Two of our state’s area codes will soon have to dial all ten digits when calling out – even for local calls. Paloma Perez is with the F.C.C. and says the change is to accommodate a much-needed national 3-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. That number will be 9-8-8. She says within the area codes 504 And 337, there are numbers that begin with those three digits…:
Cut 10 (12) “…wasn’t a switch-up.”
Beginning on October 24th, everyone in the 504 and 337 area code must dial the whole 10-digit number.

Time is running out to order a FEMA-paid-for Blue Roof if your home suffered damage in one of the 25 parishes declared a disaster area as the result of Hurricane Ida.
cut 4 (06) “…midnight central time”
Lt. Colonel Paul Stambaugh of the Army Corps of Engineers says the website address is b-l-u-roof-dot-us.

A group of U-S health advisers has recommended to the F-D-A that older Americans and those at risk of severe infection from COVID should get a half-dose Moderna vaccine if they received their first two Moderna shots over six months ago. Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans says it’s a good idea….
cut 15 (07) “…. a long time ago”
Today, the same panel will recommend whether certain individuals who received the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine should also get a booster.

AAA research has found that vehicles equipped with lane-keeping assistance departed their lane 69-percent of the time when it was raining and test vehicles with automatic emergency braking collided with a stopped vehicle 33-percent of the time in the rain. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says their research also found automatic braking systems have difficulty seeing pedestrians at lower speeds…
cut 9 (10) “….engaged driver”

An FDA advisory committee is recommending a third offering of the Moderna COVID vaccine. Dr. Lucio Miele, Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans says the committee has advised the FDA to give emergency use authorization to the Moderna booster shot which is actually a half dose of the vaccine.
Cut 13 (11) “…severe COVID-19.”
The panel is expected to discuss today whether a Johnson and Johnson booster vaccine is needed.

Today is the last day for people living in 25 parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida to make a request through the U-S Army Corps of Engineers for a tarp to cover up a damaged roof. Lt. Colonel Paul Stambaugh says requests are still coming in for Blue Roofs…
cut 5 (07) “…some every day”
For more information visit blue-roof-dot-us.

Louisianans in two of the state’s most heavily populated area codes will have to begin dialing all ten digits when placing calls. Kevin Gallagher tells us why…:
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

If you’re still hoping to have a federally-paid-for Blue Roof installed on your Ida-damaged home the deadline for taking part in the program is just hours away.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

___________________________________

Louisianans in two of the state’s most heavily populated area codes will have to begin dialing all ten digits when placing calls. Kevin Gallagher tells us why…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_________________________________________

An FDA advisory committee voted unanimously to recommend emergency use authorization for the Moderna booster shot and the FDA is expected to do so in the next few days. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________________

Time is running out to order a FEMA-paid-for Blue Roof if your home suffered damage in one of the 25 parishes declared a disaster area as the result of Hurricane Ida.  Lt. Colonel Paul Stambaugh of the Army Corps of Engineers says you have until tonight to submit your application.

Cut 4 (06) “…midnight central time.”

To submit your application for these professionally installed blue tarps visit BLURoof.us, that’s b-l-u-r-o-o-f.us, or you can call 1-888-766-3258.

Colonel Stambaugh says nearly seven weeks after Ida slammed southeast Louisiana requests are still coming in for Blue Roofs.

Cut 5 (07) “…some every day.”

Colonel Stambaugh told us Thursday that tens of thousands of homeowners impacted by Ida have requested Blue Roofs.

Cut 6 (12) “…had been installed.”

_____________________________________

If your vehicle has all the new bells and whistles like automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assistance, AAA warns those safety features might not be optimal during bad weather. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says research indicates you shouldn’t rely on these safety features when the weather takes a turn.

Cut 7 (11) “…inclement weather.”

Redman says they are also seeing more drivers trust these features to warn them of dangers on the road while they focus their attention on their phones instead of being an attentive driver.

Cut 8 (08) “…in crashes.”

