Crawfish is always in demand for Easter but especially this year. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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For the first time since Gallup began asking the question, fewer than half of Americans report being members of a church. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The 2021 Louisiana Survey found about a third of Louisianans say they do not intend to ever get a COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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It’s one of the biggest crawfish weekends of the year, but LSU AgCenter Crawfish specialist Mark Shirley says he’s not sure if there’s enough to go around for everybody this weekend.

Cut 4 (09)“…find one.”

Shirley says the winter storms during February delayed the growth and harvesting of the state’s favorite crustacean for about a month.

Cut 5 (08)“…of crawfish.”

Pricewise Shirley says a bag of crawfish is a bit higher than it has been in the past.

Cut 6 (11) “…next weekend.”

Shirley says but between the farms and wild production, we should have a good number of crawfish for the next few months ahead.

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Only 47 percent of Americans say they’re a member of a church, and according to Gallup, it’s the first time the number has ever dipped below half.

It’s a 23 point drop since 2000 and only 36 percent of Millennials report being members of a church. LSU Religious Studies Professor Michael Pasquier expects membership numbers will continue to decline.

Cut 7 (11)  “…viability.”

Church membership peaked in the Gallup poll back in the late 40s.

The largest drop in membership among any subgroup was seen with Democrats, a 25 point drop since 2000. Pasquier says the decline in membership among Republicans was only 12 points.

Cut 8 (10) “…the two.”

Other groups seeing the biggest declines since 2000: Catholics at an 18 point drop compared to Protestants at nine points, non-college graduates at 22 points, and the unmarried at 22 points.

Only 60 percent of those who say they have a religious affiliation also report being members of a church. Pasquier says that’s a 13 point drop since 2000.

Cut 9 (11) “…affiliations.”

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Lake Charles City Councilman Craig Marks says he’s frustrated and feels that Congressman Clay Higgins is not addressing the needs of southwest Louisiana residents impacted by two hurricanes last season.

Cut 10 (10) “…funding.”

He says the area needs funding to help clear debris, rebuild, and house residents that have been displaced.

Marks feels if Higgins would take a more active role that it would bring attention and funding to the area and speed recovery efforts.

Cut 11 (08) “…see it.”

Marks credits the Mayor of Lake Charles Nic Hunter and the city council for recovery efforts so far but believes the area’s connection to DC is the missing link.

Despite the change in administration Marks says the devastation in southwest Louisiana speaks for itself and they need Higgins to be an advocate for the area.

Cut 12 (12) “…process.”

A representative for Higgins says the congressman visited the area two weeks after the hurricane.

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32 percent of Louisianans say they will never take a COVID vaccine according to the 2021 Louisiana Survey.

LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says when you break down the numbers the one group most likely to refuse vaccination is white Republicans.

Cut 13 (09) “…views”

A separate poll by the Louisiana Public Health Institute found Blacks and white women were most likely to have vaccine hesitancy.

Henderson says vaccine resistance is high despite the fact that nearly 60 percent of Louisianans say either they or someone they live with has lost a job or income due to the pandemic.

Cut 14 (07) “…vaccine.”

A combined 58 percent say they have either been vaccinated or plan on it. Henderson says for the rest of the state it could take some convincing…

Cut 15 (11)“…safe.”

The poll surveyed 781 adults and has a margin of error of 6.4 percent.

___________________________________________

LSU defensive back Jay Ward has received a lot of praise from Coach Ed Orgeron as he’s made a change from cornerback and safety. Ward says he spoke with defensive coordinator Daronte Jones about the position change after Jones was hired…

Cut 16 (17) “…with the coaches.”

Jones says he likes the move to safety….

Cut 17 (15) “…so far.”

LSU right tackle Austin Deculus is back for his fifth season and says the goal of offensive coordinator Jake Peetz is to get the ball to the playmakers in space, which is good for the offensive line…

Cut  18 (23)  “…offensive line.”

Louisianans have until October 1^st to get their Real ID-compliant license in order to fly domestically without a passport or military ID. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says you’ll need to bring some paperwork with you when go to the OMV in person to apply for a Real ID stamp.

