A Ruston family is suing their son’s private school; alleging it turned a blind eye to severe and violent bullying that went on for months. Kevin Gallagher has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is participating in the Moderna pediatric COVID vaccine trial. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwards is in Washington DC asking for urgent federal assistance for residents impacted by hurricanes since 2020 along with other natural disasters. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A Ruston private school is being sued by the parents of a student who alleges being victimized by bullies for months. Allegations the school denies. Wes Bearden is the attorney for the couple. He says the abuse his clients’ son sustained while attending Cedar Creek School in Ruston went on for more than eight months, and was both physical and psychological.

Cut 4 (12) “…the rear end.”

Cedar Creek School says they conducted their own investigation of the allegations and, as a result, five students were expelled. However, they say there is no evidence of some of the more heinous acts the plaintiff says were committed against him. Bearden says the private school took tuition money from the family and neglected to provide protection from the abuse.

Cut 5 (06) “…against this kiddo.”

The lawsuit alleges the boy was frequently beaten, urged to commit suicide, and even sexually assaulted with foreign objects. Bearden says the Cedar Creek School, the alleged bullies, and their parents are named as defendants in the suit. He says his clients seek unspecified damages and want an eventual jury trial.

Cut 6 (10) “…of the jury.”

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LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center conducts its first COVID vaccination trial. They are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the Moderna vaccine in children. Site Principal Investigator Dr. Daniel Hsia (Shaw) says participants can expect a minimum of two blood draws.

Cut 7 (10) “…actual vaccine.”

Hsia says they’ve already enrolled enough children ages six to eleven and by the end of the month, they’ll register ages two to five, and next month children ages six months to less than two years. The trial will last one year, and they will monitor antibody responses to the vaccine.

Cut 8 (11) “…side effects.”

Hsia says so far side effects among those ages six to eleven in the Moderna trial are similar to those observed in adults.

Since August 19^th children ages five to seventeen have had the majority of COVID cases in the state, followed by 18- to 29-year-olds. Hsia says with school back in session and the highly transmissible Delta variant the vaccine is needed in younger children.

Cut 9 (08)  “…kids vaccinated.”

For more information, you can contact Penning Biomedical Research at 225-763-3000

The Pfizer vaccine is already approved for Emergency Use for ages 12 to 15.

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At least two dozen attorneys general, including Louisiana’s Jeff Landry, are joined together in opposition to President Biden’s plan to mandate private sector companies of more than 100 employees require workers to get a Covid-19 shot, submit to weekly testing, or be fired.  Landry believes Biden has forgotten the U.S. is a republic, not a monarchy.

Cut 10 (09)  “…and protect ourselves.” 

Landry says Biden can expect a legal battle if he follows through with his Covid mandate for larger employers.

Cut 11 (07) “…him to court.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he favors doing the right thing when it comes to protecting the public at large from Covid-19.

Cut 12 (07) “…thing to do.”

Edwards is adamant about protecting citizens from the dangers of the coronavirus.

Cut 13 (11) “…dangers from others”

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Governor Edwards is in Washington DC to request urgent federal assistance for residents impacted by hurricanes Ida, Laura, Delta, and Zeta along with other natural disasters over the last year. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says the Governor wanted to meet with leaders in hopes to speed up assistance.

Cut 14 (10)  “…of the damage.”

Tingle says among the requests, Edwards will be asking for assistance with unmet housing needs and flexibility in match for public assistance. Tingle says the with multiple natural disasters the Governor can show demonstrate several unfunded needs.

Cut 15 (12)  “…recently.”

After a disaster, municipalities are faced with several immediate costs for example overtime for first responders and debris removal. Often, they will receive federal matching funds to help offset the costs. Tingle says Edwards will be asking for flexibility with that funding.

Cut  16 (12) “…facilities.”

Last week Calcasieu Parish had to request a state bond to continue the construction of schools because they have yet to receive requested federal funding.

The governor will return to the state on Thursday.

