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” 

_______________________________________

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.” 

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” 

Jury trials can resume today in the state of 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.

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.

A new JMC Analytics poll for the Louisiana Association for Therapeutic Alternatives found that about two-thirds of the respondents favor the legalization of marijuana. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell has filed a bill that would decriminalize marijuana possession and she expects opposition from local governments…

Cut 12 (08) “…property.”
The debate will begin after April 12th. That’s the date when the legislative session begins.

Louisiana will receive less than five percent of the $255 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding, despite being one of the top fishing states in the nation. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s an insult, so to receive additional funds he’s working with other programs where the state has received appropriate funding in the past.

Cut 15 (10)“…political friends.”

Louisiana will receive $12.4 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding.

Legislation is filed that would decriminalize marijuana possession pending the passage of a broader legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana in the state. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says passing this legislation would be an important step forward for the African American community.

Cut 11 (10) “…counterparts.”

The personal finance website WalletHub ranks Louisiana as the second most stressed state in the nation. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says Louisiana ranks fifth for average hours worked per week, but the Bayou State has one of the highest percentages of adults living in poverty…

Cut 4 (09)“…Mississippi.”
Louisiana follows Nevada that was ranked number one as the most stressed state.

Of the $255 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding, Louisiana will receive less than five percent despite being one of the top fishing states in the nation. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a slap in the face.

Cut 13 (11) “…Louisiana.”

Louisiana is the second-largest seafood supplier in the nation.

A major insurance provider says the most recent stimulus bill makes it easier to purchase health care through the Affordable Care Act marketplace.  Starting today there’s another new addition: the feds will cover 100% of your COBRA costs. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says employers are sending letters to those eligible.

Cut 9 (10) “…dollars.”

Open enrollment for the ACA marketplace has been extended through August 15th.

Billions in new subsidies kick into effect today lowering Obamacare health insurance premiums. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

A New Orleans lawmaker introduces legislation decriminalizing the possession of marijuana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Louisiana will receive only five percent of the CARES Act Fisheries Funding despite being one of the top fishing states in the country. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (26)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________

WalletHub ranks Louisiana as the second most stressed state in the nation. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says it comes down to finances, health and safety, and family. She says despite Louisianans working some of the highest averages of hours per week, Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of adults living in poverty and unaffordable housing.

Cut 4 (09)“…Mississippi.”

Healthwise Gonzales says the state has a high percentage of adults in poor health.

Cut 5 (08)“…sleep.”

And safety-wise she says residents are stressed because Louisiana has the second-highest crime rate per capita.

When it comes to family stressors, Gonzales says Louisiana has the fourth-highest divorce rate in the country.

Cut 6 (10) “…catagories.”

Louisiana follows Nevada that was ranked by WalletHub as the most stressed.

________________________

A major insurance provider says the most recent stimulus bill makes it easier to purchase health care through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says lower monthly premiums and expanded income eligibility for financial assistance go into effect today…

Cut 7 (08)  “…first.”

Nationally it’s expected to reduce Obamacare premiums by about 600 dollars a year, but Bertaut says that average will be higher in Louisiana. If you don’t reapply for the savings now you’ll receive them as a tax credit on your return next year.

Previously individual plan subsidies were only available for those earning about 50,000 dollars a year or less…

Cut 8 (11) “…premium.”

The 36 billion dollar injection is a result of the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Act and the marketplace subsidies are expected to remain in effect through 2022.

Starting today there’s another new addition: the feds will cover 100% of your COBRA costs. Bertaut says employers are sending letters to those eligible.

Cut 9 (10) “…dollars.”

Open enrollment for the ACA marketplace has been extended through August 15th.

__________________________

Legislation is filed that would decriminalize marijuana possession pending the passage of a broader legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana in the state.

New Orleans Representative Candace Newell wrote the bill and says Louisiana spends too much money imprisoning people for possessing marijuana.

Cut 10 (11) “…50 percent.”

The proposed legislation does not apply to the crime of driving while under the influence, and would still allow employers to maintain zero-tolerance drug use policies.

Newell says passing this legislation would be an important step forward for the African American community.