Cut 4 (09) “…residence.” 

To find out if you have a Real ID, check for a small star in the upper right-hand side of your driver’s license or state ID.

Jury trials can resume today in Louisiana. Loyola University of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino predicts it will take about a year for the courts to get through the backlog of cases and each judge is responsible for setting their own docket.

Cut 7 (10) “…newer civil cases.”

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says to reduce the spread of the salmonella, some residents may have to take down their bird feeder or bird baths for two months to break the cycle of infection…

Cut 10 (10) “your birdbaths” 

And be careful when doing so because Salmonella is dangerous to humans too.

A Louisiana Public Health Institute survey finds a major divide in willingness to get a COVID vaccine along gender and racial lines. Managing Director Beth Nauman says white males are most likely to be willing to get a vaccine.

Cut 13 (10)“…hesitancy”

Louisianans have until October 1^st to get their Real ID state identification or driver’s license cards or they won’t be able to fly without a passport. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says he doesn’t expect the deadline to be delayed again, and this isn’t something you can do online.

Cut 3 (09)  “…field office”  

And some locations will require you to make an appointment.

Jury trials can resume today in Louisiana. The pandemic placed jury trials on hold, creating a backlog of cases.  Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says without firm trial dates most civil cases do not settle and criminal trials cannot be resolved unless the defendant pleads guilty.

Cut 6 (08) “…cases.”

Ciolino says it’s going to take at least a year to get through the backlog of cases.

A statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who has seen an increase in dead birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says bird feeders and birdbaths are helping to spread the Salmonella…

Cut 9 (13) “…the bacteria.”

A Louisiana Public Health Institute survey finds 50 percent of the state is willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine while 35 percent is hesitant, and 15 percent is unwilling. Managing Director Beth Nauman says there’s a wide range of opinions contained within that 35 percent who say they are hesitant.

Cut 12 (11)   “…information” 

Preliminary autopsy results of a 31-year old Caddo Correctional Center inmate finds no evidence of trauma. The Caddo Parish Coroner’s Office says Casey Louis Simpson died March 16, and preliminary results are consistent with natural causes.  Final results, including toxicology, will be available in two to three weeks.

The deadline to get a Real ID stamp on your state IDs to fly domestically is six months away. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

A Louisiana Public Health Institute survey finds 50 percent of the state is willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine while 35 percent is hesitant, and 15 percent is unwilling. Managing Director Beth Nauman age appears to play a big factor in the survey.

Cut 14 (09) “…vaccine.” 

She says hesitancy is highest among white women and black men and more than a quarter of black females indicated reluctance to be vaccinated.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says if you see dead birds nearby it’s best to remove your birdfeeder or birdbath and be careful as Salmonella can be contagious to humans…

Cut 11 (07) “soapy water.”

If you must remove your birdbath or feeder you should do so for two months.

The deadline to get a Real ID stamp on your state IDs to fly domestically is six months away and it’s unlikely the deadline will be extended again. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries says a number of birds have died due to Salmonella. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

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Louisianans have until October 1^st to get their Real ID-compliant license in order to fly domestically without a passport or military ID. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says he doesn’t expect the deadline to be delayed again, and this isn’t something you can do online.

Cut 3 (09)  “…field office.”  

Some OMV locations will require you to make an appointment online ahead of time.

Boudreaux says you’ll need to bring some paperwork with you…

Cut 4 (09) “…residence.” 

To find out if you have a Real ID, check for a small star in the upper right-hand side of your driver’s license or state ID.

Boudreaux says getting a Real ID isn’t just about flying…

Cut 5  (11)  “…plants.”

_______________________________________

Jury trials can resume today in Louisiana. The pandemic placed jury trials on hold, creating a backlog of cases.  Loyola University of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says without firm trial dates most civil cases do not settle and criminal trials cannot be resolved unless the defendant pleads guilty.

Cut 6 (07) “…cases.”

Ciolino predicts it will take about a year for the courts to get through the backlog of cases. He says each judge is responsible for setting their own docket.

Cut 7 (10) “…newer civil cases.”

