If you want to donate money or volunteer to help in the Hurricane Ida recovery go to volunteer-Louisiana-dot-gov. Dave Brannen has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen”

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While much of the nation’s focus is on recovery for southeast Louisiana, Governor Edwards keeps reminding others of the dire needs of the southwest region also. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is putting out a call for volunteers or donations to assist with storm recovery efforts related to Hurricane Ida.  He’s the leader of Volunteer Louisiana.

Cut 3 (11)  “…through this time.” 

Nungesser says volunteers will be needed for an extensive period of time and people can find volunteer opportunities at volunteerlouisiana.gov/disaster-services

Cut 4 (09) “…kind of service”

Volunteer Louisiana is asking that volunteers do not self-deploy but wait until they are contacted by the organization’s office.

Nungesser says If you’d like to help out with donations visit https://volunteerlouisiana.gov.donate

Cut 5 (11) “…those people out.”

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After the President’s visit to Louisiana to tour devastation left in the path of Hurricane Ida, Senator Bill Cassidy says Biden has pledged assistance to both southeast and southwest Louisiana.

Cut 6 (09) “…to both.”

Cassidy says Biden told him he’s committed to providing home repair dollars for Hurricane Laura and Delta victims in the next federal spending bill that needs to be approved by October 1st.

Cassidy says he also spoke with Biden about the proposed infrastructure bill, which has billions dedicated to helping mitigate the power hurdles the state is facing.

Cut 7 (12) “..from power lines.”

Cassidy says he also talked with former New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond, who works with the Biden Administration. Cassidy says their meeting left him hopeful the current administration will assist with the recovery.

Cut 8 (12) “…say that.”

Last January, Louisiana requested $3 billion to address unmet recovery needs after Hurricane Laura.

_______________________

While southeast Louisiana is in dire need of power, fuel, and housing for displaced residents, it’s been over a year for southwest Louisiana residents who still need permanent housing after hurricanes Laura and Delta. Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s disappointing…

Cut 9 (09) “…we need.”

President Biden says he will include that block grant funding in his federal budget that will be voted on by Congress before the next fiscal year begins October first.

Hurricane Ida not only jolted southeast Louisiana, but its journey north has also claimed over 45 lives in the Northeast.  With national attention on the hurricane, Edwards hopes it will rally Congress to approve funding for both areas of the state.

Cut 10 (10) “…in Congress.” 

Edwards says the state has supported southwest Louisiana as much as fiscally possible but the bulk of the funding the area desperately needs for permanent housing must be approved by Congress

Cut 11 (08) “…southwest Louisiana.”

Ida is now the fifth hurricane to impact the Bayou State during the pandemic and the fifth most powerful hurricane to hit the U-S.

_______________________

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry says his office is launching its own investigation into the deaths of several nursing home residents who were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish that was not equipped to house over 800 residents. Landry says he wants to know the facts that led to these deaths

Cut 12 (07) “…the movement”  

The state health department reports six nursing home residents evacuated to the Tangipahoa facility have died. All of the nursing home residents came from facilities operated by Bob Dean who told a Baton Rouge TV station they did a good job of taking care of the people. Landry says there are a lot of unanswered questions

Cut 13 (15) “…deaths occur.”

Landry says both Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards and Independence Police Chief Frank Edwards both said an investigation was not needed. Landry says they are brothers of Governor John Bel Edwards. Governor Edwards’ administration is conducting an investigation.

Landry is also concerned his Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Unified Command Group were never notified of patient abuse or neglect when the governor’s office was first notified

Cut 14 (12) “…nursing home patients”

____________________

The LSU Tigers were pushed around in a 38-27 season opening loss to the UCLA Bruins in Pasedena on Saturday night. UCLA had 470 yards of total offense as they hit on several big plays, while LSU never established a running game, rushing for just 49 yards. After the game, Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron took responsibility for the loss

Cut 15 (22)“…get better.”

