State Treasurer John Schroder has some harsh words for FEMA and their delay of reimbursing the Calcasieu Parish School Board. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

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”  

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As south Louisiana works to recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Ida nearly three 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 reminds the companies and the public that he has the power to override an insurer’s refusal to provide such coverage during a declared emergency such as that ordered by the governor.

Cut 4  (10) “…contracts that exist.” 

Donelon 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. He notes that some insurers dropped policyholders since Katrina because of various other legal obligations, but Donelon says about 30 smaller regional carriers have stepped in to pick up the slack.

_____________________________________

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 fondly recalls Bush’s goal to serve the public when he interviewed for the job.

Cut 6 (06) “…his community.” 

Coleman says Bush was just weeks away from completing the cadet academy and was driving to his post at the Houma Civic Center which is a distribution site for Hurricane Ida supplies. 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.”  

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.

_______________________

LSU is a 20 point favorite tomorrow night when they host Central Michigan. Tigers coach Ed Orgeron is not expecting an easy game. He says the Chippewas have run the ball well in their two games this season

Cut 9 (11) “…Nichols” 

Nichols has rushed for 214 yards and has two touchdowns on the season. The Tigers enter the game ranked 93rd in total offense. Orgeron hopes to see improvement on that side of the ball in this game…

Cut 10 (13)    right now” 

_____________________________________________

Louisiana State Treasurer John Schroder says he’s extremely with FEMA and their lengthy delay in reimbursement for school construction in Calcasieu Parish due to hurricanes Laura and Delta. 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 Calcasieu Parish School Board’s nearly $300-million in reimbursement requests.

The school board has already used $40 million in insurance proceeds,$20 million in School Board General Fund money, and $100 million in bond proceeds to begin initial repair work. Schroder says of the state bond money if the school board doesn’t receive funds from FEMA …

Cut 12 (06) “…the bond.”  

Schroder says a reimbursement request means the money has already been spent and the school system is having to pay for construction and in the meantime, students are trying to learn in classrooms with leaky roofs. He says after a year two hurricanes it’s time for FEMA to send funds.

Cut 13 (10) “…school system.”

Schroder says he’s hopeful the state’s congressional delegation can successfully convince FEMA to accelerate recovery from the 2020 hurricanes.

________________________________________________

A total of 22 students have been arrested over the past two days at Southwood High School in Shreveport after multiple fights broke out on campus.  Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson, Bia Roldan, says nine deputies responded to the school Thursday when a fight broke out in front of the student center.

Cut 14 (05) “…call for backup” 

Roldan says on Friday morning another eight students, two groups of teenage girls ages 14 to 17, were arrested for fighting.

Cut 15 (10) “…next week” 

All of the students arrested were charged with disturbing the peace and face possible expulsion. 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 was pepper-sprayed. He’s accused of making threatening statements to the school’s resource officer and a school staff member. He’s charged with resisting and interference with the operation of a school.

A film once destined to be shot in New Orleans is being moved to Shreveport because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ida.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Dave Brannen.” 

______________________________________

Ochsner Health says their employee COVID vaccination rate has increased to 81-percent, but the deadline is looming. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A movie first set to be filmed in New Orleans, Hurricane Ida forced its relocation to Shreveport. Sony Line Producer, Wendy Williams, says “Heart of a Lion” follows the life of boxer George Foreman.

Cut 3 (06) “…until he’s 45”

Williams says even though Ida chased the production out of the Big Easy, she says they wound up in the right place when it comes to creative talent and architecture needed for “Heart of a Lion.”

Cut 4  (12) “…hospitable.” 

Fifteen hundred extras will be hired locally in Shreveport to take part in the movie.  Williams says Sony expects to spend five million dollars in Shreveport production costs.

Cut 5 (12) “…scenarios.”

Williams says filming is expected to begin in November.

_____________________________________

The state’s largest healthcare system, Ochsner Health says the vaccination rate among employees has increased to 81-percent since their announcement of mandatory vaccinations and the FDA’s full approval of the Pfizer vaccine. Ochsner Health CEO Warner Thomas says the deadline to comply is October 29^th.

