The Louisiana Department of health confirms another child has died as a result of the fourth surge of Covid-19 in the state.  It marks the seventh pediatric death of a child between the ages of 12 and 17.  No other information was released in connection with the death.

The Department of Children and Family Services is encouraging DSNAP inter callers to call on their assigned days due to the large call volume. Visit dcfs.louisiana.gov/DSNAP to find your assigned day and you can also preregister at the site. Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says calling in on your assigned day is not pre-registration and if you miss your interview day, they are holding makeup days.

Cut 9 (10) “…the alphabet”(x2) 

Current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP.

Congressman Garret Graves is pulling no punches in his concern for the fate of much-needed federal dollars for hurricane recovery aid in Louisiana.  He says the amount proposed is less than two billion dollars and is earmarked for disasters across the nation.

Cut 3 (10) “…not a chance.”

Congressman Troy Carter is among those who voted Tuesday to approve the Extending Government Funding and Disaster Assistance Act.  He says the bill provides crucial funding for disaster recovery in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…across this nation.”

The bill is part of a larger package dealing with funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling.

Congressman Garret Graves is pulling no punches in his concern for the fate of much-needed federal dollars for hurricane recovery aid in Louisiana.  He says the amount proposed is less than two billion dollars and is earmarked for disasters across the nation.

Cut 3 (10) “…not a chance.”

And, Graves says a “poison pill” in the mix is that the funding is tied to legislation to increase the national debt without limit that’s being sought by the Biden Administration.

Entergy Louisiana wants to add a $5 surcharge to customer’s bills to pay almost $2.1 billion in repair work following the 2020 hurricanes and February’s winter storms.  Entergy Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs Mark Kleehammer says the monthly surcharge is for fifteen years.

Cut 4 (09) “…the same thing.”

A cold front has moved through Louisiana, creating cooler, breezy, and drier conditions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the relief from the heat should be noticeable…

Cut 8 (08) “…be glorious outside.”

The cooler temps are a welcome relief for those recovering from Ida as they make repairs to their damaged properties, and there are also no tropical threats for the Gulf of Mexico.

The Louisiana startup company Tigeraire that created interior helmet fans for the LSU football team has signed with a Silicon Valley venture capital firm as their lead investor. And since Tigeraire began making headlines, CEO and Founder Jack Karavich says LSU alums in the construction industry have even requested a model for hardhats.

Cut 15 (09)  “…year actually.”

The House voted to continue a resolution to fund the government through December 3^rd and raise the $28 trillion debt ceiling. Senator Bill Cassidy says efforts are also underway to pass the disaster supplemental bill before the end of the month but Cassidy says he hopes Senator Majority leader Chuck Schumer won’t attach disaster relief to the resolution to raise the debt ceiling.

Cut 12 (12) “…doesn’t do that.”

Senator John Kennedy is the only Republican who’s stated he plans to vote for the bill for relief funds even if it raised the debt ceiling.

A Louisiana startup company that created interior helmet fans for the LSU football team has signed with a Silicon Valley venture capital firm as their lead investor. Jack Karavich is the founder and CEO of Tigeraire the company that created the helmet fans known as the Cyclone.

Cut 13 (04) “…all the time.”

Entergy Louisiana is seeking to add a $5 surcharge to customer’s bills to pay almost $2.1 billion in repair work following hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta, and February’s winter storms.  Entergy Vice President of Regulatory and Public Affairs Mark Kleehammer says the monthly surcharge is for fifteen years.

Cut 4 (09) “…the same thing.”

The surcharge was discussed at a joint legislative commerce committee where Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot suggested the utility provider dedicate a portion of their $700 million annual profits to an escrow account to pay for catastrophic repairs. He also questioned Entergy representatives about preventative maintenance.

Cut 6 (11) “…the payer.”

Governor Edwards is in Washington DC advocating for disaster relief for multiple natural disasters.  One of his requests will ask for flexibility with match funding. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says after disasters, municipalities are faced with immediate costs like debris removal.