UCLA is not known as a physical football team, but they won the battle in the trenches as the Bruins rushed for 210 yards. Orgeron was asked about the Bruins being the more physical team…

Cut  16 (15) “…we weren’t ”

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The 23rd ranked Ragin Cajuns were unable to pull of the upset in Austin as U-L Lafayette fell to the 19th ranked Texas Longhorns 38-18. Even though the Cajuns had more first downs than Texas, the Longhorns were betteron third down U-L Lafayette could not get a ground game going. Cajuns Coach Billy Napier says they did some good things, but there were some opportunities they missed

Cut 17 (26) “…our chances”  

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Louisiana Tech blew a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to Mississippi State 35-34. La Tech forced four turnovers, Trey Baldwin had a pick six and quarterback Austin Kendall played well in his Bulldog debut, but they couldn’t finish. Coach Skip Holtz…

Cut 18 (25)”…of football”

We’re still seing LONG lines at the few gas stations with gasoline available. what’s behind the shortage? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Kevin Gallagher” 

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Entergy has announced preliminary estimated times of power restoration. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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 The damage assessments keep coming in from Hurricane Ida, and the power of the storm is becoming clearer in descriptions such as this passed on by State Representative Tanner Magee of Houma.

Cut 3 (12) “…into the Gulf.”

Magee says the property damage in Terrebonne Parish is extensive.

Cut 4 (9) “…are completely damaged” 

Magee says those that choose to return to Terrebonne need to be ready for what they’ll face.

Cut 5 (12) “..sweat a lot.”

Noting the importance of Terrebonne and Lafourche, Magee says people are going there every day to bring gas and seafood to this nation or do all kinds of things and it’s sad to him we lose those stories for now because of Ida.

_____________________________________

FEMA has approved Transitional Sheltering Assistance for residents who’ve been displaced by Hurricane Ida. FEMA spokesperson Nate Custer the first step to qualify for any assistance is to register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362 or online at DisasterAssistance.gov.

Cut 6 (12) “… transitional assistance.” 

Custer says if you’ve been displaced from your home since Ida, residents will have to locate their own hotel room and lodging has been extended across the deep south.

Cut 7 (10) “…hotel room.”  

The eligible states for hotel lodging include Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Texas.

Custer says FEMA transitional housing only covers lodging expenses.

Cut 8 (09) “…so forth.”

The TSA program is for eligible survivors with a damaged dwelling address within the federally designated parishes of Ascension, Assumption, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Orleans, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Washington, West Baton Rouge, and West Feliciana.

_______________________

President Joe Biden received a first-hand look at the devastation from Hurricane Ida in southeast Louisiana today and met with state and local officials leading the response efforts. Biden pledged that the federal government will stand with Louisiana as it rebuilds…

Cut 9 (10) “…gets done 

It will take billions of dollars to rebuild. Biden says the hurricane recovery is an example of why Congress needs to pass an extensive infrastructure bill so that the state can build back better

Cut 10 (10)     better way.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards says the billions of dollars spent on shoring up levees after Hurricane Katrina is an example of building back better. Edwards says this could have been a much more expensive storm…

Cut  11 (11) “…would have happened.”  

_______________________

Entergy believes much of metro New Orleans will see power return by Wednesday. Entergy CEO Phillip May says they are still working on developing restoration estimates for the River Parishes along with Terrebonne, Lafourche, and lower Jefferson Parish

Cut 12 (10) “…coming days”  

At its peak, Entergy had 950-thousand customers without power. That number is down to 699-thousand. Entergy’s vice president of distribution operations, John Hawkins, says the damage done to their system is enormous…

Cut 13 (12) “..this storm”

Mays the restoration process is complex but they expect to make a lot of progress this weekend…

Cut 14 (11) “…been made”

Cleco says it has restored power to over 38-thousand of the roughly 97-thousand customers.

________________________________________________

Despite the heartache and devastation, Hurricane Ida caused in Louisiana this week, there are thousands of LSU fans in the Los Angeles area getting ready for Saturday night’s big game against UCLA in the Rose Bowl Jim Dumigan says he organized a charter flight to L-A that left Thursday from Baton Rouge

Cut 15 (12) “…especially one” 

Dumigan says he did not have any last-minute cancellations because of Hurricane Ida. He says based on the number of LSU fans who traveled from Louisiana and LSU grads on the west coast, there’s a chance Tiger Nation will outnumber UCLA fans…

Cut 16 (09) “…Rose Bowl.” 

The damage reports from Grand Isle are extremely dire after Jefferson Parish officials visited what was once the state’s only habitable barrier island before Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (38) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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 Progress is being made to get the lights back on in Louisiana, Dave Brannen has the details.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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The reports out of Grand Isle are catastrophic. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says she’s received dismal news from site visits of the barrier island, which was the state’s only habitable barrier island.

