Governor Edwards further expands the list of those eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those deemed essential workers in a number of different jobs, over 20 in total, can now apply. That includes grocery store workers, IT workers, clergy, postal workers, those in the hotel industry, manufacturing, and many more.

Former LSU President F. King Alexander gets ten weeks probation at his new job running Oregon State as a result of an investigation into mishandlings of sexual misconduct cases during his time in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says it’s a surprisingly light sentence, but it may be that he faces further punishment…

Cut 11 (07) ”  accountable”

Oregon State’s board of Trustees grilled Alexander over allegations that he was aware of coach Les Miles’ behavior and did not respond appropriately.

Drew Brees says he’s excited to move into the next phase of his life after leading the Black and Gold for 15 years and retiring from the NFL a sure fire first ballot hall of fame legend. He’ll be in the broadcast booth for NBC sports and says while he could have played another season in the NFL, he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Cut 7 (12) “…it was time.”

Brees will be a studio analyst for “Football Night in America” on Sunday nights and as a color analyst for Notre Dame football games. 

The Biden Stimulus Bill includes 10.4 billion in aid to the ag industry. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the funds can be used in part to fund programs at ag research institutions that provide outreach and extension to farmers in poor and rural areas and assist them with better production.

Cut 14 (11) “…in agriculture.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards reiterated his call for President Biden to not renew a soon expiring moratorium on new oil and gas leases on federal lands and waters today on his monthly talk show. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says oil and gas taxes have generated 280 million dollars over the past few years to support coastal restoration projects.

Cut 7 (06) “…that.”

The Biden Administration says the policy is a key part of their plan to tackle global warming by reducing carbon production.

It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Irish bars in New Orleans are staying closed out of concern for their patron’s safety, even though city regulations allow for limited bar activity. Owner of Finn McCool’s Sean Kennedy says the decision was made after they saw some patrons Saturday resisting health guidelines…

Cut 10 (10) “…not to.” 

Louisiana is taking part in child clinical trials for the Moderna COVID vaccine. President of MedPharmics Dr. Robert Jeanfreau, which is conducting the trial in the Bayou State, says the trial is broken into two groups and it’s the same vaccine adults receive, what they are testing is the most effective dose.

Cut 4 (12) “…part two.” 

A 30-year old Church Point man is charged with negligent homicide after St. Landy Parish sheriff’s deputies say an infant drowned in his bathtub. Deputy Chief Eddie Thibodeaux says Nicholas Lee Ducote placed his 9 month and two-year-old children in the tub, left the room to do chores, and then…

Cut 12 (11) “ …unresponsive” 

The two-year-old was found unharmed sitting next to the tub.

A Gulf oil lease sale set to be held today in New Orleans won’t happen due to the 60-day lease sale moratorium issued in January by President Biden. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says the jobs of 50,000 Louisiana oil and gas workers are in long-term danger.

Cut 6 (12) “…market”

The Administration says lowering US and international oil production is necessary to fight global warming.

Louisiana is taking part in clinical trials for children and the Moderna COVID vaccine. President of MedPharmics Dr. Robert Jeanfreau, which is conducting the trial in the Bayou State, says like all medications the vaccine must be tested in every population group.

Cut 3 (12)  “…be done.”  

The Louisiana Department of Corrections is asking an additional $21.5 million for the next fiscal budget. Brooke Thorington has more on why the figure is so high.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. G-E Ghali has been accused of allegedly making sexist comments to female employees that could be perceived as sexual harassment. Ghali is now under investigation over the allegations but has not commented publicly about the situation.

The Biden COVID recovery bill will send 2.6 billion dollars in funding to Louisiana public schools. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says a portion of that funding will go towards catching up students who fell behind during the pandemic and rebuild infrastructure for future educational growth.

Cut 7 (11) “…state.”

Approximately 25-percent of students in Louisiana do not have access to the internet in their homes.

Attorney General Jeff Landry says while he disapproved of former top aide Pat Magee’s sexual harassment of women subordinates he did not fire Magee because it could have resulted in costly litigation down the road. Instead after a second harassment complaint was filed he accepted Magee’s resignation…

Cut 9 (11) “…that”

One day after Drew Brees announced his retirement, the Saints re-signed quarterback Jameis Winston, who a lot of people believe will be the starter next season.  Winston’s new contract is for one year and he can earn up to 12-million dollars.  Saints Analyst Mike Detillier says this deal is good for both parties.

Cut 12 (10) “ …move on” 

Authorities recover the remains of Kara Vaughn a Natchitoches Parish woman who went missing in 1993 at the bottom of Cane River. Captain Tony Moran says yesterday dive teams discovered a submerged vehicle with Vaugnh’s remains inside. Information about Vaughn was entered into the National Crime Information Center along with her vehicle…

Cut 4 (10) “…be found.” 

