Consumer complaints about property insurance companies – particularly their adjusters – continue to flood in to the state Department of Insurance, over a month after Hurricane Ida. More from LRN’s Dave Brannen…:

CUT 02  (34)        “…Brannen”

State Education officials have decided to give school systems the option of allowing parents to decide whether or not to quarantine a child potentially exposed to coronavirus. One local system that’s rejecting that option is East Baton Rouge Parish, where school officials announced today they will continue to require students who come in close contact with COVID to quarantine.

The Louisiana Health Department reported 872 new coronavirus cases today, it’s the lowest one-day total since early July, and Ochsner Health Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says it represents real progress. He says even though over half the state’s population is now vaccinated, the chance is still there for another surge in cases…:

CUT 13(09)      “…out of the woods yet.”

Statewide COVID hospitalization are also the lowest they’ve been since mid-summer.

Extinction happens and it appears we can say goodbye to the once familiar ivory-beaked woodpecker; a species not seen in our state since 1944. Robert Dobbs, with state Wildlife & Fisheries, says little can be done about that save taking steps to assure other species don’t disappear as well…:

CUT 05(08)      “…to this point”

The Louisiana Health Department reported 872 new coronavirus cases today, it’s the lowest one-day total since early July. Ochsner Health Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says the state is making good progress against COVID, but another surge is possible and vaccination rates will play a role…

Cut 12 (10) “..infected again.”  

Due to extremely high call volume, Louisiana has received approval to extend DSNAP. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they understand the frustration among callers, and they are pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.

Cut 6 (08) “…fourth week.” 

Phase three will end on October 9^th.

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, the number one complaint his office is getting is the often slow response of insurance adjusters assigned to assess property damage.

Cut 9 (08) “…did the inspection.” 

He says adjusters have up to 60 days to inspect a property, and that failures to initiate a loss adjustment within that time period or pay a claim within 30 days after proof of loss, can result in penalties against insurers.

Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish, and other species that have now been declared extinct. Dobbs says bird lovers haven’t given up altogether on trying to find the ivory-billed woodpecker since its mid-1940s disappearance, but haven’t had any luck.

Cut 4 (09) “…have been confirmed.”

DSNAP has been extended due to high call volume. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says they understand the frustration among callers, and they’re pleased they’ve received federal approval to extend call-in days.

Cut 6 (08) “…fourth week.” 

Phase three will end October 9^th and then those with the last names beginning with A-L can call in on October 11^th. Surnames M-Z on October 12^th and all names on October 13^th.

Extinction happens and Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish, and other species that have now been declared extinct.

Cut 3 (05) “…Louisiana since 1944.”

And that was in the Tensas River area in northeastern Louisiana.

State Education officials are giving school districts the ability to decide if a student who may have been exposed to COVID to quarantine or not. Superintendent Cade Brumley says any students who ARE quarantined for possible exposure will receive a screening. It will be up to each school system to decide on a quarantine.

Cut 13 (05) “…can consider

Sports betting across the 55 parishes in Louisiana that approved it remains on hold after an expected mid-September start-up delayed by Hurricane Ida. Gaming Control Board Chair Ronnie Johns says it’s important for sports betting in the Bayou State to be fully compliant with state law.

Cut 30 (10)  “…get it right.” 

A vote on President Biden’s infrastructure bill is expected today in the U-S House. Republicans in Louisiana’s delegation are expected to vote no. Supporters say the legislation will mean an additional six billion dollars over the next five years for Louisiana. But Congresswoman Julia Letlow reads the legislation differently…
cut 5 (09) “…roads and bridges”
Progressives in the House could vote against this legislation too, because they want a three-point-five trillion-dollar reconciliation bill approved.

Extinction happens and Robert Dobbs with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the ivory-billed woodpecker is among nearly two dozen birds, fish and other species that have now been declared extinct by the US Fish and Wildlife Service…
Cut 3 (05) “…Louisiana since 1944.”
Dobbs says the last confirmed siting of the ivory-billed woodpecker was in the Tensaw River area in northeastern Louisiana.

Over the weekend, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell of Baton Rouge was leading a search for her two-year-old daughter. Today she’s in jail, charged with second-degree murder in the death of Neveah Allen. The little girl’s body was found in Mississippi on Sunday. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul was asked when Cardwell became a suspect…
cut 16 (08) “….the truth”
Cardwell’s live-in boyfriend, 30-year-old Phillip Gardner, has also been charged with murder.

Hurricane Ida has delayed legal sports betting at the state’s casinos and racetracks. Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says State Police handles the application process and they were busy responding to the Hurricane. Johns says the State Police Gaming Division is back at full capacity so he hopes sports betting will get going soon…
cut 9 (09) “…final approval to”

Mandatory quarantine for school kids who may be exposed to COVID is getting a policy makeover. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

The deadline to apply for the Blue Roof Program has been extended to October 15^th. For more information, you can visit Blueroof.us or call 1-800-ROOF-B-L-U. The original deadline was today but it’s been extended for two weeks.

The U-S House could vote today on the $1-trillion Infrastructure Bill. It appears New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter will be the lone Louisiana House member to cast a yay vote.

Cut 4 (07) “…Louisiana.”
But Republicans say the legislation is too expensive and not enough dollars are going to traditional infrastructure projects like roads and bridges.

Carter believes the bill can help fund the placement of power lines underground and strengthen the state’s power grid that was severely impacted during February’s winter storms and Hurricane Ida. However North Louisiana Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow says the appropriated funding won’t even come close to assisting the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (11) “…Louisiana alone.”

