AM Newscall Oct 21

AM NEWSCALL

The COVID virus’ fourth surge is waning in Louisiana, but whether that means an end to mask mandates and the like is still to be determined by the governor.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Among the places hit hardest by Hurricane Ida, Lafourche Parish continues its road to rebuilding. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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A representative for AT&T told PSC commissioners that customers who were without service due to Ida will have to call them to receive credit. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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 Instances of COVID-19 are easing in Louisiana, that according to Governor John Bel Edwards who was asked about the situation during Wednesday’s “Ask the Governor” show. He noted that hospitalizations had climbed to the three-thousand mark back in August during the 4th surge of the virus.

Cut 4 (12) “…the fourth surge.”

It’s noteworthy that 83 percent of those currently hospitalized with COVID have not been fully vaccinated against the virus.

Edwards says figures show that the coronavirus is easing its grip on Louisiana.

Cut 5 (11) “…at one time.”

As he said on “Ask the Governor” Wednesday, no decision has been made yet on whether the mask mandate or other mitigation efforts to further curb the spread of the virus in the Bayou State.

Cut 6 (11) “…what we lift.”

He says that decision should come around Tuesday or Wednesday.

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One of the biggest tourist events in the state is scheduled to return next spring. Festival International which draws 400,000 people to downtown Lafayette is set for April 27th to May 1st.  Executive Director Scott Feehan says the five-day event, which was canceled in 2020 and virtual last year, is expected to return to its previous footprint.

Cut 7 (10) “…fantastic event.”

The festival usually coincides with Jazz Fest in New Orleans and Feehan says some tourists will attend both events. He says the Festival International features music, art, food from all over the world and they’ve had musical acts from as many as 29 countries perform.

Cut 8 (08) “…and theatre.”

In addition to drawing visitors from all over, Feehan says Louisiana Economic Development also attends the event and invites international companies they are recruiting to come to the Bayou State.

While some large events across the country are requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test for entry, Feehan says that’s not really an option for an outdoor festival that is free of tickets and boundaries. With 2022 being the first in-person festival since the pandemic he says they’ll add things like hand sanitizing stations.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in person.”

While it’s hard to put a dollar figure on the economic impact the festival has on the area, Feehan says approximately half of attendees live outside of the city and about a third are from out of state.

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Among the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ida last August, Lafourche Parish continues on the road to rebuilding. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says the progress is slow but steady. He says temporary housing solutions for storm victims are beginning to be a reality…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…gonna come in.” 

Chaisson says storm debris removal is also moving along at a pace, but there is still a great deal to be cleared away. One thing he is happy to report: kids are back in school in Lafourche…:

Cut 11 (14) “…the aftermath as well.”

As for long-term recovery efforts, Chaisson says he looks forward to seeing federal aid – whether it’s FEMA dollars or Community Block Development Grants – flow into his parish…:

Cut 12 (13) “…need to be done.”

 

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After several AT&T customers lost service during Hurricane Ida, a representative from the company told PSC commissioners they are asking customers to call them to report outages so they can issue credits. But PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says AT&T should be proactive instead.

Cut 13 (08) “…they were out.”

Stephanie Doiron with AT&T told commissioners that determining who was with and without service after Ida made landfall isn’t that easy because of the multiple services they provide, like cable, internet, and phone service.

Cut 14 (08)  “…provide credits.”

Skrmetta, who represents a large portion of southeast Louisiana says putting to burden on the customer to report the outage for credit is not the ideal way to handle the problem and he told them he wouldn’t be surprised if they lost customers over this.

Cut 15 (09)  “…this issue.”

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The Ragin Cajuns seek their 12th straight Sun Belt Conference road victory tonight when they face Arkansas State in a game that will be shown on ESPN U. The Red Wolves are 1-and-5 on the season but Cajuns Coach Billy Napier calls them a dangerous team

Cut  16 (20) “expect that”

U-L Lafayette has won three straight in the Sun West Rivalry game. A win for Napier and the Cajuns keeps them in first place….

Cut 17 (11) “ …this rivalry.” 

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It remains a mystery on whether Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corrall will play in Saturday’s game against LSU. Corrall rushed for 30 times in last week’s win against Tennessee and Coach Lane Kiffin sounded pessimistic that he could suit up again on Saturday. During Wednesday’s SEC Teleconference, Kiffin didn’t sound any more optimistic…

Cut 18 (13)”…that’s hope.”

Kiffin was impressed with how LSU beat Florida…

Cut 19 (14)  “…normally” 

Kiffin and Orgeron have known each other for 20 years. Their relationship goes back to their days at USC together when Pete Carroll was the head coach…

Cut 20 (16)  “he does”