Cut 3 (13) “…are damaged.”

Sheng says the only people on the island are the mayor, the police chief, and some first responders. Because there is no means of communication on the island right now,  Sheng says they will be setting up a system to relay information to the residents of Grand Isle who she knows are anxious to receive word.

Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet says they’ve found 15 breaches in Burrito Levee that need to be addressed immediately because we are at the height of hurricane season. Despite the total devastation of Grand Isle, Templet says there is some bright news.

Cut 4 (12) “…all of this” 

Templet says there are updates on Jefferson Parish Facebook page, and he encourages residents to check for updates.

Jefferson Parish Director of Fire Services Bryn Adams wants to discourage any sightseers from visiting the area because it hinders responders’ ability to enter and exit the island. Adams says due to the lack of water on the island they are also unable to respond to any fires and there is a strong odor of natural gas on Grand Isle.  Adams says it will be several years before the island recovers.

Cut 5 (09) “…to where it was so.”

Sheng is encouraging those who are still in Jefferson Parish to leave and the parish remains under a 6 pm to 6 am curfew.

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After Hurricane Ida left New Orleans completely in the dark, power is slowly being restored.  Entergy President and CEO Deanna Rodriquez says the partial restoration took place at one this morning with the repair of a transmission line from Slidell…

Cut 6 (14) “… New Orleans east” 

More than 11,500 Orleans Parish customers had the lights back on by mid-morning today and that number is expected to keep increasing…

Cut 7 (11) “..Orleans Fire Department”  

Rodriquez and Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Philip May both say this is a first step in getting the power back on, May noting it’s a huge first step…

Cut 8 (12) “..Terrebonne Parish”

May says in the coming days  He expects to see a lot more progress as Entergy seeks to restore power to every last customer.  He says outside of New Orleans, the utility has restored power to more than 100,000 customers, most of that number in the Baton Rouge area.

The total number of outages has fallen below one-million and it’s now 989-thousand customers without electricity. That’s 44-percent of all Louisiana utility customers.

_______________________

Finding fuel is a difficult task in southeast Louisiana as many stations are out and there are long lines at stations that do have fuel. Ascension Parish Sheriff Bobby Webre says the local refineries that usually supply his agency and surrounding gas stations with fuel are not at the moment…

Cut 9 (13) “..we are” 

Webre says he can’t get answers on why local refineries are not up and running. He imagines they have to follow certain protocols

Cut 10 (12)     this storm” 

Webre says he’s been working storm recovery ever since Hurricane Andrew in 1992 and he can’t remember such a fuel shortage. He says if they can’t get any gasoline from the local refineries, they may need to look out of state…

Cut  11 (06) “…other refinieries”  

_______________________

Congressman Garret Graves says southeast Louisiana took a heck of a hit from Hurricane Ida. Graves’ district extends down into Thibodaux and lower Terrebonne Parish and he’s amazed by the widespread destruction the Category Four storm produced from storm surge to damaging winds

Cut 12 (14) “…and trees”  

Graves says he’s amazed by the damage in LaPlace…

Cut 13 (12) “..of the hurricane”

Fuel shortages are also a problem as Ida has created production and distribution issues. Graves says power is not the only issue refineries are facing and it’s a topic he’s discussed with the White House…

Cut 14 (11) “…sources of energy””

If you experienced damage from Hurricane Ida, you may be eligible for FEMA assistance. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

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Governor John Bel Edwards is touring Hurricane Ida storm damage today. Jeff Palermo has more from one of the governor’s stops…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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If you suffered damage from Hurricane Ida, FEMA says to reach out to your insurance carrier first before applying for federal assistance.  FEMA cannot legally cover any damage that is already covered by your current insurance. FEMA spokesperson John Mills…

Cut 3 (12) “…or not.”

Mills says more than 13-hundred FEMA employees have been deployed to the state for response to Ida.

FEMA may be able to provide grants for basic home repairs so homeowners can restore their homes to a habitable condition. Mills says FEMA can also help residents who need to relocate temporarily.

Cut 4 (12) “…next steps.” 

In addition to home repairs and relocation costs, Mills says FEMA may also be able to assist with other expenses not covered by insurance.

