Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the capacity limits on bars, restaurants, salons, gyms, malls, and casinos, but he’s still requiring these businesses to maintain social distancing of six feet. Edwards is also keeping the mask mandate in place. He says the C-D-C still recommends mask-wearing…

Cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations.”
Edwards says the capacity limits have been lifted because he says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the lifting of many 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 the restaurants, salons, and retailers now that capacity limits are lifted.

Cut 3 (11)  “…going again.”  

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 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.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s unclaimed property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP settlement funds that are waiting to be claimed. Schroder is encouraging people and businesses impacted by the 2010 oil spill to check la-treasury-dot-com to see if any of this money belongs to them…
Cut 15 (05)“…$165,000.”
He says more than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

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.

________________________

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 28^th 

__________________________

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 4^th through March 1^st, featured 781 respondents, and has a margin of error of 6.4 percent.

____________________________

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.”

____________________________________________________

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.” 

Governor Edwards lifts capacity restrictions on various businesses like retail outlets, restaurants, bars, gyms, and salons beginning Thursday, April 1st. The mask mandate remains in effect.

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron tells ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge that he does not remember speaking to the woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in 2017. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The federal government approves disaster food stamps for 23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard they are breaking the number of parishes out into two phases and urges you to preregister at their website.

Cut 8 (09) “…benefits.”

For a breakdown of parishes and interview dates and to preregister, visit dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

Louisiana REALTORS is urging state landlords to take advantage of the 300 million dollars in federal rental assistance aid that was made available through the American Rescue Act. CEO Norman Morris says small businesses are hurting because of the eviction moratorium.

Cut 13 (10)“tenant”

Governor Edwards announces the lifting of capacity restrictions on businesses, restaurants, bars, gyms, salons, and retailers effective Thursday, April 1^st. The mask mandate remains in place, but capacity limits have been lifted in various settings. Bars are still required to have table seating and operating hours can be extended, the decision to extend hours will be a parish decision.

LSU head football coach Ed Orgeron, speaking on ESPN 104-5, says he does not remember speaking to an elderly Superdome worker who testified to lawmakers that she was the victim of sexual harassment by former running back Derrius Guice. Orgeron says he’s deeply upset by Gloria Scott’s testimony…

Cut 4 (09) “…disgusting manner” 

Scott said she reported the incident to the university and Orgeron called her asking her to forgive Guice.

The federal government approves disaster food stamps for 23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says if you lost food because of power outages during the winter storms from February 15th to the 18th you may be eligible.

Cut 7 (07) “…disaster.”

Visit their website to preregister for disaster SNAP benefits.

Today is National Doctor’s Day and Chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. G-E Ghali says the pandemic highlights the importance and shortage of physicians all over the country. Ghali says when you look at the state, it doesn’t appear to have a shortage of physicians, however…

Cut 10 (10) “…even nurses” 

Louisiana REALTORS is urging state landlords to take advantage of the 300 million dollars in federal rental assistance aid that was made available through the American Rescue Act. CEO Norman Morris says the US Treasury’s Emergency Relief Assistance Program allows landlords and their tenants to work together to apply for the aid.

Cut 12 (09) “…increments.” 

Today is National Doctor’s Day and Chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. G-E Ghali says the pandemic highlights the importance and shortage of physicians all over the country.

Cut 9 (10) “…impacted.”

Ghali says rural areas lack specialists and many physicians are attracted to larger cities that offer higher salaries to help offset their student loan debt.

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron tells ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge that he does not remember speaking to the woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in 2017. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

The Loyola Law School in New Orleans is creating a database of inmate deaths in Louisiana prisons. Matt Doyle on why this is important.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor John Bel Edwards will hold a COVID briefing at 2:30 this afternoon. The governor is expected to give an update on the current Phase Three Health restrictions which expire tomorrow. On Monday COVID vaccine eligibility was opened to all residents sixteen and older.

Last year in St. Tammany Parish five infants died from unsafe sleeping conditions. St. Tammany Parish Corner Dr. Charles Preston says infant deaths from poor sleeping environments are not unique to St. Tammany Parish but is a problem nationwide. Preston says in Calcasieu Parish they have had a very successful program reducing infant death with a training program called Cribs for Kids.

Cut 9 (08) “…mortality.”

You can sign up for the free training by calling the St. Tammany Parish Corner’s office.

