President Biden has signed the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, which includes nearly 29-billion dollars in assistance to bars and restaurants. Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says this is a welcome relief.
Cut 4 (08)“…things.”
National reports show there are 17 percent fewer restaurants when comparing the end of 2020 to 2019.

With the pandemic showing signs of ending soon, many Americans are planning to take a trip this year, but AAA says the travel experience will still be different. Spokesperson Don Redman says the keyword is “prepare,” so you are not caught off guard by the mandates put in place by state and local governments.
Cut 13 (09) “…restrictions.”

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 death in Louisiana. Since then there have been over nine-thousand confirmed COVID deaths. On the lawn in front of the State Capitol, a white flag has been planted representing every death. Communications director for the governor’s office, Shauna Sanford…
cut 9 (12) “…to remember”
On Sunday, Governor Edwards is calling on all Louisianans to join him and the First Lady for a moment of prayer or remembrance for those who have died from this virus.

The state health department is reporting 514 COVID patients in the hospital. That’s the fewest number they’ve had since March 25th.

Included in the 1.9 trillion dollar Biden relief bill signed yesterday is the 28.6 billion dollar Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Matt Doyle spoke with the Louisiana Restaurant Association about it…

Cut 1 (31) “…Matt Doyle.”

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Governor Edwards has declared Sunday a Day of Remembrance in honor of the one-year anniversary since the state reported its first COVID death…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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As more people are vaccinated, confidence is growing to begin traveling again, but AAA warns it’s not going to be the same. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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President Biden signs the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, a sweeping bill that includes 28.6 billion dollars in assistance to bars and restaurants.

Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says after a tough 2020 the Restaurant Revitalization Fund is a welcome relief.

Cut 4 (08)“…things.”

National reports show a 17 percent drop in operating restaurants when comparing the end of 2020 to 2019 and a 16 percent drop in industrywide revenue.

Harris says the fund covers a broad array of food service, bars, taprooms, and even food trucks. Restaurants can receive up to five million dollars in aid per location to a max of ten million.

Cut 5 (11)“…leave.”

The amount any one business can receive is based on total lost revenue from February of last year through the end of 2021 minus the amount of PPP aid they may have already received. Priority will be given to smaller establishments and a five billion dollar portion of the fund has been set aside for entities that generated 500,000 dollars or less in revenue last year.

Harris says the fund will save a lot of companies on the brink of failure, but it’s still just a portion of revenue lost since the start of the pandemic.

Cut 6 (04) “…losses.”

________________________

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed COVID-19 death in Louisiana.

Governor Edwards’ communications director Shauna Sanford says Sunday will be a Day of Remembrance and the Governor is calling on all Louisianans to observe a moment of silence and prayer that day in honor of the pandemic’s victims.

Cut 7 (11)  “…community.”

The first reported case of COVID-19 in Louisiana came on March 9^th, 2020.

Thousands of flags have been placed on the front lawn of the State Capitol ahead of Sunday’s Day of Remembrance. Sanford says each represents a Louisiana life lost to COVID-19.

Cut 8 (05) “…flags.”

Sanford says there are 9,828 flags on display, one for each person who has died of COVID since last March.

Sanford says the display has meant a lot to those who’ve lost loved ones.

Cut 9 (12) “…remember.”

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The state has signed an agreement with NASA’s Michoud (MEE-shoo) Assembly plant that could lead to the creation of the Louisiana Space Campus, a dedicated business park within NASA’s site. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says it’s an opportunity to bring modern facilities to the site.

Cut 10 (12) “…industry.”

The proposed space campus would be 50-acres located within NASA’s 829-acre site east of New Orleans. Pierson feels the project could begin construction sooner than later.

Cut 11 (11) “…available.”

Pierson says in addition to meetings with NASA they must define the demand for the space in the new structures and gain commitments from tenants.

Cut 12 (06) “…together. ”

NASA celebrates 60-years at the Michoud Assembly Facility this year.

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After a year of upended travel AAA says if you’re planning a trip this year understand that it will be a different experience. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the keyword is “prepare,” so you aren’t caught off guard by mandates along your travels.

Cut 13 (09) “…restrictions.”

As the vaccines boost confidence to travel Redman recommends using a travel advisor for the most up-to-date information on restrictions, including hotels and rental cars. Plan for stops and know what mandates are there as well. Redman says most will travel by car year.

Cut 14 (07) “…airlines.” 

