The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the lifting of several of the coronavirus restrictions on many businesses is great news. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says businesses have done what they can to keep cases down and he hopes customers will visit in person now that capacity limits are lifted.

Cut 3 (11)  “…going again.”  

Louisiana is expecting 300 thousand COVID vaccine doses next week, which is almost double the number the state currently receives. And to help residents with where to get vaccinated the state is establishing a hotline number. Governor Edwards says it won’t cost the state any extra money.

Cut 11 (07) “response.”

The phone number and hours of operation will be made public soon.

54 percent of those polled by LSU say their own financial situation is the same as it was a year ago, while only 29 percent say it has gotten worse. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says there is some partisan separation in how people view the state’s economy.

Cut 13 (08)“Democrats”

Pfizer says its COVID vaccine protects children as young as 12-years-old from the coronavirus. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 will begin in May.

Cut 8 (09) “…clinical trial.”

Pfizer hopes to amend its emergency use with the FDA in time for 12 to 15-year-olds to begin vaccinations in the fall.

Most businesses can operate at full capacity today as a result of updated guidelines put out by the governor’s office. The new order ends an eleven PM alcohol curfew and restaurants can have full occupancy. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state’s hospitality industry has taken it on the chin, so hopefully, the updated guidelines can help re-start the tourism industry..
Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana”

54 percent of those polled by LSU say their own financial situation is the same as it was a year ago, while only 29 percent say it has gotten worse. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says that’s despite 72 percent of the respondents acknowledging the state’s economy is worse off than it was a year ago.
Cut 12 (10) “themselves”

Next week Louisiana is set to receive over 300,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, by far the largest allocation yet. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (27) …I’m Matt Doyle.”

State Police is investigating the death of a man who died while in the custody of Bossier City Police officers. A preliminary investigation has found that B-C-P-D officers arrived at a business after receiving a call about a stolen car and took a male suspect into custody. Authorities say shortly after the arrest, police called EMS because the man became unconscious. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

For the first time in over a year, many businesses are able to fully open today without capacity restrictions. But the social distancing requirement and the mask mandate remain in place. Bars are allowed to serve alcohol past 11 PM, but Governor John Bel Edwards says patrons must be seated and served at tables…
cut 28 (09) “….spread”
Lousiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is hoping Louisiana residents take advantage of this new freedom…
cut 4 (09) “…those doors open”
In New Orleans, the phase three order remains in place that means 75-percent capacity limits on most businesses. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says she will thoroughly assess what the governor announced, and she’ll make decisions accordingly.

Louisiana is expecting 300-thousand COVID vaccine doses next week, which almost doubles the number of doses the state is currently receiving. To help residents get these vaccines in their arms, the state will establish a vaccine hotline. Governor Edwards calls it a one-stop-shop for anyone seeking a vaccine appointment…
cut 10 (10) “…vaccines”
Everyone aged 16 and older is now eligible to receive a vaccine.

And Pfizer announced today its vaccine is effective for individuals as young as 12-years-old. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says while children are not as susceptible to COVID as adults, this is a huge step towards ending the pandemic……
cut 7 (06) “…as well”

Next week Louisiana will be allocated over 300,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the feds. Governor John Bel Edwards says the vaccine ramp-up is here and the month of April will be critical to the state’s success.

Cut 9 (11) “…pandemic.”

To help connect residents with providers next week the state will launch a vaccine hotline where folks can call and have a vaccine appointment made for them at a nearby pharmacy.

Pfizer says their COVID vaccine clinical trial of adolescents ages 12 to 15 is 100-percent effective. Professor of Pediatrics at LSHU Health Shreveport, Dr. John Vanchiere, who is a lead investigator of the Pfizer trials, says the antibody response among the age group is extremely promising.

Cut 6 (09) “…study.”

The Better Business Bureau says if you try to purchase a fake vaccination card you might end up getting swindled yourself. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the capacity limits on bars, restaurants, salons, gyms, malls, and casinos, but he’s still requiring these businesses to maintain social distancing of six feet. Edwards is also keeping the mask mandate in place. He says the C-D-C still recommends mask-wearing…

Cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations.”
Edwards says the capacity limits have been lifted because he says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the lifting of many of the coronavirus restrictions on many businesses is great news. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says businesses have done what they can to keep cases down and he hopes customers will visit the restaurants, salons, and retailers now that capacity limits are lifted.

Cut 3 (11)  “…going again.”  

Only 42 percent of Louisianans believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction per the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

Cut 11 (08) “… direction.”

