The first of three renewable energy projects are underway for SWEPCO customers…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The National Geological Survey reports parts of northwest Louisiana along the border with Texas experienced earthquake shockwaves after a 3.1 magnitude quake was reported around 7:43 PM last night six miles west of Blanchard. It’s the third minor quake reported in the area this month.

The LaFourche Coroner reports the body of a second SeaCor Power crewmember has been found in the Gulf. That leaves 11 crew members still unaccounted for and family members like Marion Cuyler, the fiancee of one of the missing men, say the hope is that they are surviving in an air bubble in the capsized ship…

Cut 3 (10)  “…in there.” 

The Legislature seems to be on track to further expand the medical marijuana program to include raw or smoke able marijuana, but Houma Representative Tanner Magee says despite that progress he doubts full legalization will come this year. He is optimistic though it will happen soon…

Cut 14 (06) “..Louisiana.” 

Magee says one of the most frequent requests he gets from constituents is for the full recreational legalization of marijuana.

Coast Guard officials report a second body from the capsized Seacor power lift boat has been recovered. The second body was located approximately 33 miles from where the boat capsized Tuesday in the Gulf of Mexico. The identity has not been released and the search continues for 11 others missing. The Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office has identified the first body recovered at 63-year-old David Ledet of Thibodaux.

Legislation setting up a tax structure for “raw” smoke-able medical marijuana gets unanimous approval from House Ways and Means. The bill, by Houma Representative Tanner Magee would tax raw medical marijuana at the state sales tax level of 4.45 percent. Magee says other forms of medical marijuana aren’t subject to the tax, but they’re also much more expensive…

Cut 13 (08)“….on it”

The tax would be dedicated to a road and bridge construction sub-fund.

Two bills aimed at lowering drug prices authored by Senator Bill Cassidy are set to be signed into law by President Biden. The bills are some of the few pieces of bipartisan legislation to make it through Congress since the start of the Biden Administration…

Cut 11 (07) “..issue”

Cassidy says his next healthcare affordability push will focus on Medicare drug prices and deductibles.

The first of three major SWEPCO windmill projects under construction to deliver low-cost renewable energy. SWEPCO spokesperson Carey Sullivan says the projects are in north-central Oklahoma and the windmills are connected to the power grid, which will also serve customers in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (10) “…than 500.”

The windmills will have a cold weather package which will ensure operation during the coldest parts of the year.

Search and rescue efforts continue for the 12 missing crew members of the Seacor Power, a lift boat that capsized when hurricane-force winds struck the vessel in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. Several family members have gathered at the Port Fourchon firehouse anxiously awaiting answers. Marion Cuyler, the fiancée of one of the missing men, says they are trying to keep the faith…

Cut 5  (07)  “…for them.”

The one body that has been recovered has been identified as 63-year-old boat captain David Ledet of Thibodaux.

Two bills aimed at lowering drug prices authored by Senator Bill Cassidy are set to be signed into law by President Biden. One of the two bills counters a recent court ruling that would have made it harder for much cheaper generic medications to be created after patents on expensive name brands lapse…

Cut 10 (08) “…fall” 

Legislation setting up a tax structure for “raw” smoke-able medical marijuana gets unanimous approval from House Ways and Means. The bill, by Houma Representative Tanner Magee, is part of a two-piece legislative effort to allow the sale of raw medical marijuana in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (10)   “…Mississippi” 

A companion piece of legislation legalizing the sale of raw, or inhalable medical marijuana would also need to be passed for this to take effect.

The first of three major SWEPCO wind projects is underway to deliver low-cost renewable energy for their customers in northwest and central Louisiana. SWEPCO spokesperson Carey Sullivan says this is the largest renewable energy project ever for a Louisiana utility and will impact 225,000 customers.

Cut 6 (06) “…facilities.”

Two bills aimed at lowering drug prices authored by Senator Bill Cassidy are set to be signed into law by President Biden. One bill provides educational material to doctors and patients educating them about “biosimilar” alternatives to expensive name-brand treatments. Cassidy says they do the same thing at a fraction of the cost…

Cut 9 (09) “…thing.”

The other bill counters a recent court ruling that made it harder to create generics.

Efforts continue in the search for the 12 missing crewmembers of a SeaCor lift boat that capsized seven miles off the coast of Port Fourchon. Six people have been rescued and one body has been recovered. The dead crew member recovered has been identified as 63-year-old boat captain David Ledet of Thibodaux. Marion Cuyler, the fiancee of Chase Morales, who remains missing hasn’t given up…

Cut 4 (05) “…faith alive.” 

One million Louisianans have now completed their full vaccine series. All Louisianans aged 16 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated and Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’ve hit a point where if you want a vaccine you really won’t have a hard time finding one.

Cut 11 (07) “….surpassed it.”

The New Orleans region leads the state in completed series at 27 percent of the population. Lake Charles and central Louisiana have the lowest rates at about 15 percent each.

