Gas prices across Louisiana keep moving higher with no indication they are about to reverse course. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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More families are now in travel trailers after being displaced by Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more on the new state program intended to speed up the process.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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If you have a 337 or 504 area code you now have to dial all ten digits when calling locally. FCC Spokesperson Paloma Perez says it’s because those area codes have 988 exchanges which will be used in the future for a national suicide hotline.

Cut 3 (09) “….intended for.”

Perez says the change is being implemented now so callers in the 337 and 504 area codes will be in the habit of dialing all ten digits well before the July 2022 launch of the 988 national counseling phone line.

Cut 4 (06) “…noble cause.”

But in the meantime, the national suicide hotline is fully operational by dialing 1-800-273-TALK. Perez says it’s only next year that the number will be shortened to 988.

Cut 5 (08) “…mental health crisis.”

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If your wallet’s banking on seeing a drop in gas prices sometime soon, Don Redman, field analyst for Triple-A, says that doesn’t seem to be in the cards this fall for drivers in Louisiana or elsewhere.

Cut 6 (12) “…the immediate horizon.” 

The statewide average price of regular has climbed to three-15 a gallon, up eight cents from a week ago, while crude oil prices have jumped to 85 dollars a barrel, with some speculation they could shoot to 100 dollars a barrel.

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.”  

Redman says the high pump prices in Louisiana is not because there’s a lack of gasoline and oil in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (07) “…of crude oil.”

He says there’s no indication as of now on when gas prices in the state might start dropping again.

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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 (11) “…purchased.”

Steele says the IdaShelteringLA.com program not only has to process registrations, but the newly created program has to purchase trailers, which have been short supply since the pandemic, and perform inspections to be sure there is power, water, and sewage at the prospective site where the travel trailers will be placed.

Cut 10 (11)  “…RV park.” 

The newly created program has come under lots of criticism from some, due to the length of time it’s taking to get those displaced in trailers. Steele says it’s the first time the state has been involved with acquiring trailers, otherwise FEMA placing individuals in trailers wouldn’t start until November.

Cut  11 (11)  “…daily basis.”  

Steele says while they understand it’s never soon enough for someone seeking assistance but they hope things can go faster now that the program is established. Steele says the Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program which places individuals in hotels along with shelters are still options for those waiting on trailers.

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State Treasurer John Schroder will stop in Alexandria, Columbia, Monroe and Shreveport to promote the ten-million-dollar Louisiana Loggers Relief Grant Program. Schroder says loggers are eligible for a one-time grant of up to 25-thousand dollars, but they’ve only allocated one-point-two million dollars…

Cut 12 (11) “…on it.”  

The state legislature established the grant program with federal coronavirus aid. Louisiana Forestry Association Executive Director Buck Vandersteen says the money is for master loggers who have experienced recent revenue losses….

Cut 13 (12) “…in their process”

Vandersteen says the logging industry worked through the pandemic, but many mills were closed to help slow the spread…

Cut 14 (09) “..2019” 

For more information got to the State Treasurer’s website or call the Louisiana Forestry Association.

Booster shots are now available and depending on which one you got, your age and or medical conditions dictate if you need one. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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.” 

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Early Voting for the November 13^th election starts on Saturday. Governor Edwards has come out in favor of two of the four amendments on the ballot. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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COVID vaccine booster shots have been authorized for both the Moderna and Pfizer two-dose vaccines now and 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.

Welch says if you had the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine the booster shot is highly recommended for you, regardless of age or preexisting health conditions.

Cut 5 (08) “…first shot.”

While the vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing severe disease, death, and hospitalizations, Welch says their efficacy does wane after time, so boosters are recommended. Now the CDC allows you to mix and match doses for example if you first had the Pfizer vaccine you can receive a Moderna booster.  But Welch says if you are confused about the vaccines or booster shots…

Cut 6 (10) “…hotline.”

For more information, you can call the Louisiana COVID-19 vaccine hotline at 1-855-453-0774.

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

Cut 7 (09) “…state of Louisiana.”

Graves says that over the past few years, he’s worked to secure over one billion dollars in federal funds, and believes “the flexibility of these specific funds will help solve real transportation needs in our community immediately.” Some of the money will be earmarked for elevating sections of LA-1 that are prone to frequent flooding.

The congressman talks about how he expects the money will be used to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure.

Cut 8 (12) “…work on I-12.”

Graves says this new money will be helpful in addressing the state’s transportation needs.

Cut 9 (07)  “…are right now.”

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There are four constitutional amendments on the November 13^th statewide ballot, and Louisiana’s governor says he’s all for two of them. Amendment One would authorize a centralized state tax collecting authority. Currently, there are numerous such Authorities in different cities across the state. Governor John Bel Edwards says he would like to see the amendment pass…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…their support for this.” 

Edwards says he is also in favor of Amendment Two on the ballot. If passed by voters, it would actually LOWER the maximum allowable rate of state income tax and authorize a state tax deduction for federal income taxes paid…:

Cut 11 (12) “…that’s what this does.”

