Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion its receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access. The funding is designated to be used for COVID-related expenses and Deshotel says some 200-thousand students need internet sooner than later.

Cut 10 (11) “…future.” 

State officials say there is a critical need for blood donation in Louisiana right now due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. Governor Edwards asks if you have a regularly scheduled blood donation appointment see if you’re able to move it up to today or this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now” 

You can call 2-1-1 to find a donation center near you.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation. Roughly 1.5 million Louisianans are now eligible to receive a vaccine. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this will make it much easier to get your appointment.

Cut 15 (08)“…supply yet.”

The state reports 898 new COVID-19 cases and 26 new fatalities. Hospitalizations continue to fall, currently the state reports 651.

The Edwards Administration presents its budget for the next fiscal year this morning to the Joint Budget Committee. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

A Caddo Parish man faces numerous criminal charges related to the January 6^th riot on the nation’s capital. 27-year-old Cody Connell of Vivian and his cousin Daniel Adams of Texas pleaded not guilty in Federal court Friday. Among the charges assaulting a federal officer.  Connell posted videos of himself and his cousin at the Capitol on social media according to the FBI complaint.

Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, its largest weekly allocation to date. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 52-thousand Pfizer doses, 45-thousand Moderna doses, and if Johnson and Johnson receives federal approval today as expected…
Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is easier to transport and store than the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines.

One of the owners of Rock ‘n Bowl Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blancher says the pandemic has crippled his business and his venue is prepared to bring live music back and he has a safe and proven way to do so but his efforts to meet with the Governor’s office about it have hit a sour note.

Cut 5 (10)“…access.”

Blancher also says the state is losing talented musicians that have left for other states due to lack of work.

A music venue owner says there’s a safe air filtration invention that will safely allow live music in Louisiana but he’s not being heard. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…Brooke Thorington.”

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The Edwards Administration presents its budget for the next fiscal year today at 1:30 PM to the Joint Budget Committee. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana looks set to receive its largest-ever weekly allocation of COVID vaccines next week. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m  Matt Doyle.”  

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One of the owners of Rock ‘n Bowl Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blanchard says not only is the pandemic destroying his businesses it’s also eroding the state’s rich music culture.

Cut 4 (09)“…Louisiana.”

Blancher says his venue is prepared to bring live music back and he has a safe and proven way to do so but his efforts to meet with the Governor’s office about it have hit a sour note.

Cut 5 (10)“…access.”

Blanchaer says the method he wants to use to assist with the pandemic is currently being used on airlines and he’s tried to present the technology to state officials in an effort to help live music return safely.

Cut 6 (10) “…COVID-19.”

He also believes COVID restrictions are also causing us to lose talented musicians that have left the state to find work. Blancher fears they will not return the longer we wait to bring back live music in Louisiana.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says the budget that his administration will present today to the Legislature will feature no cuts despite economic damage caused by the pandemic.

Governor Edwards says that’s because the state is still benefiting from the CARES Act and increased federal support for Medicaid.

Cut 7 (09)  “…so bright.”

The budget does not include the over 100 million dollars in loans the state owes the federal government due to the depletion of the unemployment insurance trust fund.

Edwards says they managed to find the money to increase funding for higher education and K-12.

Cut 8 (07) “…dollars.”

TOPS will also see an increase in funding due to increased student eligibility for the program.

Edwards says the budget does not take into consideration any additional federal aid.

Cut 9 (08) “…funding.”

Congressional Democrats proposed a 1.9 trillion dollar American Rescue Plan that includes 350 billion dollars in state aid.

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement has cited a number of people for alleged illegal deer hunting activity in St. Landry Parish. LWDF spokesperson Adam Einck says enforcement received a tip on January 12^th of people hunting from their vehicle off the interstate near Ville Platte.

Cut 10 (07) “…I-49.”

Einck says they arrested Brannon Buller and Toni Le Blue, both of Ville Platte for a number of hunting violations, which include tagging another person’s deer and hunting without a license.

