Today is the one-year anniversary of the first COVID-19 case in Louisiana, Brooke Thorington talks with a physician about the early days of COVID.

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

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Louisiana’s pre-GRAMMY celebration is going all virtual this year and you can stream it live tonight starting at 7 PM. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Attorney General Jeff Landry’s handling of alleged sexual harassment and sexist behavior by one of his top aides could damage his rumored future run for Governor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Today is the one-year anniversary of the first confirmed case of COVID-19 in Louisiana. Chief of Infectious Diseases at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Julio Figueroa says looking back most likely COVID was already spreading in February, well before testing was available.

Cut 4 (10)“…COVID-19.”

Figueroa says unlike other viruses, COVID-19 is unique in that some people are asymptomatic but are still able to spread the virus.

Cut 5 (07)“…of time.”

Now that we know the main route of transmission is through respiratory droplets that spread when you are in close contact with a carrier, carnival season only enabled the virus to circulate faster in Louisiana.

Cut 6 (11) “…locally.”

Five days later after the first case was confirmed, the state reported its first death from the virus a 58-year-old man in Orleans Parish.

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This year Louisiana’s pre-GRAMMY celebration is going all-virtual and will be streamed live online tonight starting at 7 PM.

Louisiana artists account for more than a dozen nominations this year. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they’ll have a few of those artists like Bobby Rush, Kenny Wayne Shepard, and Sweet Cecilia playing tonight’s show…

Cut 7 (05)  “…artists.”

The show will be streamed live on Louisiana Travels’ social media pages.

Nungesser says they’ll be live from the Mint in the French Quarter but the program will highlight attractions, history, and artists from all over the state.

Cut 8 (10) “…COVID.”

Nungesser says they’re excited to put on a great program but it is hopefully the first, and last time they have to do the show all virtually.

Cut 9 (11) “….this year.”

The GRAMMYs kicks off Sunday at 7 PM.

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It might have LeBron James’s team that scored the most points in Sunday’s NBA All-Star game, but the real winner is Historically Black Colleges and Universities that’s receiving three million dollars from the game. President of Grambling State University, Rick Gallot says even Major League Baseball is hosting an event this weekend focusing on Grambling and Florida A&M.

Cut 10 (08) “…universities.”

Gallot says 90-percent of students at Grambling receive some type of financial aid and their portion of the NBA’s donation will go directly towards students.

Cut 11 (06) “…schholarships”

There’s been a lot of attention on HBCU’s recently and Gallot credits Kamala Harris for being the first graduate of an HBCU to become Vice President for putting them in the spotlight.

Cut 12 (08) “…previously. ”

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The Attorney General’s Office releases the sexual harassment complaint filed against top aide Pat Magee that resulted in his 38-day suspension and the 20,000 dollar docking of his salary.

The complaint includes numerous allegations of harassment and sexist comments by Magee, who still works for the office. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the report may be costly for AG Jeff Landry.

Cut 13 (09) “…official.”

The complaint was filed on November 20^th. Among other things, the report alleges a number of times when Magee discussed women’s appearance in relation to situations that impacted their career advancement. An internal investigation conducted by an outside law firm into the matter reported Magee’s comments were “joking in nature” and “there were no allegations nor findings of any requests for sexual favors; inappropriate workplace touching; nor sexual overtures.”

Pinsonat says like the Johnny Anderson scandal that plagued Governor Edwards’ run for reelection Landry will be haunted by this situation should be run for Governor in 2023.

Cut 14 (09) “…explaining it.” 

Anderson, a one-time aide to the Governor, resigned following the accusations by a staffer.

Pinsonat says the fact that Magee continues to work for the AG despite the allegations could prove to be a problem down the road.

Cut 15 (09)“….the public.”

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After losing a weekend series to Oral Roberts, the 15th ranked LSU Baseball team returns to the diamond tonight to begin a five-game week as they will host Texas Southern. After scoring one run in a loss on Sunday, Coach Paul Mainieri is eager for Cade Doughty to return to the starting line-up after missing the weekend series with a left shoulder injury…

Cut 16 (12) “…(x2)yesterday.”

Mainieri is also looking for more consistency from the bullpen. He says Blake Money has looked good and so have a couple of the other new relievers…

Cut 17 (15) “…bit more.”

The Tigers enter tonight’s game with a 9-3 record. Mainieri says despite the series loss to Oral Roberts, starting pitchers A-J Labas and Landon Marceaux pitched well

Cut  18 (16) “…shutout starts.”

