Three-term Louisiana legislator from Baton Rouge Steve Carter has died from complications of Covid-19. A family spokesperson made the announcement last night saying Carter passed at 7:30. Carter had recently ran for Mayor/President but was defeated by incumbent Sharon Broome. Carter was a republican who represented House District 68 for 3 terms. He had been hospitalized with the virus for the past 3 weeks.
Boating crash incidents and boating-related fatalities increased by twenty percent in 2020. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says the pandemic has caused an increase in the number of boaters out on the water.
Cut 11 (10) “….safe manner.”

President Biden is expected to announce a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle spoke with Senator Bill Cassidy about the decision…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Today marks five months since Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana causing massive damage and the rebuild is far from complete. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s asked President Joe Biden and Congress to approve an additional three-billion dollars in assistance.
The governor made a similar request with the Trump administration, but it was never fulfilled.

The Biden Administration is expected to issue a yearlong moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses for federal lands and waters.
Senator Bill Cassidy blasted the move. He says it will destroy Louisiana jobs and not help solve the world’s greenhouse gas emission problem.
Cut 4 (09)“…here.”
Today marks five months since Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana causing massive damage and the rebuild is far from complete. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s asked President Joe Biden and Congress to approve an additional three-billion dollars in assistance
Cut 7 (11) “…agricultural losses.”
Boating related incidents and fatalities increased by 20-percent in 2020, Brooke Thorington spoke with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about the increase.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

President Biden is expected to announce a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle spoke with Senator Bill Cassidy about the decision…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has asked President Joe Biden to push Congress to approve three-billion dollars in funding to help with recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Boating related incidents and fatalities increased by 20-percent in 2020, Brooke Thorington spoke with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about the increase.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Biden Administration is expected to issue a yearlong moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses for federal lands and waters.

Senator Bill Cassidy blasted the move. He says it will destroy Louisiana jobs and not help solve the world’s greenhouse gas emission problem.

Cut 4 (09)“…here.”

The Biden Administration also revoked the permit for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline, a move that will cost a reported 11,000 jobs.

Cassidy says reducing American production of fossil fuels will hurt our international standing and strengthen America’s rivals.

Cut 5 (05) “…example.”

The American petroleum institute estimates about 22 percent of all American oil and 12 percent of all American gas production occurs on federal lands and waters.

The Biden Administration says the move is vital to helping the country limit global warming but Cassidy says if cleaner burning and produced American fuel isn’t available countries will turn to dirtier options…

Cut 6 (10) “…energy.”

One of the first moves the new administration made was rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement by member countries to become carbon neutral by 2050.

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Today marks five months since Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana causing massive damage and the rebuild is far from complete. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s asked President Joe Biden and Congress to approve an additional three-billion dollars in assistance

Cut 7 (11)  “…agricultural losses.”

The governor made a similar request with the Trump administration, but it was never fulfilled. Edwards says the community block grant funding would help storm victims pay for repairs to their homes, strengthen a person’s home from future storms and also create affordable rental housing.

Edwards says President Biden has told him he understands what the needs are in southwest Louisiana and they also have an ally in former Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond, who serves as the President’s advisor

Cut 8 (10) “…deledation.”

An estimated 47-thousand homes in 21 parishes were damaged by Hurricane Laura. Edwards says they still have 684 evacuees living in hotels in New Orleans and Lafayette…

Cut 9 (14) “…as well.”

Despite the struggles, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter believes the recovery is ahead of schedule, based on the conversations he’s had with other mayors who have dealt with major natural disasters

Cut 10 (13) “…today.”

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Boating crash incidents and boating-related fatalities increased by twenty percent in 2020. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says the pandemic has caused an increase in the number of boaters out on the water.

Cut 11 (10) “….safe manner.”

In 2020 the state recorded 162 incidents compared to 135 in 2019 and 24 fatalities last year an increase of four from 2019.

So far in 2021 three boating fatalities have been reported which includes two 15-year old boys in Caldwell Parish. The operator of the boat has been charged with vehicular homicide and operating a vessel while intoxicated.

Einck says while they haven’t seen a trend for the uptick of boating incidents, they do however equate the increase to more traffic on the waterways. As for fatalities, they do see a common thread.

Cut 12 (10) “…your life.”