Cut 11 (07) “…at night.”

Logan Morrison and Holden Ledger both of Ville Platte were also cited for hunting during illegal hours and from a public road and moving vehicle.

Cut 12 (12) “…related ”

Agents also cited eight others for buying deer meat illegally from Buller.

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Next week Louisiana will potentially receive 134,000 doses of COVID vaccine, the state’s largest-ever weekly allocation.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they expect to receive 52,650 Pfizer doses, 45,000 Moderna doses, and if Johnson and Johnson receives approval today as is expected…

Cut 13 (06) “…doses.”

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine is reportedly much easier to transport and store than Moderna and Pfizer and J&J only requires one shot as opposed to a two-shot sequence.

Nearly 600,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. Kanter says that number is set to start growing at a much faster rate.

Cut 14 (11) “…exciting.” 

Reports estimate that with vaccine rollout ramping up the United States could reach COVID herd immunity sometime in late summer/early fall.

Roughly 1.5 million Louisianans are now eligible to receive a vaccine. Kanter says this will make it much easier to get your appointment.

Cut 15 (08)“…supply yet.”

Recently teachers and those 55 and older with certain medical conditions gained vaccine eligibility.

______________________________________

The LSU baseball team is 3-1 after the first week of play and has shown the ability to put up runs.  Freshman outfielder Dylan Crews has been a bright spot so far, batting .444 with 2 homeruns through the first four games.  Coach Paul Mainieri says he’s not surprised by Crews’ early success.

Cut 16 (16) “…confident in himself.”

While Crews seems to have made an easy transition, he says that the atmosphere has been the biggest surprise so far.

Cut 17 (12) “…crazy.”

Even though he’s still adjusting to the crowds. Crews said it was the Tiger faithful that made him want to come to Baton Rouge.

Cut  18 (11) “…feel the welcome.”

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Louisiana Tech will play baseball on campus for the first time in over two years when they host a weekend series against Southern in J.C. Love Field at Pat Patterson Park.  Coach Lane Burroughs says his team is excited to play in the new ballpark.

Cut 19 (11) “…your own home.” 

No fans will be allowed in the stadium this weekend because not everything is finished.  Burroughs is hopeful that fans can enjoy a game soon.

Cut 20  (11) “…get those things.” 

A study out of LSU shows in the nearly 50 years since the Clean Water Act’s passage the Mississippi River has seen a tremendous improvement in water quality. Coastal Sciences Professor Eugene Turner says the Act’s environmental regulations limiting what you could dump into US waterways worked wonders…

Cut 3 (11)  “…amazing.” 

Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted against the nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the country’s new Energy Secretary. Bill Cassidy told Granholm during her confirmation hearing that President Joe Biden’s plans to move away from fossil fuels to green energy are a job killer…

Cut 12 (12) “ …form though.” 

Granholm as confirmed 64 to 35.

The number of deaths in Louisiana linked to last week’s historic winter weather has increased to six. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is encouraging people to report any property damage sustained during the winter weather last week in hopes of receiving federal funding by going to damage.la.gov and filling out a survey.  Now you can complete a survey through text or by dialing 211.

During his weekly COVID update, Governor Edwards urged residents to donate blood after many hospitals are noting a shortage of blood supply. He also announced that he’s budgeted for a small pay raise for teachers and support staff in the state.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is encouraging people to report damage sustained during last week’s winter weather in hopes of receiving federal funding by going to damage.la.gov You can also report it via text or by dialing 211. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele says that this survey is important in determining what type of damage Louisiana residents are dealing with.

Cut 11 (13) “…across the state.”

Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted against the nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the country’s new Energy Secretary as they continue to push back on President Biden’s executive order against new drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Biden told Granholm that oil and gas will still be produced, it will just happen in other countries… Senator Bill Cassidy responded

Cut 14 (07) “…destroy jobs here” 

Granholm was confirmed 64-35

Research data of the Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine appears as if the third offering will be given emergency use authorization from the FDA. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says data indicates the J & J vaccine is 66 percent effective.

