State Police Colonel Lamar Davis discusses changes made with the agency as his department comes under fire for allegedly not investigating properly cases of excessive force arrests involving troopers.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

LSU says about 4-percent or 12-hundred students have yet to comply with the school’s new COVID-19 entry protocols as of Thursday. Students who failed to do so by Friday risk being kicked off-campus.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the United States that killed nearly three thousand Americans. Chris Guilbeau, Assistant Deputy Director of Emergency Management at GOHSEP, says 20 years on, the biggest threat we face from terrorists is cyberattacks which can cripple major companies and infrastructure.

Cut 4  (12) “…their knees.” 

The Louisiana Association of Business & Industry is not a fan of President Biden’s proposed mandate that all U.S. companies with 100 or more employees force their workers to get a COVID vaccine. LABI CEO Stephen Waguespack says that would put businesses in a very tough position.

Cut 8 (10) “..are subjected to”

He says Biden’s plan could potentially cause more companies to relocate outside the U.S.

The Biden Administration’s plan to require Covid-19 vaccines for companies with more than 100 employees is drawing strong opposition from LABI.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Dave Brannen.

According to the National Hurricane Center, A tropical wave off the Atlantic coast of Central America has a 70-percent chance of formation in the next two days. By late in the weekend heavy rains could reach the western gulf coast including coastal Texas and Louisiana through mid-week. The significant rainfall could result in flash flooding for the Bayou State.

Today marks the 20th anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the United States that killed nearly three thousand Americans. Chris Guilbeau, Assistant Deputy Director of Emergency Management at Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says policies and procedures implemented since 9-11 have made a difference.

Cut 3 (12) “…major incidents.”

State Police Colonel Lamar Davis held a lengthy press conference Friday to discuss allegations the agency mishandled a police brutality investigation. Lt. John Clary has been accused of covering up the fatal police beating of Ronald Green in 2019 when he did not hand over his body cam footage to prosecutors. Clary has been cleared and Davis explains why…

Cut 12 (10) “evidence.”  

Eleven days after the 9/11 attacks in 2001 the Department of Homeland Security was created by the Bush Administration. Chris Guilbeau who is the Assistant Deputy Director of Emergency Management at GOHSEP says the biggest threat we are facing from terrorists now is cyberattacks which can cripple major companies and infrastructure.

Cut 4  (12) “…their knees.” 

The Biden Administration is getting more blowback on its plan to mandate vaccines for companies with more than 100 employees.  LABI President and CEO Stephen Waguespack opposes the action that would impact about two-thirds of the American workforce and a quarter of LABI members.

Cut 6 (11) “..like this before.” 

State Climatologist Barry Keim says we’ve hit the statistical midway mark of the 2021 hurricane season and there is one thing to note that will be a change from last year, no repeat of the use of Greek names for the storms.

Cut 9 (11) “…Greek alphabet..”

Football fans entering Tiger Stadium tomorrow night for the LSU-McNeese game will have to be vaccinated or show proof of a negative COVID test taken 72 hours prior to kick-off. LSU spokesperson Cody Worsham says they will have 12 pre-verification sites on campus, and they’ll have mobile teams on golf carts will offering prescreening services for tailgaters…

Cut 15 (09)  “…bracelet.”

Saturday marks 20 years since the 9-11 Terrorist Attack on the United States. Islamic extremists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York, and one jet into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Baton Rougean Trey Williams was working for the federal government in D.C. at the time. He says he witnessed much of the confusion of that day from his office in the U.S. Capitol…:
Cut 10 (09) “…out of the city.”

Eleven days after the 9/11 attacks the Department of Homeland Security was created by the Bush Administration. Chris Guilbeau who is the Assistant Deputy Director of Emergency Management at GOSHEP says policies and procedures implemented since have made a difference.

Cut 3 (12) “…major incidents.”

You can sort of breathe a sigh of relief that today we’ve reached the statistical midway point of this year’s hurricane season.  But, as Dave Brannen reports, we’re not out of the woods yet

Cut 2 (24) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

The LSU Tigers kick off their first home game against McNeese State Saturday night and for the first time, fans will have to show proof of vaccination, or a negative PCR COVID-19 test to enter Tiger Stadium. LSU Athletics Spokesperson Cody Worsham says for the most part things will be the same with the exception of your journey from tailgating to the stadium.

Cut 13 (05) “…worth doing.”