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In his fifth collegiate start, LSU quarterback Max Johnson threw five touchdown passes in a 48-21 win over Central Michigan. It was the best performance of the season for the Fighting Tigers. But Coach Ed Orgeron still sees areas where his sophomore quarterback can improve

Cut 17 (18) “…quick.” 

In Saturday’s win over Central Michigan, four different wide receivers caught at least five passes. Orgeron says it’s good to have a number of guys who can make plays in the passing game…

Cut 18 (20)”…heartbeat.”

LSU’s “D” is facing a challenge this Saturday going up against Mississippi State. Bulldogs quarterback Will Rogers threw for 419 yards in a loss to Memphis. Orgeron says he’s seen his defense get better since the season-opening loss to UCLA…

Cut 19 (19)  “…this Saturday.” 

A Pfizer vaccine trial for children indicates promising results. Pfizer is expected to ask the FDA for emergency use authorization in the coming weeks. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the FDA asked Pfizer to extend the pediatric vaccine trial by two months so they would have more data to review, even though there is great anticipation to allow those ages five to eleven to be vaccinated.

Cut 7 (11) “…too important.”  

A lot of trees fell victim to Hurricane Ida’s wrath as way too many property owners know about firsthand. But, Whitney Wallace, an LSU AgCenter Forestry and Wildlife agent, says the AgCenter, along with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, is continuing to assess the dollar damage with the biggest economic impact expected to be to the agricultural infrastructure and timber.

Cut 4  (10) “…course Tangipahoa Parish.” 

There are growing concerns of permanent population loss in the southeastern coastal parishes after Hurricane Ida. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Ida was a devastating blow and it will be very difficult for Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes to recover. Since Katrina, the area has suffered devastating effects from Gustav, Isaac, and now Ida. Rigamer says right now he’d guess up to a hundred thousand could leave the coastal parishes permanently.

Cut 13 (08) “…southeast Louisiana.”

Terrebonne Parish is continuing its recovery efforts more than three weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up the coastal area.  Parish spokesman, Mart Black, says Ida left Terrebonne Parish completely in the dark, but today only 16-percent of utility customers don’t have electricity. He gives credit to the power companies…

Cut 10 (09)    the parish” 

He says the hope is to have power restored to everyone whose home or business can safely receive it by September 29^th.

Concerns are growing that Hurricane Ida’s fierce wind and water damage will result in population loss in southeastern Louisiana. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Ida was a devastating blow and it will be very difficult for Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes to recover…:

CUT 12(12)      “…the basis”

Rigamer guesses up to a hundred thousand could migrate away from the region; perhaps even to other states.

Speaking of that devastation from Ida, Governor John bel Edwards will be in Washington DC for the next few days to lobby congress for (quote) “federal assistance to ensure a speedy, full, and robust recovery for the people of southwest and southeast Louisiana who have been devastated by major hurricanes and natural disasters over the last year.” Our state has sustained four hurricanes in the past year.

The Pfizer vaccine trial for children ages five to eleven indicates promising results. Pfizer is expected to ask the FDA for emergency use authorization in the coming weeks. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says parents should be reassured that the FDA will review the data carefully before issuing any type of authorization….:

CUT 08(11)      “…timely”

Since July pediatric cases in the United States have increased by 240-percent.

Terrebonne Parish – among the hardest hit by Hurricane Ida – continues recovery efforts. Parish spokesman Mart Black says water is restored and power back on for all but 16% of residents and businesses. He says housing for storm victims is the biggest problem…:

CUT 09(10)      “…into the parish”

Ida hit the state just three weeks ago.

There are growing concerns that Hurricane Ida could negatively impact the population of southeast Louisiana; much like Katrina did 16 years ago. Brooke Thorington reports…:

CUT 02  (31)        “…Thorington”

Just days after over 20 students at Shreveport’s Southwood High were arrested for fighting, another student is arrested for threatening gun violence at the school. Caddo Parish deputies were alerted Sunday evening to the social media post; threatening a gang-related shooting. A 14-year-old male was arrested and charged with terrorizing.