Another reason to use a travel advisor, especially if you travel by air, you might have to carry documentation or even quarantine.

Cut 15 (09)“….destinations.”

Redman suggests a visit to AAA’s COVID-19 Travel Restriction Map and seek advice from a travel advisor.

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LSU will begin SEC tournament play when they take on Ole Miss/South Carolina tonight.  The Tigers are the three seed and earned a double-bye in the tournament.  Coach Will Wade is still waiting for his team to play a complete game.

Cut 16 (13) “…make it happen.”

LSU will go almost immediately into the NCAA Tournament bubble in Indiana once the conference tournament concludes.  Freshman guard Cam Thomas says Coach Wade’s message is to be excited and energetic for the possibility of making a postseason run.

Cut 17 (12) “…can happen.”

The Covid-19 pandemic shut down last year’s postseason, so while Trendon Watford is a veteran on the team, he’s new to the postseason.  Watford says the main reason he came back for another season was to experience March Madness

Cut  18 (16) “…looking forward to it.”

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Nicholls is two wins away from earning an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament as the Colonels will play tonight in the semi-final round of the Southland Tournament. Nicholls Coach Austin Claunch has told his team they need to stay mentally sharp in order to win the Southland Tournament Championship…

Cut 19 (19) “…two and half hours.” 

Nicholls went 14-2 in conference play and won the Southland regular-season championship. They have four players in double figures in scoring led by Ty Gordon, who is averaging 15 points a game. Claunch says they’ve won games by playing as a team this season…

Cut 20  (19) “…get it done.” 

State lawmakers hear testimony on how the university helped cover up sex crimes committed by former running back Derrius Guice.

Cut 1 (35) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

A top aide to Attorney General Jeff Landry resigned today after a second person came forward with allegations of sexual harassment. Pat Magee was the subject of another sexual harassment complaint recently in which he was suspended, and his salary was stipend. Magee denies the allegations.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated and if not disposed of properly could cause havoc on pipes and the ecosystem. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois on how you might accidentally have them.

Cut 7 (10) “…with those”

Zebra mussels can clog pipes, damage boats, and even damage beaches.

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths are declining in nursing homes in Louisiana based on the case and fatality numbers from mid-January to mid-February. But even as case numbers begin to decline, AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says facilities must be diligent about testing.

Cut 15 (12) “…variant.” 

The woman who has accused former running back Derius Guice of raping her while she was an LSU student told state lawmakers her story on how the school failed to follow up on her claim. Former LSU tennis player Abby Owens said her Dad told tennis coach Julia Sell what happened, but Owens said Sell called her a liar.

Cut 3 (09)  “…be believed.”  

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths are declining in nursing homes in Louisiana based on the case and fatality numbers from mid-January to mid-February. However, AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says we are not out of the woods yet.

Cut 13 (08)“…of 2020.”

If you feel your social media account was banned or limited due to your politics new legislation would allow you to sue the company responsible. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Pat Magee, a top aide to Attorney General Jeff Landry resigned today after another complaint was filed against him alleging sexist and demeaning behavior towards women in the workplace. Magee denies the claims, calling them false and unjust. Magee was recently suspended after an investigation found he made inappropriate comments about women working for him.

Two women who allege LSU mishandled their allegations of sexual misconduct against former LSU running back Derius Guice shared their stories with lawmakers. One woman, Samantha Brennan, told lawmakers Guice took a nude photo of her and distributing it to other members of the football team and when she reported it LSU officials pressured her to report it unofficially. Brennan says she left LSU after Guice became a more prominent member of the football team…

Cut 6 (11) “…behind me”

Guice denied the allegations.

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths in nursing homes in Louisiana dropped from the previous 4-week period. 1,521 to 643 for new cases and deaths dropped from 347 to 183. AARP State Director Denise Bottcher…

Cut 14 (09) “…system.” 

Legislation is filed that would allow you to take social media companies to court if they ban or restrict your account in a biased manner. Under the bill, if you feel your social media account was unfairly targeted you could take the company to court and potentially win 50,000 dollars in damages per violation. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says it’s about fairness…

Cut 11 (09) “…mine.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated with zebra mussels. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois you can visit the LDWF website for photos and guidance on how to dispose of them safely.