Cut 6 (11) “…leave Ochsner.” 

While some feel vaccination mandates could result in an even greater staffing shortage at medical facilities Thomas says the mandate is necessary to protect patients and employees.

Cut 7 (08) “…our patients.”  

Ochsner informed employees of the vaccine requirement weeks before the Biden Administration’s mandate that all employees at healthcare facilities be vaccinated or risk losing Medicaid and Medicare funding. Thomas feels strongly about the requirement.

Cut 8 (11) “…folks safe.”

Ochsner is currently caring for 979 COVID-19 patients, and more than 88-percent are unvaccinated.

_______________________

Today is Governor John Bel Edwards’ 55th birthday. The state’s 56th governor and has nearly two and half years left in his second and final term. During his monthly, “Ask the Governor” radio show, Edwards was asked about running for President one day. The governor says he doesn’t see a presidential campaign in his future

Cut 9 (09) “…with that” 

It’s been rumored Edwards could challenge Republican Senator John Kennedy in next year’s U-S Senate race. But the governor says he has no plans to run for another political office…

Cut 10 (09)    Roseland.” 

Edwards says it’s been a privilege to serve Louisiana, but challenging and he plans to continue serving Louisiana once his term ends, but not in politics….

Cut  11 (11)  “…as well.”  

_______________________

The state reports 1,663 new COVID cases, that’s the lowest new case count since July 20^th. Hospitalizations have also dropped to 1,431. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart credits the mask mandate for the decreases and an increase in vaccinations.

Cut 12 (10) “…into place.”  

Hart says as bad as the fourth surge has been he believes it made several who were unvaccinated rethink and get the shot.

Cut 13 (07) “…caution.”

Hart says the Delta variant which was responsible for the fourth surge reminded those who had become relaxed with COVID mitigation to be more mindful of staying away from others and to mask again.

Cut 14 (12) “…larger settings” 

Ochsner is currently caring for 979 COVID-19 patients, and more than 88-percent are unvaccinated.

The federal government has given Louisiana approval to run a disaster food stamp program in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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29-year old Baton Rouge native Haley Arceneaux will make history tonight as the youngest American in space. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

Folks with damaged roofs from Hurricane Ida are still struggling to keep their homes from further damage.  Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson tells us as Nicholas’ rains cause additional problems, tarps that home and business owners have used thus far, fall short of the federal government’s Blue Roof program.

Cut 3 (11) “..growing out there”

Chaisson isn’t pleased that surrounding parishes that have most of their power back appear to be ahead in the line when it comes to getting Blue Roof assistance.

Cut 4  (08) “…couple of days.” 

Chaisson is also upset in the slow movement of FEMA to set up temporary long-term housing like mobile homes in Lafourche to house residents as their storm-damaged homes are made habitable after Ida’s wrath.

Cut 5 (09) “…into the parish.”

_____________________________________

Disaster food stamps, also known as D-SNAP, will soon be available to residents in 25 parishes hit hard by Hurricane Ida. Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says D-SNAP helps eligible households buy groceries due to lost income or damages related to Ida

Cut 6 (11) “…you’re eligible.” 

Howard says people who currently do receive food stamps can be eligible for D-SNAP. She says the virtual application process for residents in select parishes will begin Monday…

Cut 7 (08) “. the disaster”  

Howard says residents who are interested should pre-register and then starting on Monday D-C-F-S agents will begin interviewing applicants to see if they are eligible. She says residents who live in the hardest-hit parishes like Lafourche, St. Charles, and Terrebonne will go through the interview process during the first full week of October…

Cut 8 (12) “..grocery store openings.”

For a schedule of when applicants will be interviewed based on their last name and the parish, they live in go to dcfs.la.gov/dsnap.

_______________________

Baton Rouge native Hayley Arceneaux will make history tonight as the youngest American in space. She’s part of the Inspiration4 space mission that aims to raise awareness for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, where Arceneaux overcame bone cancer. Assistant Professor Lindsay Ferrington at LSU Health Shreveport was one of Arceneaux’s instructors.

