New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry wants to decriminalize prostitution in the next legislative session, to help reduce human trafficking Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Saints have reached an agreement with Jameis Winston, giving the former number one pick a chance to win the Saints’ starting quarterback job. Winston’s contract is for one-year and could earn up to 12-million dollars with incentives. Winston will battle with Taysom Hill for the chance to replace Drew Brees.

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is warning Louisianans against falling for “imposter” OMV sites they’ve seen pop up in large numbers recently. OMV spokesperson Matt Boudreaux says some privately-owned companies are paying to host websites that offer renewal services. The problem is they charge extra fees, and even worse…
Cut 10 (09) “…careful.”
These websites pay google to be the top listing for any searches related to “renew my vehicle registration”.

State Fair of Louisiana organizers in Shreveport has received approval to have a fair in the spring to make up for not having one last fall. Fair President Chris Giordano says instead of the usual 60 rides…
Cut 15 (08)“….distancing.”
Giordano says they also plan to hold a fair in the fall as they normally do.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry has filed a bill for the upcoming session that would decriminalize prostitution. Landry says many victims of human trafficking are afraid to tell authorities because they fear they’ll get arrested and she says decriminalizing prostitution would also lead to safer sex practices among sex workers and their customers…
cut 5 (11) “….example”

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is warning customers about imposter motor vehicle websites that obtain residents’ personal data, credit card information and overcharge citizens for online vehicle registration services. O-M-V spokesperson Matt Boudreaux…
cut 12 (10) “….org”

Indoor visitation is now allowed at most nursing and adult residential facilities. The state health department credits vaccines and lower COVID-19 positivity rates for this important development. Louisiana AARP Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl…
cut 7 (11) “…status”
Parishes with positivity rates of above ten percent will not be included in the new, relaxed guidelines as will facilities where fewer than 70 percent of residents are vaccinated.

There was no State Fair last fall, so this year we are getting a twofer. Fair President Chris Giordano says rather than cancel they decided to postpone the 114th Fair to April 29th through May 9th and have a spring fair for the first time ever.
Cut 13 (06) “…November.

A New Orleans lawmaker wants to decriminalize prostitution in Louisiana in the next legislative session. Representative Mandie Landry says by doing so it would allow victims of human trafficking to go to law enforcement for help instead of being arrested for prostitution.
Cut 4 (12)“…their will.”
Landry says often sex workers are the victims of violence and are unable to get assistance because they fear arrest.

Most nursing and adult residential care facilities are now allowing indoor visitation as a result of guidance issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. A-A-R-P applauds the decision…
cut 9 (06) “…guidelines”
That’s AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl.

Jameis Winston will have the opportunity to replace Drew Brees as the Saints’ starting quarterback. The team and Winston have agreed to a one-year deal, where he can earn up to 12-million dollars. Winston will battle with Taysom Hill for starting Q-B. But New Orleans has lost defensive end Trey Hendrickson, as he’s signed a four-year deal with Cincinnati.

There will be not just one but two State Fairs this year at the Fairgrounds in Shreveport. The Fair has received approval to open from April 29th to May 9th and they will also hold the fair in the fall as they normally do. Fair president Chris Giordano says the fair in the spring will be different than in the past, with additional space for distancing, sanitizing stations, and face coverings will be required but can be removed in two designated areas.
Cut 14 (05) “…beer gardens.”
And regulations require alcohol to be limited to designated areas and attendees will not be allowed to drink outside of beer gardens.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry wants to decriminalize prostitution in the next legislative session, to help reduce human trafficking Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Nursing home and adult residential facility visitation guidelines have been relaxed. Matt Doyle spoke with AARP about the welcome changes…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Don’t fall for one of many new “imposter” sites pretending to be the official Office of Motor Vehicle renewal portal. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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A New Orleans lawmaker wants to decriminalize prostitution in Louisiana in the next legislative session. Representative Mandie Landry says by doing so it would allow victims of trafficking to go to law enforcement for help instead of being arrested for prostitution.

Cut 4 (12)“…their will.”

Landry says often sex workers are the victims of violence, by the police and others in the community, and are unable to get assistance because they fear arrest.

In addition to reducing human trafficking, Landry says decriminalizing prostitution would also lead to safer sex practices among sex workers and their customers.

Cut 5 (11)“…example.”

Landry says when you remove the crime of prostitution it becomes much more obvious who is in the profession by choice versus against their will and if it is consensual between adults why is the government involved?

For many sex workers, Landry says it is a matter of economics and when people are hurting financially, they often make decisions that they wouldn’t otherwise. In Louisiana, white women make an average of 67-cents on the dollar compared to men and for Black women, it’s even less.

Cut 6 (10) “…52-cents.”

The session begins April 12^th.

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The Louisiana Department of Health mandates allowing indoor visitation at all times at nursing home and adult residential facilities.

LDH says declining community spread means it’s safe for responsibly managed indoor visitation. AARP Louisiana Associate Director of Advocacy Andrew Muhl…

Cut 7 (11)  “…status.”