Cut 9 (12) “…rid of it”

Lawmakers heard from women who made allegations of rape and sexual misconduct against former LSU running back Derius Guice, and accusations that LSU covered up those allegations yesterday. Samantha Brennan spoke, saying Guice allegedly taking a nude photo of her and distributing it to other members of the football team. She was asked by LSU officials if she wanted to report it officially or unofficially, which she felt was a lot of pressure on a 19-year-old…

Cut 5  (09)  “…someone’s life” 

Guice denies the allegations.

A top aide to Attorney General Jeff Landry has resigned after another complaint was filed against him alleging sexist and demeaning behavior towards women in the workplace. Pat Magee denies the claims, calling them false and unjust. Magee was recently suspended after an investigation found he made inappropriate comments about women working for him.

In the upcoming April session lawmakers will consider Alexandria Representative Lance Harris’ bill that would allow social media users to sue social media companies if they feel their accounts were restricted or banned as a result of political censorship. Opponents of the legislation say social media companies have a right to dictate what content their platforms host, but Harris says there’s already precedent for this type of regulation.

Cut 12 (11) “ …of that” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated with zebra mussels. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois not only can zebra mussels can destroy the filtration system in your aquarium but if released…

Cut 8 (04) “…fisheries.”

State lawmakers hear testimony on how the university helped cover up sex crimes committed by former running back Derrius Guice. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

If you feel your social media account was banned or limited due to your politics new legislation would allow you to sue the company responsible. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

The woman who has accused former running back Derius Guice of raping her while she was an LSU student told state lawmakers her story on how the school failed to follow up on her claim. Former LSU tennis player Abby Owens said her Dad told tennis coach Julia Sell what happened, but Owens said Sell called her a liar

Cut 3 (09)  “…be believed.”  

Owens says she felt unvalued and unprotected and left LSU. She also says she battled drugs and alcohol and depression after the assault. Owens says she has learned that Coach Sell reported the accusation to senior Associate A-D Miriam Seger, but the case was never fully investigated…

Cut 4 (10) “…came after.” 

Guice’s football career ended last year when he was arrested on domestic violence charges in Virginia. He has denied doing anything wrong while at LSU.

Samantha Brennan also testified before legislators and told her story of Guice allegedly taking a nude photo of her and distributing it to other members of the football team. She was asked by LSU officials if she wanted to report it officially or unofficially, which she felt was a lot of pressure on a 19-year-old…

Cut 5  (09)  “…someone’s life” 

Brennan says she left LSU after Guice became a more prominent member of the football team…

Cut 6 (11) “…behind me”

Two LSU athletic officials have been suspended for mishandling sexual assault cases, but several lawmakers believe harsher punishments should be handed out.

_______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated and if not disposed of properly could cause havoc on pipes and the ecosystem. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois on how you might accidentally have them.

Cut 7 (10) “…with those”

Zebra mussels can clog pipes, damage boats, and even damage the ecosystem.

Bourgeois says not only can zebra mussels can destroy the filtration system in your aquarium but if released…

Cut 8 (04) “…fisheries.”

Be sure to check your aquarium for potential zebra mussel contamination. Bourgeois says you can visit the LDWF website for photos and guidance on how to dispose of them safely.

Cut 9 (12) “…rid of it”

___________________________

Legislation is filed that would allow you to take social media companies to court if they ban or restrict your account in a biased manner.

Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says he’s had tons of constituents voice concerns to him that social media companies are discriminating against them based on their ideology.

Cut 10 (11) “…beliefs.” 

The bill provides for civil liability in the event a service restricts user’s accounts based on their race, gender, political ideology, or religious beliefs.

Under the bill, if you feel your social media account was unfairly targeted you could take the company to court and potentially win 50,000 dollars in damages per violation.

Cut 11 (09) “…mine.”

The legislation would also allow you to recoup court costs, fees, and attorney’s fees.

Opponents of the legislation say social media companies have a right to dictate what content their platforms host, but Harris says there’s already precedent for this type of regulation.

Cut 12 (11) “ …of that” 

The bill will be heard in the regular session that begins April 12.

_____________________________

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths are declining in nursing homes in Louisiana based on the case and fatality numbers from mid-January to mid-February. However, AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says we are not out of the woods yet.

Cut 13 (08)“…of 2020.”

New COVID infections among residents dropped from the previous 4-week period to 1,521 to 643 and deaths dropped from 347 to 183.

Cut 14 (09) “…system.” 