Cut 5 (12) “…assistance.”

Mills says the fastest and easiest way to apply is by visiting DisasterAssistance.gov

_____________________________________

The 40 or so people who decided to ride out Hurricane Ida at Grand Isle have all been accounted for and are safe. The coastal town in Jefferson Parish experienced wind speeds of 140-miles per hour. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng says she has spoken with Grand Isle Mayor David Camardelle

Cut 6 (09) “…on steroids” 

Sheng says Camardelle believes as many as 85-percent of the structures on the island sustained some sort of damage

Cut 7 (07) “..wind event”  

Sheng is advising Jefferson Parish residents who evacuated to stay away as they are without water. Parish officials are also looking to bus people out of the parish who are living without any running water or air conditioning. She says these are difficult times…

Cut 8 (12 “..not be broken”

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Governor Edwards says he saw catastrophic damage following a flyover of hurricane-stricken southeast Louisiana. Edwards spoke briefly with reporters in LaPlace, a city that experienced substantial flooding…

Cut 9 (12) “..St. John the Baptist Parish” 

With homes and businesses empty there are concerns some will take advantage and attempt to loot. St John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre had this message for looters..

Cut 10 (10)        by yourself” 

Tregre says 9-1-1 service is spotty, which means residents who have stayed behind will take matters into their own hands if they come across someone trying to commit a crime against them.

Edwards says he spoke with Entergy for two hours last night discussing the lack of power in southeast Louisiana. In St. Charles Parish, officials there say it may take at least one month before power is restored. Edwards is hopeful some hurricane victims will get power before then

Cut  11 (10) “…being restored”  

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Even though Hurricane Ida is long gone, flooding is still a concern in Tangipahoa Parish. Parish President Robby Miller says the Tangipahoa River is expected to crest well above flood stage at 25 feet at Robert during the overnight hours

Cut 12 (10) “…people flooded 

Miller says homes along the Tangipahoa River are already starting to flood…

Cut 13 (12) “…more people.”

Hammond officials say the city is completely out of gas.

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As many residents remain without power due to Hurricane Ida, a heat advisory has been issued with high temperatures expected to reach into the mid-90s today and tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the advisory is due to the high temps and humidity.

Cut 14 (11) “…and Friday.”

Keim says because several residents are unable to cool off with a lack of air conditioning, they are advising you to stay out of the sun during the heat of the day and to delay clean up around your home until temperatures cool down to avoid heatstroke.

Cut 15 (09) “…smart about it.”

Catastrophic is the word local officials use as initial damage assessments come in from where Hurricane Ida came ashore as a Category Four storm. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Hurricane Ida left New Orleans damaged and without power, but Mayor LaToya Cantrell says the community and first responders held the line. Erik Piccoli has the story.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Erik Piccoli.”  

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Hurricane Ida has left New Orleans powerless, but the worst-case scenario has been avoided because the levees held preventing another Katrina-like flood event. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says today is a day of assessment to determine what the actual impact of the storm is as city agencies make the rounds…

Cut 3 (9) “…has been left out”

So far the city has noted collapsed buildings and fires but no extensive damages. Cantrell reports only one death directly caused by the storm.

Cut 4 (14) “…is still too many” 

New Orleans residents who have evacuated the city have been asked to remain where they are if they can. The mayor says Entergy is working on the power and AT&T is trying to restore mobile service. Cantrell has called on businesses with generators to be good neighbors…

Cut 5 (12) “…no doubt about it”

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Coastal parishes of southeast Louisiana are reporting catastrophic damage from Hurricane Ida. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s office Captain Brennan Matherne says he rode out the storm in Galliano and experienced Ida’s wrath for several hours. He says the eye of the storm crossed over the town of Lockport

Cut 6 (09) “…southern area” 

Matherne says the good news is that their levee systems held up to the storm.

