Governor Edwards says there are two measures in the works in both chambers of Congress to fund disaster relief. Brooke Thorington has more from his DC trip.

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

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Hurricane Ida delivered another devastating blow to the state’s seafood industry. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Governor John Bel Edwards has been in DC this week meeting with lawmakers in hopes of getting disaster relief funding for the state. He says he feels it’s been a productive week and measures have been introduced in both chambers for disaster relief for the nation as a whole for 2020 and 21.

Cut 3 (11) “…which state.”

Edwards says there’s significant help in the bills and not just in Community Development Block Grant dollars for housing needs. He says there’s also funding for the Corps of Engineers, emergency work on highways and bridges, fisheries, and money for crop and timber losses

Cut 4 (11) “…grant portion.”

The governor says the main focus of this trip is to secure funding for unmet housing needs after the 2020 hurricanes and while there he’s also laying the foundation for Ida needs as well.

Cut 5 (07) “…Louisiana.”

The governor has been meeting with decision-makers since Monday and today is his last day in DC

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Hurricane Ida delivered another blow to the state’s seafood industry, which annually produces millions of pounds of fish, shrimp, crabs, and oysters. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says Ida’s 150-mile per hour winds on the southeastern coast of Louisiana caused major damage to boats and docks

Cut 6 (12) “…damaged” 

Restaurants are reporting a lack of oysters as oyster beds are closed. Nungesser says the state health department needs to test the waters, so hopefully, they will open soon. He says shrimpers could face a longer recovery…

Cut 7 (06) “…were sunk”  

Nungesser says fishermen will need federal assistance in order to bounce back from this destructive hurricane.

Cut 8 (11) “..the most”

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The state department of transportation has re-opened the westbound lanes on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge in Lake Charles, but eastbound lanes remain closed as a result of an 18-wheeler catching on fire last night. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says it’s been a busy week of bridge inspections…

Cut 9 (12) “…as we speak” 

Wilson says the eastbound lanes of the bridge will remain closed until further notice to complete an inspection of the bridge.  Meanwhile, DOTD has temporarily opened two lanes to I-10 East to the East flyover ramp and two lanes to the I-210 eastbound to I-10 westbound flyover to help ease the severe traffic congestion.

The DOTD Secretary suspects that the damage was confined mostly to the deck of the bridge compared to an earlier fire near I-310 in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (08)  “…burn as long” 

Wilson says fire damage to the I-10 Calcasieu Bridge is being checked out by inspectors.

Cut  11 (09)  “…it back up.”  

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Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell is taking the state’s GOP congressmen to task. He said they voted earlier this week against a continuing resolution to keep the government running with a higher debt ceiling even though the legislation included 28-billion-dollars in emergency relief for Louisiana and elsewhere.

Cut 12 (09) “….all against it”  

Campbell says the Republican members voted three times in favor of raising the debt ceiling when Trump was president, and he believes helping Louisiana recover from the state’s destructive hurricanes is more important than party loyalty.

Campbell says he doesn’t believe hurricane victims, including those in Lafourche and Terrebonne parishes slammed by Ida, would tell you at this time that they care about party politics, they just want help

Cut 13 (09) “…the Republican Party.”

The spending bill containing billions for hurricane relief and other disasters around the nation passed the House on Tuesday night. Campbell lambasts the Louisiana GOP delegation for their “no” votes given the number of people hurting from hurricane devastation in the state.

Cut 14 (09) “….have to do” 

The Department of Children and Family Services is urging those calling in for DSNAP interviews to do so on their assigned day. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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AT&T has faced heavy criticism for its response to Hurricane Ida and today a PSC member tried to get answers. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Congressman Garret Graves is pulling no punches in his concern for the fate of much-needed federal dollars for hurricane recovery aid in Louisiana.  He says the amount proposed is less than two billion dollars and is earmarked for disasters across the nation.

Cut 3 (10) “…not a chance.”

And, Graves says a “poison pill” in the mix is that the funding is tied to legislation to increase the national debt without limit that’s being sought by the Biden Administration. The debt is currently more than 28-trillion and recent requests would push it to 45-trillion.

