LSU has reported 366 COVID-19 cases since August 15^th.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

________________________________

Calcasieu and Cameron Parish residents will have to wait for another two to three weeks to get the power turned on in their homes. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Hurricane Laura has opened the door for unlicensed contractors to make a quick buck without doing the work they were hired to do.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan says the university has reported 366 COVID-19 cases since August 15^th.  In addition to a symptom tracker feature, Galligan says the LSU website has a COVID dashboard that will be updated Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 4 PM with the latest data.

Cut 4 (10)“ …from a person.” 

Videos have surfaced of large student parties.  Galligan says he has seen the clips and he says the school is investigating them and if it is a student organization putting together events, there will be repercussions from the school.  Galligan says right now, four student organizations are in the conduct process.

Cut 5 (10)  “…of organizational misconduct.”

Galligan says no single number defines whether to classes will go fully remote, but there will be an analysis of various metrics including student and faculty positive tests, plus faculty and staff absenteeism, just to name a few.

Cut 6 (12) “…in the area (2x).”

___________________________________

Entergy expects it will be another two to three weeks before power can be restored to most of Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes.

Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says the infrastructure damage sustained in those two parishes was substantial.

Cut 7 (08) “…destroyed”

Work is ongoing to restore at least one of the lines so that power can be directed around the two parishes.

May says you’ll likely start seeing the lights come on soon than that at some nearby water plants, urgent cares, and other strategic locations.

Cut 8 (09) “…locations”

May says the company is working with local elected leaders to identify locations with the highest priority.

The industry vet has been with Entergy for 35 years and says they’ve only ever had 560 towers down statewide at one time. After Laura in Cameron and Calcasieu alone…

Cut 9 (08) “…the ground.”

_______________________________

The state is pushing to sign up more poll workers ahead of the upcoming November 3^rd election.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says to qualify you have to be a registered voter in Louisiana who does not need assistance, able to attend a training course, be at least 17 years old, and have availability…

Cut 10 (07) “…voting”

Ardoin says early voting workers don’t have to work all seven days, but need to be able to work most of the days.

Ardoin says this year the risks associated with exposure to COVID-19 have led them to expand their efforts to recruit more young people.

Cut 11 (08) “…commissioners”

Nationwide there’s a growing concern about a lack of election workers as the average workers historically have been older citizens.

There are some volunteer positions, but Ardoin says you can also make a little money by participating.

Cut 12 (07) “…pay is.”

Poll workers help set up polling locations, welcome voters, verify registration and explain voting procedures and how to use the machines.

__________________________

Following the devastation of Hurricane Laura, scammers are looking to make a quick buck on storm repairs.  State Licensing Board for Contractors spokesperson Brad Hassert recommends verifying someone is a licensed contractor before making a hire.  That can be done online at lslbc.louisiana.gov.

Cut 13 (10) “…and in place.”

Hassert says it will mostly be unlicensed workers that will try to trick people out of money and one of the ways they do so is by asking for a large amount of payment upfront.

Cut 14 (11) “…question for me.” 

Hassert says the way you pay is also important in in documenting a paper trail of compensation.

Cut 15 (11) “…with them possibly.” 
___________________

The Saints will have a full go scrimmage today as they are eleven days away from the season opener against Tampa Bay. Coach Sean Payton says with no preseason games, they need to work on getting players on and off the field

Cut 16 (20) “…eliminated.” 

Payton says he likes what he’s seen so far from backup quarterback Jameis Winston…

Cut 17  (17) “…smart player” 

Starting guard Andrus Peat looks thinner this season as the veteran says he’s lost 10 to 15 pounds. Peat says the weight loss should lead to better play on the field

Cut 18  (13) “…be good”   

A Monroe Senator calls on high school football families to hold their local superintendent’s feet to the fire and support firm start dates for contact practices and the season. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

Governor Edwards says the state continues to move people seeking shelter from Hurricane Laura into hotels. Brooke Thorington has more.

cut 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”  

_____________________________

16 of 23 Hurricane Laura damaged parishes have been approved for FEMA individual assistance. Ouachita, Vermilion, Rapides, Natchitoches, and Lincoln are among the parishes who are now eligible for aid that includes temporary housing and home repairs. Senator Bill Cassidy…

Cut 3 (09)  “…their feet”  

Governor Edwards says over 80-thousand Louisianans have applied for FEMA Individual assistance by calling 1-800-621-FEMA or disaster-assistance-dot-gov.

After the 2016 south Louisiana flood, thousands of storm victims were hurt by duplication of benefits. They received government assistance in the early days of their recovery and were not eligible for other government aid that became available later. Cassidy doesn’t believe that will be an issue for Laura victims…

Cut 4 (10)“ …of benefits” 

Cassidy says he’ll tour hurricane-damaged areas in Lake Charles tomorrow. He also has staff talking with storm survivors about their biggest needs

Cut 5 (08)  “…as well”

_________________

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey Jr. asks high school football families to call their local superintendents and tell them to demand the LHSAA allow players to begin contact practices September 11^th.

