The US House gave final passes to President Biden’s 1.9 trillion-dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan today. The Louisiana Congressional Delegation voted against the legislation. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the package is full of unnecessary spending.

Cut 12 (08) “ …lines.” 

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says national data is showing that vaccine confidence is growing…
cut 8 (09) “…own research”

Eligibility was increased in the state Tuesday allowing those 16 and older with certain health conditions to be vaccinated.

It was just over six months ago when Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation in Louisiana. Laura affected 22 parishes and recovery efforts continue. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says at one time more than 800 FEMA workers were in Louisiana providing assistance.

Cut 9 (09) “…in hotels”

Suber says currently only 400 survivors remain in hotels and approximately 1,200 households have been licensed into temporary housing.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the state of Louisiana. Farmers sold policies in the state before but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says Farmers’ return to Louisiana in all 64 parishes is a huge win for consumer choice and cost.

Cut 5  (05)  “…Louisiana.” 

President Biden’s 1.9 trillion-dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan gained final passage in the US House today. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the state of Louisiana. Farmers sold policies in the state before from 1999 to 2014 but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says having more insurance options helps policyholders.

Cut 3 (04) “…prices.”  

It was just over six months ago when Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation in Louisiana. Laura affected about two-thirds of the state and recovery efforts continue. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says for residents who are un or underinsured or have more damage than their inspection indicated she encourages you to register with and contact FEMA for assistance.

Cut 11 (11) “…you need.”

Louisiana has reached another milestone with more residents that have completed vaccinations than those who tested positive for COVID. On Tuesday, the state expanded eligibility to include people 16 and over and with a health condition. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says conversations with vaccine providers resulted in the state opening the shot to more people.

Cut 7 (07) “…to expand”

The US House is expected to give President Biden’s 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan final passage today on a party-line vote. The Louisiana Congressional Delegation is expected to vote against the legislation. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the package is full of unnecessary spending.

Cut 12 (08) “ …lines.” 

Louisiana has reached another milestone with more residents that have completed vaccinations than those who tested positive for COVID. On Tuesday, the state expanded eligibility to include people 16 and over and with a health condition. State Health Officer Joe Kanter says conversations with vaccine providers resulted in the state opening the shot to more people.

Cut 7 (07) “…to expand”

It was just over six months ago when Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation in Louisiana. Laura affected 22 parishes and recovery efforts continue. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says at one time more than 800 FEMA workers were in Louisiana providing assistance.

Cut 9 (09) “…in hotels”

Suber says currently only 400 survivors remain in hotels and approximately 1,200 households have been licensed into temporary housing.

And Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the State of Louisiana.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the state of Louisiana, offering automobile, property, and renter’s insurance. Farmers sold policies in the state before from 1999 to 2014 but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says having more insurance options helps policyholders.

Cut 3 (04)  “…prices.”  

Louisiana has reached another milestone in getting residents vaccinated against the coronavirus. Governor John Bel Edwards says the number of people who have completed the vaccine series exceeds the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19…

Cut 6 (06) “…milestones.”

Nearly 450-thousand residents in Louisiana have completed the vaccine series.

Sunday marks the first COVID-19 death in Louisiana. During that time doctors have come up with better ways to treat COVID patients. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Doctor Mike Sewell says injecting monoclonal antibodies into patients who are considered high risk from dying from the virus has helped save lives…

Cut 12 (06) “…progressing. ”

Governor John Bel Edwards has made his first public comments about the Husch Blackwell Report that investigated how LSU mishandled sexual assault cases…

Cut 15 (12)“….where else.”
Edwards says it’s important parents know that their children will be safe on a college campus and if something happens it’s investigated properly.

A Senate committee is meeting at the Capitol to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses. Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus will attend the meeting, including Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…

Cut 7 (12)  “…heard.”

They want to receive in-depth responses from all public university systems in the state regarding their handling of sexual misconduct cases, and policies.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he was very troubled after reading the entire Husch Blackwell report that investigated mishandlings of sexual abuse and assault cases at LSU. Edwards says the report also made recommendations on how to improve the Title Nine office and what punishments to enforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…guess it.”