Cut 7 (09) “…to do”

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says it’s possible the state could receive the third vaccine as early as next week.

This afternoon State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said if the Johnson and Johnson vaccine receives emergency use approval from the FDA the state could begin receiving the J& J vaccine as early as next week. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says this one-dose vaccine is showing positive results.

Cut 6 (13) “…about.”

During Governor Edwards briefing this afternoon he along with Dr. Kanter made a plea for those able to donate blood to give the gift of life as several hospitals are noting blood shortages. Dr. Kanter also shared that his wife is expecting and will be getting her first COVID vaccine tomorrow, in an effort to encourage other pregnant women to be vaccinated now that they are eligible for the vaccine in Louisiana.

Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted against the nomination of former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm as the country’s new Energy Secretary. Granholm told the Senate Energy committee that incentives for companies looking to produce green energy can help create thousands of jobs to offset the ones lost as the country moves away from fossil fuel production…

Cut 13 (13)“…next week.”

During the hearing, Bill Cassidy said learning that President Joe Biden’s plans to move away from fossil fuels to green energy is a job killer.

An LSU study shows since the Clean Water Act’s passage in 192 the Mississippi River has seen a vast improvement in water quality. Coastal Sciences Professor Eugene Turner says before the 70s there was so much waste,  that waterways like the Mississippi River had become highly toxic…

Cut 4 (11) “…decays” 

LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says the data on the Johnson and Johnson offering in the fight against COVID looks promising. While the other two vaccines are two doses the J & J vaccine is one dose. Lopez says it looks just as good as the others.

Cut 8 (11) “…approved.”

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is encouraging people to report any property damage sustained during the winter weather last week in hopes of receiving federal funding by going to damage.la.gov and you can also report it via text or by dialing 211. GOHSEP spokesperson Mike Steele explains what type of information they’re looking for.

Cut 10 (12) “…provide” 

An LSU study broke down the impacts of the Clean Water Act on the Mississippi River’s water quality nearly 50 years after its enactment. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

The state reports 779 new COVID-19 cases today and 33 new fatalities from the virus. More than 332-thousand have completed their two-dose vaccines in Louisiana and 679 people are currently hospitalized in the state with COVID. Governor Edwards will hold a briefing today at 2:30.

More data is being released about Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine as they hope to become the third option seeking FDA emergency use approval in the COVID pandemic. LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine Professor Dr. Fred Lopez says this one-dose vaccine is hopeful.

Cut 6 (13) “…about”

Congressman Clay Higgins issued a challenge to the Biden Administration to operate without the use of any oil and gas energy or petroleum-based products. In doing so Higgins wants to bring attention to the importance of the industry that is a staple of Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 10 (10) “…industry.”

The President is pushing for a 100-percent carbon-free energy sector by 2025.

50 percent of the 70 and older population in Louisiana has received at least one dose of their COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has more on the achievement of this vital milestone…

Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

Military Veterans who are eligible to be vaccinated can receive their dose of the COVID vaccine at the Houma Community Based Outpatient Clinic this weekend. The event is sponsored by the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System. For information visit neworleans.va.gov

50 percent of the 70 and older population in Louisiana has received at least one dose of their COVID vaccine. Matt Doyle has more on the achievement of this vital milestone…

Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

Reports by USA Today and The Advocate reveal allegations that former LSU Football coach Les Miles sexually harassed student workers during his time in Baton Rouge. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

To highlight the importance of the oil and gas industry a Louisiana Congressman issues a challenge to the Biden Administration.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________

According to New Orleans-based data analyst, Jeff Asher over half of Louisianans 70-years-old and older are estimated to have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine so far.

Nearly 70 percent of all COVID-related deaths have come from that age group and Asher says due to this we could see a permanent, significant reduction in new COVID deaths.

Cut 4 (10)“…seeing.”

12 percent of the total population in Louisiana has been vaccinated.