If you or a loved one is overwhelmed with hurricane recovery or the pandemic there is free counseling available and it’s as easy as picking up your phone. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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You can sort of breathe a sigh of relief that today we’ve reached the statistical midway point of this year’s hurricane season.  But, as Dave Brannen reports, we’re not out of the woods yet

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Saturday marks twenty years since the September 11^th attacks on New York and Washington. Kevin Gallagher has more from a Louisianan who was there…:

Cut 3 (33)  I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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While many are dealing with the stress of hurricane recovery State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter reminds residents that free and confidential help is available for those feeling overwhelmed during this most traumatic period. He says you can call the Keep Calm phone line at 1-866-310-7977…

Cut 4 (12) “…66746.”

Hurricane recovery on top of a pandemic is extremely daunting and Kanter notes there is help available and it’s completely confidential.

Cut 5 (09) “…about that.”

Kanter highly encourages anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, or you if you have a loved one who is extremely stressed with the pandemic and/or hurricane recovery to reach out for help.

Cut 6 (06) “…issues.”

For more information visit SAMHSA.gov website or call 1-800-985-5590 or text TalkWithUs (all one word) to 66746.

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It’s Friday, and as State Climatologist Barry Keim tells us, we’re about halfway through this year’s hurricane season.

Cut 7 (11) “…than any other.”

He says that’s why more storms form during this time of the hurricane season that runs from June through November.  So far this year, Keim says we’ve had 13 named storms which put us far ahead of an average season of storms.

Keim says while we still have half the hurricane season left, there’s an upside to this situation.

Cut 8 (10) “…end of October.”

State Climatologist Barry Keim says that as we hit the statistical midway of the 2021 hurricane season, there is one thing to note.  We won’t see the repeat of last year’s use of Greek names for the storms.

Cut 9 (11) “…Greek alaphbet..”

And Keim says NOAA predicts a 70 to 80 percent chance of a LA Nina forming towards the end of the season which could result in a repeat similar to last year of a lot of storms, some of them powerful.

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Saturday marks twenty years since the 9-11 Terrorist Attack on the U.S.A. Islamic extremists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York, and one jet into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Baton Rougean Trey Williams was working for the federal government in D.C. at the time. He says he witnessed much of the confusion of that day from his office in the U.S. Capitol…:

Cut 10 (09) “…out of the city.” 

A fourth plane on September 11, 2001, was planning to crash into the U.S. Capitol, but passengers teamed to rush the cockpit and cause the plane to crash in Shanksville, PA. Williams, who worked for the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services at the time, said the Capitol was eventually evacuated with staff left to find their own way out of the area…:

Cut 11 (13) “….quiet everything was.”

Williams remembers the smoke rising from the Pentagon in the distance and the eerie silence of virtually NO air traffic, save for the sounds of fighter jets. Still, he says he’ll always remember the compassion people showed each other at that chaotic time…:

Cut 12 (08) “…helping each other out.”  

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The LSU Tigers kick off their first home game against McNeese State Saturday night and for the first time, fans will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test to enter Tiger Stadium. LSU Athletics Spokesperson Cody Worsham says for the most part things will be the same with the exception of your journey from tailgating to the stadium.

Cut 13 (05) “…worth doing.”

Worsham says prior to the game they will have 12 pre-verification sites on campus where you can show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to help ease congestion into the stadium. He says there’s a map of the sites on lsusports.net and they will be open from 10-3.

Cut 14 (12) “…your seats.”

In addition to the 12 sites, Worsham says they will have mobile teams on golf carts that will offer prescreening services for tailgaters also.

Cut 15 (09)  “…bracelet.”

Guests younger than 12 will not need to present a negative test; masks will be encouraged for children younger than 5 and required for children ages 5 to 11 years old.

For more information go to lsusports.net

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A new era of Saints football begins Sunday when New Orleans opens the season against Green Bay in Jacksonville. Instead of Drew Brees at quarterback, it will be Jameis Winston

Cut  16 (12) “…just blessed.”

Winston says the time re-located in Fort Worth, Texas has been good for the team as they’ve come together…

Cut 17 (25) “…together.”  

Winston knows this opening game has added meaning for those who suffered through Hurricane Ida and its aftermath…

Cut 18 (24)”…do a lot.”

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New ULM Coach Terry Bowden gets to coach his first game in Malone Stadium on Saturday when the Warhawks host Jackson State. Kentucky spoiled Bowden’s debut with ULM last week as the Wildcats handled the Warhawks 45 to 10. Kentucky threw for 419 yards and Bowden says they need to be assignment sound in the secondary

Cut 19 (18)  “…being in position.” 

Bowden says there were some bright spots in the loss to Kentucky, like Boogie Knight who had six catches for 58 yards

Cut 20 (17)  “…standpoint.” 