Garret minces no words with the move by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to intertwine disaster recovery with substantially increasing the debt limit on federal spending.

Cut 4  (10) “..pill in there.” 

Congressman Troy Carter is among those who voted Tuesday to approve the Extending Government Funding and Disaster Assistance Act.  He says the bill provides crucial funding for disaster recovery in Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…across this nation.”

The bill is part of a larger package dealing with funding the government and increasing the debt ceiling.

Carter says there is funding in the continuing resolution to help with South Louisiana’s long-term recovery efforts.

Cut 6 (08) “…in the past.” 

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More than 26-thousand calls were taken during the first two days for DSNAP interviews. 25 parishes are eligible for disaster food stamps however interviews for the parishes are not held on the same weeks. In an effort to reduce hold times DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard urges callers to visit their webpage and only call on their designated day.

Cut 7 (10) “…the help.”  

To receive DSNAP the first step is to pre-register online, then call in on your specified day. Howard says she understands it’s frustrating to sit on hold for an hour only to be told to call back on your assigned day. Besides their webpage, another way to find your day to call is by…

Cut 8 (11) “…using.”

Howard also recommends downloading LA Wallet to reregister for DSNAP and you’ll need your social security number, proof of income, resources, and disaster expenses to preregister. Calling in on your assigned day is not pre-registration and if you miss your interview day, they are holding makeup days.

Cut 9 (10) “…the alphabet”(x2) 

Current SNAP recipients are not eligible for DSNAP.

For more information visit dcfs.louisiana.gov/dsnap and visit their FAQ page.

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An AT&T representative told the Public Service Commission today the company’s response was immediate and their restoration efforts were robust in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. But P-S-C Member Eric Skrmetta doesn’t believe the customer should be the ones requesting credits for the days without AT&T service

Cut 10 (12)  “…investigation” 

Skrmetta also expressed disappointment that AT&T could not provide information on how many contractors they brought in to restore service.

Cut  11 (11)  “…unacceptable answer”  

Skrmetta also believes AT&T should have an outage map that’s easily accessible to customers, similar to the one Entergy has for power outages.

But he says one of the biggest headaches for his office is that AT&T is failing to meet with its customers and his office has received numerous calls on this issue…

Cut 12 (12) “….your customers”  

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A Benton woman faces 16 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals after a tip led Bossier Sheriff’s investigators to a horse training center behind Benton Intermediate School. Deputy Rod White says three horses were found dead inside a dump trailer, while 13 additional horses were found to be malnourished and lacking water.

Cut 13 (08) “…things were showing.”

White says the woman, 52-year-old Sandra Blackmon Driscoll, had her bond set at 100-thousand-dollars.

White says the surviving horses were living in deplorable conditions.

Cut 14 (05) “….stalls were unkept” 

White says the charges against Driscoll are all felonies.

Cut 15 (12) “…were taken away” 

Driscoll was booked into the Bossier Maximum Security Facility, while the surviving horses were transported to another local horse owner to be boarded.

Entergy is facing a class-action lawsuit over extended outages from Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more

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

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The difficult times continue for those in Terrebonne Parish left without a roof over their head from destructive Hurricane Ida.  Dave Brannen reports it’s a situation upsetting to State Representative Tanner Magee.

Cut 2 (28)…I’m Dave Brannen.”  

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After extensive power outages from Hurricane Ida, Entergy is now facing a class-action lawsuit from customers. As many as 902-thousand lost power following the storm. Juan LaFonta is one of the attorneys’ representing plaintiffs in the case.

Cut 3 (10) “…went down.”

La Fonta says the suit is seeking to recover damages for losses that include things like food that was spoiled due to lack of power and even electrical equipment that was harmed when power was restored.

Cut 4  (10) “…transmission lines.” 

As of Monday LaFonta says they have seventeen plaintiffs, but they expect the number to grow as more people join the class-action lawsuit.

LaFonta says Entergy has failed to upgrade lines in the past even when recommended to do so, thus making them more vulnerable during a storm.