Parishes with positivity rates of above ten percent will not be included in the new, relaxed guidelines as will facilities where fewer than 70 percent of residents are vaccinated. As of the most recent numbers, all parishes qualify.

Muhl says this is a big win for residents and their families, some of whom have not seen each other in a year.

Cut 8 (09) “…pandemic.”

The new regulations went into effect Friday…

Cut 9 (06) “…guidelines.”

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The Office of Motor Vehicles is warning Louisianans against falling for “imposter” OMV sites they’ve seen popping up in larger numbers recently.

OMV spokesperson Matt Boudreaux says some privately-owned companies are paying to host websites that offer renewal services. The problem is they charge extra fees, and even worse…

Cut 10 (09) “…careful.”

These websites have often paid google to be the top listing for any searches related to “renew my vehicle registration”.

Boudreaux says there’s one tell-tale sign you’re on an imposter site.

Cut 11 (07) “…a bell.”

Boudreaux says there’s one safe way to mitigate any risk of falling for an imposter…

Cut 12 (10) “…org ”

OMV encourages you to report any fraudulent or imposter websites to State Police.

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After the State Fair of Louisiana was put on hold last fall, this year, we’re getting a twofer. Fair President Chris Giordano says rather than cancel they decided to postpone the 114^th Fair to April 29^th through May 9th and have a spring fair for the first time ever.

Cut 13 (06) “…November.”

The annual event in Shreveport will be held again this fall, October 28^th through November 14^th.

Giordano says they had to adhere to the state guidelines for festivals and fairs to open this spring. He says the fair will be different than in the past, with additional space for distancing, sanitizing stations, and face coverings will be required but can be removed in two designated areas of the grounds.

Cut 14 (05) “…beer gardens.” 

Regulations require alcohol to be limited to designated areas and attendees will not be allowed to drink outside of beer gardens.

Giordano says Crabtree Amusements, the same company that provides rides in the fall will be there for the spring event, but instead of the usual 60 rides…

Cut 15 (08)“….distancing.”

The spring fair will run for 11 straight days and close at 10 p.m. each night. The spring fair will open at noon on weekdays and 10 a.m. on weekends.

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LSU kicks off Spring Football today and one position battle that fans will be keeping an eye on is the quarterback position.  Myles Brennan. Max Johnson and TJ Finley started at quarterback and won football games last season. Tiger Rag Assistant Editor William Weathers says it will come down to who can run the new system the best.

Cut 16 (13) “…asked of them.”

Spring practice will be especially important this year because of the number of new assistant coaches on the staff. The Tigers have new defensive, offensive, and passing game coordinators. Weathers says the coaches have been gearing the players up for a new playbook

Cut 17 (15) “…schemes.”

There’s not a lot of positions up for grabs on the team with a ton of veterans returning, but Weathers says there are a lot of receivers on the roster pushing for playing time, plus they need to find a new starting tight end because Arik Gilbert transferring out of the program…

Cut  18 (12) “…guys there.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team is in Indianapolis preparing for its first-round NCAA Tournament matchup against St. Bonaventure on Saturday afternoon. The Tigers are coming off a good showing at the SEC Tournament and Forward Trendon Watford believes they can make another run in the Big Dance…

Cut 19 (18) “…love LSU.” 

LSU played as well they’ve played all season in the SEC Tournament, beating Ole Miss and Arkansas and losing by one point to Alabama to the championship game. Coach Will Wade on what he saw from his team in Nashville…

Cut 20  (10) “…cleared up.” 

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is retiring from the NFL and many are saying thank you for the 15 years he gave to New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards released a video message and says he’s excited to see what Brees does next…

Cut 10 (07) “…your family.” 

Brees will stay close to football by working as an NFL analyst for NBC.

Since the state has moved to Phase Three, and New Orleans has also eased restrictions, more tourists are returning. But Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser the state is also competing against neighboring states that have eased restrictions even more and conventions remain on the fence about Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12)  “…our doors”  

Nungesser says having the state and the Crescent City on different restrictions is adding to the confusion for tourists.

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward says he “totally agrees” with the decision to suspend two athletic department administrators for less than a month as a result of the Husch Blackwell Report. Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus slammed what they called an unacceptably small punishment. Woodward was not AD at the time the incidents occurred but told Jim Engster…

Cut 13 (11)“…this”

New Orleans-based brass band the Nightcrawlers took home the GRAMMY for Best Regional Roots Album last night for their 2020 hit “Atmosphere”. Nightcrawlers saxophonist Jason Mingledorff says while last year has been especially tough for musicians, on the upside the downtime means everyone has been practicing…

Cut 8 (10) “….music”

“Atmosphere” was finished just as the pandemic began.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is retiring from the NFL and many are saying thank you to number nine for the 15 years he gave to Crescent City and the state of Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards released a video message shortly after Brees announced his playing days are over.

Cut 9 (10) “…very challenging”

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said on “WRKFs” Talk Louisiana this morning that he agrees with LSU interim President Thomas Galligan’s decision to suspend two athletic department administrators because of the Husch Blackwell Report. Woodward says the school and athletic department are committed to changing the culture through education.