Entergy is reporting more progress in restoring power to the tens of thousands who lost it during Hurricane Ida.  Here’s Dave Brannen with an update.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

38-year old Kenneth Willis of Baton Rouge was arrested Wednesday for negligent homicide, weeks after his infant daughter was found unresponsive inside a hot car and later pronounced dead. Baton Rouge police say Willis was released on a $30,000 bond.

The state reports 49-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and COVID hospitalizations remain below two thousand at 1825.

A juvenile was found fatally shot outside of a home in Natchitoches this morning. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says officers responded to the scene on Highland Park Drive just after six o’clock this morning and they are asking the public to provide tips that could lead to an arrest.

Cut 13 (10)      offender”

The shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood.

The American Red Cross is aiding in areas of the state that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Ida. President and CEO Gail McGovern says in addition to providing meals and shelter they are even providing counseling for residents to meet their mental needs also.

Cut 4  (12) “…clobbered.” 

McGovern says they wouldn’t be able to provide shelter, distribute meals, and cleaning supplies without the help of volunteers and donations.

A juvenile was found fatally shot outside of a home in Natchitoches this morning. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says officers responded to the scene on Highland Park Drive just after six o’clock this morning

Cut 12 (06) “gunshot wound”  

Greely says they are asking the public to provide tips that could lead to an arrest.

The American Red Cross is aiding in areas of the state that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Ida. President and CEO Gail McGovern has visited southeast Louisiana herself and seen the widespread devastation. She says they are providing a number of services.

Cut 3 (10) “…and parishes.”

McGovern says at the height of providing shelter, the Red Cross assisted up to forty thousand people. McGovern says shelters will remain open until everyone is situated.

Congressman Steve Scalise says Louisiana’s congressional delegation is on board with likely getting a separate funding package passed to help hurricane-ravaged Southeast and Southwest Louisiana.  He says the money needed to impact a massive repair effort will require billions of federal dollars due to the damage.

Cut 6 (08) “..development block grants.” 

The Baton Rouge Zoo released sad news Wednesday about the passing of 20-month-old giraffe Burreaux. The young giraffe, named after Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, was born December 26, 2019, the same year the LSU Tigers went undefeated. Zoo Director Phil Frost says Burreaux died early Wednesday morning after a sudden onset of a severe cough and agitation Tuesday.

Cut 13 (07) “…unexpected loss.”

A cause of death has not been given and they expect to have autopsy results back in thirty days.

A lot of insurance companies are balking at an order issued by Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon that requires them to pay Hurricane Ida evacuation expenses whether a mandatory evacuation was issued or not by a civil authority.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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FEMA is helping those impacted by Hurricane Ida with critical needs and transitional housing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Burreuax the young Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU’s Heisman Trophy Winner has died. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29)  I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is ordering insurance companies to pay the evacuation expenses of policyholders who fled their homes during Hurricane Ida whether a mandatory evacuation order was issued or not.

Cut 4 (11) “…them from abuse.”

Donelon says State Farm has said it would not cough up the expense money to evacuees who left their homes during Ida and incurred expenses even though a civil authority had not issued an evacuation order.  He says Hurricane Ida “was a clear and present danger.”

Commissioner Donelon says some companies have agreed to waive the mandatory evacuation order provision of their policies at the request of President Biden that came prior to Donelon’s order this week.

Cut 5 (10) “…accomodating his request.”

Donelon says his order for insurance companies to pay evacuation expenses to policyholders won’t likely be met with firms like State Farm automatically rolling over to his demand for them to pay up.

Cut 6 (10) “…of administrative law.”

Donelon says his order covers more than two dozen parishes in Louisiana.

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The hot summer that those involved in storm recovery efforts have been enduring since Hurricane Ida is about to ease.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cool front is sweeping into southeast Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…into the state.”

Keim says the nicer weather will be short-lived, but remain around through most of the weekend giving Ida victims, and crews repairing the damage, some relief at least until next week.

The effects of a cool front moving into the Bayou State will be quite noticeable to those rocked by Ida and still working to repair the massive destruction that many sustained.  State Climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 8 (11) “…very low humidity.”

When it comes to getting repairs done after Ida, Keim says much of the weekend will be a more ideal time weather-wise to do it.

Cut 9 (12) “…the month of September.”

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While some parts are the state have regained power other parts remain uninhabitable. FEMA is on the ground providing assistance to residents with immediate needs. FEMA Spokesperson John Mills some residents may qualify for funding for critical needs assistance.

Cut 10 (07) “…insurance.” 

Mills says FEMA is also able to provide expedited rental assistance for those who are unable to live in their home due to Ida.

