State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has ordered insurers to pay Hurricane Ida evacuation expenses even though it’s not required by law because several hard-hit parishes did not formally issue mandatory evacuations. Donelon says President Biden is also calling on insurance providers to pay evacuation expenses…
cut 5 (10) “….accomodating his request”
Donelon says All-State plans to comply but expects State Farm to fight it with a legal challenge.

There is another way for evacuees to get hotel expenses paid for and that’s by registering for disaster assistance through FEMA. Spokesperson John Mills…
cut 11 (10) “…power outages”
You can register at disaster-assistance-dot-gov, call 1-800-621-FEMA or through the FEMA app.

Burreuax the young Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU’s Heisman Trophy Winning quarterback has died. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (29) I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU sent a text message to students reminding them the deadline is tomorrow to get vaccinated against the coronavirus and if they do not, they will be unenrolled. The school gives students five options on how they can comply with the school’s pandemic protocol. Last week, the university reported 68-percent of its students are vaccinated.

State Farm is balking at an order issued by Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon that requires them to pay Hurricane Ida evacuation expenses whether a mandatory evacuation was issued or not…
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

Governor Edwards has agreed with Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin that the fall election should be pushed back. The October ninth primary will now take place November 13th.

Tropical Storm Mindy is now a tropical depression after making landfall last night along the Florida panhandle just hours after it formed in the northeastern Gulf. There are currently no tropical threats for Louisiana and State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front has lowered the humidity…
cut 7 (11) “….into the state”
Higher humidity levels return Sunday.

The Baton Rouge Zoo has announced its 20-month old giraffe named after LSU’s Heisman Trophy Winning Quarterback has died. Zoo Director Phil Frost says Burreaux died yesterday morning after a sudden onset of a severe cough and agitation that became noticeable Tuesday…
cut 13 (07) “….unexpected loss”
Burrow was born December 26th 2019, days before LSU won a national championship.

A lot of insurance companies are balking at an order issued by Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon that requires them to pay Hurricane Ida evacuation expenses whether a mandatory evacuation was issued or not by a civil authority.  More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

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FEMA is helping those impacted by Hurricane Ida with critical needs and transitional housing. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Burreuax the young Baton Rouge Zoo giraffe named after LSU’s Heisman Trophy Winner has died. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (29)  I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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 even though a civil authority had not issued an evacuation order.  He says Hurricane Ida “was a clear and present danger.”

Commissioner Donelon says some companies have agreed to waive the mandatory evacuation order provision of their policies at the request of President Biden that came prior to Donelon’s order this week.

Cut 5 (10) “…accomodating his request.”

Donelon says his order for insurance companies to pay evacuation expenses to policyholders won’t likely be met with firms like State Farm automatically rolling over to his demand for them to pay up.

Cut 6 (10) “…of administrative law.”

Donelon says his order covers more than two dozen parishes in Louisiana.

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The hot summer that those involved in storm recovery efforts have been enduring since Hurricane Ida is about to ease.  State Climatologist Barry Keim says a cool front is sweeping into southeast Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…into the state.”

Keim says the nicer weather will be short-lived, but remain around through most of the weekend giving Ida victims, and crews repairing the damage, some relief at least until next week.

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.”

When it comes to getting repairs done after Ida, Keim says much of the weekend will be a more ideal time weather-wise to do it.

Cut 9 (12) “…the month of September.”

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While some parts are 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 some residents may qualify for funding for critical needs assistance.

Cut 10 (07) “…insurance.” 

Mills says FEMA is also able to provide expedited rental assistance for those who are unable to live in their home due to Ida.

Cut 11 (10) “….power outages.”

If your home requires a FEMA inspection, Mills says they will have proper ID and they will never charge you for an inspection.

Mills says that FEMA is also providing transitional housing, like a hotel, for those displaced from their homes and they will make that determination after you apply.

By law, FEMA cannot provide duplicate assistance so Mills says to contact your insurance carrier before you file for assistance with the government. If you have any questions, he encourages you to call 1-800-621-3362…

Cut 12 (11) “…who do.”  

FEMA is also offering reimbursement for chainsaws or generators purchased between Aug. 26^th and Sept. 25, 2021

You can register online with FEMA at DisasterAssistance.gov or call 1-800-621 FEMA (3362).

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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 in 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.”

Zoo veterinarian Dr. Michael Warshaw says the plan was to observe the young giraffe overnight and 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. Results should be available in 30 days. Warshaw says at this time they don’t want to surmise that the young giraffe had COVID.

Cut 15 (11)  “…suspectable species.”