Search and rescue efforts continue for the 12 missing crew members of the Seacor Power, a lift boat that capsized when hurricane-force winds struck the vessel in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday. Marion Cuyler, the fiancée of one of the missing men, says there’s a belief the missing workers are still on the partially submerged vessel…

Cut 3 (10)  “…in there.” 

Six people have been rescued and one body has been recovered.

One million Louisianans have now completed their full vaccine series and Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says about 31 percent of the state has received at least one dose of a vaccine. He says it’s vital that we keep up this good pace of vaccinations because new threats are growing…

Cut 12 (09) “…transmissible.”

The Louisiana AARP reports there’s been a decline in the number of COVID deaths and cases in nursing homes. Director Denise Bottcher says this indicates that the vaccine and infection control are working…

cut 5 (06) “….declined”
But Bottcher says staffing shortages however remain an issue for nursing homes.

The 47^th Annual Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern won’t be played in the Superdome, it’ll be this Saturday at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown says the game and surrounding celebrations will be walkable and she encourages you to use free transportation courtesy of Sportram…

Cut 9 (05) “…there.”

Southern leads the series 36-33 and kickoff is 1:30 PM.

Over one million people in Louisiana have completed the COVID-19 vaccine series and one-point four million people have received at least one shot of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says we’ve hit a point in the vaccine rollout that if you want to get vaccinated, it’s not hard finding a shot for anyone 16 years and older…
cut 11 (07) “….surpassed it”
Pfizer’s CEO says a third booster shot is likely needed within a year to maintain protection against the virus.

Trooper Kaleb Reeves, son of former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves, receives the maximum penalty after an investigation finds his reckless driving caused a crash in Monroe that led to the death of a child and teenager last October. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves is suspended for four and a half months without pay.
Cut 13 (09) “…hours.”
An LSP investigation determined Reeves was driving 20 miles over the speed limit when he hit the back of a Kia sedan.

The AARP’s Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard shows a significant decline in nursing home deaths during a four-week period that ended March 21st. New infections among residents and staff also declined, but Louisiana AARP Director Denise Bottcher says staffing at nursing homes remains an issue…
cut 6 (09) “…to solve”

There will be no shortage of football fans in Shreveport this weekend as the 47th annual Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern will kick-off at 1:30 PM in Independence Stadium. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Visitors Bureau President Stacy Brown hopes their visitors will also check out Port Fest and Party on the Red…
cut 8 (11) “…entertainment”

A state trooper has received the max suspension, 4.5 months, after he caused a crash in Monroe last October that killed an 11-year-old and 18-year-old. An investigation has determined Kaleb Reeves, the son of former LSP leader Kevin Reeves, was driving 20 miles over the speed limit, did not use emergency lights, and was driving recklessly on US 165 when he slammed into a Kia sedan from behind. Trooper Michael Reichardt says Kaleb Reeves will be suspended until August 19th…
cut 14 (09) “…operations”
Reeves was responding to a call at the time of the fatal wreck in a State Police-issued SUV.

One million Louisianans have completed their full COVID vaccine series. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says about 31 percent of the state has received at least one dose of a vaccine.
Cut 10 (10) “…responded well.”
1.4 million Louisianans have initiated their series.

The AARP COVID dashboard reports cases and deaths are on the decline in nursing homes in Louisiana…
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The 47th annual Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern is Saturday at Independence Stadium in Shreveport. Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown says the rivalry game will give the local economy a three million dollar boost…
Cut 7 (07) “…quick.”
Kick off Saturday is at 1:30.

Divers are trying to find the 12 crew members of the Seacor Power that remain missing since the lift boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday from hurricane-force winds. The phenomenon is known as a wake low. Six people were rescued and the one recovered body has been identified as the boat’s captain, 63-year-old David Ledet of Thibodaux.

Louisiana hits a major milestone in its quest to vaccinate all adults…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

State Trooper Kaleb Reeves has received the maximum suspension, which is 720 hours after an LSP investigation determined he was driving recklessly when he caused a crash last October that killed an 11-year-old and 18-year-old from Monroe. Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves suspension will last through August 19th and before that he was on administrative leave…
cut 15 (07) “…process”
This is not the first time Reeves had violated policy, he was involved in a preventable crash in Winn Parish in 2019.

The Louisiana AARP reports there’s been a decline in the number of COVID deaths and cases in nursing homes. Director Denise Bottcher says this indicates that the vaccine and infection control are working…
cut 5 (06) “….declined”
But Bottcher says staffing shortages remain an issue for nursing homes.

Trooper Kaleb Reeves, son of former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves, receives the maximum penalty after an investigation finds his reckless driving caused a crash in Monroe that led to the death of a child and teenager last October. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves is suspended for four and a half months without pay.
Cut 13 (09) “…hours.”
An LSP investigation determined Reeves was driving 20 miles over the speed limit, did not use his emergency lights, and violated policy with reckless driving.

