If you have a 337 or 504 area code beginning today, you have to dial all ten digits when calling locally. FCC Spokesperson Paloma Perez says the change is being implemented now so callers in those area codes will be in the habit of dialing all ten digits well before the July launch next year of the 988 national counseling phone line.

Cut 4 (06) “…noble cause.”

Next year 988 will act like 911 and put callers in direct contact with a mental health crisis hotline

Gas prices continue to increase, AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the higher gas prices not seen is seven years are being fueled by no uptick in oil production by OPEC.

Cut 7 (10) “….more than anything.”  

The average price for regular gas in Louisiana has climbed to $3.15 a gallon.

More trailers are now occupied by those who’ve registered with the state’s new program to help those displaced by Hurricane Ida to remain on their property. Mike Steele is the spokesperson for the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness…

Cut 9 (12) “…purchased.”

In addition to processing registrations, Steele says the newly formed IdaShelteringLA.com program is purchasing trailers and performing site inspections where the trailers will be placed.

Since the Angola Rodeo had to be canceled this year, the Louisiana Penitentiary is hosting an Arts and Crafts show December 4^th instead and tickets go on sale today. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says this is the perfect opportunity to do your holiday shopping locally and be sure you have plenty of space in your vehicle.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the make.”

COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines. State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine to provide additional protection.

Cut 4 (08) “…severe illness.”
The booster is recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk. And boosters are recommended for everyone who got the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

An additional 65-million-federal-dollars are being allocated to Louisiana for transportation and infrastructure projects. Congressman Garret Graves.

Cut 7 (09) “…state of Louisiana.”
Graves says the money can be used to improve LA one and I-10 land reconfiguration in Baton Rouge.

Of the four Constitutional amendments on the November 13^th statewide ballot, Governor Edwards supports the first two. Amendment One would authorize a centralized state tax collecting authority. And Amendment Two would actually LOWER the maximum allowable rate of state income tax and authorize a state tax deduction for federal income taxes paid. Under the current tax structure, Edwards says the feds – in effect – determine how much tax Louisianans pay and feels it’s better to trade exemptions for lower tax rates.

Cut 12 (09) “…volatility in Louisiana.”

Tickets go on sale today for Louisiana’s State Penitentiary Arts and Crafts Show on December fourth. Corrections Secretary Jimmy Leblanc says they wanted to hold a scaled-down event to boost morale and give attendees a chance to buy one-of-a-kind goods since the rodeo had to be canceled.

Cut 14 (08)  “…exposed to.”

More federal dollars are headed to Louisiana to help address what Congressman Garret Graves sees as Louisiana’s highest priority transportation projects.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Since February of 2020 Louisiana has lost sixteen percent of its construction jobs, more than 47 other states according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Widespread supply chain disruptions and lack of federal infrastructure funding are reasons given as to why the state has seen a loss of 22,000 construction jobs.

COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines State Immunization Director Dr. Frank Welch says a booster should be given six months or more after the second dose of your vaccine for additional protection. It’s recommended for those 65 and older, or persons 18 and older with an underlying health condition or who work and/or live in a setting that puts them at greater risk. And it if you had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine…

Cut 5 (08) “…first shot.”

Since the Angola Rodeo had to be canceled this year, the Louisiana Penitentiary is hosting an Arts and Crafts show December 4^th instead and tickets go on sale today. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says this is the perfect opportunity to do your holiday shopping locally and be sure you have plenty of space in your vehicle.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the make.”

You can purchase tickets at AngolaRodeo-dot-com or at the gate on the day of the festival.

Louisiana is the only state where the percentage of Blacks vaccinated for COVID is slightly higher than whites. Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Kim Hood says their hard work to remove barriers for minorities to get vaccinated has shown results. While Hood says they are celebrating a victory, their work is far from over due to the state’s low overall vaccination rate.

Cut 10 (11)  “…to do.” 

Saturday marks the 21^st edition of the DEA’s Drug Takeback event. Brian Singleton of the agency says you’ll be able to drop off a variety of unwanted prescription drugs no questions asked.

Cut 3 (08) “….a proper way.”

For a list of sites go to TakeBackDay-dea-gov

A planned 450-million-dollar renovation to the Ceasars’ Superdome in the Big Easy is at least temporarily crippled financially. The state has only committed two-point-five-million of 90-million dollars in funding for the project. State Treasurer John Schroder says it’s been difficult on the Superdome funding issue for a variety of reasons, including whether the facility is even a state asset.

