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”  

A Baton Rouge man is facing five years behind bars after being sentenced on federal charges of setting two fires at a strip mall in Alexandria in 2019.  Jasmine Roberson entered a guilty plea this past June.  He was convicted of torching the mall on behalf of a prison inmate who had put money into the strip mall and was looking to collect insurance money.  Roberson initially set fire to the wrong business.

Today 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. today. Visit www.dea.gov for a list of locations.

A Kenner mom may opt to sue after her child received a COVID-19 shot without her permission at East Jefferson High School on Wednesday. The 16-year-old was vaccinated after a mobile clinic from Ochsner Health pulled onto the campus, but legally the student couldn’t consent to the shot, something that a parent must do for those under 18-years of age.  WWL-TV report the attorney for the parent labeled the situation “lawless behavior.”

Cox communication is blaming voltage issues for reported outages in Baton Rouge, Lafayette and surrounding areas yesterday. The problem has been mostly resolved and customers may have to restart their modem to get back up and running.

The DEA is holding its 21^st Drug Takeback event this today..

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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.”  

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.” 

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) “…happy about it.”

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.”  

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.” 

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.”

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come.

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

The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana by our own Senator John Kennedy. He says the bipartisan bill gives states billions for pandemic fiscal relief. Kennedy says Louisiana will get about $4.8-billion of the nearly $2-trillion funded within the bill, but his amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how the federal dollars are spent…:

Cut 6 (09) “…the handcuffs are off.”

When the widow of late Governor Edwin Edwards stated she wanted the former-four term governor to have his final resting place near Huey Long at the State Capitol, it brought to light proposed legislation that’s in the works to allow other former governors to be buried at the capitol. Monroe Representative Michael Echols plans to submit his bill in the 2022 regular legislative session and he welcomes input from state historians and others so the memorial is done properly.

Cut 12 (11) “…appropriate.”

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.”

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.

If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come, a warmer, drier winter is expected. Keim says there’s some potentially bad news about the formation of the La Nina weather pattern when it comes to the final weeks of Hurricane Season that officially wraps up November 30^th.

Cut 15 (09)  “…of the season.”

Though Keim says any future hurricanes this season should be more of a threat to the east coast rather than the Gulf states.

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.”

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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.” 

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Huey Long is the only former governor to be buried on the grounds of the capitol but that could soon change. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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The U.S. Senate has passed a recovery and relief bill; amended to be beneficial to Louisiana by our own Senator John Kennedy. He says the bipartisan bill gives states billions for pandemic fiscal relief, but his amendment gives Louisiana more flexibility with what to do with its share…:

Cut 4 (13) “…in my state.”

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 Louisiana will get about $4.8-billion of the nearly $2-trillion funded within the bill, but his amendment gives Louisiana choices as to how the federal dollars are spent…:

Cut 6 (09) “…the handcuffs are off.”

Kennedy hopes the House will pass the measure and send it to President Biden with all due haste. The bill let’s state lawmakers use up to 30-percent of the money for infrastructure needs and use up to 100% of it for disaster relief.

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Open enrollment is underway for Medicare beneficiaries who may or may not 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 you.

Cut 7 (12) “…through December 7th.”

You can get in touch with SHIIP by calling 1-800-259-5300 or by visiting www.ldi.la.gov.

Donelon on why people turn to SHIIP for Medicare information.

Cut 8 (10) “…their individual’s situation.”

Donelon says the Medicare choices are important since not all, such as Medicare Advantage Plans, offer coverage for your particular doctors or other medical providers that you prefer.

Cut 9 (09)  “…by traditional Medicare.”

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When the widow of late Governor Edwin Edwards stated she wanted the former-four term governor to have his final resting place near Huey Long at the State Capitol, it brought to light proposed legislation that’s in the works to allow other former governors to be buried at the capitol. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says he began preparing his bill about six months ago.

Cut 10 (07)  “…around the campus.” 

Echols, who walks the capitol grounds frequently, says they are ideal to honor former state leaders. Suitable grounds and the recent passing of several former governors also inspired the legislation.

Cut 11 (11) “…opportunity.”

As for how Long’s remains were permitted to be buried on the grounds, Echols says it was a  resolution that was passed hours after the Kingfish died.  But he wants the burial of governors on the capitol grounds to become a permanent option.

