Social media is abuzz with stories of people reporting family members to the FBI over alleged participation in political violence last week. Matt Doyle spoke with an expert on when to draw the line on reporting…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”
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Restoration operations are underway to restore the only Brown Pelican colony in Southwest Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Louisiana alumni of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Voices pitched Congress on what they feel needs to be done to help companies struggling with the pandemic. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”
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Law enforcement is on alert ahead of this weekend’s planned pro-Trump demonstrations at State Capitols across the country.
Tulane Emergency and Security Studies Professor Becky Rouse says due to the potentially heavily armed and tense nature of these demonstrations she does not recommend you go counter-protest…
Cut 4 (08) “…expect”
The FBI has reportedly warned law enforcement agencies that there is a heightened chance for violence at demonstrations leading up to the inauguration of President-elect Biden.
Rouse says if someone you know is actively plotting to commit acts of political violence this weekend, report it to authorities, but you don’t want to waste law enforcement’s time with false alarms…
Cut 5 (10) “…this.”
Rouse says if you have a loved one who you are concerned may get violent at a protest this weekend, try to talk them out of going.
Cut 6 (08) “…great”
State Police released a joint statement with other law enforcement agencies including the FBI saying they are monitoring the situation but have so far not identified any specific threats to anyone’s life or property.
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Efforts are underway in Cameron Parish to restore Rabbit Island to assist population growth for the Brown Pelican. Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Project Manager Todd Baker says even with coastal areas in the state losing acreage, they are focusing on rebuilding the area to protect nesting sites.
Cut 7 (11) “…each year.”
Located in Cameron Parish, Baker says Rabbit Island is the only Brown Pelican habitat in Southwest Louisiana, and restoring the area not only assists the state bird.
Cut 8 (09) “…species.”
Despite set back from two hurricanes last year, the project to restore the coastal Island is on track which Baker says has decreased in size over the last 7 decades.
Cut 9 (11) “…as well.”
The entire $16.4 million project is funded with settlement money from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and is expected to be completed before nesting begins this year.
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About 50 Louisiana small business owners, alumni of Goldman Sach’s 10,000 Small Business Voices, pitched lawmakers via Zoom Wednesday on how best to proceed with small business COVID relief.
Owner of Lafayette-based IT company Techneaux, Ben Johnson, says members talked to Congressional staff about the need for a liability shield against COVID-infection related lawsuits.
Cut 10 (08) “…around that.”
Staff for all of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation was on hand for the series of Zoom calls.
97 percent of the program’s 10,000 members wanted to let Congress know the rising cost of healthcare coverage for their employees is being felt especially during the pandemic.
Cut 11 (10) “…safe.”
The incoming Biden Administration has previewed its 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief plan that does not include a liability shield or healthcare-related subsidies. Johnson hopes Congress will consider including those two issues.
Cut 12 (09) “…quickly.”
The 1.9 trillion dollar Biden plan includes funding for 1,400 dollar stimulus checks, 400 dollars a week federally boosted unemployment assistance, increased child tax credits and earned income tax credits and a call for a 15 dollar minimum wage among other items.
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Mega Millions is up to 750 million dollars for tonight’s drawing and Powerball is at 640 million for Saturday’s drawing. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says jackpots this large for both games is rare but not unheard of.
Cut 13 (07) “….unprecedented”
Chopin says it’s also interesting that these two jackpots have been rolling over almost simultaneously.
Cut 14 (11) “…together.”
When the Jackpots were in the $300-million range Chopin says weekly sales in the state averaged $1.6 million dollars, now they are seeing weekly sales almost double since both Jackpots exceeded $400-million.
Chopin says it’s been some time since a Jackpot has hit in the Bayou State.
Cut 15 (09)“…we’re due.”
Chopin says both Jackpots are in their respective games Top five; Mega Millions is in its second-largest and Powerball is in its fifth-largest Jackpot. Mega Millions numbers will be drawn at 10 PM tonight and Powerball tomorrow night at 10 PM.
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La Tech men’s basketball will host UTSA for two games beginning tonight. The Bulldogs are 9-4, 2-2 in Conference USA after splitting a pair of games at Western Kentucky last week. The Roadrunners are 5-and-6, 1-and-3 in Conference USA, and snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over North Texas last Saturday. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says the Texas San Antonio is getting better
Cut 16 (16) “…other end.”
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The Ragin Cajuns will be their first road game in 44 days tonight as U-L Lafayette begins a two-game series against U-T Arlington. Both teams are two and two in Sun Belt play. U-L Lafayette Coach Bob Marlin has a scouting report on the Mavericks…
Cut 17 (16) “…per game.”
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Saints Quarterback Drew Brees turns 42-years-old today and on Sunday he’ll look to beat Tampa Bay, who is led by 43-year-old Tom Brady. Brees says exchanged text messages with the Buccaneers quarterback earlier this week as two joked about their historic matchup
Cut 18 (16) “…appreciate.”
Brees isn’t surprised to see Brady in the playoffs, in fact, he expected this game all season.
Cut 19 (16) “…the Bucs.”
Defensive end Cam Jordan gives credit to Brady for leading the Bucs to the playoffs
cut 20 (21) “…playoff caliber team.”