Individuals over the age of 16 with one of two dozen designated health conditions, smokers, or persons with a body mass index greater than 25-percent are now eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association President Randall Johnson says they are ready to put shots in arms…

cut 4 (09) “…this vaccine”
The state health department says nearly ten-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.

In the 12 months since Louisiana saw its first COVID case, treatment has come a long way. Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell says the current case fatality rate is far lower than it was at the beginning of the pandemic when it was as high as four percent in New Orleans…

Cut 10 (05) “…thousand.”
He says they’ve learned what works and doesn’t work.

Pharmacists received a heads up that the state would increase eligibility Tuesday for the COVID vaccine. Brooke Thorington reports independent pharmacies are prepared.

Cut 1 (32) “…Brooke Thorington”

_______________________________

The State Senate Select Committee on Women and Children meets today to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Fatal outcomes for those suffering from severe COVID cases are down substantially from this time last year. Matt Doyle spoke with Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell about improvements in care over the last year…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

Providers and pharmacists were notified ahead of the Governor’s announcement Tuesday that COVID vaccinations would be available for those 16 and over with a preexisting health condition. President of Louisiana Independent Pharmacies Association Randall Johnson says they are ready.

Cut 4 (09)“…this vaccine.”

It’s been just of two months since vaccines began arriving in the state and weekly allocations have increased over time.  Johnson says pharmacists have been able to fine-tune their operations.

Cut 5 (11)“…of waste.”

Johnson says most pharmacies receive their allotment on Monday morning and begin vaccinations of those with appointments, that afternoon. And now with a third vaccine available, they’re able to schedule even more.

Cut 6 (08) “…days.”

To locate a provider to vaccinated visit CovidVaccine.LA.gov

________________________

A Senate committee meets in the Capitol today at 10 AM to discuss the handling of sexual misconduct incidents on college campuses.

Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus will attend the meeting, including Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell…

Cut 7 (12)  “…heard.”

The stated purpose of the meeting is to receive in-depth responses from all public university systems in the state regarding their handling of sexual misconduct cases, and the policies in place to respond to such incidents.

Mizell says the goal is to have a dialog with university system leaders about creating policies that make it easier to report an assault, along with clear consequences and a process in place for victims to be heard.

Cut 8 (12) “…naught.”

Mizell says the Husch Blackwell report detailing the mishandling of sexual misconduct and assault cases at LSU put a spotlight on the issue.

Cut 9 (10) “….take place.”

_____________________________

In the 12 months since Louisiana saw its first COVID case treatment has come a long way.

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Chief of Hospital Medicine Dr. Mike Sewell says the current case fatality rate is far lower than it was this time last year when it was as high as four percent in New Orleans…

Cut 10 (05) “…thousand.”

Sewell says that number began to drop substantially in early fall once enough data was compiled to provide consistently effective treatment.

Many of the early treatments, such as extensive ventilator use, were found to be ineffective. Sewell says some widely used treatments were even harmful.

Cut 11 (12) “…steroid.”

Other abandoned treatments for severe cases include convalescent plasma and hydroxychloroquine.

Another big change involves treating high-risk individuals early in their infection with monoclonal antibodies.

Cut 12 (06) “…progressing. ”

The Louisiana Department of Health reports 9,769 COVID-19 deaths in the state since the start of the pandemic.

_____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards says he was very troubled after reading the entire Husch Blackwell report that investigated mishandling of sexual abuse and assault cases at LSU. Edwards says the report also made recommendations on how to improve the Title Nine office and what punishments to enforce.

Cut 13 (09) “…guess it.”

Edwards says it’s imperative young people and their parents know that when they attend a college in Louisiana that they are going to be safe.  He says proper guidelines will be enforced and the Title Nine offices will be staffed with trained personnel.

Cut 14 (11) “…report.” 

Edwards says he’s pleased that LSU made the report available to the public and understands that they are implementing all 18 recommendations from the report to mitigate future mishandlings.

Cut 15 (12)“….where else.”

______________________________________

The LSU Basketball team seems to be a lock to make the NCAA tournament but the Tigers are still playing for seeding in the Big Dance as they prepare for the SEC tournament. Associate Editor for Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook Blake Lovell says LSU is well-positioned to have success in the conference tournament.