About 100 students held a sit-in outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building calling on officials to fire athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar based on findings released last week in the Husch Blackwell report. The students are part of a group called Tigers Against Sexual Assault.

Cut 14 (13) “…transferring” 

The attorney for former LSU football coach Les Miles calls Kansas’s decision to place Miles on administrative leave unfair. K-U made this move after reports that Miles acted inappropriately with female student workers while at LSU. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Miles’ attorney is upset because a Husch Blackwell investigation never spoke with Miles or other key witnesses.

Cut 3 (11)  “…right now.”  

A New Orleans man was allegedly murdered in Harvey Sunday after meeting someone through an online marketplace to sell a dirt bike. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they’re seeking a 1st-degree murder charge against Jalen Harvey in the killing of 29-year-old Joseph Vindel. Lopinto says meeting strangers online can be dangerous, but while the victim could’ve chosen a safer location like a police station parking lot or outside of a grocery…

Cut 10 (11) “…outside.” 

Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business Fred Dixon believes we’ll see a big increase in in-person meetings and conventions during the second half of this year. Dixon says healthcare professionals, teachers, and attorneys are required to receive annual training and online classes are not always preferred…
cut 7 (09) “….New Orleans”

About 100 students are holding a sit-in outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building calling on LSU officials to fire athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar based on findings released last week in the Husch Blackwell report. The students are part of a group called Tigers Against Sexual Assault. Protesters say the suspensions of only two athletic officials are not enough.

Cut 13 (10)“…cover-ups”

The attorney for former LSU football coach Les Miles calls Kansas’s decision to place Miles on administrative leave unfair. Attorney Peter Ginsberg says when LSU investigated Miles in 2013, they found no evidence he kissed a student worker or offered to take her to a hotel. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Miles’s 3-and-18 record at Kansas is likely a factor in being placed on administrative leave…

Cut 4 (08) “…winning record.” 

A 29-year-old New Orleans man was allegedly murdered in Jefferson Parish after meeting someone through an online marketplace to sell his dirt bike. JP Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they arrested Jalen Harvey after discovering messages between him and the victim, Joseph Vindel…

Cut 9 (09) “…itself”

Vindel’s dirt bike was discovered outside of Harvey’s apartment.

The pandemic has crippled the convention industry which is responsible for almost five-thousand jobs in Louisiana. Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business Fred Dixon says the industry has been trained on how to re-open safely once the pandemic passes and most convention attendees say they’ll be there.

Cut 6 (11) “…the future.”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is encouraging residents to file a claim if they sustained damage from last month’s winter storms. Slips and falls, roof damage and burst pipes are some of the circumstances that should be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Donelon says one estimate says last month’s winter storms will cost the industry 18-billion dollars…
Cut 15 (07)“….weather.”

Funds are now available to help tenants and landlords who have experienced financial hardship from the pandemic.  Executive Director of Louisiana Housing Corporation Keith Cunningham says priority is given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID…

Cut 6 (10) “…considered.”

For more information visit LA State Rent-dot com

Visit LAStateRent.com for more information.

The state’s cattle industry took a beating from last month’s historic winter storms. LSU AgCenter regional livestock specialist Jason Holmes estimates many cattle farmers lost at least a couple head, mostly calves, due to the stress of the event and the frigid temperatures. He says it came at a rough time…

Cut 8 (07) “…the ground”

Baton Rouge newborn Lexa Dennis is the youngest ever to receive Zolgensma (zol·gens·ma.), the most expensive gene-drug therapy in the world at $2.1 million. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Charlotte Hollman says Lexa has Spinal Muscular Atrophy,  a debilitating and often fatal disease and she was given the life-saving medication at just four days old at Woman’s Hospital.

Cut 10 (06) “…opportunity.”

She went home 11 days later.

Two high-ranking LSU athletic officials have been suspended as a result of a nearly 150-report that looked at how the school failed to properly handle sexual assault complaints. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

And former head football coach Les Miles has been placed on administrative leave at the University of Kansas after the Husch Blackwell report revealed inappropriate behavior with female student workers at LSU. Former LSU AD Joe Alleva reportedly wanted to fire Miles after the investigation.

Voters in the 5^th and 2^nd congressional districts head to the polls today for the first day of early voting in the primary. In the heavily Democratic second district, there have been no outside polls of the race that seems to be a contest between New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, and Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says internal campaign polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

A mass vaccination event is underway at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those who are eligible, bring a photo ID and insurance card.  LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says the event ends at 4 pm.