Cut 7 (09) “….used a lot.”  

Congressman Garret Graves is calling out the Biden Administration as gas prices continue to increase across the nation. Graves says it makes no sense with the President asking OPEC and other oil-exporting nations to increase production instead of here at home.

Cut 12 (08) “…in America.”  

Saturday marks the 21^st edition of the DEA’s Drug Takeback event. Brian Singleton of the agency says you’ll be able to drop off a variety of unwanted prescription drugs at the time, no questions asked.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of it.”

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and for a list of locations Visit takebackday.dea.gov

Louisiana is the only state where the percentage of Blacks vaccinated for COVID is higher than whites. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation 51-percent of Blacks are vaccinated compared to 49-percent of whites. Assistant Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Health Kim Hood says their hard work to remove barriers for minorities to get vaccinated has shown results.

Cut 9 (07) “…proud of it.”

But Hood says their work is far from over due to the state’s overall low vaccination rate.

A planned 450-million-dollar renovation to the Ceasars’ Superdome in the Big Easy is at least temporarily hobbled financially. The state has only committed two-point-five-million of 90-million dollars in funding for the project, leaving State Treasurer John Schroder looking for direction from the legislature.

Cut 6 (09) “…of New Orleans.” 

He says so far there’s no definitive answer to that question, though the door was left open earlier by the Edwards administration to funnel that much state money into the project.

And the state reports 681 new OCIVD-19 cases and 342 hospitalizations.

Senator John Kennedy says a massive disaster relief & economic recovery bill passed by the Senate is amended to benefit the Bayou State. More from Kevin Gallagher.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA’s latest predictions show a La Nina weather pattern is in control.

Cut 13 (09) “…with less precipitation.”

Open enrollment is underway for Medicare beneficiaries if they want to switch their plans for next year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon urges Louisiana residents to take advantage of the federally funded Senior Health Insurance Information Program to get unbiased advice on the best plan for them.

Cut 7 (12) “…through December 7th.”

For more information visit ldi.la.gov

Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to file legislation that would allow governors to be buried on the grounds of the State Capitol next to the statue of Huey Long. Echols says he came up with the idea months ago…

Cut 10 (07)  “…around the campus.” 
The widow of Edwin Edwards wanted the former four-term governor buried next to Huey. Trina Edwards eventually decided to have Edwin Edwards cremated.

It’s open season for changing your Medicare coverage should you want to move in that direction.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

In an effort to curb crime in the City of Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has set a curfew for juveniles that goes into effect tonight. Weekend curfew hours are Midnight to 5 AM and weekdays 10 PM to 5 AM. Parents could face a fine or jail time for any violations.

The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana Senator John Kennedy. Kennedy says the Fiscal Recovery, Infrastructure and Disaster Relief Act is a huge step in helping states hit hard by the COVID pandemic and suffering economic hardship.

Cut 5 (12) “…billion dollars of that.”

Kennedy says the amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how to spend the federal dollars.

Monroe Representative Michael Echols is working on legislation to allow Louisiana governors to be buried on the grounds of the capitol. Echols says the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.

Cut 11 (11) “…opportunity.”.

Trina Edwards the widow of Edwin Edwards wants to have his ashes placed at the capitol, but legislation is needed to do so.

More than 400 days after Hurricane Laura devastated the Lake Charles area the city is still working to recover.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

Today Governor Edwards announced that Casey Tingle has been promoted to director of the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, this is following the resignation of General James Waskom. The governor praised Waskom, who’d served as a director since 2016, for his tenure and wished him his best as Waskom takes medical leave until January.

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves an application from the online sports betting site Fan Duel. As for rumors that sports wagering would be up and running as soon as this weekend, Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns set the record straight.

Cut  11 (12)  “… the right way.”  

The National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend just under $1000 on holiday gifts and other purchases this year, which is comparable to 2020. But NRF Senior Director of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says holiday shoppers are starting their quest for the perfect gift much earlier this year.

Cut 12 (10) “..this season.”  

And 50-percent of shoppers will begin their holiday shopping before November.

The percentage of unvaccinated individuals in Louisiana hospitals has dropped from the upper 90s to the mid-80s. Brooke Thorington asks a professional as to why the vaccine could be perceived as waning.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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More than 400 days after Hurricane Laura devastated the Lake Charles area the city is still working to recover.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

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At the height of the fourth COVID wave, the percentage of those unvaccinated in the hospital in Louisiana hovered in the upper 90s but now it’s dropped to 86-percent.   Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans says it’s another indicator of the need for booster shots because immunity naturally drops over time.