Cathey says also asks you to ask them to support the scheduled October 8^th season start date. He says it’s not just about the players…

Cut 6 (11) “…events.”

Cathey says because the LHSAA is controlled by superintendents and principles local families can influence the football season decision.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonnie has said football games can not happen in Louisiana until the state reaches Phase 3 of its economic reopening, but Cathey argues our neighbors are already making it work…

Cut 7 (08) “…October”

The LHSAA has expressed concern about facing possible liability for COVID infections should they resume play too early, but Cathey disagrees.

Cut 8 (08) “…Louisiana”

On Tuesday Attorney General Jeff Landry weighed in saying liability concerns were unfounded.

________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards highly encourages Louisianans affected by Hurricane Laura to file for FEMA assistance immediately so they can receive benefits in a timely manner. Sixteen parishes have now been approved for federal assistance. You can do so by going to disaster assistance dot gov.

Cut 9 (14) “don’t give up”

Edwards is not giving up either, he originally requested assistance for 26 parishes, and hopes that eventually all will be approved for funding.

The largest hurdles to rebuilding southwest Louisiana is restoring power and water to the area. Edwards says in some of the hardest-hit areas approximately 500 large transmission towers need to be restored and blocked roadways are huge obstacles.

Cut 10 (07) “…of those.”

Governor Edwards says so far, the state has taken in approximately 11,500 people seeking shelter from Hurricane Laura. Many registered initially at the Mega Shelter in Alexandria and then they are moved into hotels.

Cut 11 (12) “…all together”

If you need shelter assistance text LA Shelter to 898211.

_______________________

A New Orleans woman is arrested, accused of setting fire to her apartment building after being given an eviction notice earlier in the day.  State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says the suspect, 25-year-old Jazlynn Major, was located and arrested in Huntsville, Texas.

Cut 12 (09) “…of aggravated arson.”

Witnesses tell investigators the suspect left her apartment around 8:40 Monday night and a glow could be seen from her window, but the glow grew brighter and they realized it was a fire.

The three-alarm blaze garnered the response of 70 firefighters.  Browning says 26 residents in 20 units left their apartments unharmed, but a pet died in the blaze.

Cut 13 (11) “…that did perish.”

Major could face between two to 20 years in prison if convicted.  Browning says the state has seen an uptick in arsons during the pandemic.

Cut 14 (06) “…with the demand.” 

________________________

Two Eunice men file a recall petition against Governor John Bel Edwards. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Southwest Louisiana’s prolific chemical industry is temporarily out of commission due to Hurricane Laura. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

Ten parishes were added to the list of parishes approved by FEMA on Tuesday for the assistance that helps fund post-storm home repairs and addresses other damages.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

(See below cut 12 for the 10 parishes approved for FEMA Individual Assistance.)

______________________________

A recall petition to remove Governor John Bel Edwards has been filed by two Eunice men. The two have 180 days to collect about 600,000 signatures needed to trigger the recall vote. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s a puzzling move considering the West Point grad is in his element right now.

Cut 4 (12)“…rating” 

An April poll of Edwards’ job performance put him at 66 percent approval and only 18 percent disapproval. A July poll showed 61 percent support for the state’s public health emergency actions.

Pinsonat says recalling a Governor is a mammoth task made all the more unlikely by the current pandemic conditions.

Cut 5 (09)  “…dollars”

Only one US Governor has ever successfully been recalled. That was the 2003 California gubernatorial recall that led to the election of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

If 20 percent of registered voters sign the recall petition an election would be held to potentially replace Edwards. Pinsonat says there’s no way that happens.

Cut 6 (08) “…governor”

Lee Joseph Vidrine and Michael Lyn Vidrine are listed on the petition. No contact information for the two was provided and attempts to contact the two have not been successful.

___________________________________

Severe hurricane damage to southwest Louisiana has halted chemical manufacturing in one of the nation’s busiest industrial zones. Louisiana Chemical Association President Greg Bowser says they were spared the anticipated 15 feet of storm surge but the category four winds did a number on their facilities.

Cut 7 (08) “…wind”

The Lake Charles Liquefied Natural Gas import terminal is one of the nation’s few LNG terminals.

Bowser says power is the biggest immediate concern, but so is the fact many of their workers are scattered across the region.

Cut 8 (08) “…Baton Rouge”

Bowser says it is likely the plants will get power ahead of the four-week timetable for residential areas.

Bowser says some workers are looking at long commutes once plants are online, but that’s not feasible for everyone so they’re pushing to get temporary FEMA housing for workers.

Cut 9 (09) “…repaired.”