Cut 9 (10) “…one of them.” 

29-year-old Arceneaux will also be the first cancer survivor and the first person with a prothesis to journey into space.  Ferrington remembers when Arceneaux applied to the LSU Health Shreveport Physician Assistant Program, and she realized then her potential.

Cut 10 (10)   anything.” 

Arceneaux now works as a PA at St. Jude, and she inspires her patients as a cancer survivor herself and her mission in space. Ferrington says they are celebrating Arceneaux with a launch party at the school.

Cut  11 (12)  “…nervous.”  

Coverage begins this afternoon on SpaceX’s YouTube Channel and the five-hour launch window opens at 7 pm.

_______________________

The Chief Civil Deputy at the Caldwell Parish Sheriff’s office, Debbie Dollar, is facing charges of malfeasance in office and theft charges. State Police Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says the 58-year-old woman stole thousands of dollars from the Caldwell Sheriff’s office

Cut 12 (12) “35-thousand dollars”  

Reichardt says she’s been taking money out of a drawer used to hold money collected for fines and fees since January 2020…..

Cut 13 (07)    little more”

Dollar was booked into the Caldwell Parish Jail. Her bond was set at four-thousand dollars. Reichardt says stealing 35-thousand dollars is a lot of money…

Cut 14 (08) “…really” 

Nicholas made landfall as a Category One Hurricane along the Texas coast during the overnight hours and it threatens to produce flooding rains in Louisiana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palerlmo.” 

______________________________________

FEMA is helping out Hurricane Ida storm victims when it comes to generator and chainsaw expenses. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

______________________________________

Tropical Storm Nicholas is moving slowly inland bringing the threat of rain over the next two says to the Bayou State. Nicholas made landfall early this morning along the southeast Texas coastline and has the potential to cause flooding in southwest Louisiana today. Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso says they are prepared in case any residents find themselves in peril.

Cut 3 (12) “…may need”

Mancuso says they also have the National Guard in place to assist with any rescues if needed. While schools and government buildings in the parish are closed today in hopes of keeping motorists off the road today, Mancuso says first responders however are at work and prepared to assist.

Cut 4  (07) “…that happen.” 

Even though it’s extremely tempting to view damage left by a storm, Mancuso highly encourages residents to refrain from sightseeing because vehicle traffic can force water into homes in low-lying areas and that’s when most accidents occur.

Cut 5 (10) “…stranded.”

_____________________________________

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is prepared to take action if flooding rains from Tropical Storm Nicholas materialize as expected.  Spokesperson Ashley Rodrique says the staging of dozens of boats for potential water rescues took place Monday.

Cut 6 (10) “…come about first.” 

Rodrique says that’s expected to occur first in the Lake Charles area.  But, the area of flooding rains is likely to stretch across south Louisiana, so boat teams are prepared to act wherever rescue efforts are needed.

Rodrique says there are numerous assets ready for the call to service as heavy rains from Nicholas sweep across the state.

Cut 7 (12) “..home fire stationsl”  

Ashley Rodrique says the State Fire Marshal’s Office feels well prepared with other emergency crews to respond to whatever rescues are needed as Nicholas marches east with its likely flooding rains.

Cut 8 (06) “..first responder partners.”

_______________________

Tropical Storm Nicholas is whipping through southeast Texas, slowly heading towards Louisiana.  Nearly the entire the state is seeing rainfall, with south Louisiana experiencing heavier rainfall and stronger storms. Stacey Denson with the National Weather Service in Lake Charles says the center of the storm will not reach the Bayou State until tomorrow.

Cut 9 (06) “…we’re currently seeing.” 

And that would be light to moderate rainfall with some heavy pockets of rain now and then, with the potential for localized flooding.

Denson says a flash flood watch is in effect for the southern half of the state…

Cut 10 (07)   15 inches possible.” 

Denson says it might not be until Thursday until weather conditions improve.

Cut  11 (11)  “..we’re currently seeing.”  