While most of us fail to do so Redman highly recommends owners of these types of vehicles read the owner’s manual and says they’ll discover the limitations of the safety features, for example, the automatic braking systems have difficulty seeing pedestrians at lower speeds.

Cut 9 (10)  “…engaged driver.”

Redman also reminds drivers not to use cruise control whenever road conditions are wet because they are more likely to hydroplane and lose control of their vehicle.

_________________________

Two of our state’s area codes will soon have to dial all ten digits when calling out – even for local calls. Paloma Perez is with the F.C.C. and says the change is to accommodate a much-needed national 3-digit suicide prevention and mental health crisis hotline. That number will be 9-8-8. She says within the area codes 504 And 337, there are numbers that begin with those three digits…:

Cut 10 (12)  “…wasn’t a switch-up.” 

Beginning on October 24^th, everyone in 504 and 337 must dial the whole 10-digit number. The Hotline will go live in July; giving everyone time to get used to the longer dialing habit. What about Louisiana’s other area codes? 225? 318? 985? Perez says they do not have any dialing conflicts…:

Cut 11 (06) “…start with 9-8-8.”

Perez says suicide ranks among the leading causes of death in the U.S. and the hotline is a necessity. There is already a 10-digit hotline number (800-273-8255 / 800-273-TALK), but the efficacy of a fast 3-digit dial has been proven many times…:

Cut 12 (10) “…similar function.”

___________________________________

An FDA advisory committee voted to recommend a third offering of the Moderna COVID vaccine on Thursday. Dr. Lucio Miele, Assistant Dean for Translational Science at LSU Health New Orleans says the committee has advised the FDA to give emergency use authorization to the Moderna booster shot which is actually a half dose of the vaccine.

Cut 13 (11) “…severe COVID-19.”

Or at great risk of exposure due to their profession. It’s recommended for those who received their second dose of the Moderna vaccine more than six months ago.

Miele who has previously worked for the FDA says the Moderna booster advisory is an important step in the pandemic, but also controversial because there are still so many internationally who have yet to be vaccinated.

Cut 14 (05)  “…after another.”

The key to preventing future waves of the pandemic, Miele says is to maintain immunity in as many people as possible so those who haven’t even had their first dose to get vaccinated as soon as possible…

Cut 15 (07)  “…long time ago.”

He expects the FDA to give EUA for the Moderna booster shot in the coming days.

________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is back in action on Saturday as the Bulldogs will visit the UTEP Miners. Texas El Paso is 5-and-1 and they are 2-and-0 in Conference USA. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says they are one of the top defensive teams in the league…

Cut  16 (15) “…national level”

Louisiana Tech is 2-and-3 overall and they won their only conference game of the year, a 24-17 victory over North Texas. Holtz is glad the non-conference games are done…

Cut 17 (13) “.next seven weeks” 

_________________________________

There are many who believe Ed Orgeron’s coaching days are numbered at LSU. Orgeron signed a six-year, 42-million dollar contract after winning the national championship, and based on that deal he would be paid 21-million dollars if he was let go during the season and 18-million dollars on December 1st. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says it’s an expense LSU will have to pay…

Cut 18 (12)”…budget”

LSU is coming off a poor performance against Kentucky, if the Tigers play poorly again at home against Florida will athletic director Scott Woodward decide it’s time for the change. Higgins says Woodward has not been one to make in-season coaching changes…

Cut 19 (10)  “…fire people.” 

The industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. The plant will produce blue hydrogen which uses natural gas to create an alternative fuel.  Governor John Bel Edwards says this will be the world’s largest permanent carbon dioxide capture project to date.

Cut 7 (12) “…manufacturing base.”  

The truck driver shortage continues nationwide leaving some store shelves nearly bare, and goods not getting to where they are needed.  Renee Amar, CEO of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the driver shortage and the significant growth in e-commerce since the beginning of the pandemic is causing major problems in the delivery of goods.

Cut 4 (11) “…seeing right now.”