_______________________________

Governor Edwards says ten more parishes were approved by FEMA on Tuesday for the assistance that helps fund post-storm home repairs and addresses other damages.

Cut 10 (08) “…assistance to nine.”

The Governor’s request for another 14 parishes is still pending federal approval. Edwards encourages residents of approved parishes to register for FEMA assistance, even if they think they may not be eligible.

Edwards says Disaster unemployment assistance applications can be submitted now, but there is a 30-day deadline from the time of each parish’s declaration to apply.

Cut 11 (05) “…for state benefits.”

Disaster unemployment is $108 per week.  Edwards says now is the time for residents to register for DSNAP, or Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in the event that it becomes available in their area.

While Edwards says he’s grateful for the critical needs assistance grants of $500 per household for those who are displaced from their homes, he is seeking more assistance.

Cut 12 (09) “…take advantage of.”

Edwards says applications are open and can be done at DisasterAssistance.gov. The ten parishes added yesterday were Acadia, Ouachita, Vermilion, Rapides, Natchitoches, Sabine, Winn, Grant, Jackson and Lincoln. 

__________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services is asking those impacted by Hurricane Laura to pre-register for the Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says DSNAP helps people who have lost food as a result of a disaster and is not tied to income the same way SNAP is.

Cut 13 (09) “…you should register.”

Walters says the food pods are set up to feed hurricane victims for the time being, but the target date for DSNAP to go into effect is September 10.

Cut 14 (12) “…to buy it.” 

Those currently receiving SNAP benefits are already registered for DSNAP, but Walters says DCFS has a new system and with that, their old database of DSNAP registrants is gone.

Cut 15 (12) “…need to pre-register.” 

___________________

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he respects the decision made by receiver Ja’Marr Chase and defensive tackle Tyler Shelvin to opt of the 2020 season. During a zoom press conference, Coach O said he doesn’t want anyone to opt-out, but everyone’s situation is different. Orgeron told the rest of the team next man up

Cut 16 (19) “…deal with it.” 

Orgeron says it’s possible that one or two more players will decide to opt-out. Coach O says it will not be easy to replace Chase, but the team is full of good receivers…

Cut 17  (30) “…his time.” 

Chase is expected to be a top-five pick, while Shelvin is a first-round talent if his weight is now an issue. Orgeron says he Shelvin could have been a dominant player for the Tigers this season

Cut 18  (25) “…us proud”   

_____________________________

The Saints say they’ve received state approval to have fans at their second home game of the season, a Sunday night match-up against Green Bay on September 27th. Governor Edwards says he feels comfortable with the team’s plans on fans entering the stadium and remaining socially distant during the games…

cut 19 (17) “…do that”  

The Saints say they are still talking with the city on how and when to accommodate fans safely. Edwards says the state’s approval is contingent on the continued decline in new coronavirus cases in New Orleans

cut 20 (11) “ understand that”  

Edwards says the state’s approval is based on a capacity of no more than 25-percent.

The Red Cross is offering volunteers the option to help out virtually with the response to Hurricane Laura. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

________________________________

Blue Roofs are coming to southwest Louisiana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

___________________________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services says Hurricane Laura evacuees in need of sheltering at a hotel first need to head to the reception center at the Alexandria MegaShelter. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

If you’d like to help the Laura recovery effort but are afraid of exposure to coronavirus the Red Cross is now offering virtual volunteer opportunities.

Louisiana Red Cross Capital West Chapter Director Ed Bush says online volunteers are vital and can help the organization manage and coordinate data, reach out to various federal agencies…

Cut 4 (10)“…systems” 

Bush says they’ve got a lot of boots on the ground, but those online volunteers are helping support front-line efforts.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the ground”

Those interested can fill out an application at redcross.org.

For those that can’t volunteer Bush says they’d still very much appreciate some financial contributions. He says this recovery mission is going to be very costly.

Cut 6 (06) “…easily”

On the Red Cross website, there’s an option to make a donation specifically to Laura relief.

___________________________________

The Army Corps of Engineers blue roof program is starting up in six Laura-impacted parishes with the aim of making homes with roof damage temporarily livable.

Governor John Bel Edwards says blue roofs were commonplace after Katrina, and just like in 2005 installation is still free to the public.

Cut 7 (08) “…roof”

Homes in Cameron, Calcasieu, Jefferson Davis, Beauregard, Allen, Vernon parishes could be eligible for blue roof installation.

Edwards warns not every house will be eligible for installation as some properties have suffered too much damage. If you are eligible you’ll have to allow installation teams on your property.

Cut 8 (10) “…program”

Those interested in a blue roof can call 1-888-766-3258 or visit the Army Corps of Engineers website.

Edwards says allowing people to stay in their own homes is vital given the current pandemic conditions.

Cut 9 (08) “…plan.”