Of the 24 fatalities last year 20 were recovered without lifejackets. Einck says anyone 16 years of age or younger is required to wear a lifejacket. He says they make a variety of personal floatation devices so invest in one that you’ll wear.

Cut 13 (05) “….I feel.”

LDWF says in 2020, four of the 24 boating fatalities involved alcohol. Nationwide alcohol is the leading contributor to fatal boating accidents, causing 19 percent of all boating deaths.

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Beginning next week Louisiana will receive 67,350 COVID vaccine doses, an increase of almost 16 percent. President Joe Biden announced an overhaul to the Federal distribution of COVID vaccines Tuesday. Since taking office last week the administration has been working to increase vaccine availability to meet the strong demand from states.

Cut 14 (09) “…10-million doses.” 

It’s all part of Biden’s goal to vaccine 1.5 million Americans daily, an increase of a half a million from his previously announced initiative. The number of vaccines distributed is based on population.

Cut 15 (11)“…anticipated.”

Biden also says after complaints from both democrat and republican governors and inconsistencies in distribution, they are increasing transparency with the vaccine distribution so states can plan ahead for vaccine rollout.

Cut 16 (10) “…going to get.”

Biden’s official goal on administering vaccines still remains at 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office, which equates to 50 million being fully vaccinated with two doses. According to the CDC as of Tuesday 3.3 million Americans have received two doses of the vaccines.

Articles of Impeachment against former President Donald Trump have been delivered to the US Senate. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is about to call the purple and gold home. It’s official Jones will be LSU’s new Defensive Coordinator. Coach Ed Orgeron says Jones came highly recommended by the Tigers’ former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who is now at Baylor. The Bayou State is familiar to Jones after coaching at Nicholls State and two high schools in Louisiana.

Ochsner Health System had to cancel and will have to reschedule 21,400 COVID vaccine appointments after discovering they’d be getting less vaccine supply than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says they will begin rescheduling people for their first dose as they receive new supply, but…

Cut 6 (12) “…dose”

Entergy CEO David Ellis says there are three reasons many customers have seen an increase in their most recent bill. Energy consumption was up 20-percent on average in December, natural gas prices increased 12-percent and the billing cycle was 35 days. Ellis says if you are having difficulty paying your bill call and discuss a payment program. Also, another option is levelized billing.

Cut 14 (12) “…same amount.” 

Ochsner Health System had to cancel and will have to reschedule more than 21 thousand COVID vaccine appointments after discovering they’d be getting less vaccine supply than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says they’re getting less vaccine supply allocated to them by the state than expected, but it’s not the state government’s fault…

Cut 7 (07) “…Louisiana”

Thomas says they will begin rescheduling people for their first dose as they receive a new supply.

LSU is reportedly close to hiring Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s next defensive coordinator.  Head coach Ed Orgeron joined “Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert” on 104.5 ESPN this morning and says if the process continues to go well, he plans to have the entire defensive staff completed very soon.

Cut 5  (11) “..pretty soon.” 

The state reports 2,654 COVID-19 cases and 31 fatalities today. Hospitalizations had been declining but went up by 8 today to 1,646. The peak was 2,069 on January 7^th.  Just over 311-thousand vaccine doses have been administered in the state.

Only 49 percent of Ocshner system staff have been vaccinated despite being eligible to be vaccinated for several weeks. They are waiting on additional supply.

Ochsner Health System had to cancel and will have to reschedule 21,400 COVID vaccine appointments after discovering they’d be getting less vaccine supply than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says they will begin rescheduling people for their first dose as they receive new supply, but…

Cut 6 (12) “…dose”

LSU Head coach Ed Orgeron says they are close to hiring Minnesota Vikings Defensive Back coach Daronte Jones, Orgeron was on “Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert on 104.5 ESPN” this morning and says even though former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda is now at Baylor, they still talk and Aranda recommended Jones.

Cut 4 (14) “…outstanding job for us.” 

A report from the Legislative Auditor finds the state’s air quality has improved since 2008 but the Department of Environmental Quality has problems cracking down on air quality violators in a timely manner. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 in the state have dropped to the lowest level since late December, that’s prior to the post-holiday season surge we experienced when the state hit a record high. On Monday the health department reported 1,638 hospitalized with COVID, that’s a decline of 431 since the peak of 2,069 on Jan. 7.

