AM LRN Newscall March 31st

The Better Business Bureau says if you try to purchase a fake vaccination card you might end up getting swindled yourself. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Starting Wednesday COVID capacity restrictions will be lifted for nearly all Louisiana businesses. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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According to the 2021 Louisiana Survey, the pandemic did little to shift Louisiaian’s overall opinion of the state’s future. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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With the possibility of travel restrictions being put in place for those who have not been vaccinated people are buying and selling fake vaccination cards. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana says they have received reports of sites selling counterfeit cards.

Cut 4 (09)“…vaccinated.”

Babin says many of these sites claim to make CDC vaccination cards and to create one they ask for your personal and financial information in addition to payment. Babin says buyer beware.

Cut 5 (06)“…stolen as well.”

For those who have been vaccinated, Babin warns not to post photos of your vaccination card on social media because it contains personal information and scam artists are using that information to recreate cards using the lot numbers and product name.

Cut 6 (06) “…leary of as well.”

According to Attorney General Jeff Landy, a fake vaccination card could be considered forgery which is a felony and punishable in both fines and up to 10 years in prison.

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Starting Wednesday COVID capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses are being dropped in Louisiana, but the mask mandate will remain in place.

Governor Edwards says that means gyms, bars, casinos, salons, and restaurants can operate without capacity restrictions.

Cut 7 (08)  “…again.”

Large indoor venues will still have a 50 percent occupancy cap, but an increased maximum number of guests. Social distancing will still be required at all businesses.

Edwards warns we’re not totally back to normal. For example bar hours can be set by local authorities, but patrons must still remain seated and be served at tables.

Cut 8 (09) “…spread.”

All three of Louisiana’s neighbors have dropped the mask mandate but Edwards says we will be keeping it in place until enough of the population is vaccinated per CDC recommendations.

Cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations.”

Over 1.2 million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine, and 69 percent of Louisianans 65 and older have begun their vaccine series.

Governor Edwards is set to sign the proclamation putting the new order in effect sometime Wednesday. It will expire on April 28th 

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Only 42 percent of Louisianans believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction per the 2021 Louisiana Survey.

LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says despite pandemic upheaval these numbers are nearly identical to last year’s…

Cut 10 (11) “…margin of error.”

Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

Cut 11 (08) “… direction.”

But partisanship isn’t always the driving force. Henderson says major disaster events like Hurricane Katrina saw opinion shifts in both Republicans and Democrats.

The pandemic hasn’t improved people’s confidence in state government either. Henderson says only 41 percent say they are confident in state government to address problems effectively.

Cut 12 (03) “…now.”

The poll was conducted from January 4th through March 1st, featured 781 respondents, and has a margin of error of 6.4 percent.

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If you never received your BP oil spill settlement, the Louisiana Treasury might be holding your check. State Treasurer John Schroder says their Unclaimed Property division is holding more than $700,000 in settlement claims. Schroder says they usually receive property because the rightful owner’s address is incorrect.

Cut 13 (07) “…check.”

Amounts of individual claims from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust range from as much as $68-thousand and as little eight-cents. Schroder encourages everyone to check their website.

Cut 14 (03) “…St. Bernard.” 

Schroder says they are trying to get the word out so rightful owners can receive their settlement check.

Cut 15 (05)“…$165,000.”

To search for unclaimed property visit LAtreasury.gov

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It’s pro day at LSU, a chance for NFL teams to watch former Tigers run the 40-yard dash and participate in other skill and strength events. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who did not play in 2020 because of COVID concerns, will have the opportunity to run the 40 and catch passes. Draft analyst Mike Detillier says Chase still has a chance to be a top-five pick, even though he didn’t play last season

Cut 16 (09) “…he certainly is.”

Chase’s former teammate, Terrace Marshall Junior, will also be on hand today. The wide receiver from Parkway High in Bossier City opted out after seven games. Detillier believes Marshall can be a late first-round pick…

Cut 17 (13) “…after the step.”

Because of COVID, there was no draft combine this year, so Detillier says today is a big day for linebacker Jabril Cox. He says many NFL teams are intrigued by his skillset…

Cut  18 (17) “… very well.”

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Now that the season is over, Louisiana Tech men’s basketball coach Eric Konkol has a chance to reflect on the recently completed season that ended on Sunday with a third-place finish in the N-I-T. The Bulldogs finished with a record 24-and-8 and Konkol is amazed they played 32 games and he’s impressed with his player’s resolve.

Cut 19 (20) “…really remarkable.” 

Konkol says it was tremendous to reach the Final four of the N-I-T

Cut 20 (19) “…next year.”