Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own Hurricane Ida sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before FEMA sets up trailers.  This state-run program will, of course, get people shelter much quicker. Trailers will be either set up on homeowners’ property (if space allows) or at a few improvised trailer parks. Magee says the actual structure for the temporary housing could vary…:

CUT 10(11)      “…for discussion.”

Here’s a website with information and assistance: ida-sheltering-la.com.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has been building without as winner wince June; now at $685-million. Tonight could be first time a Monday night drawing yields a big winner since the third drawing night was added in August. The Louisiana Lottery’s Kim Chopin says yes – it could happen to you…:

CUT 07(11)      “…in Louisiana”

As National Fire Prevention Week is marked through Saturday in Louisiana, officials note the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brannen”

The Shreveport woman accused of throwing two her three kids off the Cross Lake Bridge – killing one of them – apparently left a note and money for her eldest child; a daughter. That child was in school at the time of the crime. Black’s motives are as yet unknown.

Though Louisiana is set to get billions for disaster relief from the bill signed into law yesterday, you won’t see Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter celebrating. His city is still struggling to rebuild after a double wallop from Hurricanes Laura and Delta last year. He says Louisiana’s share of the $28.6-billion package will be small and Lake Charles’ share of that will be a pittance…:

CUT 05(12)      “…on our side”

For the first time in over 40 years, an increase in federal funding for food stamp programs will mean a boost for EBT card holders in Louisiana. Shavana Howard, with DCFS (who administer the program) says the increase will help out a lot of people…:

CUT 08(08)      “…age of 18.”

The bump will mean an average family of three would get about $658 a month for food expenses.

Louisiana has expanded its shot for 100-dollar campaign to anyone who gets a COVID shot in the month of October. Don Molino has the story…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Molino”

The town of Bastrop’s Chief of Police has been demoted. The local civil service board voted to bust Chief Carl Givens to captain, after finding his conduct during a dispute with a neighbor unbecoming an officer. Givens reportedly brandished a gun and fired shots into the air. Bastrop is now seeking a new Chief. Givens’ lawyer intends to appeal.

Louisiana food stamp recipients are receiving an historic increase in their monthly benefits. Shavana Howard, DCFS Assistant Secretary for Family Support, says that would push the maximum payout for a family of three to 658-dollars a month. She says this will give recipients a better shot at keeping abreast of inflationary price increases…:

CUT 07(08)      “…cost more money”

Louisiana is expanding the Shot for 100 Campaign. Kim Hood, Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Public Health, says during October, un-vaccinated individuals will receive a 100-dollar Visa gift card after receiving their first COVID vaccine shot, but you MUST get it at participating community-based sites listed at “shotfor100.com”…

CUT 10(11)      “…first dose”

Again that website is “shotfor100.com”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter is thankful the state will get some of the 28-billion-dollars in disaster relief funding approved by Congress, but says it falls far short of what southwest Louisiana needs. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Brannen”

So are the New Orleans Pelicans NBA team for sale? Or aren’t they? Rumors abound and Pelicans and Saints owner Gayle Benson says there have certainly been offers to purchase the team, but she says (quote) “There is no way. As long as I’m going to be alive that I would sell the Pelicans.” Good news for fans and the New Orleans Smoothie King Arena.

Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (also called DSNAP) benefits have been extended for folks impacted by Hurricane Ida. Marketa Garner Walters is with the state Department of Children & Family Services, who administer the federal assistance. She says very high call volume is the reason for starting another phase of applications on October 11^th. Walters says please remember, DSNAP eligibility is a combination of one’s income and disaster-related expenses…:

CUT 07(11)      “…simply not”

Go to the DCFS website to know more.

Not seen in Louisiana since the 1940’s, the ivory-billed woodpecker has join 23 other species on the federal extinct list. State Wildlife & Fisheries spokesman Robert Dobbs…:

CUT 04(09)      “…have been confirmed”

The state Department of Health reports 872 new COVID-19 cases today; the lowest one-day total reported since early July. Hospitalizations are also lower than mid-summer numbers. Ochsner Health’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says that’s encouraging, but the chance of a fifth surge in cases depends on how many get the vaccine…:

CUT 12(10)      “…infected again”

Nearly 52% of Louisianans have received the COVID vaccine; that represents about 61% of those eligible to get the shots.

Baton Rouge Police arrest the mother of a two-year-old found dead this week in rural Mississippi. Investigators say Lanaya Cardwell grew angry with the toddler and hit her in the stomach and head. She later died on a sofa and Cardwell’s boyfriend disposed of the body. Both Cardwell and boyfriend Phillip Gardner face serious charges.

Due to an overwhelming number of calls, disaster food stamp enrollment has been extended. Brooke Thorington has more….:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington”

The city of Shreveport wants Mardi Gras krewes to pay the overtime costs for SPD officers working parades. The city’s two biggest krewes say they simply cannot afford that. There’s talk of possibly moving the parades to Bossier City, or just not parading at all.