Cut  16 (12) “…facilities.”

The mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have made a friendly wager that their city can get more residents vaccinated for COVID than the other. Mayors Adrian Perkins and Nic Hunter have set Halloween as the deadline. The two mayors posted an online video announcing the challenge. Perkins says it’s a win-win.

Cut 12 (09) “…Louisiana.”  

Both mayors will update weekly progress on their social media pages.

Two lawsuits are now making their way through state court that allege that mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette General, and Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution by forcing nurses and staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Attorney Jimmy Faircloth. Faircloth says those suing, who he calls “frontline heroes” are being “vilified” for not getting the vaccine.

Cut 7 (12) “…drive public policy.”  

Ochsner is not commenting on the lawsuit, but they say data and science show the efficacy of safety of the vaccines. Lourdes says it believes it’s taken appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with the pandemic.

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.”

Entergy is facing a class-action lawsuit from customers over the extensive power outages that occurred after Hurricane Ida. Entergy previously stated approximately 902,000 customers lost power after Ida made landfall on August 29th. The suit seeks to represent everyone who lost power.

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.”

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 with school back in session and the highly transmissible Delta variant the vaccine is needed in younger children.

Cut 9 (08)  “…kids vaccinated.”

Since August 19^th children ages five to seventeen have had the majority of COVID cases in the state

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.” 

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.

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.”

LRN I’m Erik Piccoli
22 students from Southwood Highschool have been arrested over the past two days after fights broke out. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Bia Roldan, says one student was charged with battery on an assistant school principal.
Cut 16 (07) “…process.”
All of the students arrested are under the age of 17, except for 18-year-old Devin Welch who was pepper-sprayed. He’s accused of making threatening statements to the school’s resource officer and a school staff member.
Residents of Calcasieu Parish are still waiting for school construction reimbursements due to hurricanes Laura and Delta. Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says the delay has forced the state bond commission to approve an emergency request for $50-million to help the school system resume construction.
Cut 11 (09) “…with FEMA.”
Schroder says FEMA has only remitted $116 thousand of the $300-million requested.
LRN
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The Houma Police force is mourning the loss of 21-year old officer Austin Bush. Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman says Bush had a bright future with the department and the young cadet told him since he was a child, he always knew he wanted to be a police officer.
Cut 8 (07) “…of the team.”
State Police are investigating the crash.
As Louisiana recovers from the destruction of Hurricane Ida some companies continue to deny evacuation expenses to policyholders. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says he won’t standby and do nothing should an insurance carrier say no to 14-days of evacuation expenses related to Ida.
Cut 5 (12) “…this crisis situation.”
Donelon is expecting some companies to take legal action to nullify his order and notes that some insurers dropped policyholders since Katrina because of various other legal obligations.
For LRN i’m Erik Piccoli

LRN I’m Erik Piccoli
State health officials report a sixth child has died from COVID-19 during the state’s fourth surge. Jeff Palermo has more…
Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Houma Police are mourning the loss of one their own. 21-year old Austin Bush was killed in a single-vehicle crash Thursday morning after his car struck a log and ended up in a drainage basin and became fully submerged. Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman
says the recent weeks have been challenging since the hurricane and the death of a young officer is even more difficult.
Cut 7 (11) “…through it.”
LRN
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With south Louisiana reeling from the destruction left by hurricane Ida only weeks ago, State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says some companies continue to deny evacuation expenses to policyholders if there was not an official evacuation order in place.
Cut 3 (11) “..the present time”
Donelon reminded the companies that he has the power to override an insurer’s refusal to provide such coverage during a declared emergency.
And LSU will host Central Michigan State tonight in a game which coach Ed Orgeron will not expect to be easy. Orgeron hopes to see improvement on that side of the ball in this game…
Cut 10 (13) right now”
The game begins at 6:30
For LRN i’m Erik Piccoli