Cut 5 (12) “…monopoly going.”

Entergy issued a statement that they will not comment on pending litigation.

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Two lawsuits are now making their way through state court that allege that mandates issued by Ochsner Lafayette General and Our Lady of the Lourdes Regional Medical Center violate the state constitution by forcing nurses and staff to be vaccinated against Covid-19.  Attorney Jimmy Faircloth.

Cut 6 (06) “…what this is.” 

There are a total of 83 plaintiffs in the two cases that under the mandate issued by the hospitals could face termination if not vaccinated.

Faircloth says those suing, who he calls “frontline heroes” and being “vilified” for not getting the vaccine.

Cut 7 (12) “…drive public policy.”  

Ochsner is not commenting on the lawsuit but they say data and science show the efficacy of safety of the vaccines. Lourdes says it believes it’s taken appropriate measures to mitigate risks associated with the pandemic.

Faircloth says the court filing is a first step in trying to halt the implementation of the vaccine mandate for the hospital workers named as plaintiffs in the lawsuits filed in the 15^th Judicial District Court.

Cut 8 (08) “…to the court.”

_______________________

The post-Ida misery continues. State Representative Tanner Magee of Houma told a legislative committee Monday that 13-thousand homes in Terrebonne Parish have been destroyed or significantly damaged. He says 68-percent of residences along the dividing line of the parish are not habitable, and owners are working through the difficulty

Cut 9 (08) “…makeshift structure” 

Magee says the situation was and remains critical with FEMA saying temporary structures could arrive within the next month and lashed out at apartment owners who gave renters just over a week to vacate damaged residences, offering no options of where they were to go.

Cut 10 (11)  “…be thrown out” 

Magee says while FEMA has offered an alternative housing option for Ida victims in Terrebonne, he says that option doesn’t exist at the present.

Cut  11 (10)  “…parish is booked.”  

Magee criticized those who made a decision by September 3^rd, four days after Ida’s landfall, that people would have to vacate apartments hit by the storm regardless of the amount of damage.

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The mayors of Shreveport and Lake Charles have made a friendly wager that their city can get more residents vaccinated for COVID than the other. Mayors Adrian Perkins and Nic Hunter have set Halloween as the deadline to get the most first dose vaccinations. The two mayors posted an online video announcing the challenge. Perkins says both cities win if the vaccination rate increases.

Cut 12 (09) “…Louisiana.”  

Despite the ongoing hurricane recovery in southwest Louisiana, Hunter feels Lake Charles residents are up to the challenge.

Cut 13 (11) “…your doctor.”

Each Monday the mayors will update vaccination progress on their respective social media pages. Both Perkins and Hunter say the vaccine is the answer to ending the pandemic

Cut 14 (10) “….loved ones” 

Mayor Hunter will serve up a captain’s seafood platter from Steamboat Bill’s in Lake Charles should Shreveport prove victorious, and Mayor Perkins will pony up stuffed shrimp from Orlandeaux’s Café in Shreveport if Lake Charles wins.

Terrebonne parish, among the hardest hit by Ida, is still working around the clock to return to a sense of normalcy, though that’s expected to take years to accomplish.  An update from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’mDave Brannen.” 

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There are concerns that Ida could impact the population in southeast Louisiana, similar to Katrina 16-years ago. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A lot of trees fell victim to Hurricane Ida’s wrath as way too many property owners know about it firsthand. But, Whitney Wallace, an LSU AgCenter Forestry and Wildlife agent, says the damaged and felled trees, particularly on the North Shore, have impacted landowners and agricultural and livestock producers.

Cut 3 (08) “…you’re seeing around.”

Wallace says the AgCenter, along with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry, is continuing to assess the dollar damage with the biggest economic impact expected to be to the agricultural infrastructure and timber.

Cut 4  (10) “…course Tangipahoa Parish.” 

Wallace says landowners are pretty familiar with having to deal with downed trees, the worst most recent example prior to Ida was all the timber that Katrina felled 16 years ago.

