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

Cut 9 (07)  “…that’s substantial.”

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

Cut 11 (08) “…their more profitable.”

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

Cut 4 (08) “…ever wake up.”

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

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

Cut 6 (12) “…Powerball record.” 

Louisiana is taking part in National Fire Prevention Week through this Saturday.  Ashley Rodrique with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says the theme this year is to “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety” such as when a smoke alarm goes off.

Cut 3 (08) “….then call 911.”

Statistics from 2020 show there were 79 fire-related deaths and only about a dozen structures had working smoke alarms.

The Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans is weighing in on a Covid-19 pill that manufacturer Merck says will reduce hospitalizations and fatalities. Dr. Julio Figueroa says when it comes to treatment for Covid-19, the Merck experimental pill will likely be more successful the earlier it’s ingested after the virus is discovered.

Cut 8 (06) “…the most effect.”

Flood insurance rates are going up, starting with new policies this month and then on April first for renewed policies. It’s estimated that 80-percent of flood insurance policies in Louisiana will see increases. Senator Bill Cassidy says some will see a 100-percent flood insurance rate hike, which he says will lead to many dropping coverage. He says it’s the law of diminishing returns…

Cut 14 (07)  “…becomes non-sustainable.”
Louisiana’s Congressional delegation lobbied the White House to delay the flood insurance premium hikes, but it didn’t produce any results.

Louisiana’s restaurant industry continues to face hardships from a lack of business because of the continuing Covid pandemic.  Louisiana Restaurant Association president Stan Harris says New Orleans eateries continue to suffer…

Cut 10 (11)  “…at top line.” 

Harris says most restaurants surveyed don’t expect to ever return to the pre-pandemic levels.

Owning a restaurant in Louisiana that’s been slammed by hurricanes and a continuing Covid pandemic is a tough go.  Dave Brannen reports.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

Ochsner Health has informed its employees they will be charged a fee if their spouse or domestic partner is on the system’s health insurance and not vaccinated against COVID-19. The hospital system says the fee is similar to what’s in place for tobacco users, who pay more for coverage to offset tobacco-related illness expenses.

State health officials are urging folks to not forget about getting an annual flu vaccine shot, as well as the COVID vaccine. LDH resident flu expert Dr. Frank Welch says last year saw a record low number of Louisiana flu cases, and coronavirus precautions were a big contributor…:

Cut 4 (07) “…when they were sick.

The flu vaccine is readily available at most doctor’s offices, walk-in clinics, pharmacies, and parish health centers.

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

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

Flood insurance premiums will increase for 80-percent of policyholders as a result of changes with the National Flood Insurance Program. The rate hike takes place now for new policyholders and renewals will see increases starting on April 1st. Senator Bill Cassidy is concerned rates will just keep going up…
cut 15 (11) “…acturial death spiral”

The Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans is weighing in on a Covid-19 pill that manufacturer Merck says will reduce hospitalizations and cut in half the number of deaths in people who are in the early stages of the coronavirus infection. Dr. Julio Figueroa:
Cut 7 (12) “…the hospital yet.”
Merck plans to seek federal emergency use authorization soon.

The COVID vaccines are getting all the headlines, but state health officials say do not forget about getting your annual flu shot. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

It’s tell the truth Monday for the LSU Tigers who saw a 13-point lead vanish on Saturday night and ended up losing to Auburn 24-19. Auburn quarterback Bo Nix started the rally when he dodged several tacklers to throw a touchdown pass. LSU linebacker Damone Clark…
cut 17 (14) “…missed tackles”
LSU is at Kentucky on Saturday.

Drugmaker Merck says it’s produced a pill that can help keep people sick with COVID-19 out of the hospital. Dave Brannen has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Ochsner Health has informed its employees they will be charged a fee if their spouse or domestic partner is on the system’s health insurance and not vaccinated against COVID-19. The hospital system says the fee is similar to what’s in place for tobacco users.

The National Restaurant Association says over half of the restaurant operators they surveyed say business conditions are worse than three months ago. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says restaurants continue to battle a lot of negative factors…
cut 12 (11) “….lot of stress”
63-percent of operators say their sales volume in August was lower than it was in August 2019.

It’s that time of year where getting a flu shot should be on your to-do list. Doctor Frank Welch with the Louisiana Department of Health says flu shots are needed every year to minimize the chances of catching the flu, transmitting it to others, or getting very sick if you do catch it. He says the reason for an annual shot is that the flu virus frequently mutates…
Cut 5 (05) “…best protection.”

Flood insurance rates are going up, starting with new policies this month and then on April first for policies that are renewed. It’s estimated that 80-percent of flood insurance policies in Louisiana will see increases. Senator Bill Cassidy says some will see a 100-percent flood insurance rate hike, which he says will lead to many dropping their flood insurance coverage. He says it’s the law of diminishing returns…
cut 14 (07) “….becomes non-sustainable”
Louisiana’s Congressional delegation lobbied the White House to delay the flood insurance premium hikes, but it didn’t produce any results.

