Republican Senator John Kennedy already has a challenger in his bid for a second term next year. Democrat Luke Mixon of Baton Rouge says he’s running for the office held by Kennedy since 2017.  The 42-year-old Mixon contends Kennedy has cast votes to block billions of dollars to improve our infrastructure and protect the state from natural disasters. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat doesn’t see it in the cards for Mixon, a commercial airline pilot, denying Kennedy another term in office.

Cut 10 (07)  “…in his favor” 

The small community of Lafitte in Jefferson Parish is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Ida. Mayor Tim Kerner said this morning that the town’s housing stock suffered a major loss when Ida roared ashore more than a month ago. Kerner indicates the residents of Lafitte are a resilient bunch.

Cut 4 (08) “…they inspire me.”

Social media users were distraught for more than six hours Monday when they were unable to access Facebook and its other platforms, Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m  Brooke Thorington.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is confirming a COVID-19 outbreak connected to a recent wedding in Abbeville. The Department considers all attendees of this wedding to be exposed to COVID-19 and encourages all attendees to take public health precautions.

The wedding was held at L’Eglise on September 25, 2021. Approximately 150 people were in attendance and several of them subsequently developed symptoms and tested positive the virus that causes COVID-19.

The small community of Lafitte in Jefferson Parish is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Ida. Mayor Tim Kerner said this morning that the town’s housing stock suffered a major loss when Ida roared ashore more than a month ago.

Cut 3  (07)  “…destroyed major damage.”

He says about 50 to 60 percent of the residents won’t be able to live in their homes for about a year because of the destruction.  But, he’s taken steps to get 300 temporary housing units to the town as soon as possible.

In an effort to get those still without shelter in some of the hardest-hit areas of Ida, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is working in conjunction with FEMA to speed up the process. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says they hope to have trailers installed as soon as this weekend. He says FEMA is still working on their program of direct housing that includes travel trailers, mobile homes, and certain types of leases.

Cut 9 (09)  “…implement it.”

When waiting on a liver or kidney transplant, time is of the essence when a match is located. Right now, you have to receive that organ within four hours for it to remain viable. But LSU Mechanical Engineer Professor Ram Devireddy (Dev-ah-ready) says they are researching ways to freeze an organ so it can remain viable longer

Cut 13 (06) “…just said.”

Monday’s Facebook outage, along with the other social media platforms owned by the company, has many asking what happened and was the company hacked. Host of Tech Gumbo Haggai Davis says the company was doing a system upgrade and the Border Gate Protocol which acts like the post office sending you to a proper address in this case facebook.com and that’s when things went dark shortly before noon.

Cut 6 (10) “…six and a half hours.” 

Louisiana’s only Democratic congressman is optimistic that a deal will be reached soon on a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill and more partisan legislation to allocate three-point-five-trillion on social spending.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Widespread devastation from Ida has some still seeking shelter in the hardest-hit areas. Brooke Thorington has more on a state effort to speed up the process.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Baton Rouge’s Our Lady Of the Lake hospital announces a huge investment in a new regional cancer treatment center. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Louisiana Democratic Congressman Troy Carter is sounding an optimistic note that a compromise is within reach on infrastructure and social spending bills Capitol Hill has been wrangling with. He talks about one of the projects in the 1.2-trillion-dollar infrastructure bill that’s important to our state.

Cut 4 (07) “…to advance us.”

And Carter says the 3.5-trillion-dollar social spending bill also being hashed out contains important issues to be addressed like housing and getting broadband internet service to the underserved and impoverished.

Carter is dismayed by the fact that the two bills totaling just under five trillion dollars have been separated out given the importance of both.

Cut 5 (12) “…convoluted with definitions.”

On the subject of expanding broadband that’s included in the social spending bill, he believes it’s an important matter to address.

Cut 6 (10) “…don’t have it.”

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In an effort to get those still without shelter in some of the hardest-hit areas of Hurricane Ida, the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is working in conjunction with FEMA to speed up the process. GOHSEP Deputy Director Casey Tingle says they hope to have trailers installed as soon as this weekend

Cut 7 (06) “…implement this.”

To register from the program, you can call 1-844-268-0310 but Tingle says the best way is the register online at IdaShelterling LA.com

Cut 8 (09) “…housing today.”

Tingle says FEMA is still working on their program of direct housing that includes travel trailers, mobile homes, and certain types of leases.

Cut 9 (09)  “…implement it.”

The state program is funded through the FEMA Public Assistance Program which means they will cover 90-percent of the costs.

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Our Lady Of the Lake hospital in Baton Rouge announces plans to build a $100-million cancer center in the Capital City. OLOL President and CEO Scott Wester says site selection is underway and they expect to break ground on the cancer center in early 2022.

Cut 10 (13)  “…all cancer patients.” 