Cut 7 (12) “..in Lafourche Parish”  

Matherne says Ida was worst for Lafourche, than hurricanes Betsy, Gustav and Katrina…

Cut 8 (06) “…before”

_______________________

Jefferson Parish officials have told its residents that it will take 21 days for 90-percent of Entergy customers in that parish to receive power. A major transmission tower that feeds electricity to Orleans and Jefferson Parishes was knocked into the river last night. Jefferson Parish councilman Scott Walker has been in contact with Entergy…

Cut 9 (11) “..be a process” 

Walker says they have also been told the parish will be without water for five days. He says they are asking residents to be patient as basic services are restored…

Cut 10 (12) “…this before”

The Jefferson Parish coastal town of Grand Isle took the brunt of Hurricane Ida. Walker says before the gauge broke, wind speeds in excess of 130 miles per hour were recorded…

Cut  11 (13) “…this morning”  

_______________________

Ochsner reports many of their facilities experienced roof damage as a result of Hurricane Ida’s strong winds. Ochsner Health President Warner Thomas says there was so much damage at their hospitals in Houma and Raceland that the patients at those locations have been taken elsewhere

Cut 12 (11) “…blow in” 

The emergency rooms at St. Anne Hospital in Raceland and Chabert Medical Center in Houma remain open. A total of 65 patients were transferred.

Thomas says Ida”s destruction has not stopped them from providing quality care to their patients…

Cut 13 (13) “…emergent.” (2x)

Some areas of southeast Louisiana could be without water for days and electricity for weeks. But Thomas says they prepare for these difficult situations…

Cut 14 (15) “..ready to go”

_______________________________

Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller says they are trying to get emergency crews out to answer 9-1-1 calls that came in last night but before first responders can venture out, they have to get clearance from Entergy due to the number of down powerlines. Miller encourages residents to be mindful as well.

Cut 15 (13) “…enegrized” 

Miller says so far, they have not had any reports of major injuries in the parish. Overall he says they do have lots of trees and powerlines down. But Miller says they do have reports of some homes flooding as a result of flash flooding on from the river.

Cut 16 (12) “…clear us.” 

As for electricity Miller says you might as well say the parish is 100-percent without power.

President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association says a majority of those eligible to receive assistance from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund did not. Brooke Thorington has more

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

____________________________________

The state health department reports a child under the age of one has died from COVID-19. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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President of the Louisiana Restaurant Association Stan Harris says the industry is still struggling and eateries in the state failed to receive their fair share of funding from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Cut 3 (11) “…get funded.” 

Harris says originally restaurants asked Congress for $120 billion but only received $28.6-billion. Stipulations were also added to the funding that women-owned, veteran-owned, and socially and economically disadvantaged restaurants were given priority.

Harris says for the Bayou State there are almost 3,000 restaurants, bars, craft brewers, and entertainment venues still in need.

Cut 4 (10) “…business alive” 

Harris says the National Restaurant Association has asked Congress for more funding to be added to the RRF to offer relief for pending applications. In Louisiana, Harris says 62-percent of applicants didn’t receive any funding, and as the industry continues to face pandemic hurdles and a worker shortage…

Cut 5 (07) “…my bills.”

Harris says while they’ve received positive feedback from the Louisiana Congressional delegation, they fear the length of time it would take to receive funding will only force more owners to close their doors.

__________________________

State health officials say 31-percent of newly reported COVID-19 cases in Louisiana were in children younger than 18. Everyone age 12 and older is eligible for the COVID vaccine. Physician in Chief at Children’s Hospital New Orleans Dr. Mark Kline says clinical trials to make the vaccine available for kids under 12 are ongoing.

Cut 6 (09) “…October.” 

Kline says that means the Pfizer vaccine could be available for 5 to 11 year-olds before the end of the year. He says emergency use authorization for this age group can not come soon enough.

Cut 7 (07) “…age group.”  

Kline believes the COVID vaccines can be as effective in children as adults…

Cut 8 (11) “…looking for”

Until the vaccines are approved for those under the age of 12, Kline encourages all ages to wear masks to help protect those who cannot be vaccinated yet.

_______________________

Caddo Parish Sheriffs made arrests yesterday in two separate incidents where students threatened school shootings on social media.

Spokesperson Cindy Chadwick says one of those arrested was 18-year-old Raybon Marter who threatened to do a school shooting at Southwood High School on Snapchat.

Cut 9 (11) “…arrested.”

Marter was charged with terrorizing.

In another unrelated event, a 15-year-old posted a picture of himself on Instagram putting a gun in his backpack and a separate picture of himself walking to the Woodlawn Leadership Academy campus.

Cut 10 (13) “…magazine”

The teen was arrested for having a gun on campus and terrorizing.