But partisanship isn’t always the driving force. Henderson says major disaster events like Hurricane Katrina saw opinion shifts in both Republicans and Democrats.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s unclaimed property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP settlement funds that are waiting to be claimed. Schroder is encouraging people and businesses impacted by the 2010 oil spill to check la-treasury-dot-com to see if any of this money belongs to them…
Cut 15 (05)“…$165,000.”
He says more than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

For the first time in over a year, many businesses are able to fully open today without capacity restrictions. But the social distancing requirement and the mask mandate remain in place. Bars are allowed to serve alcohol past 11 PM, but Governor Edwards says patrons must be seated and served at tables…
cut 8 (09) “….spread”
This new order will expire on April 28th.

An LSU survey of 780 Louisiana residents found that only 42 percent of the respondents believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says beliefs about the direction of the state have held relatively steady since 2017…
Cut 10 (11) “…margin of error.”
Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

The state health department says over 720-thousand people have been fully immunized against the coronavirus. That’s 16-percent of the state’s population. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana warns not to post photos of your vaccination card on social media because it contains personal information.
Cut 6 (06) “…leary of as well.”
Babin says they are also seeing websites popping up offering fake vaccination cards for those who do not want to get vaccinated but would like to have a card for any travel restrictions. He advises against purchasing a fake vaccination card.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s Unclaimed Property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP Settlement funds waiting to be claimed. The money comes from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust, which BP established to settle claims stemming from the 2010 oil spill. Schroder encourages people and businesses impacted by the spill to check la-treasury-dot-gov…
cut 14 (03) “…St. Bernard”
More than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards is keeping the mask mandate in place, but COVID capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses have been lifted. That means gyms, bars, casinos, salons, and restaurants can fully open while maintaining social distancing requirements…
Cut 7 (08) “…again.”
Sporting events will remain limited to 50-percent capacity, so will event spaces and reception halls.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s unclaimed property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP settlement funds that are waiting to be claimed. Schroder is encouraging people and businesses impacted by the 2010 oil spill to check la-treasury-dot-com to see if any of this money belongs to them…
cut 15 (05) “…165-thousand”
He says more than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

According to LSU’s 2021 Louisiana Survey, the pandemic did little to shift Louisiaian’s overall opinion of the state’s future. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

State Police is investigating the death of a man who died while in the custody of Bossier City Police officers. A preliminary investigation has found that B-C-P-D officers arrived at a business after receiving a call about a stolen car and took a male suspect into custody. Authorities say shortly after the arrest, police called EMS because the man became unconscious. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The governor has lifted all capacity restrictions on nearly all Louisiana businesses. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says he does not remember speaking to 74-year-old Gloria Scott, a Superdome security guard who told state legislators that former Tigers running back Derius Guice sexually harassed her in 2017 while on the job. Scott told legislators she spoke to Orgeron and asked him to punish Guice, but Orgeron told Husch Blackwell he never spoke with the complainant.

The Better Business Bureau is urging residents not to buy fake COVID-19 vaccination cards. That’s right websites are popping up for those people who do not want to get vaccinated, but want proof they got the shot if restrictions are put in place for those who did not get the vaccine. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana says these sites are asking for personal and financial information as well as payment to purchase a fake vaccination card…
cut 5 (06) “…as well”

State Treasurer John Schroder says they have over 700-thousand dollars in BP Settlement Funds waiting to be claimed by people and businesses impacted by the 2010 BP oil spill…
cut 13 (07) ‘…check
To search for unclaimed property go to la-treasury-dot-la-dot-gov.

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the capacity limits on bars, restaurants, salons, gyms, malls, and casinos, but he’s still requiring these businesses to maintain social distancing of six feet. Edwards is also keeping the mask mandate in place. He says the C-D-C still recommends mask-wearing…
cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations”
Edwards says the capacity limits have been lifted because he says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19.

A new survey out of LSU has found 42-percent of the state’s residents believe Louisiana is heading in the right direction. That’s down from 47-percent in 2019 which is the last survey they conducted. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Michael Henderson says only 41-percent say they are confident state government can address the problems effectively…
cut 12 (03) “…now”
The poll surveyed 781 people from January 4th to March 1st.