The Baton Rouge Zoo has a long history of giraffe births, Burreaux was the twentieth and his young sister was born at the zoo a week ago.

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The Saints continue their preparations for Sunday’s season opener in Fort Worth, Texas. New Orleans will open the season on Sunday in Jacksonville against the Packers, a favorite to win the NFC. Saints Coach Sean Payton says Green Bay does a lot of the little things well…

Cut  16 (20) “…costing em.”

Saints wide receiver Marquez Callaway says the re-located to Fort Worth, Texas might help the team…

Cut 17 (17) “…first game.”  

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LSU players explained on Wednesday what went wrong in the season-opening loss to UCLA. Offensive guard Ed Ingram blames mental errors for the problems along the o-line…

Cut 18 (12)”…turn.”

Ingram also believes the injuries that took place during preseason camp had an impact on the loss to the Bruins. He says some players were not in game shape. Ingram also says the change in offensive line coaches in the offseason from James Cregg to Brad Davis may have played a factor

Cut 19 (19)  “…the season.” 

LSU senior defensive end Andre Anthony says it was a tough loss, but they can’t let it define their season…

Cut 20 (13)  “…winning out.” 

The timing of Ida is presenting an issue for meeting deadlines and the uncertainty of polling locations having electricity for the October primary.  Brooke Thorington has more on Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan.

Cut 1    (32)  soq.

Hurricane Ida’s death toll in the state had climbed to 26.  The additional deaths come after confirmation from the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office of 11 more people who succumbed to storm-related injuries.  Those deaths occurred between August 30 and September 6^th with causes that included excessive heat and carbon monoxide poisoning.

There’s great news today for southwest Louisiana residents awaiting much-needed federal dollars for still ongoing repairs from Hurricane Laura last year.   Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says the White House is requesting Congress send two-point-three-billion-dollars to the region.

Cut 6  (07)   “huge step forward.”

However, Hunter says it’ll probably be next year before the funds begin to flow into the Bayou State since there are quite a few hurdles to clear on Capitol Hill before the money wins final approval.

Ten days into the restoration effort, the Louisiana Public Service Commission reports 345-thousand utility customers in southeast Louisiana are without power. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says in Tangipahoa Parish, about 50-percent of the customers are without power. May says they have updated restoration times…

Cut 10 (12)    Hurricane Ida” 

About a million customers have gotten their power back since it was knocked out by Ida.

The death toll from hurricane Ida in Louisiana has now reached 26. Since landfall on August 29^th, the Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed 11 additional storm-related deaths that were reported to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s Office.  The eleven additional fatalities occurred from August 30^th to September 6^th.  Nine of those 11 fatalities were from excessive heat due to power outages.

Terrebonne Parish does not have a fully functioning hospital since Hurricane Ida came ashore. Terrebonne General and Chabert Medical Center in Houma but sustained considerable damage and Ochsner St. Anne Hospital in Raceland and Lady of the Sea in Galliano are also closed. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says St. Mary Hospital in Morgan City has been a success story as they have double the patients…

Cut 13 (11)       St. Mary”

The October primary in Louisiana is officially postponed to November 13^th due to Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan to move the primary from October 9^th to November 13^th and the November 13^th election to December 11^th was approved by the Governor this afternoon. And while October 9^th might seem like enough time there are a number of deadlines that fall before an election.

Cut 4  (12) “..an issue.” 

Southwest Louisiana received uplifting news today. The White House is asking Congress for $2.3-billion to assist residents displaced from Hurricane Laura. But Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says it’ll be a while before the money spigot is turned on.

Cut 8 (07) “…hits the streets.”

The October primary in Louisiana is officially postponed to November due to hurdles imposed by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan, approved by the Governor, moves the primary from October 9^th to November 13^th and the November 13^th election to December 11^th.

Cut 3 (11) “…and food.”

Ten days into the restoration effort, the Louisiana Public Service Commission reports 345-thousand utility customers in southeast Louisiana are without power. That’s down from more than one million outages after Hurricane Ida roared through the Bayou State. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says electricity is finally flowing again in Lafourche Parish…

Cut 9 (06) “…been restored” 

Southwest Louisiana residents ravaged by Hurricane Laura could receive more federal relief dollars to fund the rebuilding of homes and businesses.  Dave Brannen has more

Cut 2 (35)…I’m Dave Brannen”  

The state reports just over three thousand new COVID-19 cases and 136 fatalities today. The state did note a reduction in hospitalization, less than two thousand with 1,895. 90-percent of those in the hospital with COVID are unvaccinated.