_______________________

There’s help from FEMA available to those who qualify for reimbursement of generator or chainsaw purchases related to Hurricane Ida.  Agency spokesman Nate Custer says there are guidelines for say the maximum payout of 800-dollars for a generator.

Cut 12 (07) “of the disaster”  

And, in certain conditions, FEMA will provide a reimbursement of up to 250-dollars for chain saws needed to deal with trees downed blocking access to homes due to Ida.

If FEMA doesn’t approve your request for reimbursement for a generator and/or chainsaw related to Hurricane Ida, agency spokesman Nate Custer says there is an appeal process.

Cut 13 (10)    ought to get”

FEMA’s Nate Custer says there are restrictions for a storm victim to get a reimbursement for chainsaw rental or purchase because of Hurricane Ida.

Cut 14 (11) “… from your home” 

To qualify for FEMA reimbursements for generators or chainsaws, the purchases have to occur between August 26^th and September 25^th in the 25 disaster-designated parishes and because the homeowner has insufficient or no insurance.

As Tropical Storm Nicholas bears down on Southeast Texas for Southwest Louisiana the biggest threat is heavy rainfall.  Dave Brannen has more.

Cut 1 (34) “ …I’m Dave Brannen.” 

______________________________________

A lawsuit filed on behalf of one of the more than 800 nursing home residents that were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during hurricane Ida also names the Louisiana Department of Health as defendants. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

Southwest Louisiana is under a Flash Flood Watch as Tropical Storm Nicholas heads up the southeast Texas coast.  Donovan Landreneau with the National Weather Service says the amount of rain the Bayou State could see could climb as high as 20 inches.  And, the storm surge could be an additional problem dished out by Nicholas.

Cut 3 (11) “..feet above normal.”

Landreneau says rain bands will likely tell the story of how much rain areas of the state will receive from Nicholas.

Cut 4  (08) “…even 20 inches.” 

Landreneau says it’s too early to say which areas of the state will be subjected to the heaviest rainfall as the official forecast track shows Nicholas twisting to the northeast as it exits Texas moving into central Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “..threat is there.”

_____________________________________

In Tangipahoa Parish, a Loranger man is charged with aggravated assault of a utility worker after branding a gun and threatening a lineman. TPSO Chief Jimmy Travis says it happened Friday evening on Highway 445 after 35-year-old Kendrick James refused to yield to a utility crew restoring power.

Cut 6 (12) “…of a utility worker.” 

The charge carries a penalty of a fine of not less than $2,000 and/or imprisoned for not less than one year nor more than three years.

Travis says this is not the first incident involving harassment of utility workers they’ve encountered. He says one man even threatened the power company on the phone.

Cut 7 (11) “..somewhat normal”  

While Travis admits it’s frustrating waiting to get power restored but harassing a utility worker is not the answer, he says it’s a complicated and lengthy process to restore power safely and he urges residents to be patient due to the outages.

Cut 8 (12) “..save us.”

_______________________

Baton Rouge attorney Ron Haley has filed a lawsuit on behalf of one of the more than 800 nursing home residents that were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during hurricane Ida. The suit names nursing homeowner Bob Dean and the Louisiana Department of Health as defendants. Haley says nursing homes in southern parts of the state are required to file an evacuation plan with the state.

Cut 9 (12) “…blows over.” 

Haley’s client is Darlene Franklin, who is currently in a nursing home in New Roads, was not only a resident in a Bob Dean facility but also a former employee.

Cut 10 (10)    a victim.” 

Inspectors with the health department visited the warehouse after they received reports of deteriorating conditions but were thrown off the property then returned the next day to relocate the more than 800 residents to properly equipped facilities across the state.

Seven residents have since died from the original evacuation to the warehouse.

Haley says Franklin told him not only were evacuees crowed into the warehouse and left on mattresses on the floor but they also weren’t given food or medication for two days.

Cut  11 (12) “..there did.”  

This is the second lawsuit filed against Dean, the first was a class action suit filed out of New Orleans. The state has since revoked the licenses of seven nursing homes owned by Dean that were evacuated to the warehouse.