Health officials are once again encouraging everyone to get their flu shot, even though the state reported very few cases last flu season. Doctor Frank Welch with the Louisiana Department of Health says in a normal year thousands can die from common influenza, and some groups are more susceptible to the virus than others…
cut 6 (09) “….diabetes obseity”
Welch says pregnant women are especially at risk from flu.

Owning a restaurant in Louisiana that’s been slammed by hurricanes and a continuing Covid pandemic is a tough go as Dave Brannen reports.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

The Powerball jackpot for tonight is up to 670-million dollars, one of the largest jackpots in the lottery’s history. The drawing is at 10 PM and you can buy tickets until 9:00. No one has hit the jackpot since the first week of June.

The Saints had not lost a game in October since 2016 until yesterday when they fell to the Giants 27-21 in O-T to drop New Orleans’ record to 2-2.

LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Infectious Diseases Doctor Julio Figueroa says Merck’s clinical trial of an experimental pill that can treat individuals who are infected with COVID is encouraging news. Figueroa says it works like Tamiflu, as the patient takes eight pills a day for five consecutive days…
cut 9 (07) “….that’s substantial”
Merck is expected to ask the FDA for emergency use authorization soon.

The pandemic and COVID mitigation efforts are still making it tough on restaurant owners. Stan Harris heads the Louisiana Restaurant Association…
cut 11 (08) “…more profitable”
Harris says 78-percent of operators also say their restaurant doesn’t have enough employees and 91-percent say they are paying more for food.

The COVID vaccines are getting all the headlines, but state health officials say do not forget about getting your annual flu shot. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Tough weekend for Saints and LSU fans. The Saints lost their first football game in October since 2016 when they lost to the Giants in overtime and the Tigers suffered their first home defeat to Auburn since 1999.

For the first time in over 45 years, food stamp recipients will see a sharp increase in funds on their EBT cards to help purchase healthier foods. DCFS Assistant Secretary for Family Support Shavana Howard says this is great news for the 400-thousand households in Louisiana who receive SNAP benefits…
CUT 08 (06) “…food options.”
Overall in Louisiana, the average monthly food stamp benefit increase will be 12 to 20-dollars per person.

Someone could win tonight’s 635-million dollar Powerball jackpot. The tenth-largest lottery jackpot in U-S history. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says as the jackpot grows, more players get involved…
cut 16 (12) “…as well”

Drugmaker Merck says it’s produced a pill that can help keep people sick with COVID-19 out of the hospital. Dave Brannen has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Last night in high school football, Neville beat West Monroe 27-7, It’s the Tigers’ first win over the Rebels since 1995. St. Thomas More Quarterback and LSU commitment Walker Howard was injured in a 51-27 loss to Ruston. Tonight at Tiger Stadium, LSU welcomes 22nd ranked Auburn.

The number of children who have died from COVID has increased to 17 as the state health department reports a child between the ages of 0 and four years old died from the virus. It’s the eighth pediatric death during this fourth surge.

In an effort to boost the state’s vaccination rate, Louisiana has expanded its shot for 100-dollar campaign to anyone who gets their first COVID shot in the month of October.
cut 2 (31) “…I’m Don Molino”

Congress this past week finally approved a funding bill that will send 28 billion dollars to states that suffered natural disasters in 2020. It remains to be seen the exact dollar amount Louisiana will receive, but Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter is not optimistic that the recovery needs after hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta will ever be met…
Cut 4 (09) “…a year ago.”
Hunter says most of the money that comes to Louisiana will help hurricane victims pay for repairs to their homes.

Nothing official from Auburn, but Tigers Coach Ed Orgeron believes the War Eagles will starts former LSU QB T-J Finley tonight when the SEC West rivals meet in Tiger Stadium. Orgeron has nothing but respect for TJ….
Cut 14 (14) “…we compete” (2x)
Kick-off is at 8 PM.

Louisiana is expanding the Shot for 100 Campaign. Kim Hood, Assistant Secretary for the state Office of Public Health, says during October, un-vaccinated individuals will receive a 100-dollar Visa gift card after receiving their first COVID vaccine shot, but you MUST get it at participating community-based sites listed at “shotfor100.com”…
CUT 10(11) “…first dose”
Again that website is “shotfor100.com”

The jackpot for tonight’s Powerball drawing is the 10th largest in U-S history. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says the top prize is an estimated 635-million dollars with a cash value of 450-million dollars. Chopin says it’s been nearly four months since someone won the Powerball grand prize
Cut 15 (06) “…summer long”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter is thankful the state will get some of the 28-billion-dollars in disaster relief funding approved by Congress, but says it falls far short of what southwest Louisiana needs…
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

The U-S House failed this past week to pass a one-point-two trillion-dollar infrastructure bill as the votes are not there. Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says an infrastructure bill must actually address traffic problems, improve broadband access and flood protection.