_______________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services has opened the reception center at the Alexandria MegaShelter for Hurricane Laura evacuees.  DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the MegaShelter serves as a centralized location to route evacuees to available lodging at a hotel.

Cut 10 (12) “…and there’s food.”

The reception center is currently open 24/7 helping evacuees find non-congregate shelter.

Walters says they’ve got just over 10,000 evacuees in hotels in Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.

Cut 11 (09) “…in New Orleans.”

Walters says about 11,000 evacuees are in hotels in Texas and believes a majority of them are Louisiana residents, but there isn’t a clear indication of what that number is.

Walters says if transportation to Alexandria and then to a hotel is an issue, they have that covered.

Cut 12 (11) “…to New Orleans.”

More info on sheltering can be found by texting LAShelter to 898-211 or calling 2-1-1.

__________________________

Law enforcement in Calcasieu Parish is asking drivers to stay off the roads as much as possible as storm restoration efforts continue. A curfew is in effect from 7pm to 6am and Sheriff Tony Mancuso says if you are driving around during those times, expect to be pulled over.

Cut 13 (09) “…to be tolerated.”

Lake Charles Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says if you do have to be on the roads, take it slow, and keep in mind that intersections that saw there stop signs and traffic lights blown away are extra dangerous.

Cut 14 (09) “…roads are dangerous.” 

Caldwell encourages drivers to consolidate the trips they do need to take as it will help speed up the recovery process.

Cut 15 (07) “…to get electricity.” 

___________________

ULM football has resumed football activities after shutting preseason camp down for a week and a half because nine individuals within the program tested positive for the coronavirus. Coach Matt Viator says it felt good to be back with his team again

Cut 16 (18) “…really good.” 

The Warhawks are less than two weeks away from their season opener against Army on September 12th. Viator says even though game week is right around the corner they have to cautiously move forward

Cut 17  (20) “…the process.” 

Not only has the team had to battle a COVID outbreak, Hurricane Laura has caused  a lot of damage in the Monroe area, including to Malone Stadium. But Viator says players are keeping a positive attitude

Cut 18  (20) “…to work”   

Beauregard Electric Co-op customers can expect to be without power for at least four weeks. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

____________________________

Lake Charles is going to need a lot of outside help if it’s going to recover from Hurricane Laura. Jeff Palermo has the story…

cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

Louisiana’s death toll from Hurricane Laura is up to 14 and more than half of the fatalities are from carbon monoxide poisoning from portable generators. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says gas-powered generators produce carbon monoxide which is odorless and colorless

Cut 3 (11)  “…really ill.”  

Browning says when using a generator, it should be at least 20 feet away from your home…

Cut 4 (12)“ …be open.” 

Browning says it’s also important to avoid trying to refuel a generator when it’s still hot…

Cut 5 (11)  “…that generate cool.”

_________________

Beauregard Electric Co-op tells its customers to be prepared to be without power for at least the next four weeks.  Co-op spokesperson Danielle Tilley says they’ve brought in 500-600 additional storm restoration workers to cut trees, reset poles and make repairs to more than 5,700 miles of line.

Cut 6 (13) “…meters are running.”

Tilley says substations and transmission lines will be repaired first and then service lines, but substations will not be able to receive power until its larger transmission lines are functioning again.

Cut 7 (11) “…as of now.”

Tilley says with the level of damage received from the storm, some customers may be out of power even longer than four weeks.

Cut 8 (11) “…to prepare for.”

________________________

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says his city will need a lot of outside help to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Laura. Hunter is calling for people from across the nation to donate to causes aimed at helping the city and its residents.

Cut 9 (12) “…sisters”

He says most of all the city will need a tremendous amount of federal aid.

Early estimates say it could take four weeks for power to be restored to Lake Charles. Hunter feels even that is a bit optimistic.

Cut 10 (04) “…weeks.”

Hunter did note a silver lining to this tragedy: it appears the people of his city took the mandatory evacuation order very seriously.

Cut 11 (08) “…get out”

Hunter made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

_______________________

52,500 homeowners so far have applied for FEMA assistance in the six parishes currently designated for relief.

FEMA Region Six Administrator Tony Robinson says the first step in the road to recovery for homeowners is to seek assistance from your insurance company.

Cut 12 (09) “…insurance”

Those in Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis, Vernon, Allen, and Beauregard Parishes can apply currently, with the list of eligible parishes expected to grow in the near future. So far FEMA has conducted over 200 inspections on homes, resulting in over 650,000 dollars in assistance.

Robinson says after you contact your home insurer and get your settlement documentation, upload that in the FEMA app, or send it in via the method that was provided to you when you registered.

Cut 13 (10) “…eligible.”

Robinson says some people have already begun receiving denials. He says that is linked to a lack of proper documentation from your home insurer, or lack of documentation proving your identity.