Women in Louisiana on average pay $68 more a year for auto insurance than men regardless of their driving record, that’s according to The Zebra, the nation’s leading insurance comparison site. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl says insurance companies in Louisiana can charge drivers rates based on almost anything they want.

Cut 10 (07) “…being women.”

The Loyola Law School is creating a database of inmate deaths in Louisiana prisons, the first such database of its kind in the nation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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 In 2020 five out of the seven infant deaths in St. Tammany Parish were a result of unsafe sleeping conditions, Brooke Thorington explains how they are working to change that

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

Women pay more annually for car insurance in Louisiana compared to men, that’s according to The Zebra, the nation’s leading insurance comparison site. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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This spring Loyola University Law School will release a database of inmate deaths at all Louisiana prisons.

The project is the brainchild of Professor Andrea Armstrong who says up until now there hasn’t been a centralized collection of data about when, where, and how state inmates have died.

Cut 4 (10)“…money.”

Armstrong says before receiving grant money to upscale the project she personally kept data on inmate deaths at Orleans Parish Prison. The 410,000 dollar, two-year grant was provided by Arnold Ventures.

Armstrong says 80 percent of US prisons will go a full calendar year without an inmate death. With this database, we can measure how Louisiana prisons stack up to that expectation.

Cut 5 (08)“…pattern.”

Louisiana is home to 130 jails, prisons, and detention centers and has the highest incarceration rate in the country. The state also does not require its corrections department to keep a centralized and publicly accessible list of deaths.

Armstrong says using public information requests she and her law students are compiling a detailed list of inmate deaths going back to 2015. She says the database will be highly granular.

Cut 6 (08) “…those deaths.”

Armstrong says the database will be a first-of-its-kind in the nation effort and she hopes it can be a template that is reproduced across the country.

________________________

Last year in St. Tammany Parish five infants died as a result of unsafe sleeping conditions. St. Tammany Parish Corner Dr. Charles Preston says it’s usually because new parents aren’t educated about safe sleeping environments or they received bad advice from relatives who allowed an infant to sleep in the same bed as adults.

Cut 7 (11)  “…infant’s life.”

Working with the national Cribs for Kids organization, Preston’s office is offering free training for parents, grandparents, and caregivers on the proper way for allowing an infant to sleep. Preston says follow your ABCs.

Cut 8 (11) “…baby’s airway.”

Preston says infant death by unsafe sleeping conditions is not unique to St. Tammany Parish but is a problem nationwide. Preston says in Calcasieu Parish they have had a successful program reducing infant death with Cribs for Kids.

Cut 9 (08) “…mortality.”

Once participants complete the 90-minute course they are giving a free Pack ‘n Play bassinet. Call the St. Tammany Parish Corner’s Office to register.

__________________________

Women in Louisiana on average pay $68 more a year for auto insurance than men regardless of their driving record, that’s according to The Zebra, the nation’s leading insurance comparison site. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl says insurance companies in Louisiana can charge drivers rates based on almost anything they want.

Cut 10 (07) “…being women.”

Holl says it’s even worse for women in the state in their 50s.

Cut 11 (10) “… the same car.”

Holl says on average men have more reckless driving behavior compared to women, but women are charged more on average than men in the state.

Senator Jay Luneau has filed Senate Bill 55 to ban insurance companies from the use of gender and other non-driving factors like credit score. Holl says he doesn’t believe Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon will support the bill.

Cut 12 (11) “…from him.”

Holl says seven states have banned the use of gender as a factor in car insurance rates, including four of the cheapest states for car insurance, according to the Zebra: Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and North Carolina.

____________________________

A couple is facing arson charges after they allegedly set multiple fires near their home in Leesville in what was supposedly an effort to drive away snakes.

34-year-old Laura Ashley has been arrested and 34-year-old Robert Ramirez is on the run. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it was an incredibly dangerous decision…

Cut 13 (09) “…vegetation.”

Ashley has been charged with simple arson and investigators learned that Ramirez had also set multiple fires in the area last year.

Cut 14 (06) “…crime.” 

Strain says if you have a snake problem, instead of committing a felony…

Cut 15 (08)“…mothballs.”

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LSU is off to a one and five start in SEC play and also no longer ranked in most of the major college baseball polls. Four of the five conference losses have been by three runs or less. Coach Paul Mainieri is asking his team to keep grinding away…

Cut 16 (20) “…other direction.”