Chadwick says these days it’s not just the public who is reporting school shooting threats from social media, it’s the social media companies themselves…

Cut  11 (10) “…investigate”  

_____________________________

Louisiana SPCA animal shelters are nearly 100 percent past capacity and the organization is hoping to make room by offering adoptions for only 25 dollars through September 19^th. Spokesperson Alicia Vial says housing challenges and pandemic economic troubles are driving a big uptick in owner surrenders.

Cut 12 (06) “…pet” 

Vial says another issue is owners who worked from home are now having to return to the office and feel that they don’t have the time to spend with a pet anymore. There’s also another odd trend…

Cut 13 (12) “…started”

If you are considering surrendering your pet Vial encourages you to contact the LSPCA first. The organization may be able to provide aid in keeping your pet with you.

The 25 dollar adoption fee applies to all cats over six months old and large dogs. Vial says it’s a real bargain…

Cut 14 (13) “..training”

Vial says if you don’t want to make a long-term commitment right now they’d greatly appreciate help fostering pets.

You’ll need proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to get into Tiger Stadium for LSU football games this season. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________________

After hearing cries from a well on his property in Washington Parish, the owner call for help. Brooke Thorington has more on the three-day rescue.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

______________________________________

LSU will require proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test to enter Tiger Stadium for football games this season.  LSU Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Catherine O’Neal says this added layer of protection means those who are fully vaccinated can feel pretty safe going to the game.

Cut 3 (11) “…environment.” 

O’Neal says those who are elderly or immunocompromised should not go to the game even if vaccinated. She says crowds won’t be safe for those individuals until more people are vaccinated.

O’Neal says if you are not vaccinated you can go get one today and have some additional protection entering the stadium. For those who choose not to get vaccinated but are otherwise healthy…

Cut 4 (07) “…zero” 

Unvaccinated individuals must produce a negative PCR test result that was taken within 72 hours of the game.

O’Neal says venues that require proof of vaccination or a negative test allow people to get closer to a sense of normalcy while remaining relatively safe…

Cut 5 (09) “…stop.”

Season ticket holders who want a refund must email tickets@lsu.edu by Friday.

__________________________

Jameis Winston made a strong case that he should be the starting quarterback for the Saints in last night’s preseason win over Jacksonville. Winston threw for 123 yards and two touchdowns and just one incompletion on ten attempts. Coach Sean Payton is not providing a timeline on when he’ll announce a starter…

Cut 6 (10) “…next week” 

Winston got the start after coming off the bench last week. It was the first game he started since 2019 when he was with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cut 7 (06) “…fun stuff”  

Second-year wide receiver Marquez Callaway also had a big game in front of a national TV audience. Callaway caught two touchdown passes including a spectacular one-handed grab. Callaway says he was just doing his job

Cut 8 (11) “…to be”

_______________________

Five puppies are now safe and sound after spending days at the bottom of a 65-foot dry well in Washington Parish. Director of the Humane Society of Louisiana Jeff Dorson says responders were forced to get creative in order to save the five pitbull mix puppies.

Cut 9 (12) “…would work.”

Dorson says they tied leashes together to form a type of webbing, enticed puppies with food into the webbing, and pulled them to safety.

In his 33 years in the field, Dorson says he’s never seen such an operation. Overall Dorson says the puppies are in great shape considering and crews kept them fed and watered throughout the rescue.

Cut 10 (11) “…no idea”

The puppies were transported to Mandeville Animal Hospital where they are being treated for parasites and minor skin issues.

Dorson says the rescue is reminiscent of when several children were tapped in a cave. He’s very relieved the story has a happy ending and grateful for all the local first responders who assisted their crew and provided support, like the Franklinton Fire Department and Washington Parish Sherriff’s Office.

Cut  11 (09) “…extraordinary.”  

All five puppies and their mother who stayed with responders during the three-day rescue once cleared will be transported to a shelter and put up for adoption.

_____________________________

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain implores Louisianans not to take Ivermectin for COVID.

Strain says there was some evidence at one point that the anti-parasitic might be effective against COVID but those studies were retracted by reputable medical journals due to irregularities…

Cut 12 (10) “…audit” 

Other studies have been cited showing Ivermectin, in large doses, reducing COVID in a petri dish but no similar, peer-reviewed studies have found that to be the case in humans yet.