Cut 3 (10) “….two weeks after vaccination”

Another factor for the percentage drop among those unvaccinated in the hospital with COVID is because Miele says we have a much more infectious virus now.

Cut 4 (08) “…infecting humans.”

The declining percentage over time Miele says reinforces the need for booster shots, much like annual flu shots that are advised yearly. Miele says the booster shot could help us avoid a scenario in which…

Cut 5 (09) “…a year ago.”

Currently, only the Pfizer vaccine has received emergency use authorization from the FDA for booster shots. It’s expected that the same will happen in the next few days for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

__________________________________

Well over a year after Hurricane Laura ripped apart Lake Charles and the surrounding area, many folks there still haven’t recovered from the onslaught of the storm. Mayor Nic Hunter says they hold a record of sorts for disasters.

Cut 6 (07) “…in American history.” 

He says about eight percent of his city’s population is still residing outside the area and believes some of them will never come back.

He says that area of the state is still playing the waiting game for the much needed supplemental disaster aid to assist in the continued efforts to try and get his city back to a sense of normalcy.

Cut 7 (06) “….Laura hit yesterday.”  

Hunter is taken back by the lack of a quick federal response to the needs of Laura victims.

Cut 8 (10) “…or 30 years.”

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The Louisiana Gaming Control Board approves an application from the online sports betting site Fan Duel. The board unanimously approved the application this morning which makes Louisiana the 47^th state to approve Fan Duel. Tammy Hop an auditor with the Louisiana State Police Gaming Division gave a report to the commission concerning their projected revenue.

Cut 9 (10) “…in Louisiana.”

As for when sports betting will be widely available in the state, Gaming Commissioner Ronnie Johns says it’s the number one question he gets from the media and says Hurricane Ida forced the gaming division of state police to shift their focus briefly to recovery, but he remains optimistic on the timeline but chose not to give a specific date.

Cut 10 (08)  “…we’ll see.” 

So far only 13 of the 20 casinos in Louisiana have applied for a license to allow sports wagering. Currently, only Paragon Casino, south of Marksville is the only outlet with legalized sports wagering operating. As for rumors that sports wagering would be up and running as soon as this weekend, Johns set the record straight.

Cut  11 (12)  “… the right way.”  

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The National Retail Federation estimates consumers will spend just under $1000 on holiday gifts and other purchases this year, which is comparable to 2020. But NRF Senior Director of Industry and Consumer Insights, Katherine Cullen says holiday shoppers are starting their quest for the perfect gift much earlier this year.

Cut 12 (10) “..this season.”  

Cullen says the survey indicates that seniors plan to spend more on gifts for their grandchildren this year and those hosting gatherings anticipate spending more on food this year if the pandemic continues to see a downward trend.

Cut 13 (11) “…first time.”

And because of anticipated supply chain disruptions, Cullen says 50-percent of shoppers will begin their holiday shopping before November.

Cut 14 (06) “…39-percent,” 

Cullen says 57-percent of shoppers play to shop online for their holiday purchases, that’s down from 60-percent in 2020, and a quarter of shoppers plan to shop locally this year.

After several AT&T customers lost service during Hurricane Ida, a representative from the company told PSC commissioners customers should call them to report outages for a credit. But PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says that’s putting the burden on the customer and he wouldn’t be surprised if they lost customers over this.

Cut 15 (09)  “…this issue.”

COVID hospitalizations are below 400 now and at the height of the fourth wave, the percentage of those unvaccinated in the hospital in Louisiana hovered in the upper 90s but now it’s dropped to 83-percent.   Doctor Lucio Miele with LSU Health New Orleans says it’s another indicator of the need for booster shots because immunity naturally drops over time.

Cut 3 (10) “….two weeks after vaccination”

Among the areas hardest hit by Hurricane Ida, last August is Lafourche Parish and while Parish President Archie Chaisson says the progress is slow but steady. As for long-term recovery efforts, he looks forward to seeing federal aid – whether it’s FEMA dollars or Community Block Development Grants..

Cut 12 (13) “…need to be done.”

In Louisiana, more Blacks have been vaccinated for COVID compared to Whites according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. It’s a significant finding on closing the gap that was first reported when vaccines were first available. According to the survey now 51-percent of blacks are vaccinated in Louisiana compared to 49-percent of whites.