Robinson says there’s a number of ways to submit your application for FEMA aid.

Cut 14 (06) “app.” 

That toll-free number is 1-800-621-FEMA.

________________________

About 44,000 northwest and central Louisiana SWEPCO customers are still without power, but the timeline for restoration has been moved up a day.

Swepco spokesperson Carey Sullivan says restoration for nearly all Bossier City and Haughton residents is expected tonight by 10 PM, with Shreveport and Mansfield expected back online by tomorrow night.

Cut 15 (10) “estimated” 

Hornbeck, Natchitoches, and Logansport customers will have to wait until Thursday night.

Sullivan says about 10,000 customers in the Shreveport-Bossier are without power along with 34,000 in central Louisiana.

Cut 16 (11) “…reparied.” 

136,000 of their customers were without power during the peak of the post-Laura period.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser wants you to lend a hand and help with recovery efforts following Hurricane Laura. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says the recovery from Hurricane Laura will be long and it will take a lot of effort. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

___________________________________________

It appears wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase’s brief but spectacular career at LSU is over. Kevin Barnhart has the story…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

______________________________

In response to Hurricane Laura, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser urges Louisianans to volunteer to help rebuild areas damaged by the Category 4 storm. Nungesser is confident the state will recover because citizens came together in 2016 after the flood and rebuilt 15 years ago after Hurricane Katrina.

Cut 4 (13)“…our neighbor” 

Nungesser is encouraging you to visit Volunteer Louisiana Dot Gov and help out.

Cut 5 (09)  “…the recovery.”

Nungesser says volunteering is one way those who were affected by the flood in 2016 can return the favor and those who lost a loved one in Katrina can pay tribute to their memory.

Cut 6 (11) “…after Katrina”

You can also follow Volunteer Louisiana on Facebook and Twitter. Non-profit and faith-based organizations in need of volunteers can contact VolunteerLouisiana@crt.la.gov

www.VolunteerLousiana.gov

___________________________________

Getting the electricity back on in southwest Louisiana will be a long process. Governor John Bel Edwards says the Louisiana Public Service Commission’s initial damage estimate in the Lake Charles area found 172 towers damaged or destroyed

Cut 7 (12) “…or destroyed”

Edwards says the state went from a peak of 600-thousand outages following Hurricane Laura to 375-thousand as of noon Sunday. The governor reports there are over 17-thousand people from 29 states working on getting the power restored.

Residents in Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Jefferson Davis and Vernon Parish can apply for disaster aid through FEMA by going to disaster-assistance-dot-gov, calling their 1-800-621-FEMA or through the FEMA app. Edwards says so far more than 52-thousand people in Louisiana have applied and he expects additional parishes will become eligible

Cut 8 (11) “…those determinations.”

The number of Laura related fatalities is up to 14. Eight of the deaths are due to carbon monoxide poisoning. Edwards says for those residents who do not have power, he’s pleading with them not to run generators in their home…

Cut 9 (13) “…the window.”

_______________________________

Tulane researchers are awarded a 150,000 dollar grant to begin making a second-generation COVID-19 vaccine.

The first generation vaccine may not be available yet, but Tulane Microbiologist Dr. Lisa Morici says the sooner version 2.0 is available the better.

Cut 10 (12) “…itself”

Morici’s work will involve adding bacteria-based adjuvants to vaccines that are already in development with the goal of strengthening those existing vaccines.

The top first-gen vaccine candidates are all designed to produce coronavirus antibodies, but Morici warns those antibodies may not last long. That’s why 2.0 is needed…

Cut 11 (07) “…doses.”

Morici points to polio as an example of another disease that required more than just one round of vaccines for maximum effectiveness.

Cut 12 (08) “…vaccine.”

The grants are being funded by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University.

__________________________

LSU’s big play receiver Ja’Marr Chase has reportedly decided to opt out and instead of playing for the Tigers in 2020 he’ll get ready for the 2021 NFL draft. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says it’s not a surprise to see Chase come to this decision…

Cut 13 (11) “…season.”

Chase won the Biletnikoff Award last season which goes to the nation’s best wide receiver. He set LSU and SEC records with 1,780 yards receiving, 20 touchdowns and 84 catches. Detillier says the Tigers will miss this playmaker…

Cut 14 (09) “…for LSU.”

CBSsports-dot-com was the first to report Chase’s decision. Detillier says Chase is likely to be first wide receiver taken in the 2021 drart and possibly a top five pick.

Chase’s departure means Terrace Marshall Junior and Racey McMath will be LSU’s top two receivers. Detillier says there are some young wide receivers who will also be asked to step up

Cut 15 (13) “…Jontre Kirklin.”

