Saturday marks 20 years since the 9-11 Terrorist Attack on the United States. Islamic extremists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York, and one jet into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Baton Rougean Trey Williams was working for the federal government in D.C. at the time. He says he witnessed much of the confusion of that day from his office in the U.S. Capitol…:
Cut 10 (09) “…out of the city.”
A fourth plane on September 11, 2001, was planning to crash into the U.S. Capitol, but passengers teamed to rush the cockpit and cause the plane to crash in Shanksville, PA.

The National Hurricane Center is monitoring three tropical systems today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s not a surprise…
cut 7 (11) “…than any other”
A tropical depression could form Sunday or Monday in the southwestern Gulf, but at this time not a threat to Louisiana.

If you or a loved one is overwhelmed with hurricane recovery or the pandemic there is free counseling available and it’s as easy as picking up your phone. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

If you or a loved one is overwhelmed with hurricane recovery or the pandemic there is free counseling available and it’s as easy as picking up your phone. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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You can sort of breathe a sigh of relief that today we’ve reached the statistical midway point of this year’s hurricane season.  But, as Dave Brannen reports, we’re not out of the woods yet

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Saturday marks twenty years since the September 11^th attacks on New York and Washington. Kevin Gallagher has more from a Louisianan who was there…:

Cut 3 (33)  I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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While many are dealing with the stress of hurricane recovery State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter reminds residents that free and confidential help is available for those feeling overwhelmed during this most traumatic period. He says you can call the Keep Calm phone line at 1-866-310-7977…

Cut 4 (12) “…66746.”

Hurricane recovery on top of a pandemic is extremely daunting and Kanter notes there is help available and it’s completely confidential.

Cut 5 (09) “…about that.”

Kanter highly encourages anyone who is feeling overwhelmed, or you if you have a loved one who is extremely stressed with the pandemic and/or hurricane recovery to reach out for help.

Cut 6 (06) “…issues.”

For more information visit SAMHSA.gov website or call 1-800-985-5590 or text TalkWithUs (all one word) to 66746.

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It’s Friday, and as State Climatologist Barry Keim tells us, we’re about halfway through this year’s hurricane season.

Cut 7 (11) “…than any other.”

He says that’s why more storms form during this time of the hurricane season that runs from June through November.  So far this year, Keim says we’ve had 13 named storms which put us far ahead of an average season of storms.

Keim says while we still have half the hurricane season left, there’s an upside to this situation.

Cut 8 (10) “…end of October.”

State Climatologist Barry Keim says that as we hit the statistical midway of the 2021 hurricane season, there is one thing to note.  We won’t see the repeat of last year’s use of Greek names for the storms.

Cut 9 (11) “…Greek alaphbet..”

And Keim says NOAA predicts a 70 to 80 percent chance of a LA Nina forming towards the end of the season which could result in a repeat similar to last year of a lot of storms, some of them powerful.

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Saturday marks twenty years since the 9-11 Terrorist Attack on the U.S.A. Islamic extremists crashed two planes into the World Trade Center in New York, and one jet into the Pentagon in Washington, DC. Baton Rougean Trey Williams was working for the federal government in D.C. at the time. He says he witnessed much of the confusion of that day from his office in the U.S. Capitol…:

Cut 10 (09) “…out of the city.” 

A fourth plane on September 11, 2001, was planning to crash into the U.S. Capitol, but passengers teamed to rush the cockpit and cause the plane to crash in Shanksville, PA. Williams, who worked for the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services at the time, said the Capitol was eventually evacuated with staff left to find their own way out of the area…:

Cut 11 (13) “….quiet everything was.”

Williams remembers the smoke rising from the Pentagon in the distance and the eerie silence of virtually NO air traffic, save for the sounds of fighter jets. Still, he says he’ll always remember the compassion people showed each other at that chaotic time…:

Cut 12 (08) “…helping each other out.”  

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The LSU Tigers kick off their first home game against McNeese State Saturday night and for the first time, fans will have to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR COVID-19 test to enter Tiger Stadium. LSU Athletics Spokesperson Cody Worsham says for the most part things will be the same with the exception of your journey from tailgating to the stadium.

Cut 13 (05) “…worth doing.”

Worsham says prior to the game they will have 12 pre-verification sites on campus where you can show proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to help ease congestion into the stadium. He says there’s a map of the sites on lsusports.net and they will be open from 10-3.

Cut 14 (12) “…your seats.”

In addition to the 12 sites, Worsham says they will have mobile teams on golf carts that will offer prescreening services for tailgaters also.

Cut 15 (09)  “…bracelet.”

Guests younger than 12 will not need to present a negative test; masks will be encouraged for children younger than 5 and required for children ages 5 to 11 years old.

For more information go to lsusports.net

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A new era of Saints football begins Sunday when New Orleans opens the season against Green Bay in Jacksonville. Instead of Drew Brees at quarterback, it will be Jameis Winston

Cut  16 (12) “…just blessed.”

Winston says the time re-located in Fort Worth, Texas has been good for the team as they’ve come together…

Cut 17 (25) “…together.”  

