The Edwards administration has proposed a 36 billion dollar budget plan for next fiscal year, a 186 million dollar increase over the current year. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”

In a town hall discussion streamed on the Advocate newspaper’s websites, Governor Edwards hinted he may loosen COVID restrictions on businesses next week as new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to decline. But Edwards also said he remains concerned about another spike because of the U-K variant.

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donations due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says donating blood is quick and easy. You can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a donation center near you.
Cut 3 (07) “…twice”
Governor Edwards asks if you have a regularly scheduled blood donation appointment to move it up to this weekend.

One of the biggest challenges for new parents is getting their young children to eat healthy. Pediatrician and Mom, Doctor Candice Jones, says be persistent in your efforts to get kids to eat healthy foods…
cut 14 (11) “…take it”
Jones says introduce fruit and vegetables with low-fat yogurt in the form of smoothies to make food more appealing for young children.

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donation in Louisiana right now due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. Governor Edwards says this appeal comes directly from the state’s hospitals…

Cut 5  (11)  “…serious.” 

Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion it is receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access. Deshotel says the federal government has given the state $300-million in vouchers for students to buy broadband access, however…

Cut 11 (12) “…remote learning.”

As parents struggle with getting their children to eat healthy the American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips on how to first introduce your kids to more nutritious meals. Pediatrician and Mom Dr. Candice Jones says since small children eat small amounts parents need to make every bite count.

Cut 12 (08) “ …protein.” 

Jones says try to introduce fruit and vegetables with low-fat yogurt in the form of smoothies to make food more appealing for young children.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 97,650 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, and if Johnson and Johnson receives approval…

Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”

Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion its receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access. The funding is designated to be used for COVID-related expenses and Deshotel says some 200-thousand students need internet sooner than later.

Cut 10 (11) “…future.” 

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donation in Louisiana right now due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. Governor Edwards asks if you have a regularly scheduled blood donation appointment see if you’re able to move it up to today or this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now” 

You can call 2-1-1 to find a donation center near you.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation. Roughly 1.5 million Louisianans are now eligible to receive a vaccine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this will make it much easier to get your appointment.

Cut 15 (08)“…supply yet.”

The state reports 898 new COVID-19 cases and 26 new fatalities. Hospitalizations continue to fall, currently the state reports 651.

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donation in Louisiana right now due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says donating blood is quick and easy to do. You can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a donation center near you.

Cut 3 (07)  “…twice” 

Governor Edwards says this request came directly from Louisiana hospitals.

Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion it’s receiving from the CARES Act to help build broadband internet in areas that don’t have it. He says that will help students with virtual education.

Cut 9 (11) “…partner”

The Edwards Administration is presenting its budget proposal for the next fiscal year to the Legislature this morning. Governor Edwards previewed the budget saying it includes no cuts and even features a 400 dollar raise for teachers despite the state taking an economic beating from COVID. Edwards says that’s due to federal assistance.

Cut 7 (09)  “…so bright.”

The budget does not include the over 100 million dollars in loans the state owes the federal government due to the depletion of the unemployment insurance trust fund.

Assuming Johnson and Johnson’s COVID vaccine is approved today the state could be in line to receive up to 134,000 doses next week. Nearly 600,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Kanter says that number will grow at a much faster rate.

Cut 14 (11) “…exciting.” 

The Edwards Administration presents its budget for the next fiscal year this morning to the Joint Budget Committee. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A Caddo Parish man faces numerous criminal charges related to the January 6^th riot on the nation’s capital. 27-year-old Cody Connell of Vivian and his cousin Daniel Adams of Texas pleaded not guilty in Federal court Friday. Among the charges assaulting a federal officer.  Connell posted videos of himself and his cousin at the Capitol on social media according to the FBI complaint.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, its largest weekly allocation to date. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 52-thousand Pfizer doses, 45-thousand Moderna doses, and if Johnson and Johnson receives federal approval today as expected…
Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is easier to transport and store than the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

One of the owners of Rock ‘n Bowl Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blancher says the pandemic has crippled his business and his venue is prepared to bring live music back and he has a safe and proven way to do so but his efforts to meet with the Governor’s office about it have hit a sour note.

Cut 5 (10)“…access.”

Blancher also says the state is losing talented musicians that have left for other states due to lack of work.

Louisiana is set to receive its largest-ever weekly allocation of COVID vaccines next week. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

In a town hall discussion streamed on the Advocate newspaper’s websites, Governor Edwards hinted he may loosen COVID restrictions on businesses next week as new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to decline. But Edwards also said he remains concerned about another spike because of the U-K variant.

Louisiana is known for its live music, but since the pandemic started live music has not been allowed indoors. Johnny Blancher owns the Rock’n Bowl in Lafayette and has tried to tell the governor’s office there is technology available that can keep the air free of COVID-19…
cut 6 (10) “….COVID-19″
Blancher believes the COVID restrictions have resulted in many talented musicians leaving the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they’ve cited 12 subjects over the last six weeks for alleged illegal deer hunting activity in St. Landry Parish off of Interstate 49. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says two of the men were arrested…
cut 11 (07) “…at night”
Brandon Buller and Toni LeBleu were the two men arrested. Hunting deer during illegal hours could result in a 900-dollar fine and possible jail time.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, its largest weekly allocation to date. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 52-thousand Pfizer doses, 45-thousand Moderna doses, and if Johnson and Johnson receives federal approval today as expected…
Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is easier to transport and store than the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

One of the owners of Rock ‘n Bowl in Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blancher says not only is the pandemic destroying his businesses it’s also eroding the state’s rich music culture.
Cut 4 (09)“…Louisiana.”
Under current coronavirus restrictions, live music is not allowed indoors.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the budget plan his administration will present to state lawmakers today will feature no cuts despite economic damage caused by the pandemic. Edwards says federal coronavirus aid has put the state’s finances in a better place than many people thought…
Cut 7 (09) “…so bright.”
Edwards budget proposal also calls for a 400-dollar raise for teachers.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement has cited a dozen people for alleged illegal deer hunting activity in St. Landry Parish. LWDF spokesperson Adam Einck says their investigation started on January 12th when they received a tip of people hunting from their vehicle off of the interstate.
Cut 10 (07) “…I-49.”
And they were also hunting at night.

The F-D-A is expected to grant emergency approval to the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine today. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says it’s possible the state could receive 37-thousand J-and-J doses next week, in addition to 52-thousand more Pfzier vaccines and 45-thousand Moderna doses. 593-thousand Louisianans have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and Kanter says that number will grow quickly…
cut 14 (11) “…exciting”

The governor’s proposed budget gets introduced to state lawmakers today and it includes a 400-dollar pay raise for teachers and no budget cuts. There was a concern the state would face a massive budget shortfall but Governor Edwards says federal coronavirus aid has helped the budget picture…
cut 9 (02) “…bright news’

A music venue owner says there’s a safe air filtration invention that will safely allow live music in Louisiana but he’s not being heard. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (29) “…Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans is easing COVID-19 restrictions today. Gatherings of up to 75 people will be allowed indoors and 150 people outdoors. Social distancing and mask mandates still apply.

In north Louisiana, last week roads were covered with ice, today residents there will deal with thunderstorms and rain.