_______________________

The Saints started the 2021 season with an impressive 38-3 victory over the Green Bay Packers in a game held in Jacksonville, Florida, because of the devastation in southeast Louisiana from Hurricane Ida. Quarterback Jameis Winston threw five touchdown passes and dedicates the victory to New Orleans

Cut 12 (12) “resilience”  

Linebacker Demario Davis hopes their statement win over one of the top teams in the NFC revives hope for those suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida…

Cut 13 (09)    we’re one”

Running back Alvin Kamara rushed for 83 yards and had a touchdown. He says they knew Green Bay would not feel sorry for them because they’ve been displaced by Ida…

Cut 14 (12) “… work to do” 

Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes are getting help from an organization that’s among others trying to help Ida storm victims get back on their feet.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

___________________________________

Statewide COVID hospitalizations appear to have peaked in this fourth surged mid-August, but health officials fear Hurricane Ida could reverse the state’s progress. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_________________________________________

The Saints start off the 2021 season with a 38-3 win over the Green Bay Packers. Jeff Palermo has a recap…

Cut 3 (30)  I’m Jeff Palermo” 

___________________________________________

The executive director of the Bayou Community Foundation says the group is focusing its assistance efforts on hard-hit Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.  Jennifer Armand says the organization has raised several million dollars thus far.

Cut 4 (12) “…on the ground.”

Armand says money keeps pouring into the foundation’s fund that has helped pay for fuel, food and the various other needs of residents who remain in recovery mode more than two weeks after Ida slammed the two parishes, including Grand Isle.

Cut 5 (09) “…and year ahead.”

In looking back to last week, Armand says gasoline has been one of the significant needs of those in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.

Cut 6 (09) “…southern Terrebonne parishes.”

The Bayou Recovery Fund for Hurricane Ida Relief was opened two days before the storm wreaked havoc on southeast Louisiana.  If you’d like to donate to the fund you can visit the website bayoucf.org and click on the banner Bayou Recovery Fund.

________________________________________

The second of three planned SWEPCO wind farms is up and running in nearby Oklahoma. The Maverick wind farm is expected to generate 287-megawatts of power for the SWEPCO grid in Louisiana and elsewhere. Shreveport area Public Service Commission member Foster Campbell says he’s a proponent of wind energy…:

Cut 7 (12) “…do for Louisiana.”

The Maverick wind farm joins the already complete Sundance facility with a third, called Traverse, to begin operating in 2022. Campbell says the new wind farm represents a $1-Billion savings over a 30-year period compared to other energy resources. He says the wind farm will be good for northern Louisiana because it stabilized the state’s energy base…:

Cut 8 (07) “…in north Caddo Parish.”

The SWEPCO grid will benefit from power generated by the wind turbines of the two wind farms. Campbell says it’s a step in the right direction…:

Cut 9 (12) “…in a forward way.”

____________________________________________

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says when you look at COVID hospitalizations in the state it appears as if they peaked in mid-August but since a major hurricane has hit the state, he fears things could change.

Cut 10 (11) “…downward trajectory.” 

On Friday 1,755 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, down more than 40-percent since the governor issued his latest statewide mask mandate, and the positivity rate has dropped from 14-percent to 11-percent, which is also encouraging.

Kanter says while he’s grateful for the downward trend in COVID hospitalizations he also understands it could be short-lived given the fact that many families were recently forced to shelter with others outside of their immediate household due to Ida.

Cut 11 (09) “….generator.”

Kanter says the message he wants to send is while the numbers are encouraging, we must remain vigilant with COVID mitigation practices to continue to make progress.

Cut 12 (11) “…future increases.”  

New statewide COVID numbers will be released today at noon.

_______________________

More than two weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up southeast Louisiana, for the most part, the lights still aren’t back on for homes and businesses in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes.  Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May, the repairs will be slow going for the time being.

Cut 13 (11) “…get back on.”

May is promising that everyone will eventually get their power back as crews continue to work as fast as possible to do so.

Cut 14 (07)  “…light is on.”

May says the Lafourche and Terrebonne area present a much bigger challenge to get power restored.