Winston knows this opening game has added meaning for those who suffered through Hurricane Ida and its aftermath…

Cut 18 (24)”…do a lot.”

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New ULM Coach Terry Bowden gets to coach his first game in Malone Stadium on Saturday when the Warhawks host Jackson State. Kentucky spoiled Bowden’s debut with ULM last week as the Wildcats handled the Warhawks 45 to 10. Kentucky threw for 419 yards and Bowden says they need to be assignment sound in the secondary

Cut 19 (18)  “…being in position.” 

Bowden says there were some bright spots in the loss to Kentucky, like Boogie Knight who had six catches for 58 yards

Cut 20 (17)  “…standpoint.” 

The American Red Cross is aiding in areas of the state that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Ida. President and CEO Gail McGovern has visited southeast Louisiana herself and seen the widespread devastation. She says they are providing a number of services.

Cut 3 (10) “…and parishes.”

McGovern says at the height of providing shelter, the Red Cross assisted up to forty thousand people.

Congressman Steve Scalise says Louisiana’s congressional delegation is on board with likely getting a separate funding package passed to help Ida-ravaged Southeast and Southwest Louisiana.  He says the money needed to effect a massive repair effort will require billions of federal dollars due to the damage.

Cut 6 (08) “..development block grants.” 

Entergy Louisiana President Phillip May says the lights are back on for more of the utility’s customers.  He says power has now been restored to more than 90-percent of those who can take it in the greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.

Cut 9 (11) “…of 75-thousand.”  2x

May says so far 682-thousand customers have had their power restored post-Ida of 902-thousand who were left in the dark.  The bad news is that more than 90-percent of Entergy’s customers in Lafourche, St. Charles and Terrebonne parishes still have no power.

A juvenile was found fatally shot outside of a home in Natchitoches this morning. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says officers responded to the scene on Highland Park Drive just after six o’clock.

Cut 12 (06) “gunshot wound”  

Greely says they are asking the public to provide tips that could lead to an arrest.  He says the shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood

Entergy reports more progress made in getting the lights back on for hundreds of thousands of folks affected by Hurricane Ida. Dave Brannen has more…:

CUT 02  (30)        “…Dave Brannen”

Police in Natchitoches are investigating the fatal shooting of a juvenile this morning. Police Corporal John Greely says they were called to Highland Park Drive just after dawn…:

CUT 12  (06)        “…gunshot wound”

The victim’s identity has not been released.

Despite the fact the U.S. has been hit by numerous natural disasters during the COVID pandemic, The American Red Cross perseveres. Hurricanes, wildfires, and more have put the non-profit into action over the past 18 months. Red Cross President & CEO Gail McGovern says they’re fortunate the public remains engaged and donate to help. What’s more she says 90% of their workforce are volunteers…:

CUT 05  (12)        “…volunteers”

The Louisiana SPCA says it has picked up several stray animals after Hurricane Ida. In order to reunite as many families as possible, the LASPCA has started a dedicated section on its website to display animals currently being held as strays. You can visit the website at www.louisianaspca.org/strays. Hurry, In many cases you only have three days to retrieve your pet

Entergy says the lights are back on for another large number of the utility company’s customers. Entergy’s Phillip May says 682-thousand of the 902-thousand customers who lost power to Hurricane now have power restored.  The BAD news, he says is in Lafourche, St. Charles and Terrebonne parishes … where it will take a while longer. May says lineman are working diligently..:

CUT 10  (11)        “…Hurricane Ida”

After the disaster, in comes the American Red Cross to do whatever it can to help. Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern says they helped shelter about 40-thousand, and are serving about 60-thousand meals a day…:

CUT 04  (12)        “…clobbered”

To donate to help, go to RedCross.org.

Congressman Steve Scalise says Louisiana congressional delegates are united in working to get a disaster relief package for Hurricane Ida, but also for Hurricane Laura and Delta in southwest Louisiana last year. He says it is highly likely this would be a stand-alone package and not tied up in the federal infrastructure bill being considered…:

CUT 07  (05)        “…other unrelated things”

He says the relief package will need to be in the billions of dollars.

FEMA reminds you that you may be eligible for Critical Needs Assistance for expenses in coping with the hurricane. Things like food, water, prescription drugs, medical supplies and more. Call 800-231-FEMa or online at DisasterAssistance.gov

Southeast Louisiana will get federal help with recovery from Hurricane Ida, but folks in southwest Louisiana are still awaiting help for damage from Hurricanes Laura and Delta last year. Congressman Steve Scalise says the state’s delegation is working to get a separate funding package for both. He says it will need to be billions, though…:

CUT 06  (08)        “…development block grants”

He feels such a relief & rebuilding package shouldn’t be mixed with a massive national infrastructure bill.

The state Department of Health reports 4900 new cases of coronavirus and 77 recent deaths. Currently just over 1800 people are hospitalized with COVID-19 and 364 are on ventilators. Meanwhile, nearly 2-million Louisianans HAVE gotten full COVID vaccinations.