Asher says the new, faster pace of vaccinations may mean we won’t experience a fourth wave of the pandemic especially given the seemingly imminent approval of Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine.

Cut 5 (07)“…safe.”

New COVID cases and COVID-related hospitalizations have fallen by about seventy percent since the all-time peak in early January.

Authorities believe the pandemic will be under control once 70 to 80 percent of the population is vaccinated, but Asher says that’s still many months away…

Cut 6 (08) “…population (x2)”

According to the Louisiana Department of Health COVID Dashboard, 60 percent of those vaccinated so far have been women.

________________________

USA Today and The Advocate uncover allegations that former LSU Football head coach Les Miles sexually harassed student workers during his time running the program.

The allegations were detailed in a 2013 investigation ordered by LSU and conducted by an outside firm. USA Today sports writer Glenn Guilbeau says they are suing to get access to the full report, but so far…

Cut 7 (10)  “…the law.”

Miles’ attorneys say the report should remain confidential because disclosure would cause Miles to suffer “serious injury to his reputation and personal life” and “irreparable loss.”

USA Today reports LSU deemed Miles’ behavior inappropriate but the coach faced no public repercussions. Guilbeau says LSU has a history of covert behavior…

Cut 8 (10) “…Duke.”

The Advocate reports Miles offered a secret settlement to an LSU student who accused him of “hitting on her”, but Miles’ attorney said that a description of a settlement is discernibly incomplete and inaccurate.

LSU has hired a private firm to investigate about 60 different sexual misconduct cases involving the school from 2016 to 2018 and the US Department of Education is also investigating the school…

Cut 9 (05) “…to come.”

Miles coached at LSU from 2005 until 2016 when he was fired for football-related reasons and now coaches at Kansas.

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Congressman Clay Higgins issued a challenge to the Biden Administration to operate without the use of any oil and gas energy or petroleum-based products. In doing so Higgins wants to bring attention to the importance of the industry that is a staple of Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 10 (10) “…industry.”

Higgins says many people don’t realize that everyday products contain petroleum and restriction on the oil and gas and petroleum industry impact items beyond gasoline.

Cut 11 (12) “…wearing.”

Higgins says the oil and gas industry is the cleanest and most efficient in the US, compared to other countries, and with our dependence on products from the fossil fuel industry, bans from the Biden Administration are not logical.

Cut 12 (06) “…live it.”

The Biden Administration says these restrictions on domestic oil and gas production are key to helping the country hit carbon neutrality by 2050, thus limiting catastrophic levels of future global temperature increase.

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Last week’s winter storm didn’t only impact the power grid and water systems in the state it also slowed down the crawfish industry. Wild Crawfish Fisherman Jody Meche says the cold temps reduced the number of crustaceans that could be harvested.

Cut 13 (11) “…considerably.”

But Meche is hopeful that the freeze was too detrimental to the crawfish population that that warmer temps will enable them to bounce back.

Cut 14 (10) “…ok.” 

Meche says crawfish are pretty resilient and he’s optimistic that the industry will rebound quickly, and we’ll have a plentiful crop and everyone can still enjoy the crawfish boils this year.

Cut 15 (11)“…you know.”

Utilities reported to the Public Service Commission this morning on last week’s winter storm response. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy responds to the State GOP’s decision to censure him over his vote to convict former President Donald Trump. Cassidy says he’s taken a lot heat for the decision, but also received a lot of support.

Cut 10 (11) “…went into it” 

It is not mandatory to send your child to kindergarten in Louisiana, but Chairman of the Senate Education Committee Senator Cleo Fields is filing legislation to change that. Fields wants children to learn sooner than later.

Cut 4 (11) “…first grade.” 

Fields then wants to work towards making Pre-K mandatory.

A former well-known Monroe staple passed away Monday at the age of 72. Shirley was the sole elephant at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo for 22 years after she arrived in 1977.  As requirements changed for keeping elephants in captivity, Zoo Director Tom Pearson says they opted to let Shirley retire in 1999.

Cut 12 (12) “…years.”