COVID cases among staff dropped from 1,391 to 584.

Bottcher says they expect to continue to see case numbers and COVID deaths decline in nursing homes in the next dashboard and that the vaccines have been performed in all facilities to those who wished to be vaccinated.

Even as case numbers begin to decline, Bottcher says facilities must be diligent about testing.

Cut 15 (12) “…variant.” 

Bottcher says the pandemic has made staffing issues even worse at nursing homes. Currently, 32-percent of facilities report a shortage of staff.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a policy today allowing nursing home residents who have been vaccinated the ability to receive hugs from others who have completed their vaccines but should remain masked and use hand sanitizer to counterbalance the risk.

________________________

State lawmakers hear testimony on how the university helped cover up sex crimes committed by former running back Derrius Guice….

Cut 1 (35) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

President Joe Biden signs the 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Act, a sweeping spending package that includes 1,400 dollar stimulus checks, a substantially expanded child tax credit, extended enhanced unemployment checks, a restaurant and bar rescue fund, state aid, vaccine funding, and more. 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is issuing an alert to aquarium owners that moss ball products could be contaminated and if not disposed of properly could cause havoc on pipes and the ecosystem. LDWF”s Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator Rob Bourgeois on how you might accidentally have them.

Cut 7 (10) “…with those”

Zebra mussels can clog pipes, damage boats, and even damage the ecosystem.

AARP’s latest dashboard indicates COVID infections and deaths are declining in nursing homes in Louisiana based on the case and fatality numbers from mid-January to mid-February. However, AARP State Director Denise Bottcher says we are not out of the woods yet.

Cut 13 (08)“…of 2020.”

A former LSU tennis player who was allegedly raped by former LSU running back Derius Guice spoke to lawmakers yesterday about how the school failed to take her claim seriously. Abby Owens Abby Owens said her Dad told tennis coach Julia Sell what happened, but Owens said Sell called her a liar and when the incident was reported to Associate A-D Miriam Seger it was never investigated.

Cut 4 (10) “…came after.” 

Legislation is filed that would allow you to take social media companies to court if they ban or restrict your account in a biased manner. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says he’s had tons of constituents voice concerns to him that social media companies are discriminating against them based on their ideology.

Cut 10 (11) “…families.” 

LDH says of those who’ve received one dose of the COVID vaccine so far, only 25-percent are Black. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…Brooke Thorington”

In the latest cost-cutting move, the New Orleans Saints have released veteran cornerback Janoris Jenkins.  Jenkins started 15 games for the Saints last season and was on track to make 11.2 million dollars in salary and bonuses for the upcoming season, 1.2 million of which was guaranteed.  This move will save the team at least 7 million dollars against the salary cap and could save an additional $3 million if the move is designated as a post-June 1 release.

The LSU baseball team got a win last night against UNO on the road 5-0, it comes just one day after the Tigers took down Texas Southern in another mid-week game.  Freshman Tre’ Morgan continued his success at the plate as he went 3-4 with 2 RBI’s.  Cade Beloso had a solid night as well, batting 2-3 with RBI’s as well.  Pitcher Will Hellmers was given the win after throwing five scoreless innings with seven strikeouts.  The Tigers improved to 11-3 with the win.

The Ragin Cajuns dropped their midweek game on the diamond to number-two ranked Mississippi State last night 4-0.  The Cajuns actually outhit the Bulldogs, but were unable to score any runs as State pitcher Houston Harding earned 8 strikeouts in five shutout innings.

Minute 2

The New Orleans Pelicans are back in action for the first time since the All-star break as they host the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 7 p.m.  The Pels come into the matchup with a 15-21 overall record while the T-Wolves come into New Orleans with a 7-29 mark.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team will begin Conference Tournament play today against Florida Atlantic.  The Bulldogs have three players that average around 11 points per game in Isaiah Crawford, Kalob Ledoux, and Kenneth Lofton Jr.  Head coach Eric Konkol says opponents can’t focus on one particular player which makes them harder to defend.

Cut 19 (14) “strong suits”

Southern and Grambling will face off in the SWAC Conference Basketball Tournament quarterfinals in Birmingham, Alabama tonight.  These two teams split the regular-season series at one win apiece. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m.

The UNO basketball team took down Southeastern Louisiana 80-63 in the second round of the Southland conference tournament.  New Orleans has won six of its last seven and will play Northwestern State today at 5 p.m.