The American Red Cross is doing what it does best; aiding with hurricane recovery. Brooke Thorington had more…:

CUT 01  (30)        “Thorington”

Natchitoches Police are investigating the deadly shooting of a juvenile this morning in a local neighborhood. Corporal John Greely…:

CUT 14  (09)        “…in Natchitoches”

The victim’s age & identity have not yet been released.

Entergy is reporting more progress in restoring power to the tens of thousands who lost it during Hurricane Ida.  Here’s Dave Brannen with an update.

Cut 2 (30)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

38-year old Kenneth Willis of Baton Rouge was arrested Wednesday for negligent homicide, weeks after his infant daughter was found unresponsive inside a hot car and later pronounced dead. Baton Rouge police say Willis was released on a $30,000 bond.

The state reports 49-hundred new COVID-19 cases today and COVID hospitalizations remain below two thousand at 1825.

A juvenile was found fatally shot outside of a home in Natchitoches this morning. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says officers responded to the scene on Highland Park Drive just after six o’clock this morning and they are asking the public to provide tips that could lead to an arrest.

Cut 13 (10)      offender”

The shooting occurred in a residential neighborhood.

The American Red Cross is aiding in areas of the state that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Ida. President and CEO Gail McGovern says in addition to providing meals and shelter they are even providing counseling for residents to meet their mental needs also.

Cut 4  (12) “…clobbered.” 

McGovern says they wouldn’t be able to provide shelter, distribute meals, and cleaning supplies without the help of volunteers and donations.

Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May says the lights are back on for more of the utility’s customers.  He says power has now been restored to more than 90-percent of those who can take it in the greater New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas.

Cut 9  (11)   “…of 75-thousand.”  (2x)

He says so far 682-thousand customers have had their power restored post-Ida of 902-thousand who were left in the dark.  The bad news is that more than 90-percent of Entergy’s customers in Lafourche, St. Charles and Terrebonne parishes still have no power.

Congressman Steve Scalise says Louisiana’s congressional delegation is on board with likely getting a separate funding package passed to help Ida-ravaged Southeast and Southwest Louisiana.  Scalise, who’s had a first-hand look at the damage doled out by Ida, says he believes Ida packed 190-mile-per-hour winds when it initially came ashore in the Port Fourchon area.

Cut 8  (10)   “…the wind was.”

The American Red Cross is aiding with hurricane recovery. Brooke Thorington has more from the president and CEO.

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

A juvenile was found fatally shot outside of a home in Natchitoches this morning. Natchitoches Police Corporal John Greely says officers responded to the scene on Highland Park Drive just after six o’clock this morning

Cut 12 (06) “gunshot wound”  

Greely says they are asking the public to provide tips that could lead to an arrest.

The American Red Cross is aiding in areas of the state that were heavily impacted by Hurricane Ida. President and CEO Gail McGovern has visited southeast Louisiana herself and seen the widespread devastation. She says they are providing a number of services.

Cut 3 (10) “…and parishes.”

McGovern says at the height of providing shelter, the Red Cross assisted up to forty thousand people. McGovern says shelters will remain open until everyone is situated.

Congressman Steve Scalise says Louisiana’s congressional delegation is on board with likely getting a separate funding package passed to help hurricane-ravaged Southeast and Southwest Louisiana.  He says the money needed to impact a massive repair effort will require billions of federal dollars due to the damage.

Cut 6 (08) “..development block grants.” 

The Baton Rouge Zoo released sad news Wednesday about the passing of 20-month-old giraffe Burreaux. The young giraffe, named after Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, was born December 26, 2019, the same year the LSU Tigers went undefeated. Zoo Director Phil Frost says Burreaux died early Wednesday morning after a sudden onset of a severe cough and agitation Tuesday.

Cut 13 (07) “…unexpected loss.”

A cause of death has not been given and they expect to have autopsy results back in thirty days.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is ordering insurance companies to pay the evacuation expenses of policyholders who fled their homes during Hurricane Ida whether a mandatory evacuation order was issued or not.

Cut 4 (11) “…them from abuse.”

Donelon says State Farm has said it would not cough up the expense money to evacuees who left their homes during Ida and incurred expenses when a civil authority had not issued an evacuation order.  But, Donelon says Hurricane Ida “was a clear and present danger.”

The effects of a cool front moving into the Bayou State will be quite noticeable to those rocked by Ida and still working to repair the massive destruction that many sustained.  State Climatologist Barry Keim.

Cut 8 (11) “…very low humidity.”

While some parts of the state have regained power other parts remain uninhabitable. FEMA is on the ground providing assistance to residents with immediate needs. FEMA Spokesperson John Mills says some residents may qualify for funding for critical needs assistance.

Cut 10 (07) “…insurance.” 

The Baton Rouge Zoo is mourning the passing of 20-month-old giraffe Burreaux. The young giraffe, named after Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow, was born December 26 in 2019, the same year the LSU Tigers went undefeated. Zoo veterinarian Dr. Michael Warshaw says the plan was to observe the young giraffe for a severe cough and agitation and then schedule an immobilization Wednesday morning with the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. But early Wednesday things took a turn.

Cut 14 (09) “…agitated.”

As for a cause of death, a necropsy was performed by the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and the zoo’s medical staff.