The state health department reports one-million Louisiana residents have completed the COVID-19 vaccine series. Meanwhile, State Director of the Louisiana AARP Denise Bottcher says
Cut 4 (09)“….news.”
But State Health Officer Joe Kanter says they are seeing an uptick in young people suffering from COVID-like illnesses.

The Bayou Classic is set for this Saturday in Shreveport at Independence Stadium. Matt Doyle spoke with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President about what this means for the region…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The AARP COVID dashboard reports cases and deaths are on the decline among nursing homes in Louisiana Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

The Bayou Classic is set for this Saturday in Shreveport at Independence Stadium. Matt Doyle spoke with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President about what this means for the region…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Louisiana hits a major milestone in its quest to see everyone fully vaccinated. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

The most recent AARP COVID-19 Dashboard indicates both cases and deaths in Louisiana nursing homes are on the decline. The current dashboard is from February 28^th to March 21^st. State Director Denise Botcher says fatalities dropped in nursing homes to 64 compared to the previous reporting period of 183.

Cut 4 (09)“….news.”

Botcher says this indicates that the vaccine and infection control are working. COVID Case numbers among residents dropped to 80 from the previous 643. Botcher says it’s not only residents.

Cut 5 (06)“…declined.”

Staffing shortages have been an ongoing issue for nursing homes in Louisiana. Botcher says while the decline is down to 31-percent from the previous 32-percent it remains a critical issue.

Cut 6 (09) “…to solve.”

The dashboard also indicated that PPE shortages declined among nursing homes which Botcher says is vital for infection control.

_____________________________

This year’s Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern won’t be played in the Superdome, it’ll be this Saturday at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown says the rivalry will bring in fans from around the state, giving the local economy a three million dollar boost…

Cut 7 (07)  “…quick.”

It’s a big get for northwest Louisiana and Brown says they’ll be showing off the city with Port Fest and Party on the Red…

Cut 8 (11) “…entertainment.”

The Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce will also host an expo featuring speakers and networking opportunities.

Brown says the game and surrounding celebrations will be walkable and she encourages you to use free transportation courtesy of Sportram…

Cut 9 (05) “…there.”

Southern leads the series 36-33 and kickoff is 1:30 PM.

____________________

One million Louisianans have now completed their full vaccine series.

Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says about 31 percent of the state has received at least one dose of a vaccine.

Cut 10 (10) “…responded well.”

1.4 million Louisianans have initiated their series.

All Louisianans aged 16 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated and Kanter says we’ve hit a point where if you want a vaccine you really won’t have a hard time finding one.

Cut 11 (07) “….surpassed it.”

About 22 percent of the state has completed their series now, good for 39^th in the country.

Kanter says it’s vital that we keep up this good pace of vaccinations because new threats are growing…

Cut 12 (09) “…transmissible.”

The New Orleans region leads the state in completed series at 27 percent of the population. Lake Charles and central Louisiana have the lowest rates at about 15 percent each.

_____________________________

Trooper Kaleb Reeves, son of former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves, receives the maximum penalty after an investigation finds his reckless driving caused a crash in Monroe that led to the death of a child and teenager last October. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves is suspended for four and a half months without pay.

Cut 13 (09) “…hours.”

The investigation found the crash was preventable. Reeves was driving 20 miles over the speed limit, did not use his emergency lights, was driving without a seatbelt, and violated policy with reckless driving. Reichardt says Reeves will also have to undergo training.

Cut 14 (09) “…operations.”

Reeves was responding to a call last fall that did not involve injuries or road blockage and therefore was not an emergency, but nonetheless was driving 77 mph when he crashed. Reichardt says Reeves was placed on leave last month for the October 2020 crash.

Cut 15 (07)“…process.”

This is not the first time Reeves had violated policy, he was involved in a preventable crash in Wynn Parish in 2019.

___________________________________________

The LSU spring football game is this Saturday at noon.  While the spring game doesn’t count in the win/loss column, head coach Ed Orgeron says he wants his team to be competitive.

Cut 16 (10) “…rotate some players.”

The Spring game will be televised on the SEC Network plus and Orgeron says fans shouldn’t expect a lot of creativity with the play calling.

Cut 17 (15) “…very basic.”

The quarterback battle has been a hot topic during spring practice, with Max Johnson, Myles Brennan, TJ Finley, and Garrett Nussmeier are competing for the starting spot. Orgeron says the rotation in the spring game does not reflect a current depth chart.

Cut  18 (13)”…very very talented.” 

___________________________________________________

With Cam Thomas, Trendon Watford, Javonte Smart, and Darius Days all declaring for the NBA draft, the LSU basketball team has some holes to fill and could look to the transfer portal for help.  Coach Will Wade explains what type of players he’s looking for in the portal.

Cut 19 (09) “…or two.” 

When it comes to finding the right fit, Wade says they have a system to try and project a player’s impact on the team.

Cut 20 (20) “…where you fit.”