It’s been nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Ida made landfall and the recovery remains slow in the coastal town of Dulac in Terrebonne Parish. Former state representative Joe Harrison says the biggest need remains housing

Cut 9 (12) “…deal with” 

The attorneys for Ronald Greene and Aaron Bowman say Governor Edwards has not done enough to end a pattern of excessive force by State Troopers. There’s body camera video showing Greene and Bowman on the receiving end of beatings by troopers during arrests in 2019 in north Louisiana. Attorney Lee Merritt represents the Greene family..:

CUT 12  (13)      “…specific action”

Greene died in police custody. Bowman was badly injured.

Industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. Brooke Thorington has more on what this means for the state…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, and the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries are offering a $2500 reward for information on the shooting of two American bald eagles in Rapides Parish on Kincaid Lake. They were shot with a small caliber gun; probably at .22.

The attorneys for Ronald Greene and Aaron Bowman say Governor Edwards has not done enough to end a pattern of excessive force by State Troopers. Greene died in LSP custody. Bowman was badly hurt. Leaked body cam footage shows them both taking a beating by troopers. Attorney Lee Merritt represents the Greene family, and says LSP needs dismantling…:

CUT 13(12)      “…action from him.”

It’s been nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Ida made landfall and the recovery remains slow in the coastal town of Dulac in Terrebonne Parish. Former state representative Joe Harrison says the biggest need remains to be housing…:

CUT 09(12)      “…deal with.”

There has been movement on getting travel trailers to the hardest-hit areas.

Big economic development news for Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards announced today that industrial gases supplier Air Products will invest $4.5-Buillion to build a clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. The plant – once online in 2026 – will produce something called Blue Hydrogen. The governor says this is a big step in moving to clean energy…:

CUT 06  (10)        “…our carbon footprint.”

The plant will also be able to trap CO2 emissions and bury them underground.

The attorneys for Ronald Greene and Aaron Bowman say Governor Edwards has not done enough to end a pattern of excessive force by State Troopers. There’s body camera video showing Greene and Bowman on the receiving end of beatings by troopers during arrests in 2019 in north Louisiana. Attorney Lee Merritt represents the Greene family..:

CUT 12(13)      “…specific action”

Greene died in police custody. Bowman was badly injured.

Seeing a lot of empty store shelves? Louisiana is having its share of trouble with the supply chain, due to a trucker shortage. Renee Amar is CEO of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association…:

CUT 03(08)      “…on the road.”

She says it’s not just too few drivers; it’s also an explosion of online purchasing and the deliveries that come with them.

A Shreveport woman who was involved in a deadly hit & run in 2015 has now been found guilty of obstruction of justice. 32-year-old Emily Renee Fields was found guilty after jurors saw evidence she had had repairs done to her car in order to cover up the October 2015 hit & run, which took the life of a pedestrian. She faces up to five years in prison at sentencing.

The FDA has approved the use of a half-dose of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine as a booster shot. Expect more CDC recommendations on this next week.

The Bayou State is no exception in the ongoing nationwide shortage of truck drivers as we hear in this report from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brannen”

A Louisiana State Trooper has been arrested by Texas authorities, after striking and killing a pedestrian about a month ago. Investigators say 45-year-old Patrick Bell was driving through Jasper County, when he drifted off the road and hit the man. A toxicology screen reveled Bell was impaired at that time.

It’s been nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Ida made landfall and the recovery remains slow in the coastal town of Dulac in Terrebonne Parish. Former state representative Joe Harrison says many families in the small town of just 1000 people are eager to rebuild, but residents are struggling to get an adjuster to come to their damaged home…:

CUT 11(10)      “…They’re not here.”

Economic development news: industrial gas supplier Air Products says it will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish to produce blue hydrogen. The plant will also be able to capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them underground. Air Products president Seifi Ghasemi (Say-fee Gah-sim-ee) says their vision is to make Louisiana a leading player in energy transition and a hub for clean energy production…:

CUT 08(12)      “…kind of products.”

