Another 640-thousand individuals are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine as people who are not health care workers or living in a nursing home can receive the vaccine for the first time at select pharmacies starting today. Governor Edwards says as the vaccine rollout continues, he urges residents to continue to follow mitigation efforts like masking…
cut 11 (09) “…this mask”
Persons over the age of 70 are eligible for the vaccine, but they should not show up at their local pharmacy expecting to get the vaccine without an appointment.

Several new laws went into effect with the new year, including a measure that changes the way how lawsuits will be handled following a car accident. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says the tort reform legislation will lead to fewer frivolous lawsuits, which over time should result in lower premiums…
cut 6 (09) “…take time”
The tort reform legislation should lead to more jury trials, instead of having a single judge make a decision on a settlement.

There will be two Congressional elections in Louisiana in March to fill vacancies in the second and fifth districts. Cedric Richmond is taking a job in the Biden administration, while voters in the fifth district have to pick a new U-S Representative because of the passing of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says former Congressman Ralph Abraham or state representative Lance Harris could be the top two candidates or…
cut 8 (12) “….official”

2020 was an unprecedented year for the Department of Children and Family Services as more than $674 million was distributed in emergency food stamps. Deputy Assistant Secretary Jean Guinta has the breakdown.
Cut 13 (13) “…EBT benefits.”
And over 92-million in hurricane disaster SNAP benefits was also distributed.