A vote on President Biden’s infrastructure bill is expected today in the U-S House. Republicans in Louisiana’s delegation are expected to vote no. Supporters say the legislation will mean an additional six billion dollars over the next five years for Louisiana. But Congresswoman Julia Letlow reads the legislation differently…
cut 5 (09) “…roads and bridges”
But Democrat New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says there’s more than just funding for roads in this bill. Carter says there are billions for broadband development, flood control, and money to harden the state’s power grid…
cut 6 (05) “…a pretzels”
Progressives in the U-S House could vote against this legislation too, because they want to see the passage of a three-point-five trillion-dollar reconciliation bill that would address climate change and fund social welfare programs.

Sports betting at Louisiana casinos is on hold after an expected mid-September start-up. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

A report from the Advocate-Times Picuyane and Fox 8 TV in New Orleans says the Saints and Pelicans will be sold when owner Gayle Benson passes. Proceeds from the sale would go to local charities and team executives would make sure the new owner would keep the Saints in New Orleans. Gayle Benson is 74 and has owned both franchises since 2018 after her husband Tom Benson died.

Over the weekend, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell of Baton Rouge was leading a community search for her two-year-old daughter. Today she’s in jail charged with second-degree murder in the death of Neveah Cardwell. Her little body was found in Mississippi on Sunday. Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul was asked when Cardwell became a suspect…
cut 16 (08) “….the truth”
Cardwell’s live-in boyfriend, 30-year-old Phillip Gardner has also been charged with murder.

The U-S House could vote today on the $1-trillion Infrastructure Bill. It appears New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter will be the lone Louisiana House member to cast a yay vote.
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But Republicans say the legislation is too expensive and not enough dollars are going to traditional infrastructure like roads and bridges.

The state department of education is allowing local school districts to change their quarantine policy for kids considered a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID. Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says school districts can give parents the opportunity to decide if their child should stay at home …
cut 12 (05) “….remain school”
But the state health department released a statement that says they still want unvaccinated children to stay home if in close contact with someone who tests positive.

A big weekend of football is coming up and Louisiana casinos and racetracks still can’t offer sports betting to their customers. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has pushed back the application process and they want to make sure it’s done to be fully compliant with state law…
cut 10 (10) “…it right”
Johns is not putting a timeline on when sports betting will be available.

Mandatory quarantine for school kids who may be exposed to COVID is getting a policy makeover. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Meanwhile, the state health department is recommending that school districts follow public health guidance and parents should quarantine unvaccinated children who may have been in close contact to someone with COVID. LDH says doing so is critical to slowing the spread.

Baton Rouge police have charged, 24-year-old Lanaya Cardwell, the mother of a two-year-old girl found dead Sunday in Mississippi with second-degree murder…
cut 14 (06) “…into custody”
Baton Rouge Police Chief Murphy Paul says Cardwell’s live-in 30-year old boyfriend Philip Gardner was also arrested for second-degree murder. Court documents say Cardwell punched her toddler in the torso for playing with her contact lenses. The impact of the punch caused Nevaeh Allen to hit her head and die hours later.

There was hope that legal sports betting would be up and going at the state’s casinos and racetracks in mid-September, but Louisiana Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Hurricane Ida has slowed down the approval of applications from gaming operators…
cut 8 (11) “….license applications reviewed”
Johns says State Police reviews these applications and they’ve been busy with Ida response efforts.

The mother of a 2-year-old Baton Rouge girl, Navaeh Allen, found dead In Mississippi over the weekend is now in police custody and accused of killing her.  Baton Rouge police chief Murphy Paul:

Cut 24  (11)   “…second-degree murder.”

The mother’s boyfriend, Phillip Gardner, was arrested earlier for the unlawful disposal of the girl’s remains and obstruction of justice.  He’s now charged with second-degree murder also.

The state health department says the state is making progress in the battle against COVID-19, but every single parish is at the highest possible level of community risk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Senator Bill Cassidy and some of his colleagues on Capitol Hill are pushing legislation to delay the rollout of a plan by FEMA to hike flood insurance premiums dramatically until September 30, 2022.

Cut 6 (09) “…from their mortgage” 

Cassidy says delaying implementation of the premium revision would give lawmakers more time to address the rollout of Risk Rating 2.0. to make it more meaningful and sustainable.

The autopsy results of 20-month-old Burreaux the Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU Heisman winner Joe Burrow indicated the young calf died from anaphylactic shock.  Zoo veterinarian Michael Warsaw says the shock was a result of an external source.

Cut 9 (08) “…going to know.” 

For the 56th time, LSU and Auburn will meet on the football field on Saturday night when the Tigers host the War Eagles at 8 PM. Auburn has one of the top rushing attacks in the SEC, averaging seven yards a carry. Defensive end Ali Gaye says stopping Auburn’s ground game will be a key
Cut 17 (24) “..this week.”
LSU running back John Emery Junior remains academically ineligible and unable to play this season after the NCAA denied his appeal. His attorney is looking at other options in an effort to get Emery back on the field.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame announced its 2022 induction class today. It’s highlighted by former Saints offensive guard Jahri Evans, former LSU Tiger and Buffalo Bill defensive tackle Kyle Williams and the late Tony Robichaux, who won over 11-hundred games during his 33-year career coaching baseball at U-L Lafayette and McNeese. Induction ceremonies will be June 25th in Natchitoches.

This Saturday, Terry Bowden’s ULM Warhawks are at undefeated and 16th ranked Coastal Carolina…
cut 20 (25) “….the field”
The Warhakws are 35 point underdogs. Kick-off is at 1:30.