Our Lady has been partnered with Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center – right next door – for many years, but it was announced in August that Mary Bird is partnering next year with Nashville-based OneOncology, Inc. Wester says the new Our Lady Of the Lake Cancer Center will provide total state-of-the-art cancer care; just like its former partner.

Cut 11 (13) “…outpatient pharmacy.”

The 80-thousand square foot facility will include literally every aspect of cancer research, treatment, and care. When finished it will employ hundreds of medical professionals and support staff. Governor John Bel Edwards was present for the announcement Monday. He says this will eliminate the need for cancer patients to seek treatment out of state.

Cut 12 (10) “…but for our state.”

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When you are waiting on something as important as a liver or kidney for a transplant, time is of the essence when a match is located. Right now, you have to receive that organ within four hours for it to remain viable. But LSU Mechanical Engineer Professor Ram Devireddy (Dev-ah-ready) says they are researching ways to freeze an organ so it can remain viable longer

Cut 13 (06) “…just said.”

LSU has received and $433-thousand grant from the National Institutes of Health to study the best method to preserve an organ that’s awaiting transplant.

Because an organ is multicell tissue Devireddy says you must look at freezing the cells individually, so it preserves the organ as a whole.

Cut 14 (08)  “…be happy.”

While there’s been much progress in freezing things like embryos, Devireddy says he doesn’t see the techniques he’s testing being used for at least another five years to assist with preserving organs,

Cut 15 (09)  “…quite there yet.”

He says they will also study other parts in prolonging the life of an organ such as the best method for thawing, which Devireddy says can be just as problematic.

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After rushing for just 33 yards in the loss to Auburn, LSU is averaging just 71 yards rushing yards a game, which ranks 128th out of 130 FBS teams. Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron says part of the problem is that they are not committed to running the football

Cut  16 (20) “…this week.”

LSU had to burn four timeouts on Saturday when trying to change the play as the play clock was winding down. Orgeron says it’s an issue they will resolve before they play Kentucky this Saturday…

Cut 17 (20) “..too hard.” 

The offensive line has struggled to create holes for the running backs and pass protect. Orgeron blames injuries during preseason camp and the players adjusting to new offensive line coach Brad Davis, who was hired in June…

Cut.. 18 (23)”…my responsibility.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before  FEMA sets up trailers on the property of homes that are severely damaged by Hurricane Ida. Magee says this state-run program will get trailers to hard-hit areas much sooner.  He says a website has been set up at idashelteringla.com.  He says if a trailer can’t fit on the property of a person’s home, they are looking at two sites in Terrebonne Parish to set up dozens of mobile homes. He says the actual structure for the temporary housing could vary

Cut 10 (11)  “…for discussion” 

Louisiana has recorded another death of a juvenile from the coronavirus. State health officials said today a child between 12 and 17 passed away over the weekend. A four-year-old died from COVID just last week. This brings the total number of kids killed by the virus in Louisiana to 18.

It’s been early June since a Powerball Jackpot was won and tonight’s drawing could be significant for a ticketholder if their numbers are drawn and for the lottery, if it isn’t. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says the jackpot is at $685.5-million.

Cut 6 (12) “…Powerball record.” 

Chopin says there’s been no other jackpot that’s rolled this many times without a winner for Powerball.

As Louisiana marks National Fire Prevention Week, Ashley Rodrigue says the State Fire Marshal’s Office is, among other things stressing that residents have a working carbon monoxide detector in the home, noting that CO fumes are odorless.

Cut 4 (08) “…ever wake up.”

She says a carbon monoxide alarm involves four continuous loud beeps and that you should open doors and windows, leave your residence, and call 911.

The Powerball drawing tonight has already made the record books and is poised to break more records. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

As Louisiana marks National Fire Prevention Week, Ashley Rodrigue also says the State Fire Marshal’s Office is stressing that residents have a working carbon monoxide detector in the home, noting that the fumes are odorless. Rodrique notes that’s just one of the reasons to have an operating CO alarm in your home.

Cut 5 (08) “…the proper place.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is unhappy with huge premium increases coming for those on the National Flood Insurance Program, FEMA’s Risk Rate 2.0 – which took effect October 1^st – will mean huge increases in the cost of flood coverage for those who live closest to water, and for many who do not. Cassidy says the hikes are unrealistic and about 20% of those covered under NFIP just cannot afford it…:

Cut 13 (08) “…dropping their coverage.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before  FEMA sets up trailers on the property of homes that are severely damaged by Hurricane Ida. Magee says this state-run program will get trailers to hard-hit areas much sooner

Cut 9 (10) “…trailer.” 

Magee says a website has been set up at ida-sheltering-la.com.

The Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans is weighing in on a Covid-19 pill that manufacturer Merck says will reduce hospitalizations and cut in half the number of deaths in people recently infected with the coronavirus.  Dr. Julio Figueroa says the experimentation results being touted by Merck about the pill that’s taken eight times a day for five days can’t be ignored, but have to be proven further.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that’s substantial.”

