Louisiana is 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.”

In a town hall discussion streamed on the Advocate newspaper’s websites, Governor Edwards hinted he may loosen COVID restrictions on businesses next week as new coronavirus cases and hospitalizations continue to decline. But Edwards also said he remains concerned about another spike because of the U-K variant.

Louisiana is known for its live music, but since the pandemic started live music has not been allowed indoors. Johnny Blancher owns the Rock’n Bowl in Lafayette and has tried to tell the governor’s office there is technology available that can keep the air free of COVID-19…
cut 6 (10) “….COVID-19”
Blancher believes the COVID restrictions have resulted in many talented musicians leaving the state.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says they’ve cited 12 subjects over the last six weeks for alleged illegal deer hunting activity in St. Landry Parish off of Interstate 49. LDWF spokesperson Adam Einck says two of the men were arrested…
cut 11 (07) “…at night”
Brandon Buller and Toni LeBleu were the two men arrested. Hunting deer during illegal hours could result in a 900-dollar fine and possible jail time.

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 in Lafayette and New Orleans, Johnny Blancher says not only is the pandemic destroying his businesses it’s also eroding the state’s rich music culture.
Cut 4 (09)“…Louisiana.”
Under current coronavirus restrictions, live music is not allowed indoors.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the budget plan his administration will present to state lawmakers today will feature no cuts despite economic damage caused by the pandemic. Edwards says federal coronavirus aid has put the state’s finances in a better place than many people thought…
Cut 7 (09) “…so bright.”
Edwards budget proposal also calls for a 400-dollar raise for teachers.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement has cited a dozen people for alleged illegal deer hunting activity in St. Landry Parish. LWDF spokesperson Adam Einck says their investigation started on January 12th when they received a tip of people hunting from their vehicle off of the interstate.
Cut 10 (07) “…I-49.”
And they were also hunting at night.

The F-D-A is expected to grant emergency approval to the one-shot Johnson and Johnson vaccine today. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says it’s possible the state could receive 37-thousand J-and-J doses next week, in addition to 52-thousand more Pfzier vaccines and 45-thousand Moderna doses. 593-thousand Louisianans have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and Kanter says that number will grow quickly…
cut 14 (11) “…exciting”

The governor’s proposed budget gets introduced to state lawmakers today and it includes a 400-dollar pay raise for teachers and no budget cuts. There was a concern the state would face a massive budget shortfall but Governor Edwards says federal coronavirus aid has helped the budget picture…
cut 9 (02) “…bright news’

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.
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New Orleans is easing COVID-19 restrictions today. Gatherings of up to 75 people will be allowed indoors and 150 people outdoors. Social distancing and mask mandates still apply.

In north Louisiana, last week roads were covered with ice, today residents there will deal with thunderstorms and rain.

State officials say Louisiana will receive its largest COVID vaccination shipment next week as they expect to receive 98-thousand doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and potentially 34-thousand Johnson and Johnson one-dose shot vaccines. About one-point-five million Louisianans are eligible to receive a vaccine and state health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says that will allow for a large-scale vaccine clinic…
cut 15 (08) “….supply yet”

The Edwards administration will present state lawmakers today with a proposed budget for next fiscal year and because of federal aid and an economy that’s improving, Governor Edwards is optimistic they can increase funding for higher ed and K-through-12 education…
cut 8 (07) “…dollars”
Lawmakers will debate the budget in the upcoming regular session.

The state department of wildlife and fisheries says they’ve cited 12 individuals and arrested two others as the result of a large-scale illegal deer hunting investigation in St. Landry Parish. L-D-W-F spokesperson Adam Einck says their investigation started after receiving a report that someone was hunting from a vehicle off of I-49….
cut 12 (12) “…related”
The two people arrested have been identified as 28-year-old Brandon Buller of Ville Platte and 22-year-old Tori LeBleu of Ville Platte. Buller faces 20-counts each of hunting deer during illegal hours and hunting from a moving vehicle.

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is challenging President Joe Biden to live without petroleum products…
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Higgins has introduced a resolution that calls on the President to remove the White House from the electric grid and install windmills on the South Lawn. The president’s energy policy calls for carbon neutrality by 2050 as a way to battle global warming.

State health officials say about 14-percent of Louisiana residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine and health experts believe the pandemic will be under control once 70 to 80 percent of the population is vaccinated. New Orleans-based data analyst Jeff Asher says that’s still many months away…
cut 6 (08) “….population (2x)

The Advocate and USA Today both have published reports that former LSU football coach Les Miles was accused of sexual harassment of student workers. The Advocate reports an investigation was conducted in 2013. LSU beat reporter for the USA Today Network Glen Guilbeau…
cut 8 (10) “…Duke”
Husch Blackwell is expected to release a report next month on how LSU handled sexual misconduct cases from 2016 to 2018.

Crawfish producers are hoping last week’s deep freeze was not detrimental to the crawfish population and warmer temps will enable them to bounce back. Wild crawfish fisherman Jody Meche of Henderson…
cut 14 (10) “….ok”

USA Today and The Advocate uncover allegations that former LSU Football coach Les Miles was investigated for sexual harassment of student workers. The report says an outside law firm conducted the investigation in 2013. USA Today sports writer Glenn Guilbeau says his employer is 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.

Some Republicans believe Senator Bill Cassidy’s reputation took a hit when he voted to impeach former President Donald Trump. But Cassidy says he’s at peace with his vote…
cut 21 (10) “…the consequences”

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.”

The cold weather last week resulted in a significant decline in available crawfish to eat. Wild Crawfish Fisherman Jody Meche of Henderson describes the situation…
cut 13 (11) “…considerably”

New Orleans-based data analyst Jeff Asher says about half of the state’s population 70 and older have received at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine. Asher says 12-percent of the state’s population has been vaccinated and that percentage could increase quickly once Johnson and Johnson’s vaccine receives FDA approval…
cut 5 (07) “….safe”

Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is challenging the Biden Administration to live life without using products that the oil and gas industry helps develop. He says you can’t…
cut 11 (12) “….wearing”
President Biden is pushing for a 100-percent carbon-free energy sector by 2035.

The USA Today and The Advocate report that former LSU Football coach Les Miles allegedly sexually harassed student workers during his time in Baton Rouge…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Crowley Police Chief Jimmy Broussard is facing malfeasance and obstruction of justice charges. Broussard was booked into the Acadia Parish Jail and released a short time later. His attorney says Broussard is not guilty of these crimes. Broussard is accused of intentionally performing duties in an unlawful manner and tampering with evidence.

Congressman Clay Higgins has filed a resolution challenging 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.
Cut 10 (10) “…industry.”
The President is pushing a goal of a 100-percent carbon-free energy sector by 2025.

In 2013, Les Miles, who was the football coach at LSU at the time, reportedly sexually harassed a student worker. The Advocate reports Miles reached a settlement with the student. Miles attorneys deny the claim. USA Today Network Reporter Glen Guilbeau says a private firm is investigating about 60 different sexual misconduct cases that the school may not have acted properly on…
cut 9 (05) “…to come”

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 this vital milestone…
Cut 1 (29) “…Matt Doyle.”

Governor Edwards holds a COVID-19 briefing today at 2 PM.