Seating a jury will be another change for the judicial system, Ciolino says most courtrooms are not designed for social distancing with jurors typically sitting side by side in chairs that are often bolted to the floor.

Cut 8 (10) “…elsewhere.”

_____________________________________________

A statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who has seen an increase in dead birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says bird feeders and birdbaths are helping to spread the Salmonella…

Cut 9 (13) “…the bacteria.”

LaCour says in order to reduce the spread of the Salmonella bacterial infection, some residents may have to take down their bird feeder or bird baths for two months to break the cycle of infection…

Cut 10 (10) “your birdbaths.” 

LaCour says when dead birds are observed, it is best to remove the feeder and or birdbath, but be careful as Salmonella bacteria can be contagious to humans…

Cut 11 (07) “soapy water.”

LaCour says if you haven’t come across any bird carcasses then it’s okay to keep the bird feeder or birdbath up.

_____________________________________________

A Louisiana Public Health Institute survey finds 50 percent of the state is willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine while 35 percent is hesitant and 15 percent is unwilling.

Managing Director Beth Nauman says there’s a wide range of opinions contained within that 35 percent who say they are hesitant.

Cut 12 (11)   “…information.” 

Nauman says there are some wide disparities in vaccine willingness along racial and gender lines.

Cut 13 (09)“…hesitancy.”

And age appears to play a big factor as well.

Cut 14 (09) “…vaccine.” 

The deadline to upgrade your state ID or drivers license at the OMV to a Real ID is October 1^st and unlike the past few years it appears highly unlikely that the deadline will be extended. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says without a Real ID you won’t be able to fly domestically without a passport, and more…

Cut 5  (11)  “…plants”

To get a Real ID you’ll need to go to an OMV office in person with proper documents.

A Louisiana Public Health Institute survey finds a major divide in willingness to get a COVID vaccine along gender and racial lines.

Cut 13 (10)“…hesitancy”

That’s Managing Director Beth Nauman who says only 50 percent of state residents report being willing to get vaccinated.

State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour with Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries says a number of birds have died due to Salmonella. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

The New Orleans region is the first of the state’s eight defined medical regions to see 20 percent of its population full vaccinated from COVID. Statewide we’re up to 1.2 million vaccine series initiated and 782,000 people who’ve completed their series. Everyone aged 16 and older is now eligible to receive the vaccine.

A Louisiana Public Health Institute survey finds 50 percent of the state is willing to get a COVID-19 vaccine while 35 percent is hesitant, and 15 percent is unwilling. Managing Director Beth Nauman says there’s a wide range of opinions contained within that 35 percent who say they are hesitant.

Cut 12 (11)   “…information” 

Louisianans have until October 1^st to get their Real ID state identification or driver’s license cards or they will not be able to fly without a passport or military ID. Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles spokesperson Matthew Boudreaux says you’ll need to bring some paperwork with you…

Cut 4 (10) “…residence” 

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says a statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says to reduce the spread of the salmonella, some residents may have to take down their bird feeder or bird baths for two months to break the cycle of infection…

Cut 10 (10) “your birdbaths” 

And be careful when doing so because Salmonella is dangerous to humans too.

Jury trials can resume today in Louisiana and seating a jury will be a challenge for the judicial system. Loyola University of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says most courtrooms are not designed for social distancing with jurors typically sitting side by side in chairs that are often bolted to the floor.

Cut 8 (11) “…elsewhere.”

A statewide Salmonella bacterial infection has led to the deaths of some wild birds. That’s according to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who has seen an increase in dead birds. LDWF State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says bird feeders and birdbaths are helping to spread the Salmonella…

Cut 9 (13) “…the bacteria.”

Jury trials can resume today in Louisiana. The pandemic placed jury trials on hold, which created a backlog. Loyola University of New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino predicts it will take about a year for the courts to get through the backlog of cases. He says each judge is responsible for setting their own docket.

Cut 7 (10) “…newer civil cases.”

The deadline to get a Real ID stamp on your state IDs to fly domestically is six months away and it is unlikely the deadline will be extended again. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”