___________________

Saints held their first practice in the Superdome on Saturday in what was a dress rehearsal for the season opener on September 13th against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There were no fans in the stands for the practice and there will be no fans in the Dome for the season opener. Coach Sean Payton says he’s not sure what it will feel like on game day with no fans

Cut 16 (25) “…you love.” 

The season opener is less than two weeks away and so far the team has been able to avoid any COVID cases since training camp started. Payton hopes that will continue

Cut 17  (14) “…understand that.” 

On Saturday during the seven on seven period, Quarterback Drew Brees connected with wide receiver Michael Thomas on a couple of long passes. Payton says it appears Brees’ arm strength is stronger this year

Cut 18  (16) “…of his”   

The hurricane damage is so extensive in Lake Charles that it will be weeks before people can live there again …

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

____________________________

The number of deaths as a result of Hurricane Laura is up to ten as half of those victims died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_____________________________

McNeese State hopes it can resume on-campus classes in a few weeks after it was damaged by Hurricane Laura. McNeese spokesperson Candace Townsend says they are still assessing the damage, but they know the school’s new health and human performance complex is banged up.

Cut 3 (06)  “…water intrusion there.”  

Townsend says the school has a newly installed scoreboard at the football stadium that was torn up.

Cut 4 (11)“ …us an assessment.” 

Townsend says the school is committed to finishing the fall semester.

Cut 5 (10)  “…to do so.”

_________________

Lake Charles is devastated and Mayor Nic Hunter warns it could be weeks before some semblance of normality returns.

Gator 99.5 Lake Charles on-air personality Buddy Russ says this is way worse than Hurricane Rita in 2005.

Cut 6 (07) “the ground”

Russ says Laura has changed the face of Lake Charles.

Cut 7 (09) “…recognizable”

The loss of water has led to an evacuation of patients from Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles.

Water lines are destroyed and power is down and there’s no solid estimate on when either will return. Mayor Nic Hunter is asking residents who return to Lake Charles, be prepared to look and leave.

Cut 8 (10) “right now”

Hunter says the city has been devastated by the strongest storm to hit the state in 150 years, but he’s optimistic that they can recover.

Cut 9 (10) “…better”

A curfew is in effect across the city.

______________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards is surveying the damage in central and north Louisiana today. Jackson Parish Sheriff Andy Brown says he’s never seen a storm impact the entire parish like this one

Cut 10 (09) “…without water.”

Brown says the Louisiana National Guard has been handing out water at the Jonesboro Community Center in Jonesboro.

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau (loo-no) says the lack of water and electricity are major issues for Rapides Parish too…

Cut 11 (14) “…back up.”

Luneau says it’s a difficult time in Rapides Parish, but everyone is trying to stick together

Cut 12 (11) “…very encouraging”

_____________

About 102,000 SWEPCO customers are still without power following Hurricane Laura, down from the peak outage of 136,000.  SWEPCO spokesperson Carey Sullivan estimates most customers in the Shreveport-Bossier area should have power restored by 10 PM Wednesday and Cenla customers by 10 PM Thursday.

Cut 13 (11) “…to address immediately.”

To make matters worse, many residents who are without power and A-C, while dealing with hot temperatures and scattered thunderstorms. Sullivan says over 3,000 workers have come to Louisiana from 14 states and Canada to help in the restoration efforts, but some of that work may be slowed down by the forecast.

Cut 14 (07) “…our restoration time.” 

________________________

Governor Edwards says he’s optimistic that power to most people in north and central Louisiana can be restored in a manner of hours and days, and not weeks which could be the case in the Lake Charles area. In the meantime, he says be careful around downed lines.

Cut 15 (08) “your life” 

The number of water systems not operating statewide has risen to 82, many of them are down as a result of a loss of electricity. Edwards says this is concerning for many health care facilities…

Cut 16 (12) “…fight fires.” 

Louisiana is recovering from the effects of Hurricane Laura, having to dislodge a riverboat casino from the I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles and house nearly 2,000 evacuees in hotels. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Electric companies dispatching thousands of workers to restore power following Hurricane Laura.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart” 

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Central and North Louisiana absorbed an unexpectedly fierce blow from Hurricane Laura. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Now that Hurricane Laura has passed the state is busy surveying damage and sheltering those who lost their homes.

The I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles is currently being inspected after the Isle of Capri riverboat casino barge got loose in the lake and lodged itself under the bridge. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says they’re working to figure out if the collision did any structural damage.

Cut 4 (111)“…there” 

The bridge was already declared structurally deficient by the US Department of Transportation, a designation Louisiana DOTD disputed.

Governor Edwards says 2,100 people are currently being sheltered by the state, 1,900 of them in hotels and motels. Edwards says it crucial that anyone needing housing be kept out of congregate settings…

Cut 5 (09)  “…space.”

Those needing shelter are encouraged to text LA Shelter to 898-211.

Disaster SNAP assistance is not yet available but Edwards is encouraging residents in impacted areas to pre-register.