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. He says adjusters have up to 60 days to inspect a property, and that failures to initiate a loss adjustment within that time can result in penalties. Donelon says the delays are puzzling when one considers the sheer number of adjusters working in the state…:

CUT 10(06)      “…to our market”

Filing a complaint of your own? Go to “ldi.la.gov”

Louisiana is making some progress in dealing with coronavirus. Fewer reported cases today than since early July, and fewer hospitalizations than we’ve seen since mid-July. Ochsner Health’s Chief Medical Officer Robert Hart says this current surge was worst of the four, and he hopes a possible fifth will be less severe…:

CUT 14(08)      “…fall and winter months.”

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”

A Thibodaux man faces murder charges in the death of his 11-month-old daughter. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says the remains of little Zabria Guidry were found in the rear cargo area of 26-year-old Jake Guidry’s car. Matherne says it’s not certain what the father had planned after he placed the infant in his SUV…:

CUT 04             (10)      “…around 3 pm”

Guidry reportedly told officers he had hit the child too hard, causing her death.

The mother of a Baton Rouge toddler, whose body was found this week in rural Mississippi, was seen being led away in handcuffs today. The woman’s live-in boyfriend, Phillip Gardner, has been charged in her death. At this time, BRPD is not saying what charge or charges the mother, Lenaya Cardwell, faces. The coroner rules the death a homicide. More as it develops.

Senator Bill Cassidy and some of his colleagues on Capitol Hill are pushing legislation to delay a plan by FEMA to hike National Flood Insurance premiums dramatically until September 30, 2022. Senator Cassidy…:

CUT 06             (09)      “…from their mortgage”

The increase could impact upwards of 80-percent of NFIP policyholders. Some may find the cost too high and simply walk away from their mortgages.

COVID-19 seems to be on the decline in Louisiana. Here’s state Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter…:

CUT 14             (11)      “…this past week.”

However Dr. Kanter says now is no time to let your guard down against possible infection. Governor Edward’s indoor mask mandate remains in effect through October 27^th.

Good medical news for Louisiana; COVID-19 numbers are down overall for the state, with fewer people hospitalized this week than we’ve seen in months. The bad news? There’s still plenty of the virus going around. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s not a good time to let one’s guard down…:

CUT 13             (11)      “…throughout this surge”

Governor Edwards’ mask mandate remains in effect for another four weeks.

Parents of Louisiana public school kids now have a new option in dealing with the chances of their child getting coronavirus. Currently, if a kid is exposed to the virus school officials mandatorily quarantine them. Under the new policy, parents of kids who may have been exposed are notified, and they get to decide whether or not to quarantine their children. In addition a no-cost COVID screening will be provided to the student in question.

FEMA’s Blue Roof program for those with roof damage from Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas has been extended through October 15^th. The deadline to apply WAS set for tomorrow. The Blue Roof tarps are installed free, but you must give FEMA workers right of entry into your home. For information call 888-766-3258.

Autopsy results of 20-month-old Burreaux the Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU Heisman winner Joe Borrow, indicate the young calf died of shock. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01             (32)      “…Thorington”

There’s good news and bad news in Louisiana about the current COVID-19 surge.  It comes from State Health officer Dr. Joe Kanter…:

CUT 12             (11)      “…since that time.”

The bad news is coronavirus is still very much a thing in our state and – Kanter says -people need to keep vigilant to not spread it or get sick. The Governor’s mask order remains in effect another four weeks.

The baby giraffe that died this month at the Baton Rouge Zoo was a victim of anaphylaxis. Zoo vet Mike Warsaw says nailing down what caused it could be tough. He says it could be something as small as a bug bite…:

CUT 11             (11)      “…had before”

The 20-month-old was named for former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.

A Thibodaux man faces second-degree murder charges in the death of his infant daughter. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says they found the baby girl dead after a welfare check Tuesday. He says that led to the arrest of 26-year-old Jake Guidry, who initially didn’t cooperate with lawmen, but eventually did start talking…:

CUT 05             (11)      “…arrest”

Guidry’s bond is set a million dollars.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s pushing legislation to delay huge increases in National Flood Insurance premiums for about a full year. He says the proposed Risk Rate 2.0 plan could be financially traumatic for many…:

CUT 08             (12)      “…risk rating 2.0”

Thirty days ago Ida made landfall and left just under a million Entergy customers in the dark. Brooke Thorington has more on restoration…:

CUT 01             (34)      “…Thorington”

Five inmates escaped last night from the Marksville jail in Avoyelles Parish. The escapees split up and are believed headed for Mansura, Bunkie and the Marksville area. The Avoyelles sheriff’s office will gladly take tips on any or all at 318-253-4000.

Governor John Bel Edwards has extended his COVID-19 mask mandate today. Citing a still very high rate of cases in the state, Mr. Edwards says the mask order stays in effect through October 27^th.

Summer’s over…so why aren’t gas prices coming back down? Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says production in the Gulf is still shut down after two hurricanes, plus there’s uncertainty in the economy…:

CUT 10            (12)      “…stubbornly high”

The latest thing to include on your resume is your COVID vaccination status; especially if you’ve had yours. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says employers cannot legally ask, but you can volunteer the info..:

CUT 14            (11)      “…concerned about”