The state education department is giving local school systems the option to change their COVID quarantine policy. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says instead of mandatory quarantine for students defined as close contact, school systems can allow parents to decide if their child should stay at home in close contact situations…
cut 11 (12) “…away from their friends”
But L-D-H released a statement expressing concern for changing this policy.

A Baton Rouge mother who told authorities that her two-year-old daughter went missing from their apartment last week is now facing second-degree murder charges. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell and her 30-year-old boyfriend have been charged with second-degree murder…
cut 15 (08) “…coroner’s Office”
A police report says the child died from injuries sustained after she was punched that resulted in her falling on her head.

The U-S House is expected to vote on the trillion-dollar infrastructure bill today. Brooke Thorington has more from two of the state’s congressional members.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services says they’ve received federal approval to extend its Hurricane Ida disaster food stamp operation program by three days due to the large volume of applicants. The application period was scheduled to end October 9th, but has been extended until October 13.

A vote on President Biden’s infrastructure bill is expected today in the U-S House. Republicans in Louisiana’s delegation are expected to vote no. Supporters say the legislation will mean an additional six billion dollars over the next five years for Louisiana. But Congresswoman Julia Letlow reads the legislation differently…
cut 5 (09) “…roads and bridges”
But Democrat New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says there’s more than just funding for roads in this bill. Carter says there are billions for broadband development, flood control, and money to harden the state’s power grid…
cut 6 (05) “…a pretzels”
Progressives in the U-S House could vote against this legislation too, because they want to see the passage of a three-point-five trillion-dollar reconciliation bill that would address climate change and fund social welfare programs.

Sports betting at Louisiana casinos is on hold after an expected mid-September start-up. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

A report from the Advocate-Times Picuyane and Fox 8 TV in New Orleans says the Saints and Pelicans will be sold when owner Gayle Benson passes. Proceeds from the sale would go to local charities and team executives would make sure the new owner would keep the Saints in New Orleans. Gayle Benson is 74 and has owned both franchises since 2018 after her husband Tom Benson died.

Over the weekend, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell of Baton Rouge was leading a community search for her two-year-old daughter. Today she’s in jail charged with second-degree murder in the death of Neveah Cardwell. Her little body was found in Mississippi on Sunday. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul was asked when Cardwell became a suspect…
cut 16 (08) “….the truth”
Cardwell’s live-in boyfriend, 30-year-old Phillip Gardner has also been charged with murder.

The U-S House could vote today on the $1-trillion Infrastructure Bill. It appears New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter will be the lone Louisiana House member to cast a yay vote.
Cut 4 (07) “…Louisiana “
But Republicans say the legislation is too expensive and not enough dollars are going to traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges.

The state department of education is allowing local school districts to change their quarantine policy for kids considered a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says school districts can give parents the opportunity to decide if their child should stay at home …
cut 12 (05) “….remain school”
But the state health department released a statement that says they still want unvaccinated children to stay home if in close contact with someone who tests positive.

A big weekend of football is coming up and Louisiana casinos and racetracks still can’t offer sports betting to their customers. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has pushed back the application process and they want to make sure it’s done to be fully compliant with state law…
cut 10 (10) “…it right”
Johns is not putting a timeline on when sports betting will be available.

Mandatory quarantine for school kids who may be exposed to COVID is getting a policy makeover. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, the state health department is recommending that school districts follow public health guidance and parents should quarantine unvaccinated children who may have been in close contact to someone with COVID. LDH says doing so is critical to slowing the spread.

Baton Rouge police have charged, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell, the mother of a two-year-old girl found dead Sunday in Mississippi with second-degree murder…
cut 14 (06) “…into custody”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Cardwell’s live-in 30-year old boyfriend Philip Gardner was also arrested for second-degree murder. Court documents say Cardwell punched her toddler in the torso for playing with her contact lenses. The impact of the punch caused Nevaeh Allen to hit her head and die hours later.

There was hope that legal sports betting would be up and going at the state’s casinos and racetracks in mid-September, but Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has slowed down the approval of applications from gaming operators…
cut 8 (11) “….license applications reviewed”
Johns says State Police reviews these applications and they’ve been busy with Ida response efforts.

The mother of a 2-year-old Baton Rouge girl, Navaeh Allen, found dead In Mississippi over the weekend is now in police custody and accused of killing her.  Baton Rouge police chief Murphy Paul:

Cut 24  (11)   “…second-degree murder.”

The mother’s boyfriend, Phillip Gardner, was arrested earlier for the unlawful disposal of the girl’s remains and obstruction of justice.  He’s now charged with second-degree murder also.

The state health department says the state is making progress in the battle against COVID-19, but every single parish is at the highest possible level of community risk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Senator Bill Cassidy and some of his colleagues on Capitol Hill are pushing legislation to delay the rollout of a plan by FEMA to hike flood insurance premiums dramatically until September 30, 2022.

Cut 6 (09) “…from their mortgage” 

Cassidy says delaying implementation of the premium revision would give lawmakers more time to address the rollout of Risk Rating 2.0. to make it more meaningful and sustainable.

The autopsy results of 20-month-old Burreaux the Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU Heisman winner Joe Burrow indicated the young calf died from anaphylactic shock.  Zoo veterinarian Michael Warsaw says the shock was a result of an external source.

Cut 9 (08) “…going to know.”