Cut 5 (11) “…as we can.”

_____________________________________

The Pfizer vaccine trial for children ages five to eleven indicates promising results. Pfizer is expected to ask the FDA for emergency use authorization in the coming weeks. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says there’s been a significant increase in COVID cases among that age group especially with school back in session.

Cut 6 (11) “…individuals.” 

Hassig says the FDA asked Pfizer to extend the pediatric vaccine trial by two months so they would have more data to review, even though there is great anticipation to allow those ages five to eleven to be vaccinated.

Cut 7 (11) “…too important.”  

In the pediatric trial, children were given the same vaccine as adults, but at a lower dosage. Hassig says parents should be reassured that the FDA will review the data carefully before issuing any type of authorization.

Cut 8 (11) “…timely.”

Since July pediatric cases in the United States have increased by 240-percent.

_______________________

Terrebonne Parish is continuing its recovery efforts more than three weeks after Hurricane Ida tore up the coastal area.  Parish spokesman, Mart Black, says while most of the power is back and water has been mostly restored, housing for storm victims is the biggest problem.

Cut 9 (10) “…into the parish” 

Black says Ida left Terrebonne Parish completely in the dark, but today only 16-percent of utility customers don’t have electricity. He gives credit to the power companies…

Cut 10 (09)    the parish” 

He says the hope is to have power restored to everyone whose home or business can safely receive it by September 29^th.

Black says one thing that’s getting back to normal in Terrebonne is residential garbage pickup, and he says a contractor is working to clear the curbs of storm debris stacked up by homeowners.

Cut  11 (10)  “…to permitted sites.”  

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There are growing concerns of permanent population loss in southeastern coastal parishes after Hurricane Ida. Demographer Greg Rigamer says Ida was a devastating blow and it will be very difficult for Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. John Parishes to recover.

Cut 12 (12) “…the basis.”  

Since Katrina, the area has suffered devastating effects from Gustav, Isaac, and now Ida. Rigamer, who is a New Orleans resident, says right now he’d guess up to a hundred thousand could leave the coastal parishes permanently.

Cut 13 (08) “…southeast Louisiana.”

The recent population shift however should not impact voting districts. Rigamer says the numbers for redistricting that will be discussed by lawmakers next year are based on the 2020 Census data.

Cut 14 (09) “…redistricting” 

In New Orleans, more than half of the population left after Katrina close to 250 thousand. Rigamer says he believes the population in non-levee protected parishes will diminish after Ida.

The three-week interview process for DSNAP benefits related to Hurricane Ida victims gets underway today and wraps up on October 9^th. Dave Brannen spoke with DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavanna Howard…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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Researchers at LSU have created a prediction model for hurricanes in the gulf. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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State wildlife agents want deer hunters to help in detecting a fatal illness spreading through herds across the south. Kevin Gallagher reports you COULD win some cash.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Like other parishes in southeast Louisiana, St. John the Baptist Parish is undergoing several hurdles with recovery from Hurricane Ida. Parish President Jaclyn Hotard says about 90-percent of the parish has power and their water systems have been restored but they remain under a boil water advisory.

Cut 4 (08) “…advisories soon,”

As for regular debris removal, so far, the parish has removed 150-thousand cubic yards of debris.

Hotard says like other surrounding parishes one of the biggest obstacles they are facing is the great need to speed up household trash pickup and to assist she’s issued an emergency bid to have trash removed ASAP.

Cut 5 (10) “…to say it nicely.”

Hotard says FEMA is embedded in the parish assisting residents with their applications and they are also beginning to see progress with the blue roof program. She says nineteen have been installed so far of the more than two thousand requested.

The parish broke ground on a levee this year that is expected to be completed in 2024. Hotard says a completed structure would have made a difference with Hurricane Ida.

Cut 6 (10) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”

The $750-million levee is being paid for with a combination of federal and state funds.