Cut 13 (08)“…community”

LSU suspends two high-ranking athletic officials without pay after a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspension, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. The report gives 18 recommendations on improving LSU’s Title 9 practices and interim president Thomas Galligan says the school plans to act on all recommendations and that includes beefing up the Title 9 Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

It was also revealed Friday in the Husch Blackwell report that former head football coach Les Miles was instructed not to have any one-on-one contact with female students after an investigation reported he had inappropriate behavior with female student workers. The University of Kansas, where Les Miles is the current head football coach has placed Miles on administrative leave while they review the report.

Early voting in the New Orleans, River Parishes, and north Baton Rouge-based 2^nd Congressional District begins today. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says there’s two clear frontrunners in New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, but there’s a strong third candidate in Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Voting in the 5th Congressional District special election also begins today.

Phase Three restrictions on live music still make it difficult for venues to feasibly bring back entertainment. Country music artist David St. Romain says the new normal for him and other musicians have been to play online and says even when venues can open to full capacity he will continue to play online.

Cut 5  (11)  “…facilities.” 

Two LSU athletics officials, Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and senior associate A-D Miriam Segar receive multi-week suspensions as a result of a probe into the school’s mishandling of sexual and domestic assault allegations. The report was compiled by Husch Blackwell, who was hired by the school. Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider says their report found that LSU’s Title Nine office was woefully understaffed, and one victim described how complicated it was for a case to get investigated…

Cut 10 (11) “…worn down.” 

The report also revealed that former LSU athletic director Joe Alleva attempted to fire then head football coach Les Miles for inappropriate behavior with female student workers, including an accusation he kissed a female student twice. Kansas has put Miles on administrative leave to review the material in the report.

A mass vaccination event is going on at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those whoare eligible, from 9 to 4 today. The Johnsons and Johnson one dose vaccine will be administered. LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says if possible, they would like to you preregister at lsuhs dot edu.

Cut 14 (06) “…vaccinated” 

Be sure to bring a photo ID and insurance card.

Early voting in the 2^nd Congressional District special election begins today and the race appears to be shaping up around three candidates. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says there are two clear frontrunners at the moment, New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter. Of the two…

Cut 6 (09) “Richmond.”

Gary Chambers of Baton Rouge is polling in third place. There are 15 candidates on the ballot.

LSU suspends two high-ranking athletic officials without pay after a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspension, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. The report gives 18 recommendations on improving LSU’s Title 9 practices and interim president Thomas Galligan says the school plans to act on all recommendations and that includes beefing up the Title 9 Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

A mass vaccination event will be held tomorrow at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those who are eligible, LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says it will be from 9 to 4.

Cut 13 (08)“…community”

Early voting in the 2^nd Congressional District special election begins tomorrow and the race appears to be shaping up around three candidates, Karen Carter Peterson, Troy Carter, and Gary Chambers. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

Voting in the 5th Congressional District special election also begins Saturday.

Phase Three restrictions on live music still make it difficult for venues to feasibly bring back entertainment. Country music artist David St. Romain says the new normal for him and other musicians have been to play online and says even when venues can open to full capacity he will continue to play online.

Cut 5  (11)  “…facilities.” 

Husch Blackwell delivered what LSU interim president Thomas Galligan called a brutally honest and objective evaluation on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider says their report found that LSU’s Title Nine office was woefully understaffed, and one victim described how complicated it was for a case to get investigated…

Cut 10 (11) “…warned down.” 

Early voting in the 2^nd Congressional District special election begins Saturday. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says there are two clear frontrunners at the moment, Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter. DuBos expects this race to head to a runoff with 15 candidates, most notably Baton Rouge social justice activist Gary Chambers.

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Phase Three allows live music to return indoors but under strict rules. Like a strong HVAC system and plexiglass between the stage and audience. Louisiana native and country music artist David St. Romain says when you look at a venue like The Texas Club in Baton Rouge, where capacity is 1,200 it’s not the best fiscal decision to bring back music.

Cut 4 (11) “…600 people.” 

The state reports 504 new COVID-19 cases today and 538 currently hospitalized from the virus and 30 new fatalities.

Dr. Julia Letlow remains the prohibitive favorite in the 5^th Congressional District special election as early voters head to the polls Saturday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

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DOTD says they’ve received 37 letters of interest in the long-awaited I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A report by a private firm hired by LSU to investigate the school’s handling of past sexual misconduct cases will be unveiled today at a Board of Supervisors meeting. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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When you look at a breakdown of who’s been vaccinated so far, you’ll see it’s more women than men in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says he feels that women are generally more informed about the vaccine and when you look at the population that is currently eligible…

Cut 4 (10)“…a little bit.”

