Updated COVID-19 booster shots have been approved by the FDA. The vaccines will target the XBB 1.5 variant ahead of a potential winter uptick in infections. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Fred  Lopez says cases have increased in recent weeks and urges the public to consider the vaccination.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in particular.”

Pfizer and Moderna will charge up to $130 dollars a shot, compared to $30 last year for the booster. The CDC advisory committee will meet today to recommend how the vaccine should be used.

The START Saving Program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid allows parents to start saving for their child’s education with a few advantages.  Director of the START Program, Terri Underwood says the savings program offers compound interest on the investment.

Cut 12 (05) “…matching funds.” 

Underwood says while TOPS does not cover all college expenses, the long-term investment of a START Saving Program helps parents meet those additional expenses.

Can music change an animal’s mood? Brooke Thorington has more from an artist in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 3 (00) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has chosen former Oakland Chief, Anne Kirkpatrick to head the New Orleans Police Department. 63-year-old Kirkpatrick has spent more than 38 years with various law enforcement agencies. The New Orleans City Council still must approve Kirkpatrick’s hiring.

The FDA has signed off on new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna before an increase in seasonal infections begins.
Cut 1 (32)……I’m Teiko Foxx.”

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore will file an injunction this afternoon in state court in an effort to stop what he calls an expedited process the Louisiana Pardon Board is taking in holding clemency hearings for death row inmates seeking to have their sentence reduced to life in prison. At the direction of the governor, the Pardon Board will begin holding hearings next month.

If you’re a new parent, they say it’s never too early to begin saving for your child’s education and the START Saving Program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid allows you to do so with a few advantages. Director of the START Program, Terri Underwood says it’s open to residents or beneficiaries who live in Louisiana.
Cut 10 (09) “…on deposits.”
For more information go to my-l-o-s-f-a.la.gov

Composer Charlie Rauh completes a one-month residency at the LSU Vet Medical school this week where he has been playing his guitar as clinicians are provide treatment to animals to see if it helps with the healing process. Rauh says the experience has been positive…
cut 14 (07) “….research on it”
Rauh’s residency is a first of its kind in the United States.

A new report from the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s office finds 19-percent of the people who called a state hotline to report child abuse hung up before a staff member within DCFS’s Child Welfare Division could answer the call. Nearly 76-thousand calls were made to the hotline during Fiscal Year 2022. And the average wait time is seven minutes.

If you’re a new parent wondering how to begin saving for your child’s education, among the options is the state’s START Saving Program. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Entergy announces its accelerating its usual tree-trimming across the state because of the record-setting heat and prolonged drought is leaving trees and its limbs susceptible to falling on power lines…
cut 5 (10) “….our analysis”
That’s the V-P of Reliability Steven Benyard.

Composer Charlie Rauh has served as an artist-in-residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine for the last month. Playing his guitar and watching how the animals, who are there for surgery, react to his music. Raugh says he’s written and recorded songs based on his experience in residence at LSU’s Vet School and will hold a concert tonight at 5:30. He says his compositions will also be released to the public….
cut 15 (09) “…own purposes”

Entergy Louisiana has accelerated its usual tree-trimming across the state due to excessive heat and severe drought conditions. VP of Reliability Steven Benyard says one of the leading causes of power outages is vegetation coming in contact with powerlines.
Cut 4 (10) “… our powerlines.”

The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 booster shots to target the XBB 1.5 variant ahead of a potential winter uptick in infections. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Fred Lopez…
Cut 7 (11) “…COVID-19.”
Lopez says if the CDC approves these updated COVID booster shots today, they could be available in pharmacies later this week.

We know music can affect one’s mood, but can it have the same effect on pets? Brooke Thorington has more from an artist in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The FDA has signed off on new COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna before an increase in seasonal infections begins. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)……I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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If you’re a new parent wondering how to begin saving for your child’s education, among the options is the state’s START Saving Program. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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We know music can affect one’s mood, but can it have the same effect on pets? Brooke Thorington has more from an artist in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Entergy Louisiana has accelerated its usual tree-trimming across the state due to excessive heat and severe drought conditions. VP of Reliability Steven Benyard says one of the leading causes of power outages is vegetation coming in contact with powerlines.