Multiple, unsuccessful searches of the River have been conducted over the years but during last month’s winter storms a fisherman found the vehicle.

Saints QB Drew Brees retires after setting numerous NFL records during his Hall of Fame career. Jeff Palermo looks at the impact Brees had off the field…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

The State Department of Health has further loosened guidelines for visiting loved ones in adult residential or nursing home facilities. Outside of parishes with positivity rates over 10 percent or vaccination rates for residents under 70 percent indoor visitation will be allowed at all facilities.

New Orleans brass band the Nightcrawlers won a Grammy last night for their 2020 album Atmosphere. Nightcrawlers Saxophonist and Loyola instructor Jason Mingledorff hopes the win will get more exposure for other Crescent City bands, and get more people to visit the city once the pandemic ends…

Cut 7 (11) “…person”

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said on “WRKFs” Talk Louisiana this morning that he “totally” agrees with LSU interm President Thomas Galligan’s decision to suspend two athletic department administrators for less than a month as a result of the Husch Blackwell Report. Woodward, who has served as AD at two other schools, says LSU is committing to fixing their handling of these cases, but that it’s not a situation unique to the Old War Skule.

Cut 14 (12) “about” 

15 years to the day Drew Brees first signed with the Saints the legendary quarterback announces his retirement. Senior Vice President for New Orleans and Company says Brees arrival in 2006 came at the right time as the city was still reeling from the destruction left behind by Hurricane Katrina

Cut 12 (09) “ …up from here” 

Brees will move into the broadcast booth doing analysis for NBC.

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward says he “totally agrees” with the decision to suspend two athletic department administrators for less than a month as a result of the Husch Blackwell Report. Members of the Legislative Women’s Caucus slammed what they called an unacceptably small punishment. Woodward was not AD at the time the incidents occurred but told Jim Engster…

Cut 13 (11)“…this”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser calls on the Mayor of New Orleans to agree to align the city’s COVID restrictions with the state’s in an effort to restart the tourism industry. Currently New Orleans maintains stricter limits than the ongoing statewide order. Nungesser says to help the industry recover both leaders need to set a date in unison on when things will reopen completely.

Cut 4 (09) “…yet.” 

That day when the state can fully and safely reopen is getting closer and closer. Nearly 150,000 new vaccinations have been administered since last week’s update and Louisiana will receive 112,000 new doses from the feds this week. We’re up over 900,000 total Louisiana who have received at least one dose of a vaccine and over half a million who’ve completed their full course. By Thursday it is expected that the next update will show one in five Louisianans have been vaccinated with at least one dose.

Drew Brees hung up his cleats yesterday after 15 years leading the Black and Gold to numerous playoff appearances and one Super Bowl win. Brees will stay close to football by working as an NFL analyst for NBC. The Texas native also plans to stay involved with his philanthropic work.  Senior Vice President for New Orleans and Company says the Brees Dream Foundation is responsible for distributing 45-million dollars to charities

Cut 11 (11) ”   anything else”

New Orleans brass band the Nightcrawlers won a Grammy last night for their 2020 album Atmosphere. Nightcrawlers Saxophonist and Loyola instructor Jason Mingledorff hopes the win will get more exposure for other Crescent City bands, and get more people to visit the city once the pandemic ends…

Cut 7 (11) “…person”

Louisiana is beginning to see more tourists, but Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s not enough to compete with neighboring states that have fewer COVID restrictions. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The Department of Health reports Over 900,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees has announced his retirement from the NFL and many are saying thank you to number nine for the 15 years he gave to New Orleans and the state of Louisiana. Governor John Bel Edwards released a video message shortly after Brees announced his playing days are over

Cut 9 (10) “…very challenging”

Brees will stay close to football by working as an NFL analyst for NBC. 

New Orleans-based Brass Band the Nightcrawlers took home the GRAMMY for Best Regional Roots Album last night for their 2020 hit Atmosphere. The Nightcrawlers have been around for 25 years and saxophonist Jason Mingledorff says the tight-knit family never imaged one day they’d be here…

Cut 6, 9 seconds, have

The Nightcrawlers only play a few live shows a year as the band is a collective of actively gigging musicians.

As we enter spring and more people are being vaccinated, they are also taking to the roads, and prices at the pump continue to increase. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Speaking of vaccinations the state is set to receive another 112,000 vaccine doses this week and the criteria for being vaccine eligible has fallen significantly. Some estimate as much as three-quarters of the state’s population now qualifies under new guidelines allowing anyone 16 and older with co-morbidities like smoking, being overweight, or having asthma.