White House’s focus on so-called “green” energy suggests no easy resolution to our pain at the pump.

A planned 450-million-dollar renovation to the Ceasars’ Superdome in the Big Easy is at least temporarily crippled financially. The state has only committed two-point-five-million of 90-million dollars in funding for the project. State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s been difficult on the Superdome funding issue for a variety of reasons, including whether the facility is even a state asset.

Cut 7 (09) “….used a lot.”  

Louisiana is the only state where the percentage of Blacks vaccinated for COVID is slightly higher than 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. While Hood says they are celebrating a victory, their work is far from over due to the state’s low overall vaccination rate.

Cut 10 (11)  “…to do.” 

The DEA is holding its 21^st Drug Takeback event this Saturday, a time when you can clear your home of unwanted prescription drugs. More from Brooke Thorington.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come.

Cut 13 (09) “…with less precipitation.”

Saturday 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 4 (07) “…out of it.”

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and for a list of locations Visit takebackday.dea.gov

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) “…proud of it.”

But Hood says their work is far from over due to the state’s overall low vaccination rate.

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.” 

He says so far there’s no definitive answer to that question, though the door was left open earlier by the Edwards administration to funnel that much state money into the project.

And the state reports 681 new OCIVD-19 cases and 342 hospitalizations.

The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana by our own Senator John Kennedy. He says the bipartisan bill gives states billions for pandemic fiscal relief. Kennedy says Louisiana will get about $4.8-billion of the nearly $2-trillion funded within the bill, but his amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how the federal dollars are spent…:

Cut 6 (09) “…the handcuffs are off.”

When the widow of late Governor Edwin Edwards stated she wanted the former-four term governor to have his final resting place near Huey Long at the State Capitol, it brought to light proposed legislation that’s in the works to allow other former governors to be buried at the capitol. Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to submit his bill in the 2022 regular legislative session and he welcomes input from state historians and others so the memorial is done properly.

Cut 12 (11) “…appropriate.”

Saturday 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.”

The Drug Takeback event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.takebackday.dea.gov for a list of locations.

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come, a warmer, drier winter is expected. Keim says there’s some potentially bad news about the formation of the La Nina weather pattern when it comes to the final weeks of Hurricane Season that officially wraps up November 30^th.

Cut 15 (09)  “…of the season.”

Though Keim says any future hurricanes this season should be more of a threat to the east coast rather than the Gulf states.

Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA’s latest predictions show a La Nina weather pattern is in control.

Cut 13 (09) “…with less precipitation.”

Open enrollment is underway for Medicare beneficiaries if they want to switch their plans for next year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon urges Louisiana residents to take advantage of the federally funded Senior Health Insurance Information Program to get unbiased advice on the best plan for them.

Cut 7 (12) “…through December 7th.”

For more information visit ldi.la.gov

Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to file legislation that would allow governors to be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol next to the statue of Huey Long. Echols says he came up with the idea months ago…

Cut 10 (07)  “…around the campus.” 
The widow of Edwin Edwards wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey. Trina Edwards eventually decided to have Edwin Edwards cremated.

It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

In an effort to curb crime in the City of Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has set a curfew for juveniles that goes into effect tonight. Weekend curfew hours are Midnight to 5 AM and weekdays 10 PM to 5 AM. Parents could face a fine or jail time for any violations.

The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy says the Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Act is a huge step in helping states hit hard by the COVID pandemic and suffering economic hardship.

Cut 5 (12) “…billion dollars of that.”

Kennedy says the amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how to spend the federal dollars.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is working on legislation to allow Louisiana governors to be buried on the grounds of the capitol. Echols says the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.

Cut 11 (11) “…opportunity.”.

Trina Edwards the widow of Edwin Edwards wants to have his ashes placed at the capitol, but legislation is needed to do so.

Huey Long is the only former governor to be buried on the grounds of the state capitol but that could soon change. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Legislative leaders are reluctant to approve a 63-million dollar debt forgiveness plan for the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, which oversees the Superdome. The Edwards administration is pushing for passage of the debt forgiveness plan to help cover the state’s share for the 450-million dollars to improve the Superdome.

NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center is predicting La Nina climate conditions for this winter. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that means a drier and warmer winter for the south…
cut 14 (12) “…across the country”
Keim says a La Nina can also help tropical storm development, but the tropics are currently quiet.

Medicare Open Enrollment is underway and it will last through December seventh. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the Medicare choices are important since not all, such as Medicare Advantage Plans, offer coverage for your particular doctors or other medical providers that you prefer.
Cut 9 (09) “…by traditional Medicare.”
Donelon encourages Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program

Senator John Kennedy says Senate-approved legislation contains an amendment that he authored which would allow states to use unspent pandemic relief funds on disaster recovery…
cut 4 (13) “…in the state”
The legislation still needs House approval and Kennedy hopes that will come soon.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to file legislation that would allow governors to be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol next to the statue of Huey Long. Echols says he came up with the idea months ago…
cut 10 (07) “…around the campus”
The widow of Edwin Edwards wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey. Trina Edwards eventually decided to have Edwin Edwards cremated.

Interim Lafayette Police Chief Wayne Griffin is on administrative leave because he’s been accused of sexual harassment. Mayor-President Josh Guillory has called for an investigation and Major Monte Potier will lead the L-P-D until further notice. He’s the fifth police chief to serve during Guillory’s administration.

It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”