________________________________________

Starting today, households in ten Louisiana parishes impacted by Hurricane Ida can apply for disaster food stamps. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says residents with last names starting with A-to-F in East Baton, Iberia, Orleans, St. Tammany, Washington and five other parishes can call the L-A Help-U Customer Service center to apply and be interviewed…

Cut 7 (06) “..quickly as possible.”

Applicants for DSNAP interviews should call 1-888-524-3578 and have financial and personal information available.

Howard says DSNAP interviews will take place six days a week through October 9th. She says check the Department of Children and Family Services website for the day you can apply…

Cut 8 (08) “…DSNAP”

Howard says DSNAP benefits are available to those who live in one of the 25 parishes declared a federal disaster area. She says disaster food stamps are designed to help Ida victims buy groceries due to lost income or damages as a result of the storm.

Cut 9 (08)  “…at your expenses.”

You can pre-register at www.dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

____________________________________________

LSU Researchers have developed a new model to determine if the Gulf coast will see an active hurricane season. It looks at  atmospheric temperatures in the spring. Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences assistant professor Paul Miller says while NOAA and Colorado State University both issue storm predictions their outlook pertains to all Atlantic storms not specifically those impacting the gulf.

Cut 10 (12) “…Gulf of Mexico.” 

Miller says they researched weather data all the way back to 1980 and compared atmospheric temperatures from previous hurricanes.

Cut 11 (12) “…hurricane season (x2).”

Miller when they were able to identify the pattern of previous gulf atmospheric temperatures and the number of storms that made landfall in the Gulf.

Cut 12 (07) “…upcoming season.”

Miller says looking at atmospheric temperatures to predict hurricanes in the gulf appears to be more accurate for predicting gulf storms. Miller hopes in addition to NOAA and CSU that LSU will be added to the upcoming hurricane forecast.

______________________

Louisiana is offering hunters the chance to win money by assisting the state in its surveillance efforts for Chronic Wasting Disease in deer. LDWF Deer Program Manager Johnathan Bordelon says hunters and taxidermists will be entered into a contest to win up to $1000 when they submit a sample from a mature buck harvested this deer season…

Cut 13 (12) “…they so chose”

Bordelon says submitting a sample of your deer for research could win you a gift card for $1000 or $500. CWD has not yet been detected among Louisiana’s deer herd but has been in most of our bordering states. He says LDWF is being vigilant to determine IF Louisiana deer are affected…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…across the state.”

Bordelon says to submit the animal’s head with at least three inches of neck to any LDWF Field Office. He says samples from doe season will not be collected…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…great news.”

Hunters will also need to provide details of WHERE the sample buck was bagged. More information is online at “LWF.Louisiana.gov”.

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As good as the Saints in their week one win over Green Bay, they were just as bad yesterday in a 26-7 loss to the Carolina Panthers. New Orleans had just 128 yards of total offense and they hit Quarterback Jameis Winston 11 times and sacked him four times. Winston was also intercepted twice. Coach Sean Payton takes the blame for the loss

Cut  16 (16) “…football game.”

Saints offensive tackle Terron Armstead says communication problems led to the pressure the Panthers defense put on Winston…

Cut 17 (19) “…communication”  

The Saints did not have eight offensive assistants at the game because of COVID protocols. Running back Alvin Kamara says the players can’t use that as an excuse…

Cut 18 (17)”…it is what is.”

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LSU Quarterback Max Johnson threw for 372 yards and five touchdowns as the Fighting Tigers offense came to life in a 48-21 win over Central Michigan. Freshman Deion Smith had two touchdown catches and fellow freshman Jack Bech had a great-handed one-handed grab in the end zone. Bech believes they can build momentum from Saturday’s performance

Cut 19 (20)  “…the field.” 

Kayshon Boutte was LSU’s leading receiver with six catches, but the Tigers showed off their depth at wide receiver as Smith, Bech and Devonta Lee each had five catches. Brian Thomas had two catches for 50 yards. Quarterback Max Johnson says an adjustment on offense helped them spread the ball around…

Cut 20 (12)  “…throughout the game” 

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.” 

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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.” 

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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.”  

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.” 

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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.”  

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”  

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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.” 

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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.”  

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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”