Terrebonne Parish is still struggling to return to something like normal after the devastation of Hurricane Ida. Parish spokesman Mart Black says utilities hope to have all the power restored by the 29^th. He says garbage pickup has ramped back up and contractors have been hired to clear the curbs of storm debris…:

CUT 11  (10)        “…to permitted sites”

There’s no doubt that Ida took out a HUGE number of trees in its path, as many of you know firsthand. But Whitney Wallace, with Louisiana’s Department of Agriculture & Forestry, says all those downed trees – particularly on the Northshore – have impacted landowners AND agriculture and livestock producers…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…you’re seeing around”

She says this is the worst storm-related tree fall since Katrina.

Terrebonne Parish, among the hardest hit by Hurricane Ida, is still working to get back to some semblance of normal, however long that may take. Dave Brannen has more…:

CUT 01  (27)        “…Brannen”

Just over a hundred Afghan refugees will begin arriving in Baton Rouge & New Orleans soon. Catholic Charities of the Capital Area are helping facilitate the newcomers’ adjustment to their new home in the U.S.A.  Afull background check has been done on each of the refugees, and Catholic Charities will assist them in learning English.

The Pfizer vaccine trial for kids 5 through 11 indicates promising results. Pfizer has asked the FDA for emergency use authorization in the coming weeks. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says there’s been a spike in COVID cases in that age group, especially with school back in session…:

CUT 06  (11)        “…individuals”

In the trial, kids are given the same vaccine as adults but in a lower dose. Hassig says the FDA will likely not blindly rush to approve Pfizer’s request.

Hurricane Ida took a huge toll on south Louisiana’s tree canopy, but Whitney Wallace with state Ag & Forestry says the downed trees mean an impact on livestock producers and agriculture too. Her department is still assessing the damage in dollars, but Wallace says this is the biggest storm-related tree fall since Katrina…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…as we can”

Terrebonne Parish is continuing its recovery efforts more than three weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up the coastal area. Parish spokesman Mart Black says at least 16-percent of Entergy customers still don’t have electricity.
Cut 10 (09) still a problem”
Black says they hope to have power restored by the end of the month and another big issue to tackle is housing.

There are concerns that southeast Louisiana could have a significant population loss after Ida. Demographer Greg Rigamer says up to 100-thousand could leave the area permanently. The loss though shouldn’t impact redistricting, which will be discussed by lawmakers early next year…
Cut 14 (09) “…redistricting”
Redistricting is based on the 2020 Census.

LSU Ag Center Forestry Wildlife Agent Whitney Wallace says they are trying to determine a dollar figure for the amount of damage Hurricane Ida did to the commercial timber industry…
cut 4 (10) “…Tangipahoa Parish”
Wallace says many landowners had a similar situation following Hurricane Katrina 16 years ago.

The Saints had an ugly performance against Carolina yesterday and lost to the Panthers 26-7. Protecting quarterback Jameis Winston was a big problem. Offensive tackle Terron Armstead says they were having communication issues on the offensive line…
cut 17 (19) “…communication”
New Orleans is at New England this Sunday.

Terrebonne Parish is continuing its recovery efforts more than three weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up the coastal area.  Parish spokesman, Mart Black, says while most of the power is back and water has been mostly restored, housing for storm victims is the biggest problem.

Cut 9 (10) “…into the parish” 

Black says that after Ida hit the Terrebonne Parish was left in the dark, and today at least 16-percent of Entergy customers still don’t have electricity.

St. John the Baptist Parish is undergoing several hurdles with recovery from Hurricane Ida. But, Parish President Jaclyn Hotard notes the parish broke ground on a levee this year that’s expected to be completed in 2024. She says a completed structure would have made a difference with Ida.

Cut 6 (10) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

The $750-million levee is being paid for with a combination of federal and state funds.

There are growing concerns of permanent population loss in southeastern coastal parishes after Hurricane Ida. Demographer Greg Rigamer says he expects a good number of coastal parishes residents will choose not to return. Since Katrina, the area has suffered devastating effects from Gustav, Isaac, and now Ida. Rigamer, who is a New Orleans resident, says right now he’d guess up to a hundred thousand could leave the area permanently.

