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 03(11)      “..then call 9-1-1”

Statistics from 2020 show there were 77 fire-related deaths in Louisiana, and only about a dozen of those structures had working smoke alarms.

No one has won a Powerball jackpot since early June. That’s why it’s at over $685-million for tonight’s drawing. Could we have a Louisiana big money winner tonight? Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says it’s happened 17 times before..:

CUT 08(11)      “…number 18”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before FEMA sets up trailers on the property of homes that are severely damaged by Hurricane Ida. Magee says this state-run program will get trailers to hard-hit areas much sooner…:

CUT 09(10)      “…the first trailer.”

Magee says many Terrebonne Parish resident are sleeping in tents and even under shelters made of storm debris.

In Baton Rouge today, a big medical announcement: Our Lady Of the lake hospital says they’ll invest $100-million to build a state-of-the-art cancer research and treatment center in the Capital City. OLOL’s current partnership with the well-known Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center ends in December. They intend to start building their own facility early next year.

Louisiana has recorded another death of a juvenile from the coronavirus. State health officials said today a child between 12 and 17 passed away over the weekend. A four-year-old died from COVID just last week. This brings the total number of kids killed by the virus in Louisiana to 18. The statewide COVID death toll has reach just over 14-thousand persons.

The state has initiated its own trailer program for those rendered essentially homeless by Hurricane Ida. The temporary shelters will be put on residents’ property when possible, but a few trailer park complexes may also be put up. This most affects storm victims in Terrebonne Parish, where thousands had catastrophic home damage. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the way some of them are living now is heartbreaking…:

CUT 11  (12)        “…it’s really troubling”

For help, go to “ida-sheltering-la.com”.

Murder in state’s epi-center for tourism; the French Quarter of New Orleans. NOPD report a man found suffering gunshot wounds at the corner of Conti and Burgundy Streets; admittedly quite a few blocks off the path beaten by most out-of-towners. He died later at a local hospital. A coroner’s report is pending and detective are following leads.

A Jeff Davis Parish woman is under arrest for allegedly leaving her 8-year-old kid alone in the car while she was gambling at a casino in the town of Roanoke. 35-year-old Sandra Britt is charged with child desertion and drug possession.

It was a tough weekend for Louisiana’s two most popular football teams as LSU and the Saints both lost at home. The Bayou Bengals lost to Auburn on Saturday for the first time in Tiger Stadium since 1999. Coach Ed Orgeron says several aspects of their game has to improve…:

CUT 12(13)      “…tackle quarterback”

The Saints had an eleven-point lead with 12 minutes left, but lost to the Giants 27-21 in overtime.

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own Hurricane Ida sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before FEMA sets up trailers.  This state-run program will, of course, get people shelter much quicker. Trailers will be either set up on homeowners’ property (if space allows) or at a few improvised trailer parks. Magee says the actual structure for the temporary housing could vary…:

CUT 10(11)      “…for discussion.”

Here’s a website with information and assistance: ida-sheltering-la.com.

Tonight’s Powerball jackpot has been building without as winner wince June; now at $685-million. Tonight could be first time a Monday night drawing yields a big winner since the third drawing night was added in August. The Louisiana Lottery’s Kim Chopin says yes – it could happen to you…:

CUT 07(11)      “…in Louisiana”

As National Fire Prevention Week is marked through Saturday in Louisiana, officials note the importance of having working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.  More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brannen”

The Shreveport woman accused of throwing two her three kids off the Cross Lake Bridge – killing one of them – apparently left a note and money for her eldest child; a daughter. That child was in school at the time of the crime. Black’s motives are as yet unknown.

The Powerball drawing tonight has already made the record books and is poised to break more records. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington”  

As Louisiana marks National Fire Prevention Week, Ashley Rodrigue also says the State Fire Marshal’s Office is stressing that residents have a working carbon monoxide detector in the home, noting that the fumes are odorless. Rodrique notes that’s just one of the reasons to have an operating CO alarm in your home.

Cut 5 (08) “…the proper place.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is unhappy with huge premium increases coming for those on the National Flood Insurance Program, 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.”

Houma Representative Tanner Magee says the state launched its own sheltering assistance program today as it could be until November before  FEMA sets up trailers on the property of homes that are severely damaged by Hurricane Ida. Magee says this state-run program will get trailers to hard-hit areas much sooner

Cut 9 (10) “…trailer.” 

Magee says a website has been set up at ida-sheltering-la.com.

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.”