Louisiana’s restaurant industry continues to face hardships from a lack of business because of the continuing Covid pandemic.  Stan Harris heads up the state’s restaurant association and tells us most restaurants surveyed in the state don’t expect to ever return to the pre-pandemic normal. Harris says when it comes to the bottom line, restaurants in Louisiana aren’t drawing in the business they need.

Cut 11 (08) “…their more profitable.”

As Louisiana marks National Fire Prevention Week, Ashley Rodrique with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says it’s being urged that you not only have a working smoke alarm but also have a working carbon monoxide detector in the home, noting that the fumes are odorless.

Cut 4 (08) “…ever wake up.”

She says a carbon monoxide alarm involves four continuous loud beeps and that you should open doors and windows, leave your residence, and call 911

It’s been early June since a Powerball Jackpot was won and tonight’s drawing could be significant for a ticketholder if their numbers are drawn and for the lottery if it isn’t. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says the jackpot is at $685.5-million.

Cut 6 (12) “…Powerball record.” 

You won’t find Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter satisfied with the supplemental disaster relief bill signed into law yesterday.  That’s because only a small fraction of the 28.6-billion dollars earmarked for disaster recovery nationwide will ever make it to Louisiana. Mayor Hunter appears disheartened by the lack of attention the feds have paid to the destruction and misery his town and southwest Louisiana have gone through since last year.

Cut 5 (12) “…on our side.”

Louisiana food stamp recipients are receiving a historic increase in their monthly benefits of about 36-dollars a month per person. That word comes from Shavana Howard, DCFS Assistant Secretary for Family Support. Howard says upping the monthly maximum for SNAP benefits will give recipients a better shot at affording the cost of a healthy diet and dealing with higher food prices overall.

Cut 7 (08) “…cost more money”  

Louisiana is expanding the Shot for 100 Campaign. Kim Hood, Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Public Health, says during October, unvaccinated individuals will receive a 100-dollar Visa gift card after receiving their first COVID vaccine shot.

Cut 9 (07) “…you like.” 

This limited-time offer for the general public will end on October 30th.

More than 90-thousand fans are expected in Death Valley as LSU plays a home game against Auburn at 8 Saturday night. Former LSU Tiger TJ Finley started five games as quarterback for the team last year before transferring to Auburn and could start as quarterback for the Alabama team. LSU Coach Ed Orgeron says he has nothing but respect for Finley

Cut 14   we compete.  (2x)

Louisiana food stamp recipients are receiving an historic increase in their monthly benefits. That word comes from Shavana Howard, DCFS Assistant Secretary for Family Support.

Cut 6 (07) “…dollars per person.” 

Howard says that would push the maximum SNAP payout for a family of three to 658-dollars a month. The increase is the first cost adjustment by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to its Thrifty Food Plan in 45 years.

Louisiana is expanding the Shot for 100 Campaign. Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Public Health, Kim Hood says during October, unvaccinated individuals will receive a 100-dollar Visa gift card after receiving their first COVID vaccine shot.

Cut 9 (07) “…you like.” 

This limited-time offer for people eligible to get the vaccine will end October 30th.

You won’t find Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter jumping for joy with the supplemental disaster relief bill signed into law yesterday.  That’s because only a small fraction of the 28.6-billion dollars earmarked for disaster recovery nationwide will ever make it to southwest Louisiana. Hunter is not optimistic that the recovery needs after hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta will ever be met as time marches on.

Cut 4 (09) “…a year ago.”

Congressman Clay Higgins says while voting for the supplemental disaster relief, he says it falls short of what the state needs from Washington.

Cut 11 (07) “…Louisiana back up.”

Meantime, Congressman Mike Johnson issued a statement says the disaster relief bill provides a down payment on disaster funding and the legislation was a “haphazard, last-minute attempt to keep the government funded.”

Louisiana ranks 5^th in the nation for most women murdered by men. Brooke Thorington has more on the rankings from the Violence Policy Center.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

You won’t find Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter jumping for joy with the supplemental disaster relief bill signed into law yesterday.  That’s because only a small fraction of the 28.6-billion dollars earmarked for disaster recovery nationwide will ever make it to southwest Louisiana.

Cut 3 (09) “…10 months ago”

For the first time since November 2019, over 90-thousand fans will file into Tiger Stadium to watch LSU take on an SEC opponent. The Bayou Bengals will host 22nd ranked Auburn at 8 PM on Saturday. LSU has not lost at home to Auburn since 1999. The War Eagles have yet to announce a starter at quarterback. It could be either Bo Nix or former LSU Tiger TJ Finley from Ponchatoula. LSU defensive coordinator Daronte Jones says they’re ready for either one…

Cut 13 (08) “..athletic.”

Commodity Report.