The breakdown of people who’ve begun their vaccination series and those who’ve completed both injections is 60-percent female and 40-percent male. Kanter says…

Cut 5 (10)“…opportunity.”

And with teachers also eligible he doesn’t see that percentage changing anytime soon.

He says while it’s understandable to be hesitant about the vaccines, Kanter says to seek out reputable sources like the CDC and the state health department’s website and ask questions of those with knowledge about the vaccines.

Cut 6 (12) “…with them.”

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Early voting in the 5^th Congressional District special election primary to replace Luke Letlow, who died last year of COVID, begins Saturday.

ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Letlow’s wife Julia, a Republican, remains the prohibitive favorite.

Cut 7 (09)  “….side.”

Julia Letlow has a Ph.D. in communications from the University of South Florida, a Bachelors from ULM, and has held administrative positions at Tulane, ULM, and South Florida. She currently lives in Start with her two children.

Election day for the primary is March 20^th and if no candidate wins over 50 percent of the vote a runoff will be held on April 24^th. Stockley seriously doubts this will go to a runoff.

Cut 8 (11) “…election.”

Besides Letlow 11 other candidates are signed up for the 5^th headlined by Democrat Sandra Christophe. Democratic candidates combined for about a third of the vote in last year’s election.

Stockley says Dr. Letlow might be new to politics as a candidate but she is not new to politics as a participant and has impressed on the campaign trail.

Cut 9 (09) “…well.”

Voters in the 2^nd Congressional District can also begin casting ballots in their special election race Saturday.

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DOTD says there’s been significant interest in the long-sought-after I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says he’s very encouraged after receiving 37 letters of interest in a public-private partnership.

Cut 10 (08) “…industry.”

Wilson says there are several steps in the process before construction begins. Next, DOTD will invite those who have shown interest in the bridge project to a meeting to discuss details.

Cut 11 (10) “…teams.”

Then they create a Request for Proposals or an RFP in which interested parties respond with what they will bring to the project and bidders are narrowed down even more.

Wilson says with a private-public partnership it is a revenue risk project where those involved finance the project and could be reimbursed via collections from a toll road.

Cut 12 (08) “…formula. ”

Wilson says they expect the cost of the project to be in the billion-dollar range, but they are searching for partners to bring about innovative cost-effective ways to build and maintain the bridge over time.

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Today the LSU Board of Supervisors will hear a report on the school’s handling of past sexual misconduct cases, specifically regarding football players.

USA Today LSU beat reporter Glenn Guilbeau cautions to temper any expectations the report will be a bombshell. He says the investigating firm, Husch Blackwell, was hired by the school after all…

Cut 13 (10) “…that out.”

Guilbeau says the report could be interesting because many of the people involved in the alleged mishandlings still work at LSU.

Cut 14 (12) “…book.” 

Guilbeau says if the report itself is lacking detail or specifics it will be up to board members to grill investigators for more information…

Cut 15 (07)“…you want.”

The USA Today also uncovered more details about former coach Les Miles’ alleged misconduct involving female student workers. The investigation, which was completed in 2013, alleges Miles was barred from having one-on-one meetings, texting or interactions with student employees after he allegedly took one of the female students to his condo alone and on one occasion allegedly kissed her. Miles strongly denies kissing the girl and said he did nothing wrong.

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The LSU men’s basketball team looks to end the regular season tomorrow with a solid road win at Missouri. A victory would also give the Tigers the three-seed in next week’s SEC Tournament. Coach Will Wade says Mizzou is a big, physical team that features six-foot-ten senior Jeremiah Tillmon…

Cut 16 (08) “…a lot better.”

This could be the final regular-season game for several Tigers. Cam Thomas is expected to be one and done, Trendon Watford could leave after his sophomore season and Darius Days and Javonte Smart could also be heading for the pros after three seasons. Wade says Smart is having his best year at LSU

Cut 17 (15) “….part in the league”.

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The Saints have released 12-year veteran Thomas Morstead the franchise’s best punter. Morstead was more than steady since New Orleans drafted him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. But he did not have a good year by his standards in 2020 and New Orleans needs to free up money to get underneath the salary cap. Morstead thanked the fans during an emotional zoom call with reporters

Cut  18 (17) “…different ways.”

Morstead says he plans to keep punting in the NFL, but New Orleans will remain his home…

Cut 19 (20) “…exceptional.” 

Morstead was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2012 and his average net punt is the second best in the NFL since the statistic first was recorded in 1976. He also made 15 playoff appearances and executed the onside kick to begin the second half in the team’s only Super Bowl victory….

Cut 20  (18) “…done that.”