Cut 11 (10) “….power outages.”

If your home requires a FEMA inspection, Mills says they will have proper ID and they will never charge you for an inspection.

Mills says that FEMA is also providing transitional housing, like a hotel, for those displaced from their homes and they will make that determination after you apply.

By law, FEMA cannot provide duplicate assistance so Mills says to contact your insurance carrier before you file for assistance with the government. If you have any questions, he encourages you to call 1-800-621-3362…

Cut 12 (11) “…who do.”  

FEMA is also offering reimbursement for chainsaws or generators purchased between Aug. 26^th and Sept. 25, 2021

You can register online with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621 FEMA (3362).

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The Baton Rouge Zoo released sad news Wednesday about the passing of 20-month-old giraffe Burreaux. The young giraffe, named after Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, was born December 26 in 2019, the same year the LSU Tigers went undefeated. Zoo Director Phil Frost says Burreaux died early Wednesday morning after a sudden onset of a severe cough and agitation Tuesday.

Cut 13 (07) “…unexpected loss.”

Zoo veterinarian Dr. Michael Warshaw says the plan was to observe the young giraffe overnight and schedule an immobilization Wednesday morning with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. But early Wednesday things took a turn.

Cut 14 (09) “…agitated.”

As for a cause of death, a necropsy was performed by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and the zoo’s medical staff. Results should be available in 30 days. Warshaw says at this time they don’t want to surmise that the young giraffe had COVID.

Cut 15 (11)  “…suspectable species.”

The Baton Rouge Zoo has a long history of giraffe births, Burreaux was the twentieth and his young sister was born at the zoo a week ago.

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The Saints continue their preparations for Sunday’s season opener in Fort Worth, Texas. New Orleans will open the season on Sunday in Jacksonville against the Packers, a favorite to win the NFC. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Green Bay does a lot of the little things well…

Cut  16 (20) “…costing em.”

Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway says the re-located to Fort Worth, Texas might help the team…

Cut 17 (17) “…first game.”  

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LSU players explained on Wednesday what went wrong in the season-opening loss to UCLA. Offensive guard Ed Ingram blames mental errors for the problems along the o-line…

Cut 18 (12)”…turn.”

Ingram also believes the injuries that took place during preseason camp had an impact on the loss to the Bruins. He says some players were not in game shape. Ingram also says the change in offensive line coaches in the offseason from James Cregg to Brad Davis may have played a factor

Cut 19 (19)  “…the season.” 

LSU senior defensive end Andre Anthony says it was a tough loss, but they can’t let it define their season…

Cut 20 (13)  “…winning out.” 

The death toll from hurricane Ida in Louisiana has now reached 26. Since landfall on August 29^th, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed 11 additional storm-related deaths that were reported to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office.  The eleven additional fatalities occurred from August 30^th to September 6^th.  Nine of those 11 fatalities were from excessive heat due to power outages.

Terrebonne Parish does not have a fully functioning hospital since Hurricane Ida came ashore. Terrebonne General and Chabert Medical Center in Houma but sustained considerable damage and Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland and Lady of the Sea in Galliano are also closed. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City has been a success story as they have double the patients…

Cut 13 (11)       St. Mary”

The October primary in Louisiana is officially postponed to November 13^th due to Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan to move the primary from October 9^th to November 13^th and the November 13^th election to December 11^th was approved by the Governor this afternoon. And while October 9^th might seem like enough time there are a number of deadlines that fall before an election.

Cut 4  (12) “..an issue.” 

Southwest Louisiana received uplifting news today. The White House is asking Congress for $2.3-billion to assist residents displaced from Hurricane Laura. But Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says it’ll be a while before the money spigot is turned on.

Cut 8 (07) “…hits the streets.”

The October primary in Louisiana is officially postponed to November due to hurdles imposed by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan, approved by the Governor, moves the primary from October 9^th to November 13^th and the November 13^th election to December 11^th.

Cut 3 (11) “…and food.”

Ten days into the restoration effort, the Louisiana Public Service Commission reports 345-thousand utility customers in southeast Louisiana are without power. That’s down from more than one million outages after Hurricane Ida roared through the Bayou State. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says electricity is finally flowing again in Lafourche Parish…

Cut 9 (06) “…been restored” 

Southwest Louisiana residents ravaged by Hurricane Laura could receive more federal relief dollars to fund the rebuilding of homes and businesses.  Dave Brannen has more

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

The state reports just over three thousand new COVID-19 cases and 136 fatalities today. The state did note a reduction in hospitalization, less than two thousand with 1,895. 90-percent of those in the hospital with COVID are unvaccinated.