Only 49 percent of Ochsner system staff have been vaccinated despite being eligible to be vaccinated for several weeks. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says one of the most common concerns they’re hearing is coming from younger workers who are concerned the vaccine will impact their fertility.

Cut 11 (12) “…about that.”

LSU is surveying students and staff to gauge interest in a potential campus COVID-19 vaccination program. LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard and so far, it appears that vaccine compliance rates might be pretty good at LSU: Ballard says the sentinel mandatory and random COVID testing program is seeing high levels of compliance.

Cut 6 (09) “…living in.

Enrollment at Louisiana Public Schools is down two percent. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the decline in enrollment is on par with other states.

Cut 7 (16) “…season.”

The two-percent decline equates to 17-thousand students and at least half of those students are pre-k and kindergarten ages.

There are reports that LSU will hire Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s next defensive coordinator.  Head coach Ed Orgeron joined Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert on 104.5 ESPN and he says that although nothing is finalized, he likes where they’re at in the process.

Cut 3 (12)  “…tolerate it.”

Enrollment at Louisiana Public Schools is down two percent. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says many fail to understand the importance of pre-kindergarten and kindergarten to prepare students for elementary education, he’s worried the decline in enrollment will put them further behind.
Cut 9 (11) “…ready”
Brumley says he is confident that more families will have their children return to the classroom when all systems can safely resume face-to-face instruction.
Only 49 percent of Ochsner system staff have been vaccinated despite being eligible to be vaccinated for several weeks. Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says some staff are concerned about how quickly the vaccine was developed. He says they’re trying to teach the staff the speed was in part due to how easy it was to find test subjects.
Cut 12 (10) “…work”

A Legislative Auditors report on the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality shows the state making progress in the fight against pollution but raises concerns about regulatory enforcement.
DEQ spokesperson Greg Langley says one complaint in the report is the amount of time it takes to issue enforcement actions against air quality violators has more than doubled since 2008, and DEQ doesn’t keep up with whether pollution fines are being paid once issued. Langley disagrees with many of those conclusions…
Cut 15 (10)“…arm”

The report concludes that a large part of the department’s problem is due to low staffing, including a 15 percent decline in air quality monitoring positions since 2008, high workloads, and frequent staff turnover.

There are reports that LSU has finally found a defensive coordinator Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is expected to become the Tigers new defensive coordinator.

Enrollment is down by 17,000 at Louisiana Public Schools half of those are pre-K and Kindergarten students. Brooke Thorington has more on why school officials are worried.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

Only 49 percent of Ochsner system staff have been vaccinated despite being eligible to be vaccinated for several weeks.
Ochsner Chief Medical Officer Dr. Robert Hart says one of the most common concerns they are hearing is coming from younger workers who are concerned the vaccine will impact their fertility.
Cut 11 (12) “….about that”

A Legislative Auditors report on the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality shows the state making progress in the fight against pollution but raises concerns about regulatory enforcement.
The report raises concerns with how long it takes DEQ to process self-monitoring reports from state polluters and staying on top of industries to submit those reports. Spokesperson Greg Langley.
Cut 14 (10) “…risk.”

LSU is surveying students and staff to gauge interest in a potential campus COVID-19 vaccination program.
LSU spokesperson Ernie Ballard says they’ve emailed all 32,000 students and 5,500 employees…
Cut 4 (06) “…campus.”

Just over half of all Ochsner system staff have not taken the vaccine yet. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

There are reports that LSU has finally found a defensive coordinator. Bruce Feldman with the Athletic reports that Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is expected to become the Tigers new defensive coordinator. He’s spent the last five seasons coaching defensive backs with the Vikings, Bengals and Dolphins.

Enrollment at Louisiana Public Schools is down two percent. State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the two-percent decline equates to 17-thousand students and at least half of those students are pre-kindergarten and kindergarten ages. Brumley says he’s worried having those students, in particular, out of the classroom is going to hurt literacy rates.
Cut 8 (12) “…do better.”

A Legislative Auditors report on the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality shows the state making progress in the fight against pollution but raises concerns about regulatory enforcement.
Since 2008 the report notes we have seen a 75 percent decline in poor air quality days a year, down to 3.6. DEQ spokesperson Greg Langley says we have also met other benchmarks.
Cut 13 (11) “….parishes”