Strain says Ivermectin can have really nasty side effects, especially if taken improperly.

Cut 13 (09) “…cycle.”

Strain says for some Ivermectin can even be fatal. That’s because some people genetically don’t have the right protein to stop Ivermectin from crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Cut 14 (09) “..antidote”

The FDA gives the Pfizer COVID vaccination full backing, Brooke Thorington talks with a Tulane epidemiologist about the pandemic milestone.

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

____________________________________

13-year New Orleans Police Officer Everett Briscoe was fatally shot Saturday at a Houston restaurant during an apparent stick-up. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

______________________________________

The Food and Drug Administration grants full approval for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination which many physicians hope will lead to more vaccine mandates. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the Pfizer vaccine is now fully approved for ages 16 and up.

Cut 3 (11) “…their staff.” 

Two-point-two million people in Louisiana have started the vaccination series. That is 48-percent of the state’s population and 40-percent of the state’s residents are fully vaccinated. Hassig hopes full approval will increase vaccination rates.

Cut 4 (12) “…medication” 

Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccines have yet to receive full approval but, Hassig anticipates they will follow the EUA timeline and receive full approval within a month and three months respectively. But Hassig says there’s plenty of the Pfizer vaccine available in the US.

Cut 5 (09) “…to do that.”

__________________________

A 13-year New Orleans Police veteran was shot and killed Saturday in Houston during a stick-up at a restaurant, while he was dining on the patio with friends.

New Orleans Councilman Jay Banks knew Officer Everett Briscoe well…

Cut 6 (11) “…citizen” 

Cops say two people entered the restaurant just after 5 PM and began demanding people hand over their valuables. A witness says everyone complied and it is not confirmed why one of the assailants then opened fire, fatally striking Briscoe and wounding another person. One witness claims one of the assailants lost their composure when they saw Briscoe’s firearm while he was lying on the ground.

Banks says Briscoe leaves behind a loving family that is in shock.

Cut 7 (13) “…tie”  

Briscoe was in Houston on a trip with fellow members of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club.

Banks says this surge in violence sweeping the nation has to end.

Cut 8 (11) “…tell me.”

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UL System students will either need to provide proof of vaccination or claim a personal exemption the next time they register for classes, to enroll at the system’s nine schools. President Jim Henderson says their request to add fully FDA-approved vaccines to their immunization schedule was approved by the Louisiana Health Department

Cut 9 (08) “…institutions.”

LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard says now that Pfizer has full FDA approval they will begin communicating the logistics of the campus’s vaccine mandate “soon”. He says they need to fully review the approval and the President plans on implementing the mandate with more details to come.

Henderson says it is important to note that this isn’t really a “vaccine mandate” beyond the paperwork. Louisiana is one of 15 states that allow for philosophical exemption from immunization requirements.

Cut 10 (08) “…dissent”

LSU Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Dampf echoed similar concerns about the mandate’s lack of teeth in an interview with Jim Engster on Talk Louisiana in July.

Henderson says they can’t force students to take the vaccine but he hopes full FDA approval will push more of them off of the fence. He says they’ve tried to convince students to get the shot…

Cut  11 (07) “…approval.”  

College students who get the shot can receive 100 dollars through the Shot for 100 program.

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Beginning today the multistate Powerball game will draw numbers three times a week as opposed to only two. Louisiana Lottery Spokesperson Kim Chopin says with Powerball drawings are now Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday nights, and Megamillions on Tuesday and Friday…

Cut 12 (12) “…covered” 

Chopin says adding a Monday night drawing to the multistate game will hopefully be a cure for the Monday Blues for Powerball players, a game that has already made more than 80 Louisianans members of the millionaire’s club.

Cut 13 (09) “…that’s Monday.”

Chopin says we are long overdue for a Powerball Jackpot winner in Louisiana. The last time there was a Powerball Jackpot winner in the Bayou State was March of 2018, but if numbers hit tonight for someone in Louisiana…

Cut 14 (12) “..October 2017.”

Louisiana’s unemployment rate is now down 2.3 percent from this time last year. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Scenes out of Afghanistan have been especially disturbing for U-S veterans who served in the Middle East. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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An LSU fishing poll shows that pandemic isolation led to anglers taking millions of additional fishing trips compared to pre-pandemic years. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana added another 12,700 jobs from June to July and ended the month up 58,200 jobs year-to-year. Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says moving in the right direction despite the 4^th COVID wave, but the only way to keep this momentum going is by getting more people vaccinated.