Cut 11 (10) “…counterparts.”

A recent JMC poll shows 68 percent of Louisianans support decriminalization, but it’s traditionally been a non-starter at the Legislature. Newell says part of that is due to pressure from local governments.

Cut 12 (08) “…property.”

Newell says she was discouraged from filing this legislation by groups that touted the revenue benefits of maintaining current drug policies.

____________________________

Of the $255 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding, Louisiana will receive less than five percent despite being one of the top fishing states in the nation. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a slap in the face.

Cut 13 (11) “…Louisiana.”

For example, Graves says Washington State is receiving $40 million compared to Louisiana’s $12.4 million, even though Louisiana has a 50 percent greater value to our fisheries landings.

Cut 14 (07) “…anything else.”

Florida was allocated $19 million even though Louisiana has a 50 percent greater fisheries value.

To gain additional funds Graves says he’s working with other programs where the state has received appropriate funding in the past.

Cut 15 (10)“…political friends.”

Louisiana is the second-largest seafood supplier in the nation.

___________________________________________

Former Tigers wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returned to LSU’s indoor practice facility and ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. Chase opted out before the start of the COVID-shortened 2020 season and said it wasn’t easy to watch LSU go 5-and-5 on the season…

Cut 16 (11) “…out this year.”

Chase says he has spoken to the Cincinnati Bengals who own the fifth pick and he would not mind reuniting with Joe Burrow.

Cut 17 (11) “…hard again.”

Defensive back Kary Vincent also opted out in 2020 and returned to LSU yesterday to run the fastest 40-time at 4.33. Vincent says he’s been talking with former Tiger and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Devin White about the draft process

Cut  18 (10)  “…can do.”

Vincent announced in August he was opting out of the 2020 season. He says he tested positive for COVID and developed some symptoms that had him concerned

Cut 19 (24) “…around here.” 

Most businesses can operate at full capacity today as a result of updated guidelines put out by the governor’s office. The new order ends an eleven PM alcohol curfew and restaurants can have full occupancy. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state’s hospitality industry has taken it on the chin, so hopefully, the updated guidelines can help re-start the tourism industry.

Cut 5  (11)  “…in Louisiana”

New Orleans is easing COVID-19 restrictions for all indoor and outdoor gatherings but won’t be going as far as the rest of Louisiana.

According to a statement from the Mayor’s office, all indoor gatherings will be limited to 150 people and all outdoor gatherings will be limited to 250 people as of April 2 and outdoor recreation spaces and sports complexes will be able to host crowds at 50% of their occupancy.

54 percent of those polled by LSU say their own financial situation is the same as it was a year ago, while only 29 percent say it has gotten worse. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says that’s despite 72 percent of the respondents acknowledging the state’s economy is worse off than it was a year ago.

Cut 12 (10)   “themselves”

Pfizer announces their COVID vaccine is also effective for children ages 12 to 15. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says while children are not as susceptible to COVID compared to adults, this is a huge step forward towards ending the pandemic.

Cut 7 (06) “…as well.”

Clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 with the Pfizer vaccine begin in May.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the lifting of several of the coronavirus restrictions on many businesses is great news. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says businesses have done what they can to keep cases down and he hopes customers will visit in person now that capacity limits are lifted.

Cut 3 (11)  “…going again.”  

Louisiana is expecting 300 thousand COVID vaccine doses next week, which is almost double the number the state currently receives. And to help residents with where to get vaccinated the state is establishing a hotline number. Governor Edwards says it won’t cost the state any extra money.

Cut 11 (07) “response.”

The phone number and hours of operation will be made public soon.

54 percent of those polled by LSU say their own financial situation is the same as it was a year ago, while only 29 percent say it has gotten worse. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says there is some partisan separation in how people view the state’s economy.

Cut 13 (08)“Democrats”

Pfizer says its COVID vaccine protects children as young as 12-years-old from the coronavirus. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 will begin in May.

Cut 8 (09) “…clinical trial.”

Pfizer hopes to amend its emergency use with the FDA in time for 12 to 15-year-olds to begin vaccinations in the fall.