Cut 15 (10) “…this.” 

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says while individual hotel bookings are starting to increase in New Orleans, current restrictions need to be modified so bars and restaurants can allow people to sit at the bar and live music restrictions also be eased so more visitors will come and enjoy the New Orleans experience.

Cut 5  (10)  “…money” 

The Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles is warning residents about imposter third-party websites that overcharge for vehicle registration services and gather personal and credit card data. While third-party websites often have advertisements, the Office of Motor Vehicles website does not, and it allows residents to renew their registration online using their renewal notice or previously issued registration. Registration can also be renewed by mail or in person.

Saints QB Drew Brees retires after setting numerous NFL records during his Hall of Fame career. Jeff Palermo looks at the impact Brees had off the field…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The State Department of Health has further loosened guidelines for visiting loved ones in adult residential or nursing home facilities. Outside of parishes with positivity rates over 10 percent or vaccination rates for residents under 70 percent indoor visitation will be allowed at all facilities.

New Orleans brass band the Nightcrawlers won a Grammy last night for their 2020 album Atmosphere. Nightcrawlers Saxophonist and Loyola instructor Jason Mingledorff hopes the win will get more exposure for other Crescent City bands, and get more people to visit the city once the pandemic ends…

Cut 7 (11) “…person”

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said on “WRKFs” Talk Louisiana this morning that he “totally” agrees with LSU interm President Thomas Galligan’s decision to suspend two athletic department administrators for less than a month as a result of the Husch Blackwell Report. Woodward, who has served as AD at two other schools, says LSU is committing to fixing their handling of these cases, but that it’s not a situation unique to the Old War Skule.

Cut 14 (12) “about” 

15 years to the day Drew Brees first signed with the Saints the legendary quarterback announces his retirement. Senior Vice President for New Orleans and Company says Brees arrival in 2006 came at the right time as the city was still reeling from the destruction left behind by Hurricane Katrina

Cut 12 (09) “ …up from here” 

Brees will move into the broadcast booth doing analysis for NBC.

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward says he “totally agrees” with the decision to suspend two athletic department administrators for less than a month as a result of the Husch Blackwell Report. Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus slammed what they called an unacceptably small punishment. Woodward was not AD at the time the incidents occurred but told Jim Engster…

Cut 13 (11)“…this”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser calls on the Mayor of New Orleans to agree to align the city’s COVID restrictions with the state’s in an effort to restart the tourism industry. Currently New Orleans maintains stricter limits than the ongoing statewide order. Nungesser says to help the industry recover both leaders need to set a date in unison on when things will reopen completely.

Cut 4 (09) “…yet.” 

That day when the state can fully and safely reopen is getting closer and closer. Nearly 150,000 new vaccinations have been administered since last week’s update and Louisiana will receive 112,000 new doses from the feds this week. We’re up over 900,000 total Louisiana who have received at least one dose of a vaccine and over half a million who’ve completed their full course. By Thursday it is expected that the next update will show one in five Louisianans have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees is retiring from the NFL and many are saying thank you to number nine for the 15 years he gave to New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards released a video message and says he’s excited to see what Brees does next…

Cut 10 (07) “…your family.” 

Brees will stay close to football by working as an NFL analyst for NBC.

New Orleans-based brass band the Nightcrawlers took home the GRAMMY for Best Regional Roots Album last night for their 2020 hit “Atmosphere”. Nightcrawlers saxophonist Jason Mingledorff says the last year has been especially tough one for musicians. But on the upside of so much downtime means everyone’s been practicing…

Cut 8 (10) “….music”

“Atmosphere” was finished just as the pandemic began.

The city of Shreveport is looking at removing jail time for some small marijuana-related offenses. Under the bipartisan proposal people, 18 and older who are found in possession of 14 grams or less would receive a fine of $50 or given community service. Under the current Louisiana law, such offenders could get up to 15 days in jail and up to $300 in fines. The proposal also has the support of Mayor Adrian Perkins and is on the March 23^rd council agenda.

Since the state has moved to Phase Three, and New Orleans has also eased restrictions, more tourists are returning. But Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser the state is also competing against neighboring states that have eased restrictions even more and conventions remain on the fence about Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12)  “…our doors”  

Drew Brees hung up his cleats yesterday after 15 years leading the Black and Gold to numerous playoff appearances and one Super Bowl win. Brees will stay close to football by working as an NFL analyst for NBC. The Texas native also plans to stay involved with his philanthropic work.  Senior Vice President for New Orleans and Company says the Brees Dream Foundation is responsible for distributing 45-million dollars to charities

Cut 11 (11) ”   anything else”

New Orleans brass band the Nightcrawlers won a Grammy last night for their 2020 album Atmosphere. Nightcrawlers Saxophonist and Loyola instructor Jason Mingledorff hopes the win will get more exposure for other Crescent City bands, and get more people to visit the city once the pandemic ends…

Cut 7 (11) “…person”

Louisiana is beginning to see more tourists, but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s not enough to compete with neighboring states that have fewer COVID restrictions. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Department of Health reports Over 900,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose.