The Biden Administration announces a 60-day pause in the issuing of new oil and gas leases on federal land and revoked the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline. Associate Director of the Tulane Energy Institute Dr. Eric Smith says Louisiana doesn’t do much drilling on land, but this move makes one thing clear.

Cut 10 (09) “…Administration.”

Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins joins 33 other mayors in calling on President Biden to support sending Americans recurring checks through the end of the pandemic. Perkins says the US economy already didn’t work for half of all Americans and the pandemic has just exacerbated that, and this is a way to help folks out while stimulating the economy.

Cut 7 (09)  “..spend it.”

The City of Bogalusa received welcome news this week when an over $50-million dollar expansion was announced for International Paper. IP is one of the largest employers in the city and the expansion will enhance the mill’s efficiency in the papermaking process. Mayor of Bogalusa Wendy Perrette says she was worried the mill was looking to close when they reduced operations temporarily.

Cut 5 (11) “…effectively.”

Crawfish harvests are expected to pick up steam shortly.  LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley says as for the sales side of crawfish in the pandemic is still likely to keep prices low. Shirley says while the proliferation of drive-thrus really helped last year restaurant, sales will likely remain down.

Cut 14 (09) “…restaurant.” 

The Biden Administration has begun rolling back many of the Trump Administration’s oil and gas policies. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The City of Bogalusa received welcome news this week when an over $50-million-dollar expansion was announced for International Paper. After a trend of paper mills closing over the years in the Washington Parish city, Mayor of Bogalusa Wendy Perrette says it’s welcome news.

Cut 4 (11) “…to stay.”

Crawfish harvests have been slow to start the year with pond temperatures still pretty cool but the season looks set to pick up steam shortly. LSU Ag Center Crawfish Specialist Mark Shirley says while it’s been slow going so far he projects we will have a strong peak crawfish season this year.

Cut 13 (11) “….far away”

On the sales side, the pandemic is still likely to keep prices low.

Public school students in New Orleans will not return to in-person classes next week, due to the average daily number of coronavirus cases in Orleans Parish. School district officials will give an update on the 28^th.

The state is facing hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts for the next fiscal year, barring a significant economic recovery or federal aid. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

A Southeast Louisiana Fire Chief has passed away from COVID-19 complications. Chief Bruce Cutrer, of District #1 in Amite, died Tuesday. Tangipahoa Parish President Robby Miller said Cutrer dedicated his life to the people of the parish for more. Flags are at half-staff in his honor.

Julia Letlow has qualified to run for the 5^th congressional district, the seat that was won by her late husband Luke Letlow, who died of Covid-19 days before he was set to be sworn in. Republican Allen Guillory, who is also running, stated that Letlow taking office could be harmful to her children, but Julia believes it will be beneficial.

Cut 8 (10) “…serve others”

Qualifying ends on Friday.

So far, the most recent Public Affairs Research Council COVID dashboard indicates case numbers are on a downward trend. As for hospitalizations, the third surge well surpassed the second peak over the summer. PAR President Robert Travis Scott says but hospitalizations remain a concern in Lake Charles and Lafayette.

Cut 5  (11) “…facility” 

According to the most recent COVID-19 dashboard from the Public Affairs Research Council, the state is showing a downward trend in the positivity rate for COVI-19 tests. The positivity rate for the state, in the last three days, is 6.4 percent according to the PAR. President Robert Travis Scott says it’s a good indicator.

Cut 4 (12) “…eight weeks.” 

Julia Letlow, Congressman-elect Luke Letlow’s widow, has qualified to run in the special election for the 5^th District Congressional seat Luke won in December. He served as former Congressman Ralph Abraham’s chief of staff.  Julia says she watched how Luke handled himself and learned a lot.

Cut 7 (11) “…make a difference.”

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne warns we will likely face hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts for the fiscal year beginning in July. The Revenue Estimating Conference adopted this forecast ahead of the budget that will be presented in February. Dardenne says unfortunately the budget will have to include cuts to higher ed and healthcare.

Cut 9 (07) “…hit”

Beloved former Baton Rouge news anchor Donna Britt has died. Britt worked at WAFB until Lou Gehrig’s disease forced her to retire in 2018. Britt’s husband Mark Ballard says while most will remember the 62-year-old for talents as a news anchor, Ballard says he remembers a different side of her.

Cut 14 (15) ” life at home.” 

She’s survived by her husband and two children.

Julia Letlow has qualified to run for the 5^th congressional district of Louisiana, the seat that was won by her late husband Luke Letlow, who passed away from COVID days before he was set to be sworn in. Julia, who is an executive administrator at ULM, has never served in public office, but she says she has always had political aspirations.

Cut 6 (14) “..leap of faith”

According to the most recent COVID-19 dashboard from the Public Affairs Research Council, the state is showing a downward trend of cases, positivity rate, and hospitalizations. PAR President Robert Travis Scott says the numbers are encouraging.

Cut 3 (09) “…looking for.”

The most recent dashboard was data from January 7^th through the 20^th. 

The state is facing hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts for the next fiscal year, barring a significant economic recovery or federal aid.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Brittany Brees, wife of Saints Quarter Drew Brees, posted a heartfelt letter of support for her husband on her private Instagram account and said in addition to the QB’s injuries of 11 broken ribs and a collapsed lung, she indicated Brees may have also endured a torn rotator cuff in his shoulder and a torn fascia in his foot this season.

Julia Letlow has qualified to run for the 5^th congressional district, the seat that was won by her late husband Luke Letlow, who died of Covid-19 days before he was set to be sworn in. Republican Allen Guillory, who is also running, stated that Letlow taking office could be harmful to her children, but Julia believes it will be beneficial.

Cut 8 (10) “…serve others”

So far seven candidates have qualified.

Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne warns we will likely face hundreds of millions of dollars in budget cuts for the fiscal year beginning in July. The exact number adopted at the Revenue Estimating Conference was a 228 million dollar drop, but Dardenne says it’s just too early to know what the real number will be given the economy’s volatility, and…

Cut 10 (08) “…enact that”

The most recent Public Affairs Research Council COVID dashboard indicates case numbers are on a downward trend. As for hospitalizations, the third surge well surpassed the second peak over the summer. PAR President Robert Travis Scott says but hospitalizations remain a concern in Lake Charles and Lafayette.

Cut 5  (11) “…facility” 

Former Baton Rouge news anchor Donna Britt passed away early this morning after losing her battle with ALS.  Donna worked for the CBS affiliate, WAFB, from 1980 all the way until 2018 when the illness forced her to retire.  Britt’s husband Mark Ballard…

Cut 12 (11) “…together” 

She was 62.

According to the most recent COVID-19 dashboard from the Public Affairs Research Council, the state is showing a downward trend of cases, positivity rate, and hospitalizations. PAR President Robert Travis Scott says the numbers are encouraging.

Cut 3 (09)  “…looking for.”

The most recent dashboard looked at data from January 7^th through the 20^th. 

Julia Letlow has qualified to run for the 5^th congressional district the seat that was won by her late husband Luke Letlow, who died of Covid-19 days before he was set to be sworn in. Julia, who is an executive administrator at ULM, has never served in public office, but she says she has always had political aspirations.

Cut 6 (14) “…leap of faith.”

Five other candidates have also qualified.

The regular legislative session begins in April and Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland says he still plans to bring a proposal to lawmakers to raise the state’s gasoline tax as an effort to improve highways…
cut 14 (07) “…the table”
McFarland says his proposal would call for a ten-cent gas tax increase in the first year and a gradual increase of another 12-cents through 2033.

A Confederate monument in Lafayette was damaged, with several holes punctured from its head to jaw and half of its nose taken off and missing. It’s not clear when the damage happened to the Confederate Gen. Alfred Mouton statue It was first noticed Tuesday night, but The Daily Advertiser reports authorities were unaware when reporters questioned about it. Police are now investigating the incident.

Julia Letlow has qualified to run for the 5^th congressional district of Louisiana, a seat that was won by her late husband Luke Letlow. Julia says that she has watched how her husband handled himself and learned what it takes to make a difference while in office.

Cut 7 (07) “…public servant.”

Five others have also qualified.

If you’ve been married for 60 or more years, the Louisiana Family Forum wants to hear your story for this year’s Longest Married Couple award

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Qualifying continues today for the two Congressional races that will take place in March. six people have signed up for the 5th district race. Republican Julia Letlow, officially qualified this morning, Democrat Candy Christophe says Julia Letlow’s entrance into the race didn’t deter her from qualifying…

Cut 12 (10) “…lightly.”
Allen Guillory of Opelousas who said he’s concerned Julia Letlow winning would deprive her two young children of both of their parents, He says he told her that…

Cut 13 (09) “….a job.” (2x)
Chad Conerly, Horace Melton III and Sancha Smith have also qualified for the 5^th Congressional District. Christophe is the only Democrat so far.

The election is March 20th and qualifying ends tomorrow.

If you’ve been married for 60 or more years the Louisiana Family Forum wants to hear your story for this year’s Longest Married Couple award. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

Julia Letlow, wife of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow who died of COVID last month, is expected to qualify today to run for the now vacant 5^th Congressional District seat. Matt Doyle spoke to two of her challengers…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

 One Republican lawmaker plans to propose a gas tax when the legislature convenes in April. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

__________________________

The Louisiana Family Forum is now accepting applications for this year’s Longest Married Couple in Louisiana award.

Family Forum President Gene Mills says they’re looking for couples who’ve been married 60 or more years…

Cut 4 (10) “…other”

Gladys and Wallace Menard of Duson won 2020′s competition after staying hitched for 81 years.

Mills says every year the stories behind the winner’s longevity provide some truths that people need to learn.

Cut 5 (08) “…marriages.”

Mills says they get a lot of applications and every year the contest is highly competitive. 

Cut 6 (12) “…champs”

To send in an application yourself, or on behalf of a loved one, visit the Family Forum’s website and fill out some information about the couple’s lives and story.

________________________

Early crops of the state fruit are off to a bright start for 2021, even with the recent cold snaps. LSU AgCenter Agent Mary Helen Ferguson says with the different varieties of strawberries, some Louisiana growers are already harvesting.

Cut 7 (09)  “…temperatures.”

If temperatures drop below sixteen degrees it could potentially put farmers behind four to six weeks.

Ferguson says because of the state’s generally milder temps during the growing season and preferred soil, the harvesting season can begin earlier in Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “…April”

Another reason for the earlier harvest in Louisiana is the variety of strawberries grown here. Ferguson says farmers in the Bayou State are very progressive by growing multiple varieties to extend the season.

Cut 9 (12) “…production.”

Louisiana strawberry farmers start planting their crop in late September early October and are at the height of production from March to May.

.________________________________________________

Wednesday Five candidates signed up to run for the 5^th Congressional District seat left vacant after the shocking death of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow last month from COVID.

The only Democrat in the race so far is a social worker and small businessperson Candy Christophe. She says she’s got the life experience to fight for what working families need.

Cut 10 (11) “…fight”

Christophe nearly made the runoff for the 5^th last year with 16 percent of the vote coming less than a point behind last year’s second-place finisher State Lawmaker Lance Harris, who’s been non-committal about a second run. Democratic candidates combined to win 30 percent of the total vote.

Allen Guillory was one of four Republicans to sign up Wednesday. He says he’s not afraid to speak the truth and says the Capitol Hill Riot shouldn’t have happened, but…

Cut 11 (13) “.direction”

Guillory won seven percent of the vote in the 2020 primary for the 5^th District seat. If elected Guillory vowed to support term limits for Congress.

Letlow’s widow, Julia Letlow, is expected to qualify Thursday and become the instant frontrunner. Christophe says that isn’t changing her plans.

Cut 12 (11) “.lightly.”

Guillory endorsed Luke Letlow last year in the runoff but says he’s concerned Julia Letlow winning would deprive Julia’s two children of both of their parents. He says he told her…

Cut 13 (09) “….a job”

______________________

A Republican lawmaker is proposing a gasoline tax and sweeping reforms in the operation of the DOTD  so more funds can be directed towards repairing state roads and bridges. Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland, Government Reform in Transportation Act also known as GRIT, adds a ten-cent gas tax the first year, raising $300 million in potential revenue and…

Cut 14 (07) “…the table.” 

After the first year, an additional two cents would be added on gasoline every other year until 2033, it would then total 22 cents higher than the current 20 cents.

The bill also requires an initial DOTD forensic audit and annual oversight of how the department spends its existing funds to ensure compliance.

McFarland says in the past he’s voted against a gas tax increase but as a businessman who’s losing money in transportation costs, he’s added reform and audit measures to the proposal, so spending is more transparent.

Cut 15 (08)“…longer.”

McFarland says the Bayou State has the seventh-lowest gas tax in the nation and once the additional full 22-cents is added…

Cut 16 (11) “…gas tax”

The GRIT Act earmarks 60-percent of revenue for maintenance of existing state roads and bridges and 40-percent towards capacity projects including a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge.

The race is officially on to replace the outgoing Cedric Richmond as Louisiana’s second district Congressional member. Jeff Palermo has more…

cut 2 (37) ….I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Mindy McConnell a Libertarian and Jenette Porter a Democrat, both of New Orleans have also qualified for the second district.

The state reported 2,536 new COVID-19 cases and 59 fatalities today.

The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the fatal shooting of a teenager. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodaux says the shooting took place during the overnight hours.

Cut 15 (10) “…Opelousas” 

Thibodaux says the investigation is ongoing and no other information is being released.

The drawing for tonight’s Powerball, the longest-running in history with 36 draws reaches the fourth-largest jackpot in the game’s history at 730 million. Louisiana Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says even though no one’s hit the Jackpot since last fall, always check your numbers, while it might not be the jackpot it could still be a winning ticket.

Cut 8 (12) “…one number”

Chopin recommends the Louisiana Lottery App to check your numbers.