The fall elections have been pushed back due to hurdles created by Hurricane Ida. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical wave in the Gulf fo Mexico, southeast of Louisiana, could develop into a tropical depression tonight or tomorrow. But the good news for Louisiana, this weather system, is headed for Florida. Heavy rainfall is likely across portions of the Florida panhandle and Georgia.

There is finally movement in getting more disaster relief dollars to southwest Louisiana following last year’s devastating hurricanes. The White House has made a formal request to make two-point-three billion dollars available to the region for long-term recovery needs, much of that money can go towards rebuilding homes. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter…
cut 7 (12) “….a top priority”
Congress is expected to approve the President’s financial request and then federal and state agencies have to decide exactly how the money will be appropriated.

Hospitals are closed in hard-hit Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes as a result of Hurricane Ida…
cut 14 (11) “….in Houma”
That’s Ochsner Health president Warner Thomas who says the emergency departments at both of those hospitals are still up and running. Thibodaux Regional Medical Center is the only hospital in Terrebonne and Lafourche that’s fully operational.

Terrebonne Parish does not have a fully functioning hospital since Hurricane Ida came ashore on August 29th. Terrebonne General sustained considerable roof, water, and electrical damage and Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Doctor Robert Hart says the Chabert Medical Center in Houma took a significant hit from the storm

Cut 12 (12) “services there”  

There’s great news today for southwest Louisiana residents awaiting much-needed federal dollars for ongoing repairs from Hurricane Laura last year.  Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says the White House is requesting Congress send two-point-three-billion-dollars to the region.

Cut 6 (07) “…huge step forward.” 

Hunter says it’ll be a while before the funds are sent due to the number of people that must sign off.

The October primary election could be delayed a month. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says the hurricane has created hurdles for the October 9^th primary and while he’s heard from several civic groups in support of postponing the election, he admits he has received feedback from some candidates and advertisers who are not in favor of the postponement.

Cut 5 (10) “…importance.”

The governor is expected to make a decision very soon.

Ten days into the restoration effort, the Louisiana Public Service Commission reports 345-thousand utility customers in southeast Louisiana are without power. That’s down from more than one million outages after Hurricane Ida roared through the Bayou State. Entergy Louisiana CEO Phillip May says they hope to make significant process in St. Charles Parish soon

Cut  11 (12) “..of power.”  

There’s a high probability the October primary in Louisiana will be postponed to November due to Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s plan is to move the primary from October 9^th to November 13^th and the November 13^th election to December 11^th and while October 9^th might seem like enough time there are a number of deadlines that fall before an election.

Cut 4  (12) “..an issue.” 

The governor is expected to decide on the election postponement very soon.

Ten days into the restoration effort, the Louisiana Public Service Commission reports 345-thousand utility customers in southeast Louisiana are without power. That’s down from more than one million outages after Hurricane Ida roared through the Bayou State. Over 94-percent of the utility customers in Lafourche, Terrebonne, St. Charles, and St. John the Baptist Parishes are without power.

The Louisiana Department of Health has taken further action against the owner of the seven nursing homes that evacuated over 800 residents to a Tangipahoa warehouse ahead of Hurricane Ida. Dave Brannen has more…

Voicer  3

Descriptions of the massive destruction left behind by Hurricane Ida are almost endless, Senator John Kennedy who visited Houma and Thibodaux on Tuesday called the damage “breathtaking”, coupled with a lot of “misery”.

Cut 21 (10) “…2005 with Katrina.”

Kennedy says he’s thankful we didn’t see a greater loss of life as with Katrina.

There’s a high probability that the fall election in Louisiana will be postponed to November due to hurdles imposed by Hurricane Ida. Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin presented a plan to the Governor to move election day from October 9^th to November 13^th and the November 13^th election to December 11^th.

Cut 3 (12) “…and food.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is acting to close seven nursing homes that the state says failed to properly evacuate hundreds of nursing home residents as Hurricane Ida approached.  LDH executive counsel, Stephen Russo says hundreds of nursing home residents were evacuated to a warehouse facility in Tangipahoa Parish and that an initial attempt at inspecting the warehouse was rebuffed.

Cut 14 (11) “nursing homeowner.”

Many displaced Ida residents are waiting on the approval of the disaster supplemental nutrition assistance program. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says for DSNAP to go into effect it is designed to unfold in a sequence. A second stage includes distributing household products from their various partners, calling it a thought-out process because you can’t send out DSNAP cards immediately following a hurricane.

Cut 8 (11) “…a reason.”