Cut 15 (09)  “…what we can.”

_______________________________________

The Saints began the Jameis Winston with a big “W” as New Orleans completely dominated Green Bay 38 to 3. Winston played error free football as he threw for 148 yards and touchdowns. Winston gives credit to the defense for holding Aaron Rodgers to 133 yards passing…

Cut  16 (22) “…football games.”

It was Winston’s first start since 2019, who spent last season learning the Saints offense from Coach Sean Payton and former QB Drew Brees. Linebacker Demario Davis says he’s proud of Winston…

Cut 17 (16) “…what they see.”  

Many are shocked by the Saints dominant performance in Jacksonville. The team has been Fort Worth, Texas, since Hurricane Ida caused massive destruction to New Orleans. Davis says they wanted to win this one for Who Dat nation…

Cut 18 (23)”…adverse times.”

______________________________________________

The LSU Tigers beat McNeese 34-7 on Saturday night, but the Bayou Bengals offense did not look good in the victory. LSU had just 306 yards of total offense and they were just 4-of-16 on third down. Quarterback Max Johnson was also consistently pressured. Coach Ed Orgeron on the offense’s performance

Cut 19 (18)  “….better schemes” 

Orgeron says he’s a little surprised the offense has struggled through the first two games of the season…

Cut 20 (21)  “…change it.” 

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.” 

______________________________________

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. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

______________________________________

Saturday 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.”

Homeland Security overhauled numerous procedures at airports to enhance security and each state also has a fusion center to help investigate potential threats against Americans.

But now Guilbeau says the biggest threat we are facing from terrorists is cyberattacks which can cripple major companies and infrastructure.

Cut 4  (12) “…their knees.” 

Guilbeau says a major help in reducing security threats is the ability for federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to share intelligence, but the best tool we have in thwarting domestic and international terrorists is the public speaking up when they see something out of sorts.

Cut 5 (12) “…little strange.”

_____________________________________

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.” 

Waguespack says he’s been vaccinated and LABI encourages everyone to consult their doctor about whether to do the same.

Waguespack says requiring American companies to mandate Covid vaccinations is clearly not the role of the federal government.

Cut 7 (10) “..should be doing”  

He says the Biden plan has the potential to offshore American companies who fear losing their employees over the vaccine mandate while noting that there is currently a record high number of job openings for the fifth month in a row.

Waguespack says the Biden plan to mandate Covid 19 vaccines for companies with more than 100 employees will put them in a tough position.

Cut 8 (10) “..are subjected to”

He’s imploring the President to reconsider his plan and return a more productive and constitutional effort to improve the vaccination rate through education and access.

_______________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has located more than 100 oiled birds due to a spill from the Alliance Refinery in Belle Chasse. LDWF Restoration Program Manager Jon Wiebe says the spill is associated with Hurricane Ida’s path. He says there’s a fair bit of oil near the levee that surrounds the refinery.

Cut 9 (05) “…if we can.” 

The oiled birds are being transferred to a restoration center in New Iberia. Wiebe says their stay there depends on the condition of the bird.

Cut 10 (05)    than that.” 

Alliance Refinery is assisting with the recovery along with LDWF, the Louisiana Oil spill Coordinators’ Office, the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Wiebe says if you find an oiled bird or any animal do not try to rescue it yourself, call LDWF and give them the location of the animal. Wiebe says you can do more harm than good for the animal that is already stressed.

Cut  11 (10) “..these animals.”  

_______________________

State Police Colonel Lamar Davis held a lengthy press conference 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. Cleary has been cleared and Davis explains why…

Cut 12 (14) “this finding”  

Davis defended the LSP’s policy of not releasing video excessive force encounters. He says doing so could compromise criminal cases. He also denied an Associated Press report that he personally visited the Union Parish D-A in an effort to make sure the troopers involved in the Greene’s death were not criminally charged…

Cut 13 (08)     into our lives”

Davis says his department takes accusations of excessive force very seriously. He points out that four troopers were arrested in February for using excessive force during arrests in 2019 and 2020. He says they investigated several others and terminated some. He says no one in his department is above the law.