The Better Business Bureau says if you try to purchase a fake vaccination card you might end up getting swindled yourself. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Better Business Bureau says if you try to purchase a fake vaccination card you might end up getting swindled yourself. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Starting Wednesday COVID capacity restrictions will be lifted for nearly all Louisiana businesses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

According to the 2021 Louisiana Survey, the pandemic did little to shift Louisiaian’s overall opinion of the state’s future. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

With the possibility of travel restrictions being put in place for those who have not been vaccinated people are buying and selling fake vaccination cards. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana says they have received reports of sites selling counterfeit cards.

Cut 4 (09)“…vaccinated.”

Babin says many of these sites claim to make CDC vaccination cards and to create one they ask for your personal and financial information in addition to payment. Babin says buyer beware.

Cut 5 (06)“…stolen as well.”

For those who have been vaccinated, Babin warns not to post photos of your vaccination card on social media because it contains personal information and scam artists are using that information to recreate cards using the lot numbers and product name.

Cut 6 (06) “…leary of as well.”

According to Attorney General Jeff Landy, a fake vaccination card could be considered forgery which is a felony and punishable in both fines and up to 10 years in prison.

________________________

Starting Wednesday COVID capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses are being dropped in Louisiana, but the mask mandate will remain in place.

Governor Edwards says that means gyms, bars, casinos, salons, and restaurants can operate without capacity restrictions.

Cut 7 (08)  “…again.”

Large indoor venues will still have a 50 percent occupancy cap, but an increased maximum number of guests. Social distancing will still be required at all businesses.

Edwards warns we’re not totally back to normal. For example bar hours can be set by local authorities, but patrons must still remain seated and be served at tables.

Cut 8 (09) “…spread.”

All three of Louisiana’s neighbors have dropped the mask mandate but Edwards says we will be keeping it in place until enough of the population is vaccinated per CDC recommendations.

Cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations.”

Over 1.2 million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, and 69 percent of Louisianans 65 and older have begun their vaccine series.

Governor Edwards is set to sign the proclamation putting the new order in effect sometime Wednesday. It will expire on April 28^th 

__________________________

Only 42 percent of Louisianans believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction per the 2021 Louisiana Survey.

LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says despite pandemic upheaval these numbers are nearly identical to last year’s…

Cut 10 (11) “…margin of error.”

Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

Cut 11 (08) “… direction.”

But partisanship isn’t always the driving force. Henderson says major disaster events like Hurricane Katrina saw opinion shifts in both Republicans and Democrats.

The pandemic hasn’t improved people’s confidence in state government either. Henderson says only 41 percent say they are confident in state government to address problems effectively.

Cut 12 (03) “…now.”

The poll was conducted from January 4^th through March 1^st, featured 781 respondents, and has a margin of error of 6.4 percent.

____________________________

If you never received your BP oil spill settlement, the Louisiana Treasury might be holding your check. State Treasurer John Schroder says their Unclaimed Property division is holding more than $700,000 in settlement claims. Schroder says they usually receive property because the rightful owner’s address is incorrect.

Cut 13 (07) “…check.”

Amounts of individual claims from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust range from as much as $68-thousand and as little eight-cents. Schroder encourages everyone to check their website.

Cut 14 (03) “…St. Bernard.” 

Schroder says they are trying to get the word out so rightful owners can receive their settlement check.

Cut 15 (05)“…$165,000.”

To search for unclaimed property visit LAtreasury.gov

___________________________________________

It’s pro day at LSU, a chance for NFL teams to watch former Tigers run the 40-yard dash and participate in other skill and strength events. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who did not play in 2020 because of COVID concerns, will have the opportunity to run the 40 and catch passes. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says Chase still has a chance to be a top-five pick, even though he didn’t play last season

Cut 16 (09) “…he certainly is.”

Chase’s former teammate, Terrace Marshall Junior, will also be on hand today. The wide receiver from Parkway High in Bossier City opted out after seven games. Detillier believes Marshall can be a late first-round pick…

Cut 17 (13) “…after the step.”

Because of COVID, there was no draft combine this year, so Detillier says today is a big day for linebacker Jabril Cox. He says many NFL teams are intrigued by his skillset…

Cut  18 (17) “… very well.”

____________________________________________________

Now that the season is over, Louisiana Tech men’s basketball coach Eric Konkol has a chance to reflect on the recently completed season that ended on Sunday with a third-place finish in the N-I-T. The Bulldogs finished with a record 24-and-8 and Konkol is amazed they played 32 games and he’s impressed with his player’s resolve.

Cut 19 (20) “…really remarkable.” 

Konkol says it was tremendous to reach the Final four of the N-I-T

Cut 20 (19) “…next year.”