Cut 4 (11) “…masks.”

New Orleans and Baton Rouge led the pack in new month-to-month job gains at 3,700 and 3,00 respectively. Shreveport and Houma were the only markets to see month-to-month job losses.

Fiore says the biggest sector gains were in leisure and hospitality and education and health services at 27,000 and 13,000 more jobs year to year respectively. Fiore says we can do even better.

Cut 5 (08) “…hired.”

Business services gained 12,000 jobs over the year.

Fiore says if you are unemployed visit laworks.net to find a job near you.

Cut 6 (07) “…right now.”

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If you’re in the market for a new vehicle according to AAA research don’t be surprised if that new car or pickup costs more than you anticipated. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says remember upkeep and costs associated with a vehicle go well beyond your monthly car note.

Cut 7 (10) “….insurance.”

The most significant part of the average $10 thousand annually Redman says that vehicle owners neglect to anticipate when purchasing a new vehicle is depreciation.

Cut 8 (08) “…depreciation.” 

A major reason new vehicle prices have increased is the ongoing computer chip shortage that has caused a delay in the manufacturing of new vehicles. Redman says with each passing year there’s additional technology added to motor vehicles prices which also increases prices.

Cut 9 (10) “…much technology.”

The average price of a new vehicle for 2021 is $32,900 which is almost five percent higher than last year.

________________________________________

While the scenes out of Afghanistan are horrifying as US Troops are withdrawing from the war-torn country after providing stability for more than two decades, the situation is extremely upsetting to US Afghanistan vets.  Louisiana Veterans Affairs Secretary Colonel Joey Strickland says they’ve been contacted by several veterans who served in the Middle East.

Cut 10 (10) “…country.” 

Strickland says the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs has several venues to offer counseling and assistance for veterans who are experiencing PTSD and other issues. Especially during this critical time when some veterans feel the withdrawal has discounted their service. Strickland says they’ve been meeting with veterans at places like the VFW.

Cut 11 (12) “…the time.”

Strickland says this issue hit close to home, it reminds him of his experience in Vietnam and now his son who served in Afghanistan, so he’s familiar with the emotions veterans are dealing with in response to the withdrawal. Strickland says the LDVA also has a crisis line.

Cut 12 (12) “…experiencing.”  

For more information visit the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs website.

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An LSU survey finds people took a lot more fishing trips in the spring of 2020 compared to 2019, seemingly due to pandemic era isolation policies.

LSU Oceanography and Coastal Sciences Professor Stephen Midway says traditionally fishing is used as a social bonding experience, but their poll found the reasons anglers gave for heading out are changing…

Cut 13 (09) “…pandemic.”

Midway says their poll found four out of five anglers took as many trips as they had the year before, and one out of five took at least one extra trip…

Cut 14 (10) “…2020.”

An estimated 44 million Americans consider themselves anglers.

Midway says the increased number of fishing trips, assuming that people are assuming by regulations, should not be an ecological stressor. In fact, it may be the opposite…

Cut 15 (12)“…management.”

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Preseason game number two is tonight as the Saints host the Jaguars. Another opportunity for Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston to win the starting quarterback spot. Running back Alvin Kamara on what he sees from Hill

Cut 16 (15) “…offense.”

Coach Sean Payton on how’s evaluating quarterback battle…

Cut 17 (13) “…that position.”  

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LSU backup quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for 303 yards and three touchdowns in the second scrimmage of preseason camp. Starter Max Johnson was 11 of 17 for 125 yards and one touchdown. Coach Ed Orgeron says Nussmeier made some nice plays…

Cut 18 (25)”…dynamite”

The offensive line did not play well in the first scrimmage. Orgeron says he saw improvement with the o-line on Saturday…

Cut 19 (20)  “…we’ll be fine” 

Junior running backs Ty Davis-Price and John Emery Junior did not participate in the second scrimmage because of nagging injuries. So sophomore Josh Williams led all rushers with 66 yards on the ground and a touchdown. True freshman Armani Goodwin had six carries on 25 yards. Orgeron says hopes Davis-Price and Emery return soon…

Cut 20 (10)  “…some consistency”