Cut 14 (09) “…  in Natchitoches 

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter has called on the Department of Justice to conduct a full investigation into State Police practices and patterns. Carter says the Associated Press has found over a dozen instances of misconduct in reporting the use of excessive force.

The American Red Cross is aiding with hurricane recovery. Brooke Thorington has more from the leader of the humanitarian organization.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

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”  

______________________________________

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.

The Red Cross is also distributing cleaning supplies to help those who are able to return to their homes and she says more than ninety-five thousand supplies have been given out. The Red Cross also has 80 feeding trucks in the state and they serve approximately sixty-thousand meals a day.

McGovern says they are even providing counseling for residents to meet their mental needs also.

Cut 4  (12) “…clobbered.” 

Despite the fact that the country has been impacted by numerous disasters during the ongoing pandemic from wildfires, floods, and hurricanes McGovern says they are fortunate the public is still engaged with donations to assist, and ninety percent of their workforce consist of volunteers.

Cut 5 (12) “…volunteers.”

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 Ida-ravaged Southeast and Southwest Louisiana.  He says the money needed to effect a massive repair effort will require billions of federal dollars due to the damage.

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

Scalise says it’s highly likely that funding for hurricane repairs shouldn’t be coupled with other infrastructure items under consideration.

Cut 7 (05) “..other unrelated things”  

Congressman Scalise, who’s had a first-hand look at the damage doled out by Ida, says he believes Ida packed 190-mile-per-hour winds when it initially came ashore in the Port Fourchon area.

Cut 8 (10) “…the wind was.”

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Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says the lights are back on for more of the utility’s customers.  He says power has now been restored to more than 90-percent of those who can take it in the greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.

Cut 9 (11) “…of 75-thousand.”  2x

May says so far 682-thousand customers have had their power restored post-Ida of 902-thousand who were left in the dark.  The bad news is that more than 90-percent of Entergy’s customers in Lafourche, St. Charles and Terrebonne parishes still have no power.

May says that Entergy and crews from across the nation will not be resting on their successes to date in getting the power back on for nearly 700-thousand customers over the past 10 days.

Cut 10 (11)    Hurricane Ida” 

Some 26-thousand linemen who converged on the state to get the power restored after Ida hit are drawing praise from Entergy New Orleans CEO Deanna Rodriquez.

Cut  11 (08) “..I would say.”  

Crews have restored 98-percent of the power in Orleans Parish as of today.  Customers in heavily damaged areas that include Venetian Isle, Irish Bayou and the Lake Catherine area that can accept power could have it restored by this Sunday.

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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.

Cut 13 (10)      offender”

Greely says the shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood…

Cut 14 (09) “…  in Natchitoches 

The fall elections have been pushed back due to hurdles created by Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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”  

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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.”

Ardoin says they are still surveying polling locations for safety and electricity, and some of the hardest-hit areas might not be back online until October. While October 9^th might seem like enough time there are a number of deadlines that fall before an election.

Cut 4  (11) “..an issue.” 

Ardoin says he’s heard from several civic groups in support of postponing the election, but he admits he has received feedback from some candidates and advertisers who are not in favor of the postponement.

Cut 5 (10) “…importance.”

The June primary in 2020 was postponed for COVID mitigation measures and 16 years ago the fall election was also postponed due to Katrina.

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There’s great news today for southwest Louisiana residents awaiting much-needed federal dollars for still ongoing repairs from Hurricane Laura last year.  Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says the White House is requesting Congress send two-point-three-billion-dollars to the region.

Cut 6 (07) “…huge step forward.” 

But, Hunter says it’ll probably be next year before the funds begin to flow into the Bayou State since there are quite a few hurdles to clear on Capitol Hill before the money wins final approval.

Hunter says the more than two-billion-dollars, if given final approval, should have as a top goal of getting people back in their homes.

Cut 7 (12) “…a top priority”  

Given all those that must sign off on the Biden administration’s disaster relief funding to help post-Laura victims, Mayor Hunter says it’ll be a while before the money spigot is turned on.