Cut 6 (11) “…eligible”

You can pre-register at dcfs.louisiana.gov

Wilson asks people to stay away from the I-10 Bridge until they can confirm the structure is safe.

Cut 7 (03) “…bridge”

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Crews are out attempting to restore power throughout the path of Hurricane Laura.  Cleco spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they are receiving additional manpower to help in their statewide response to restore service to customers.

Cut 8 (12) “…425 line mechanics.”

Cahill says crews are seeing widespread damage with broken utility poles, down wires, and structural damage.

Cut 9 (05) “…start making repairs.”

Entergy Vice President of Customer Service Melonie Stewart says most of the customers that are out are primarily in Calcasieu and Ouachita Parishes.  Stewart says when the winds died down, assessment teams took to the skies to help formulate a plan on the best response.

Cut 10 (08) “…understand the damage..”

Entergy has 6200 workers in the state.  Stewart says some customers may be without power for weeks as restoration has to be prioritized to best benefit the health and safety of communities.

Cut 11 (09) “…to energize first..”

As of 5PM Thursday, SWEPCO says 128,000 customers are without power, which accounts for 94% of their customers.
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Hurricane Laura cut a path of destruction through Louisiana that stretches from Lake Charles to Ruston.

In Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Chief of Staff Tommy Carnline says they had no idea they’d be hit so hard so far inland.

Cut 12 (12) “…the top.”

A curfew is in effect in Rapides after 9 PM today.

Carnline says Gas pumps are down due to a lack of power and wifi. All traffic lights were knocked out, and over 40,000 lost power. Normally they’d be rushing deputies to south Louisiana, but…

Cut 13 (09) “…here” 

In some good news, there were no severe injuries reported in the parish.

In Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says they’ve suffered a worse blow than they did during last year’s tornado.

Cut 14 (08) “town”

In Ruston, winds over 70 miles per hour were clocked.

Walker says 95 percent of the city lost power, compared to just 70 percent of the city during the tornado.

Cut 15 (09) “out” 

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Hurricane Laura knocks off 67 water systems throughout Louisiana.  Chief Engineer at the Department of Health Amanda Ames says that is a tremendous amount of systems that can’t produce water right now because of loss of electrical power.

Cut 16 (08) “…a boil advisory..” 

Ames says over 220,000 residents are impacted by the outages.

Cut 17  (11) “…people without water.” 

Ames says some of the systems could be functional again as soon as power is restored, but other factors may result in longer service restoration times.

Cut 18  (07) “…of the damage.”   

Ames says depending on how long water service may be out, bottled water may be delivered to an area.

Hurricane Laura’s fierce winds have left a trail of catastrophic damage. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Governor Edwards says worst-case projections for Hurricane Laura did not come to pass, but the state still faces a long recovery…

cut 2 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Hurricane Laura made landfall this morning as a Category Four storm, maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour, at 1 AM in Cameron. Lake Charles took a direct hit as they had sustained winds of at least 100 miles per hour. Calcasieu  Police Jury President Tony Guillory spoke with us as he surveyed the damage…

Cut 3 (11)  “…major one”  

Guillory says he’s never seen or felt wind speeds that he experienced when Laura barreled through Lake Charles…

Cut 4 (13)“ …good part” 

Guillory says he remembers Hurricane Rita in 2005, but the damage from this storm is worse

Cut 5 (05)  “…structure damage. ”

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At least four fatalities have been reported in Louisiana as a result of Hurricane Laura. A 14-year-old girl in Leesville died when the fierce winds knocked a tree down on her home. Vernon Parish Sheriff Sam Craft says hundreds of trees are down, so it took a while before his deputies could arrive at the scene

Cut 6 (11) “residence”

The eye of the storm went right over Vernon Parish. Craft believes it spawned a couple of tornadoes and they had wins of over 120-miles per hour…

Cut 7 (10) “…very, very limited”

The other reported fatality happened near Iota in Acadia Parish. Sheriff K-P Gibson says a 68-year-old man died when a tree fell on his home

Cut 8 (12) “under that tree”

Gibson doesn’t believe Acadia Parish suffered the type of damage seen in Calcasieu and Vernon, but it could take a while before power is restored…

Cut 9 (11) “…get em up”

The other fatality that’s been reported occurred in Jackson Parish. A man died when a tree fell on his home.

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Congressman Ralph Abraham is surveying areas of the state severely impacted by Hurricane Laura. Abraham says he started at daybreak in his vehicle at Lake Charles then drove north to Deridder and on to Alexandria.

Cut 10 (10) “…left untouched.”

While the storm surge was half of what was predicted, Abraham says the state however still suffered extreme damage from Hurricane Laura.

Cut 11 (16) “…lot of damage.”