Cut 4 (10) “… our powerlines.”

Louisiana faced record-setting heat along with prolonged periods of below-average rainfall. With some portions of the service area falling two feet below their normal rainfall over the past three months, Benyard says they are doing everything they can to avoid damaged vegetation from causing outages for their customers.

Cut 5 (10) “…our analysis”

The southern portion of the state is more impacted by the drought than the northern part of the state. Benyard urges customers to report trees that may impact powerlines in their community.

Cut 6 (11) “…community thing.”

To report overgrown trees that are touching powerlines, call 1-800-ENTERGY.

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The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 booster shots to target the XBB 1.5 variant ahead of a potential winter uptick in infections. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Fred  Lopez says the vaccine is designed to offer continued protection against serious consequences from COVID-19.

Cut 7 (11) “…COVID-19.”

The shots made by Moderna and Pfizer are approved for people 12 and older and under emergency use for children 6 months through 11 years old. Lopez says it’s yet clear which populations health officials will consider for the shots.

Cut 8 (08) “…the vaccine.”

Over 95 percent of the U.S. population already has some level of COVID immunity according to the CDC. The Lopez says cases have increased in recent weeks and urges the public to consider the vaccination.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in particular.”

Pfizer and Moderna will charge up to $130 dollars a shot, compared to $30 last year for the booster. The CDC advisory committee will meet today to recommend how the vaccine should be used.

_________________________________________________

If you’re a new parent, they say it’s never too early to begin saving for your child’s education and the START Saving Program through the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Aid allows you to do so with a few advantages.  Director of the START Program, Terri Underwood says it’s open to residents or beneficiaries who live in Louisiana.

Cut 10 (09) “…on deposits.”

The Louisiana 529 savings plan has been around since 1997.

The initial deposit for the savings program is only $10, and Underwood says after that there’s no minimum required for each month. The maximum a beneficiary can have on deposit with START is $500,000.

Cut 11 (11) “…tax return.”

Or if you’re a single filer you can save up to $2,400 a year by claiming it on your Louisiana return.

In addition to a tax break and matching funds, Underwood says the savings program offers compound interest on the investment.

Cut 12 (05) “…matching funds.” 

Underwood says while TOPS does not cover all college expenses, the long-term investment of a START Saving Program helps parents meet those additional expenses.

There’s also a START K12 Saving Program to help families with tuition-related expenses to eligible Louisiana schools.

For more information visit mylosfa.la.gov

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When Charlie Rauh (rhymes with cow) began his musical career, he never thought it would end up going to the dogs, but that’s exactly what has happened. For the last month, he’s served as composer in residence at LSU’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Cut 13 (10) “…compose music.”

Before it was literature that inspired his music, then Rauh was asked to provide music for animals and clinicians as they performed procedures. He says the experience has been extremely positive…

Cut 14 (07) “…research on it.”

To wrap up his residency, Rauh is holding a concert this evening at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Library at 5:30, and he says his compositions will also be released to the public.

Cut 15 (09) “…own purposes.”

For more information on the artist visit charlieraugh.com that’s R-A-U-H.

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Saints Coach Dennis Allen confirms defensive end Payton Turner will miss some time after injuring his toe in Sunday’s season-opening win over Tennessee. Allen says Turner’s turf toe injury is similar to the injury that kept left tackle Trevor Penning out for three months last year. Allen says it was a bit of a freak injury…

Cut 16 (19) “…unfortunate loss”

Turner is in his third season and he’s only appeared in 14 games because of injuries.