Cut 16 (19) “…matchup standpoint.”

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi projects LSU as an 8 seed in the NCAA tournament which puts them in an 8-9 matchup in round one, with the winner playing the number 1 seed in the second round.  Lovell says that if LSU wins a couple more games they could move up to a 7^th seed.

Cut 17 (16) “…seven or higher.”

When it comes to improving their seeding, Lovell says the Tigers can’t afford to lose the first game in the conference tournament.

Cut  18 (11) “…the ten maybe.”

Kansas University is reportedly paying $1.9 million to Les Miles to end his employment as head football coach after the Husch Blackwell report stated Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the sexual misconduct allegations were initially hard to believe because Miles was considered a family man.

Cut 8 (10) “…long time ago.”

The State Fire Marshal’s Office arrested 24-year-old Navin Sam of Lafayette, Sunday on one count of simple arson for setting an ex-girlfriend’s vehicle on fire. The car was set on fire in front of the victim’s home in Breaux Bridge on March 3rd. An additional suspect, a juvenile, was also arrested in this case

Louisiana has expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 years and older with certain health conditions, including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, smokers, and people who are overweight. Edwards says the list of health conditions for eligibility can be found on the state department of health’s website.

Cut 3 (14)  “…to the vaccine”  

President Biden declares Louisiana a major disaster after two winter storms last month. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says it allows homeowners and renters in affected parishes to be eligible for assistance if they sustained damage.

Cut 12 (10) “ …Louisiana.” 

Beginning today those 16 and older with a preexisting health condition are now eligible to be vaccinated. For a list of those conditions, you can visit the state health department’s website. Governor Edwards is encouraging those who are eligible to be vaccinated to do so. He says nearly 10-percent of the state’s population have been fully vaccinated and very few have reported serious side effects…

Cut 5  (11)  “…this pandemic.” 

State Treasurer John Schroder tells Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster he will not among those getting vaccinated. Schroder says instead he’s under a doctor’s care and building his immune system. Schroder, a COVID survivor, was hospitalized in early December.

Cut 11 (08) “say that..”

Former LSU football coach Les Miles has been fired at Kansas after allegations of sexual misconduct were made public during his time at LSU. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

Former LSU President F. King Alexander released a statement that he regrets not taking stronger action against Miles when he was at LSU. Alexander says at the time attorneys told him there was not enough evidence to support termination. Alexander, who is now at Oregon State, says the inquiry found Miles’s actions were inconsistent with LSU’s community values and he should have acted further.

Louisiana has expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 years and older with certain health conditions, including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, smokers, and people who are overweight. Edwards says the list of health conditions for eligibility can be found on the state department of health’s website.

Cut 3 (14)  “…to the vaccine”  

Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas University after reports surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU and was told to quit texting them. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 67-year-old’s coaching days are likely over

Cut 6 (10) “…yeah.”

President Biden declares Louisiana a major disaster after two winter storms last month. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says it allows homeowners and renters in affected parishes to be eligible for assistance if they sustained damage.

Cut 12 (10) “ …Louisiana.” 

Tingle says this will also assist city and parish governments to pay for clean-up from the storms.

State Treasurer John Schroder tells Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster he will not be taking a COVID vaccine. Schroder says instead of getting vaccinated he’s under a doctor’s care and building his immune system. Schroder, a COVID survivor, was hospitalized in early December.

Cut 11 (08) “say that..”

Governor Edwards made a major announcement today, on the one-year anniversary of the first reported case of COVID in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (14) “…vaccine.” 

Those 16 and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine and 18 and older for the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

Les Miles is no longer the head football coach at Kansas University after reports that surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU and was told to quit texting them. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the sexual misconduct allegations were initially hard to believe because Miles was considered a family man.

Cut 8 (10) “…long time ago.”

State Treasurer John Schroder tells Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster he will not be taking a COVID vaccine. Schroder was asked about the substantial expansion in vaccine eligibility this morning. Instead of getting vaccinated Schroder says he’s under a doctor’s care and is focusing on making sure his immune system is strong.

Cut 10 (10) “…system.” 

Schroder was hospitalized with COVID last December.