Governor Edwards tweeted this morning highly discouraging citizens from sightseeing damage caused by Laura at this time because the storm is still very active.  While Congressman Abraham was in Alexandria a tree fell in front of his vehicle and took out several power lines.

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Residents of Westlake, Moss Bluff, and Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish are being instructed to stay inside due to a chemical fire at the BioLab plant.  The fire has sent thick smoke into the air that contains poisonous chlorine.  Trooper Derek Senegal says hazmat teams are on the scene tending to the situation.

Cut 12 (13) “…of it reigniting.”

Senegal says residents need to stay indoors with doors and windows closed and the AC off.

Cut 13 (09) “…as a precaution.” 

According to the CDC, exposure to chlorine may cause burning pain, blurred vision, and difficulty breathing. The cause of the first is still being investigated.

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Governor Edwards says the state is lucky to have avoided the worst-case scenarios projected for Hurricane Laura. Up to 20 feet of storm surge was predicted. Edwards says at most we got 12, and the surge did not push into Lake Charles as expected. Despite this he says at least four lives have been lost, and…

Cut 14 (11) “shelter”

The deaths have been reported in Vernon, Acadia, and Jackson Parishes, in each case it was a tree falling on a home.

The Governor says at least 600,000 Louisianans are without power and that number is expected to climb.

Cut 15 (12) “electricity” 

Laura registered 150 mile per hour winds as a near category five hurricane before making landfall.

Edwards says a record number of power crews and search and rescue first responders are scouring areas in the path of the storm. He asks you not to get in their way.

Cut 16 (10) “…do that.” 

1,500 search and rescue workers are active in the state.

For the first time since 2012, the entire Louisiana National Guard has been mobilized. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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 Louisiana will remain in Phase Two until September 11th. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says about 500 Urban Search and Rescue team members are standing by with many from other states ready to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”  

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In response to Hurricane Laura Governor John Bel Edwards has mobilized the entire Louisiana National Guard, a decision he says hasn’t been made since Hurricane Isaac in 2012.

Louisiana National Guard Sgt. Denis Ricou (Denny Ree-coo) says more than 3,000 guardsmen are out and ready to support response and recovery efforts.

Cut 4 (12)“…government” 

10 engineer assessment teams and eight engineer work teams have been staged to clear roads and inspect infrastructure. Levee support and security teams are also on hand.

Ricou says those 3,000 plus soldiers will be utilizing the Guard’s extensive search and rescue assets.

Cut 5 (12)  “…efforts.”

Those search and rescue efforts will begin once the storm passes.

Ricou says they’ve got plenty of food and water to take care of people in the aftermath.

Cut 6 (08) “…to eat”

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Governor Edwards officially extends Phase Two guidelines for another two weeks, citing the state’s still high case count and potential super spreading events that could occur due to Hurricane Laura.

Edwards says they’re having to discontinue most community testing this week due to Laura, and the timing couldn’t have been worse…

Cut 7 (13) “…positivity”

Edwards says between the resumption of K-12 education and the start of college classes more than a million Louisianans, whether students or staff, have been reintroduced to the education process.

Mass evacuations out of southwest Louisiana also have Edwards concerned. Hundreds of thousands are leaving for other parts of the state, and he notes the region has the highest positivity in Louisiana. And…

Cut 8 (09) “…shelters”

Edwards says the White House still has Louisiana in the red zone for new cases, and Dr. Deborah Birx noted Louisiana still has more than 100 cases per 100,000 residents.

Cut 9 (06) “…percent.”

The Governor says the next two week period includes Labor Day, and that past holidays have resulted in new surges in cases.

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Northwest Louisiana is bracing to endure hurricane conditions throughout the day as Laura is projected to maintain strength even as it moves inland.

DeSoto Parish Sheriff Jason Richardson says they dealt with Rita in 2005, but Laura looks set to top that.

Cut 10 (09) “…we’ve seen.”

Richardson says they’ve assembled their first responders group and stood up their emergency operations center in response.

Richardson says the biggest concern will be winds, which could be sustained at over 73 miles per hour, with higher gusts.

Cut 11 (05) “…here”

Six to eight inches of rain are predicted for parts of the region along the storm’s path.

Richardson says it’s unusual for them to have to make hurricane plans. Most of the time when storms strike it’s them sending assets to other areas.

Cut 12 (13) “…case.”

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State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says Urban Search and Rescue teams are on standby to respond to the areas impacted by Hurricane Laura. Browning calls the teams critical in responding to building collapses and people being trapped in buildings.

Cut 13 (08) “…ready to respond.” 

Browning says the outlook is not good and hopes residents have fled coastal areas where massive storm surges are expected.

Cut 14 (10) “of evacuation.”

Browning says much of the state’s Urban Search and Rescue takes place outside of the state and says now many of those states are coming into to return the favor.

Cut 15 (10) “shelter” 

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