New Orleans’ next game is a Monday night contest at Carolina. Allen is looking for improved play from his offensive line…

Cut 17 (20) “…the game”

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LSU’s defense had trouble stopping Grambling early on in Saturday night’s blowout win. G-S-U scored ten points in the first quarter and hit on a couple of pass plays, including a 34-yarder for their first completion of the game. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says it will take time to develop the secondary…

Cut 18 (21) “…entire season”

LSU’s opens SEC play with a trip to Starkville on Saturday to take on Mississippi State. The Bulldogs no longer run an air raid offense. Kelly says  State prefers to set up the pass with a strong running game…

Cut 19 (19) “…the field”

Freshman right tackle Zalance Heard saw his first playing time in Saturday’s win over Grambling. Kelly liked what he saw…

Cut 20 (29) “…rotation there”

A recent Washington Post article says major insurers have told the National Association of Insurance Commissioners they plan to cut out coverage for areas prone to natural disasters. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana is a huge concern because wind, hail, and wildfire coverage would cost extra.

Cut 9 (09) “…policies.” 

When it comes to raising the state’s minimum wage of $7.25, of the five candidates who participated in a televised debate last week, their responses were mixed. Republican and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt’s answer was maybe.

Cut 6 (06) “…conversation.”
Republican John Schroder, Independent Hunter Lundy, and Democrat Shawn Wilson are in favor of raising the minimum wage, while Republican Stephen Waguespack opposes it.

Saints’ linebacker Demario Davis helped lead New Orleans to a season-opening 16-15 win over Tennessee on Sunday. Jeff Palermo reports after the game Davis told an inspiring story about prayer and faith…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

It’s now official, Todd Garvin is no longer head coach at West Monroe High School, after being fired. Garvin was the Rebels head coach for just one game. He was suspended last week after at least four players had to go to the hospital because of heat-related illnesses after practice. He was named head coach in May. Kevin Davis will serve as interim head coach for the season.

Saints Veterans linebacker Demario Davis led players with 10 tackles in New Orleans 16-15 win over Tennesse at the Ceasars Superdome on Sunday. Davis says he knew the game would be okay after his prayers were answered as his four-year-old daughter was rushed to the hospital on Friday with the worst seizure attack ever on Friday but was doing much better on Saturday…

Cut 3 (10) “…sharper than before”

The Saints next game is a week from tonight against Carolina.

The five gubernatorial candidates who participated in the televised debate last week were asked how they felt about raising the state’s minimum wage to $7.25. Democrat and former state transportation secretary Shawn Wilson said its necessary for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 8 (03) “…seven-twenty-five.”

Republican front-leader Jeff Landry, who didn’t participate in the debate, stated on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster in June he’s against raising the minimum wage

In addition to the insurance crisis plaguing Louisiana, there’s a movement among insurers to drop natural disaster coverage in areas across the country. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Brooke Thoringotn.”  

Todd Garvin is no longer the head coach at West Monroe High School as he’s been fired.  He was suspended last week after at least four players had to go to the hospital because of heat-related illnesses since he was named head coach in May. Kevin Davis will serve as interim head coach this season

The statistical peak of the 2023 hurricane season was Sunday. Earlier this year there were projections of a below-normal season, but we’ve seen 13 named storms and we are on our way to an above average season. State climatologist Barry Keim says the warm sea surface temperatures are winning out over the shear an El Nino creates…

Cut 14 (10) “… busy season.”
Keim says hopefully El Nino’s intensity will pick up, which should help suppress tropical activity.

The Washington Post had a report that says major insurers are planning to cut coverage for natural disaster in areas that are prone to hurricanes and wildfires. Ben Riggs with Real Reform Louisiana says the move is an example of someone wanting to point the finger and claim they are doing something, when in reality it’s making your homeowners coverage a junk policy…
Cut 11 (12) “…accountable.”

Saints linebacker Demario Davis helped lead New Orleans to a 16-15 season opening victory over Tennessee. Davis says he knew Sunday would go well after his prayers were answered as his four-year old daughter was hospitalized on Friday by a seizure. But Davis says she was better than ever on Saturday…
Cut 3 (10) “…sharper than before”
Davis says this was his daughter’s third epileptic seizure, but this was the worst one. She stopped breathing twice on the way to the hospital.

And Grambling State linebacker Jaquavis Richmond is recovering after undergoing surgery in Baton Rouge after suffering an injury to the neck-and-head area. Richmond was carted off the field during the LSU game and Fighting Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says the surgery went well…
cut 13 (13) “…successful outcome”