Cut 8 (07) “…hits the streets.”

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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” 

Over 94-percent of the utility customers in Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parish are without power. In Tangipahoa Parish, about 50-percent of the customers are without power. May says they have updated restoration times…

Cut 10 (12)    Hurricane Ida” 

May says they hope to make significant progress in St. Charles Parish soon,

Cut  11 (12) “..of power.”  

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Terrebonne Parish does not have a fully functioning hospital since Hurricane Ida came ashore on August 29th. Terrebonne General sustained considerable roof, water and electrical damage and Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says the Chabert Medical Center in Houma took a significant hit from the storm

Cut 12 (12) “services there”  

Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland and Lady of the Sea in Galliano are also closed. Hart says St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City has been a success story as they have double the patients…

Cut 13 (11)       St. Mary”

Ochsner Health President Warner Thomas says it will take some time for health care access to improve in the Bayou Region of the state….

Cut 14 (11) “…in Houma”

Lafourche Parish is continuing to struggle to get its power back on and communications back to some semblance of normal.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (38) “ …I’m Dave Brannen” 

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission says there are over 430-thousand customers without power, nine days after the storm made landfall. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Power is still out for all of Lafourche Parish.  That’s the word this morning from Sheriff’s Captain Brennen Matherne.

Cut 3 (12) “…spotty at best.”

Matherne says that low water pressure has been also a problem outside the Thibodaux area but most of that has been corrected.

Cut 4  (10) “..in the evening” 

There has been some lawlessness in Lafourche, as is to be expected during a disaster situation.  Matherne notes there have been several looting arrests and nearly 50 others on other charges including curfew violations.

Cut 5 (12) “…by night contractor.”

If you suspect contractor fraud you can report it to a hotline number 985-413-4498.

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The average price per gallon for regular gas in the Bayou State stands at $2.88. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says prices are starting to stabilize but meeting demand has been the biggest hurdle in the state since Ida.

Cut 6 (09) “…$3.00 a gallon.” 

While some gas stations might have fuel they are without a source of power, thus are unable to provide gas to the pumps. Redman says distribution is the problem.

Cut 7 (09) “…areas”  

Redman says he hasn’t heard of any reports of price gouging on gas but advises you to contact the AG’s office if you do see any gouging. He says though it will take time for all the rigs and refineries to get back up and running in Louisiana is anticipates it will be about a month.

Cut 8 (12) “…really healthy.”

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission says over 430-thousand homes and businesses are without power. Power is out for at least 95-percent of the customers in Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes. But Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says electricity is flowing again in LaPlace

Cut 9 (08) “…progress” 

May says they anticipate making a great deal of progress in Tangipahoa Parish, where 60-percent of the customers are still without power.

In Orleans Parish, about a quarter of Entergy customers are without power. Entergy VP for Distribution Operations John Hawkins says restoring power to Algiers and Venetian Isles in New Orleans will take some time. He says Venetian Isles is a total rebuild…

Cut 10 (12)    to be replace” 

Based on Entergy’s restoration times, there are customers in Lafourche Parish, Lower Jefferson Parish, St. Charles Parish, Terrebonne and much of Plaquemines Parish will not see their electricity return until September 29th. May says the goal is to beat that restoration time

Cut  11 (10) “…sooner than that”  

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Over 35-thousand residents of South Louisiana have applied with FEMA for a large tarp, to cover roof damage from the weather. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, says amateurs are already putting up tarps of their own, but he advises applying for the professional help…:

Cut 12 (08) “the right way”  

Installations of FEMA Blue Roof tarps begin Wednesday, but there is some rain looming in the southeast Louisiana forecast. Though some have done a good job protecting their roof with a tarp, Steele says contacting FEMA gives you a better chance of fewer leaks while awaiting your roof repairs…:

Cut 13 (08) “..of this program”

The first step in getting a FEMA tarp installed is to contact FEMA at 800-321-3362 (321-FEMA) or go online at “DisasterAssistance.gov”. Steele says don’t delay if you suspect your roof may have been compromised…:

Cut 14 (12) “…another problem””