Cut 13 (08) “…southeast Louisiana.”

Beginning today, residents in ten Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida can apply for disaster food stamps. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says those with last names starting with A-to-F in East Baton, Iberia, Orleans, St. Tammany, Washington and five other parishes can call the L-A Help-U Customer Service center to apply and be interviewed…

Cut 7 (06) “..quickly as possible.”

Applicants for DSNAP interviews should call 1-888-524-3578 and have financial and personal information available.

The three-week interview process for DSNAP benefits related to Hurricane Ida victims gets underway today and wraps up October 9^th.   Dave Brannen spoke with DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavanna Howard…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Another teen has been arrested in Shreveport after several fights last week at Southwood High School. The Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says a 14-year-old male was brought in for questioning at 2 AM this morning after a gang-related social media post threatening gun violence at the school. The teen is charged with terrorizing and was book into the parish detention center.

There are growing concerns of permanent population loss in southeastern coastal parishes after Hurricane Ida. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Ida was a devastating blow and it will be very difficult for Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes to recover.

Cut 12 (12) “…the basis.”  

There was a large shift in the population 16 years ago in the area after Katrina.

A lot of trees fell victim to Hurricane Ida’s wrath as way too many property owners know firsthand. But, Whitney Wallace, an LSU AgCenter Forestry and Wildlife agent, says the damaged and felled trees, particularly on the North Shore, have impacted landowners and agricultural and livestock producers.

Cut 3 (08) “…you’re seeing around.”

St. John the Baptist Parish is undergoing several hurdles with recovery from Hurricane Ida. But, Parish President Jaclyn Hotard notes the parish broke ground on a levee this year that’s expected to be completed in 2024. She says a completed structure would have made a difference with Ida.

Cut 6 (10) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

Beginning today, residents in ten Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida can apply for disaster food stamps. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says those with last names starting with A-to-F in East Baton, Iberia, Orleans, St. Tammany, Washington and five other parishes can call the L-A Help-U Customer Service center to apply and be interviewed…

Cut 7 (06) “..quickly as possible.”

Applicants for DSNAP interviews should call 1-888-524-3578 and have financial and personal information available.

LSU Researchers have developed a new model to determine if the Gulf Coast will see an active hurricane season. It looks at atmospheric temperatures in the spring. Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences assistant professor Paul Miller says they researched weather data back to 1980 and compared atmospheric temperatures from previous hurricanes.

Cut 11 (12) “…hurricane season (x2).”

Louisiana is offering hunters the chance to win money by assisting the state in its surveillance efforts for Chronic Wasting Disease in deer. LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says hunters and taxidermists will be entered into a contest to win up to $1000 when they submit the animal’s head with at least three inches of neck to any LDWF Field Office.

Cut 15 (09)  “…great news.”

Hunters will also need to provide details of WHERE the sample buck was bagged.

The power is mostly back on in southeast Louisiana, but getting the trash picked up is another issue. St. John the Baptist Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says she’s issued an emergency bid to have the garbage removed from the side of the road…
cut 5 (10) “….to say it nicely”
Residents in St. John, Terrebonne, and Lafourche parishes will have to wait until October 4th to apply for disaster food stamps, but families in ten parishes that were not hit as bad by Ida, can begin registering this week. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavanna Howard says DSNAP as its called can help Ida victims buy groceries due to lost income or damages as a result of the storm,,,,
cut 9 (08) “….your expenses”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife Fisheries want deer hunters to help in detecting a fatal illness spreading through herds across the south. Kevin Gallagher reports you COULD win some cash.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Cruises have resumed sailing out of New Orleans. The Carnival Glory departed out of the Port of New Orleans yesterday. The massive ship was housing emergency personnel assisting in Hurrican Ida relief efforts. It’s the first cruise ship to debark from New Orleans since the start of the pandemic.