Echols plans to submit his bill in the 2022 regular legislative session that’s scheduled to begin March 14^th and he welcomes input from state historians and others so the memorial is done properly.

Cut 12 (11) “…appropriate.”

Trina Edwards recently had her husband’s remains exhumed and cremated and says she’d like to inter his ashes at the capitol grounds.

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If you like your winters cold and wet in Louisiana, you may not get your wish in the coming months. State Climatologist Barry Keim says NOAA is out with its latest predictions showing that a La Nina weather pattern is now in control of what’s to come.

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

And if you like your weather cooler, forecasters say you’ll need to head to the Northwest and the northern Rockies this winter season.

Keim says La Ninas typically show up every three to four years, giving rise to the warmer, drier weather pattern in the most southern swath of states.

Cut 14 (12)  “…across the country.”

Keim says there’s some potentially bad news about the formation of the La Nina weather pattern when it comes to the final weeks of Hurricane Season that officially wraps up November 30^th.

Cut 15 (09)  “…of the season.”

Though Keim says any future hurricanes this season should be more of a threat to the east coast rather than the Gulf states.

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The Saints are getting ready to make a trip to the Pacific Northwest to play the Seattle Seahawks on Monday night. Coach Sean Payton says it’s difficult to produce explosive plays on offense against the Seahawks defense…

Cut  16 (16) “drives”

The Seahawks are without starting quarterback Russell Wilson who is out after undergoing finger surgery. Safety Marcus Williams says Seattle can still be explosive with Geno Smith at QB…

Cut 17 (13) “ …ball out.” 

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It’s homecoming for Louisiana Tech who will host undefeated and 24th ranked UTSA. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz says the Roadrunners are a senior laden team…

Cut 18 (19)”…protecting the football.”

UTSA Quarterback Frank Harris has thrown for 16-hundred yards and 14 touchdowns. Bulldogs Quarterback Austin Kendall only threw for 164 yards last week and he was intercepted three times. Holtz on the adjustments they plan to make with the passing game..

Cut 19 (18)  “…the quarterback” 

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.”

More than a year after Hurricane Laura tore up Lake Charles and the surrounding area, many folks there still haven’t recovered from the onslaught of the storm. Mayor Nic Hunter 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 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.”  

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 the declining percentage over time 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.”

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 (12) “..this season.”  

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 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”

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 is taken aback by the lack of a quick federal response to the needs of Laura victims

Cut 8 (11) “…or 30 years.”

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. 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.”

PSC Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, who represents a large portion of southeast Louisiana, says putting the 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.

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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.” 

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.”

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,

Voters in nine southeast parishes of the state will not be voting at their usual polling location due to the devastation left by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says they will be sending out information to those affected along with radio ads alerting them of their new voting location. If you are displaced due to Ida and living outside of the parish where you usually vote, Ardoin says to contact the registrar’s office in the parish where you are registered and have them send you an absentee ballot ASAP.

Cut 8 (07) “…quickly as possible.”

Matthew Mire, the man accused in the multi-parish shooting spree that killed two, including a state trooper has been relocated to Angola State Penitentiary as he awaits trial. Legal analyst Franz Borghardt points out that Mire is simply being housed in Angola, he’s not servicing a sentence there. Borghardt says Mire was moved from Ascension Parish at the request of Sheriff Bobby Webre. He believes the suspect’s safety is a major factor for Mire’s transfer to Angola.

Cut 4 (10) “…if he’s convicted.”

The FDA could soon move to approve the mixing and matching of COVID-19 vaccines, especially good news for those seeking a different booster shot.  Dr. Lisa Morici with the Tulane School of Medicine.

Cut 9 (11) “…to do that.”

Dr. Morici says that studies are showing that the mixing of vaccines shots has actually had a positive impact on producing higher antibody responses.

Sabine Parish authorities with the help of an LSU forensic team have identified the skeletal remains found in a private water well 35 years ago. The remains are Lester Rome of Grand Isle. Jefferson Parish authorities reported him missing in 1984. Detective Chris Abrahams with the Sabine Sheriff’s office says Rome was 58-years-old at the time. Abrahams says they are trying to determine how a south Louisiana man was disposed of in northwest Louisiana…

Cut 13 (06) “…the well.”