The Governor says under the current tax structure, the federal government – in effect – determines how much tax Louisianans pay. He feels it’s better to trade tax exemptions for lower tax rates…:

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

Early voting for the November 13^th election starts this Saturday. Many voting districts will only have the amendments on their ballot. The Governor did not comment on Amendments 3 or 4.

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Tickets go on sale today for the Fall Arts and Crafts Show at the Louisiana State Penitentiary set for December 4^th. Since the Angola Prison Rodeo has been canceled for the last two years due to the pandemic, Corrections Secretary Jimmy Le Blanc says they wanted to give inmates an opportunity to show and sell the crafts even without the rodeo.

Cut 13 (09) “…are ready.”

The bi-annual prison rodeo is traditionally held in April and October and was called off far in advance when COVID cases were on the rise, but LeBlanc says now that COVID numbers are more stable they wanted to hold a scaled-down event to boost morale and give attendees a chance to buy one-of-a-kind goods.

Cut 14 (08)  “…exposed to.”

Handmade items like jewelry, leather goods, paintings, and furniture will be for sale at the festival. Tickets are five dollars for the 9 am to 2 pm event and right now attendees must be ages 14 and older and bring proof of vaccination.

With anticipated shipping delays for holiday gifts this year LeBlanc says this is the perfect opportunity to complete your shopping locally and be sure you have plenty of space in your vehicle to carry them home.

Cut 15 (08)  “…the make.”

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

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The Saints return to action tonight after a bye week to face the Seattle Seahawks. Steady rain is expected tonight in the Emerald City and New Orleans will also have to contend with 12th man, Seattle’s vocal fan base. Wide receiver Marquez Callaway says they know it will be a challenge

Cut  16 (18) “should be special”

The Saints will not face Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson as he’s out with a finger injury. Geno Smith will start at the quarterback. But the Seahawks still have two terrific receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Cornerback Pauslon Adebo gives us a scouting report, starting with Metcalf…

Cut 17 (17) “ ..cover him.” 

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LSU started strong but faded in Oxford in a 31-17 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday. The Tigers scored the game’s first touchdown in the first quarter, but didn’t score again until the fourth quarter. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says the offense failed to execute during that scoring drought

Cut 18 (18)”…down field.”

The loss drops LSU’s record to 4-and-4, 2-and-3 in the SEC heading into a bye week before a road game against Alabama. Center Liam Shanahan says the team is still motivated to win…

Cut 19 (25)  “…invested so”

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ULM pulled off another upset victory over the weekend as the Warhawks outscored South Alabama 41-31. Warhawks Quarterback Chandler Rogers had a big game, as he threw for 369 yards and four touchdowns. Coach Terry Bowden says they knew Rogers could run, but he’s showing off his ability to throw…

Cut 20 (20)  “hitches” 

The Warhawks are underdogs again this Saturday as they will visit Appalachian State.

The DEA is holding its 21^st Drug Takeback event this Saturday, a time when you can clear your home of unwanted prescription drugs. More from Brooke Thorington.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana Treasurer John Schroder wants to see the legislative leadership make a  decision on how the state plans to contribute financially to the proposed improvements to the Superdome. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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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 3 (08) “….a proper way.”

Singleton says the collection points will not be accepting illegal drugs, such as marijuana, and syringes and liquids will not be accepted either. The Drug Takeback event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. Visit www.takebackday.dea.gov for a list of locations.

Singleton talks about the kind of prescription meds and one other thing that you’ll be able to turn in during the Drug Takeback event.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of it.”

Singleton says turning in unwanted opioids could help avert someone else getting their hands on them.

Cut 5 (11) “…for these opioids.”

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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.

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.”  

Schroder says that although the 90-million-dollars isn’t needed just yet from the state for the Superdome upgrades, the clock is ticking before the project may have to be scaled back due to the possible decrease in state funding.

Cut 8 (09) “…them some direction.”

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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.”

When vaccines were first available there was much hesitancy among minorities, so outreach was focused to change that but 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.” 

Hood says it’s going to take multiple conversations to change the mind of an individual who’s hesitant about the vaccine and they are working on a person-by-person approach versus changing a demographic.

Cut  11 (11)  “…step of the way.”  

The October breakdown of 43 states by the Kaiser Foundation indicates 49% of Whites are vaccinated in Louisiana, 51% of Blacks, 56% of Hispanics, and 84% of the Asian population are vaccinated.

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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.”  

In terms of a resolution with the Biden Administration on energy production in general, Graves feels they are very far off because the administration is more focused on renewable energy at the moment.

Cut 13 (07) “…get better.”

Graves says they continue to work with the Biden Administration and demonstrate that the facts behind their energy policy of focusing on renewable energy are not in the best interest of the country right now.

Cut 14 (10) “…resources,” 

Graves also criticized the Biden Administration for canceling the Keystone pipeline in North America but at the same time supporting efforts for the Nord Stream Pipeline in Russia.