In this past series against Tennessee, LSU lost all three games by four runs. After tonight’s game against South Alabama, the Tigers will welcome top-ranked Vanderbilt. Mainieri says he’s not ready to give up on the season

Cut 17 (19) “…not going to do that.”

LSU struck out 38 times during the three-game sweep at Tennessee and the Tigers allowed 23 walks or hit batters. Mainieri says they’ll work to reduce both of those numbers

Cut  18 (15) “… it’s frustrating.”

____________________________________________________

The Saints have announced the signing of free-agent tight end Nick Vannett (Van-net). The five-year NFL veteran has signed a three-year deal with New Orleans and has caught 75 passes in 70 regular-season games. Vannett is known more as a blocking tight end, but the Ohio native says he can catch passes too

Cut 19 (11) “…it in.” 

In 2020, Vannett played in 15 games with the Broncos and caught 14 passes for 95 yards and a touchdown. Vannett says it didn’t take long for the Saints to reach out to him after Denver cut him

Cut 20 (17) “…a Saint.” 

A new poll shows 68 percent of Louisianans believe using or possessing marijuana should not be illegal. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers who came close to being in the run-off for the second congressional district has endorsed fellow democrat and New Orleans lawmaker Karen Carter Peterson. Carter Peterson is in the April 24^th run-off will fellow democrat and New Orleans lawmaker Troy Carter.

As of now all Louisianans 16 and older regardless of occupation or health status are eligible to receive the COVID 19 vaccine and 5^th District Congresswoman-Elect Julia Letlow made a personal appeal to those hesitant about getting vaccinated. Her husband Luke died of COVID just days before he was set to be sworn in congress. Congresswoman Letlow says getting vaccinated can prevent more tragedies like that…

Cut 7 (07) “…proponent of the vaccine.”

If you’re in southeast Louisiana and haven’t been vaccinated yet drop by the Shrine on Airline, Ochsner Health’s vaccine fest.  Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says they’ll be vaccinating thousands until 10 am Tuesday.

Cut 9 (10) “…appointment.”

It’s for ages 18 and older.

Police are searching for the driver of a Ram pickup truck who struck a bicyclist in St. Landry Parish Sunday morning and fled the scene. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says 24-year old Ryan Fontenot was struck initially by the truck and run off the road, then a second vehicle struck and killed Fontenot. Gossen says Fontenot likely would still be alive today had the driver of the first vehicle not left the scene.

Cut 13 (04)“this”

68 percent of Louisianans support decriminalizing marijuana use and possession according to a new poll, a nine percent increase from last year. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says support for legalization cuts across all partisan, racial, and gender lines.

Cut 3 (09)  “…legalization”  

The only demographic group that consistently opposes legalization is those over the age of 65.

Congresswoman-elect Julia Letlow is imploring every adult in Louisiana to get a vaccine now that everyone 16 and older is eligible. Letlow lost her 41-year-old husband Luke Letlow to COVID in December, just days before he was to be sworn-in to congress.

Cut 6 (08) “…get the vaccine.”

Luke Letlow was diagnosed with COVID in December shortly after he was elected to the 5^th Congressional District.

Ochsner Health’s 24-hour vaccine fest is underway in Jefferson Parish at the Shrine on Airline. The event is for residents 18 and older and ends Tuesday at 10 a.m. Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says from 7 pm until 7 am you don’t need an appointment.

Cut 10 (07) “…vaccine” 

They even have live music while you wait.

A new poll shows 68 percent of Louisianans believe using or possessing marijuana should not be illegal. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The Louisiana Housing Corporation is holding a virtual information session to assist landlords and renters with information about the U.S. Treasury Emergency Rental Assistance Program for those with financial hardship. It will be at 5:30 today and you can visit LAStateRent.com for more information.

Police are searching for the driver of a Ram pickup truck who struck a bicyclist in St. Landry Parish Sunday morning and fled the scene. That hit and run led to a series of events resulting in the death of 24-year-old Ryan Fontenot of Breaux Bridge. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says Fontenot was struck initially as he was turning into Acadian Medical Center…

Cut 11 (08) “vehicle”

That second impact was ultimately fatal to Fontenot. That driver did remain at the scene.

If you miss live music and need to be vaccinated, then Ochsner Health has just the event for you. Vaccine Fest is underway until 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Shrine on Airline in Jefferson Parish. Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says they have plenty of entertainment for the 24-hour event.

Cut 8 (08) “…more.”

You can make an appointment at MyOschner.org