The facility is expected to be built and online by 2026

Industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. Brooke Thorington has more on what this means for the state.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

The truck driver shortage continues nationwide leaving some store shelves nearly bare, and goods not getting to where they are needed.  Our state is no exception, says Renee Amar, CEO of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association. Amar says you should consider buying Christmas gifts, including specific toys, sooner rather than later.

Cut 5 (09) “…of the toys.”

Almost seven weeks after Hurricane Ida made landfall, the recovery remains slow in the coastal town of Dulac in Terrebonne Parish. Former state representative Joe Harrison says the biggest need remains housing, but says there has been movement on getting travel trailers to the hard-hit areas. They serve as a temporary place to live for families who have destroyed homes. Sherry Verdin lives in Dulac and says they are waiting on FEMA for assistance…

Cut 10 (11)  “…from nothing” 

A new videogame development studio is coming to Louisiana. Chris Stelly with Louisiana Economic Development says it’ll be located in New Orleans. Called “Possibility Space,” He talks about the mission of Possibility Space whose founder and CEO is Jeff Strain, a Louisianan, who has created and influenced some of the biggest online games in the industry’s history.

Cut 12 (08) “…for global consumption.”

The industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. The plant will produce blue hydrogen which uses natural gas to create an alternative fuel.  Governor John Bel Edwards says this will be the world’s largest permanent carbon dioxide capture project to date.  The complex will also feature carbon capture at the production source and store it underground.

Cut 7 (12) “…manufacturing base.”  

The truck driver shortage continues nationwide leaving some store shelves nearly bare, and goods not getting to where they are needed.  Our state is no exception, says Renee Amar, CEO of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association. She says the truck driver shortage and the significant growth in e-commerce since the beginning of the pandemic is causing major problems in the delivery of goods.

Cut 4 (11) “…seeing right now.”

It’s been nearly seven weeks since Hurricane Ida made landfall and the recovery remains slow in the coastal town of Dulac in Terrebonne Parish. Former state representative Joe Harrison says the biggest need remains housing

Cut 9 (12) “…deal with” 

A court hearing in Monroe took place Wednesday for former state trooper Jacob Brown who is facing a federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law in the 2019 beating of black motorist Aaron Bowman. Bowman’s attorney, Donecia Banks-Miley, expressed disappointment that Brown was freed on bond.

Cut 13 (12) “…was not detained.”

Brown’s bond was set at $50,000 and he remains free pending trial.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees is threatening to strike unless an agreement is reached with major studios. Aaron Bayham, Director of Operations at Celtic Studios in Baton Rouge says Ninety-eight percent of IATSE (eye-ott-cee) union members voted to approve a strike if an agreement is not reached with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers. Bayham says there are a number of items being negotiated which include pay rates, breaks, and rates that were given to new media which are now the majority of productions.

Cut 5 (10) “…their deals.”

A court hearing in Monroe took place Wednesday for former state trooper Jacob Brown who is facing a federal charge of deprivation of rights under color of law in the 2019 beating of black motorist Aaron Bowman. Bowman was reserved in his comments, but what he said was noteworthy in the attack on him and that of Ronald Greene who died after being beaten by troopers the same year.

Cut 15 (09)  “…all get justice.”

The truck driver shortage continues nationwide leaving some store shelves nearly bare, and goods not getting to where they are needed.  Our state is no exception, says Renee Amar, CEO of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

cut 3 (08) “….on the road”

While there seems to be no silver bullet to solving the driver shortage, Amar says the LMTA is offering scholarships through its foundation to offset some of the expense for drivers to obtain their CDL licenses

The industrial gas supplier Air Products will build a $4.5 billion clean energy facility in Ascension Parish. The plant will produce blue hydrogen which uses natural gas to create an alternative fuel.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s a tremendous step in clean energy.

Cut 6 (10) “…footprint.” 

The plant will also be able to capture carbon dioxide emissions and store them underground.