A Thibodaux man faces murder charges in the death of his 11-month-old daughter. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says the remains of little Zabria Guidry were found in the rear cargo area of 26-year-old Jake Guidry’s car. Matherne says it’s not certain what the father had planned after he placed the infant in his SUV…:

CUT 04             (10)      “…around 3 pm”

Guidry reportedly told officers he had hit the child too hard, causing her death.

The mother of a Baton Rouge toddler, whose body was found this week in rural Mississippi, was seen being led away in handcuffs today. The woman’s live-in boyfriend, Phillip Gardner, has been charged in her death. At this time, BRPD is not saying what charge or charges the mother, Lenaya Cardwell, faces. The coroner rules the death a homicide. More as it develops.

Senator Bill Cassidy and some of his colleagues on Capitol Hill are pushing legislation to delay a plan by FEMA to hike National Flood Insurance premiums dramatically until September 30, 2022. Senator Cassidy…:

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The increase could impact upwards of 80-percent of NFIP policyholders. Some may find the cost too high and simply walk away from their mortgages.

COVID-19 seems to be on the decline in Louisiana. Here’s state Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter…:

CUT 14             (11)      “…this past week.”

However Dr. Kanter says now is no time to let your guard down against possible infection. Governor Edward’s indoor mask mandate remains in effect through October 27^th.

Good medical news for Louisiana; COVID-19 numbers are down overall for the state, with fewer people hospitalized this week than we’ve seen in months. The bad news? There’s still plenty of the virus going around. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s not a good time to let one’s guard down…:

CUT 13             (11)      “…throughout this surge”

Governor Edwards’ mask mandate remains in effect for another four weeks.

Parents of Louisiana public school kids now have a new option in dealing with the chances of their child getting coronavirus. Currently, if a kid is exposed to the virus school officials mandatorily quarantine them. Under the new policy, parents of kids who may have been exposed are notified, and they get to decide whether or not to quarantine their children. In addition a no-cost COVID screening will be provided to the student in question.

FEMA’s Blue Roof program for those with roof damage from Hurricanes Ida and Nicholas has been extended through October 15^th. The deadline to apply WAS set for tomorrow. The Blue Roof tarps are installed free, but you must give FEMA workers right of entry into your home. For information call 888-766-3258.

Autopsy results of 20-month-old Burreaux the Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU Heisman winner Joe Borrow, indicate the young calf died of shock. Brooke Thorington has more…:

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There’s good news and bad news in Louisiana about the current COVID-19 surge.  It comes from State Health officer Dr. Joe Kanter…:

CUT 12             (11)      “…since that time.”

The bad news is coronavirus is still very much a thing in our state and – Kanter says -people need to keep vigilant to not spread it or get sick. The Governor’s mask order remains in effect another four weeks.

The baby giraffe that died this month at the Baton Rouge Zoo was a victim of anaphylaxis. Zoo vet Mike Warsaw says nailing down what caused it could be tough. He says it could be something as small as a bug bite…:

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The 20-month-old was named for former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow.

A Thibodaux man faces second-degree murder charges in the death of his infant daughter. Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Brennan Matherne says they found the baby girl dead after a welfare check Tuesday. He says that led to the arrest of 26-year-old Jake Guidry, who initially didn’t cooperate with lawmen, but eventually did start talking…:

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Guidry’s bond is set a million dollars.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says he’s pushing legislation to delay huge increases in National Flood Insurance premiums for about a full year. He says the proposed Risk Rate 2.0 plan could be financially traumatic for many…:

CUT 08             (12)      “…risk rating 2.0”

Jake Guidry of Thibodaux is charged with second-degree murder in the death of his infant daughter. The body of 11-month old Zabria Guidry was found in the rear cargo area of Guidry’s car. Matherne says it’s not certain what the father had planned after he placed the infant in his SUV.

Cut 4 (10) “…3 pm.”

Autopsy results of 20-month-old Burreaux the Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU Heisman winner Joe Borrow, indicate the young calf died of shock. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Senator Bill Cassidy is supporting legislation to delay the rollout of a plan by FEMA to hike flood insurance premiums dramatically until September 30, 2022.  Cassidy believes the FEMA rate hike plan has an ulterior motive.

Cut 7 (11) “…from the coastline”  

The state health department says Louisiana is making progress in the battle against COVID-19, but every single parish is at the highest possible level of community risk. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29)…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

There’s good news and bad news in Louisiana about the current Covid-19 surge.  It comes from State Health officer Dr. Joe Kanter.

Cut 12  (11)   “…since that time.”

But Kanter says the bad news about this fourth surge of Covid in the state is that it is still very much around and people still need to take mitigation steps like vaccinating, masking up and social distancing to address the virus’ spread.

The Delta variant during the fourth COVID surge is also responsible for devastating outcomes for 14 expectant mothers in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The autopsy results of 20-month-old Burreaux the Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU Heisman winter Joe Borrow indicated the young calf died from anaphylactic shock.  Zoo veterinarian Michael Warsaw says the shock was a result of an external source.

Cut 9 (08) “…going to know.” 

Burreaux died on September 8^th a day after he had a severe cough and showed signs of agitation.

State lawmakers heard from Louisiana school superintendents about their continued challenges in recovering from Hurricane Ida AND from Laura last year. St. Charles Parish Superintendent Kern Oertling (ORT-ling) says 19 schools will reopen next week, but the parish’s two high schools will have to temporarily merge…:

Cut 10 (08)  “…on these campuses.” 

Oertling addressed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday.