Most parents in Louisiana believe their child didn’t learn as much as they usually do this past year, but they aren’t holding schools responsible.  Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A West Monroe Senator files legislation calling for Louisiana to become the nation’s 19^th “Constitutional Carry” state. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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 A Baton Rouge Representative files legislation to ease the state’s backlog of transportation infrastructure. Brooke Thorington explains how the bill will finance the projects

Cut 3 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

____________________________

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves calls for a portion of the state’s billions in American Rescue Act aid to be used to build a new Mississippi River Bridge in the Capital Region.

Governor John Bel Edwards says that’s not going to be his first priority. Instead, he will prioritize replenishing the state’s now empty unemployment trust fund.

Cut 4 (07)“…fund.”

Edwards says if we don’t replenish the fund by September the automatic employer tax increases will hamper our economic recovery.

Cut 5 (08)“…year ago.”

Edwards also says despite the region needing a new bridge it’s not clear that ARA money could be used for that type of infrastructure project.

Cut 6 (09) “…broadband.”

________________________

More than half of the parents of school-age children think their child learned less over the past year according to the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says 56-percent believe their child’s education was hindered by the pandemic.

Cut 7 (08)  “…as much.”

Despite more than half of parents saying their child didn’t learn as much this past year, Henderson says 77-percent are not blaming the school system.

Cut 8 (07) “…data.”

Henderson says responses in Louisiana mirrored national data that while most parents believe their child learned less, they are not faulting schools.

Cut 9 (09) “…for that.”

The Louisiana Survey polled 781 adults in the state from January 4^th to March 1^st.

__________________________

Legislation has been filed that would allow anyone 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun on their person without needing a permit.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says passing this legislation would make Louisiana the 19^th state to adopt a “Constitutional Carry” law.

Cut 10 (09) “…dangerous.”

The legislation does not apply to convicted felons, and those who are legally intoxicated would still be barred from carrying a concealed weapon.

The bill is similar to one filed in the House by Oil City Representative Danny McCormick, the big difference being McCormick’s bill sets the age limit at 18 instead of 21.

Cut 11 (09) “…passed.”

Opponents say a concealed carry permit classes teach gun owners vital safety lessons and weed out bad actors. Morris says forcing people to pay a fee to exercise their rights is a liberty issue.

Cut 12 (12) “…consitution.”

____________________________

Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Freiberg files legislation to raise funds via a gas tax to fund the state’s $14 billion backlog of repairs needed for roads and bridges and up to $13 billion needed for capacity projects. The tax would stretch over a ten-year period.

Cut 13 (09) “…added.”

Freiberg says her bill is the best return on investment with the ability to receive federal matching.

Cut 14 (10) “…infrastructure.”

In addition to a gas tax Freiberg says the bill also taxes drivers of electric and hybrid vehicles with the institution of annual fees.

Cut 15 (06)“…the cost.”

Frieberg says she knows she’ll have opposition as lawmakers argue recent CARES Act and American Rescue Plan funds negates the need to raise taxes but says her bill addresses long-term funding for projects.

___________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is off to a six and two start in Conference USA play after taking three of four from UAB. The Bulldogs won the series by blanking the Bulldogs six to nothing on Saturday. Tech Coach Lane Burroughs says winning on Saturday was big to make sure they stayed in first place…

Cut 16 (15) “…good shape.”

Saturday’s win was the 20th of the season for the 17th ranked Bulldogs. Sophomore left fielder Adarius Myers says they want to prove they are one of the best teams in the country…

Cut 17 (26) “…bottom”

________________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team is 1-8 in the SEC after getting swept by number one ranked Vanderbilt. It’s the first time since 2010 that the Tigers have been swept in back-to-back conference series. Left fielder Gavin Dugas believes they can turn the season around…

Cut  18 (21)  “…going to do.”

AJ Labas gave LSU a chance to win on Saturday, but Garrett Edwards gave up a two-run home run in the seventh and the Commodores held on for a five to four win. Labas on the team’s mindset…

Cut 19 (14) “…thinking positive” 

LSU is hoping to get some positive news today on starting pitcher Jaden Hill. He left the game on Friday with an elbow injury and there’s concern he could need season ending elbow surgery. Coach Paul Mainieri says they’ll find out more today…

Cut 20 (22) “…the tests” 

Pfizer says their COVID vaccine is 100-percent effective in adolescents ages 12 to 15. Brooke Thorington speaks with a lead investigator in the clinical trial

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Next week Louisiana is set to receive over 300,000 first doses of COVID-19 vaccine, by far the largest allocation yet. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (27) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the lifting of many of the coronavirus restrictions on many businesses is great news. LABI President Stephen Waguespack says businesses have done what they can to keep cases down and he hopes customers will visit the restaurants, salons, and retailers now that capacity limits are lifted

Cut 3 (11)  “…going again.”  

Waguespack is hoping Louisiana residents take advantage of this new freedom

Cut 4 (09) “…those doors open” 

The new order ends an eleven PM alcohol curfew. Restaurants can have full occupancy if six feet social distancing remains in place.  Waguespack says the state’s hospitality industry has taken it on the chin the most over the past year, so hopefully, the updated guidelines can help re-start the tourism industry

Cut 5  (11)  “…in Louisiana”

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Pfizer says its COVID vaccine protects children as young as 12-years-old from the coronavirus. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says the drug manufacturer came to this conclusion based on a promising study of 22-hundred U-S volunteers between the ages of 12-and-15…

Cut 6 (09) “…study.”

Vanchiere says in addition to building antibodies the vaccine also proved to be protective against disease.

Vanchiere says while children are not as susceptible to COVID as adults, this is a huge step towards ending the pandemic…

Cut 7 (06) “…as well.”

Vanchiere says Pfizer reportedly plans to request an amendment to its current FDA emergency use authorization to include ages 12 to 15 in time for use next fall. He says clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 will begin in May.

Cut 8 (09) “…clinical trial.”

Vanchiere says dozens of adolescents participated in the Pfizer vaccine study at LSU Health Shreveport.

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Louisiana is expecting 300-thousand COVID vaccine doses next week, which almost doubles the number of doses the state is currently receiving.  Governor John Bel Edwards says the vaccine ramp-up has arrived and encourages everyone 16 and older to get the vaccine…

Cut 9 (11) “…pandemic.”

To help connect Louisianans to this deluge of vaccines next week the state will establish a vaccine hotline. Edwards calls it a one-stop shop for anyone seeking a vaccine appointment.

Cut 10 (10) “vaccines” 

The phone number and hours of operation will be made public soon.

Edwards says one of the best parts about the vaccine hotline is that it won’t cost the state any extra money.

Cut 11 (07) “response.”

1.2 million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 1.8 million total doses have been administered.

_____________________________________________

54 percent of those polled by LSU say their own financial situation is the same as it was a year ago, while only 29 percent say it has gotten worse. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says that’s despite 72 percent of the respondents acknowledging the state’s economy is worse off than it was a year ago.

Cut 12 (10)   “themselves” 

Henderson says it’s not a dramatic gap but there is some partisan separation in how people view the state’s economy.

Cut 13 (08)“Democrats”

That’s translated in a new set of top priorities that residents want to see the state government address. Henderson says the two new top concerns compared to last year are the economy and the pandemic.

Cut 14 (08) “…concerns.” 

LSU football coach Ed Orgeron tells ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge that he does not remember speaking to the woman who alleges she was sexually harassed by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in 2017. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February receive approval for disaster food stamps. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron spoke publically for the first time today since 74-year-old Gloria Scott told state lawmakers that former Tigers running back Derrius Guice allegedly sexually harassed her in 2017 while working as a Superdome security guard. Scott said she spoke to Orgeron about the incident, but Coach O says he does not recall speaking to Scott

Cut 3 (08)  “…her courage”  

Orgeron made the comments on ESPN 104-5 in Baton Rouge. On Friday, Scott told the Senate Select Committee on Women and Children that Guice repeatedly sexually harassed her while she was at her post for the state high school football championship games. Orgeron says he’s deeply upset by Scott’s testimony…

Cut 4 (09) “…disgusting manner” 

Scott said she reported the incident to the university and Orgeron called her with Guice in the room and said the talented running back was a troubled child who was kidding and asked for her forgiveness. But LSU and Coach O says he never had any direct contact with Scott. Orgeron says he continues to cooperate with LSU on its internal investigation, but can’t say anymore…

Cut 5  (09)  “…to the university”

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The federal government approves disaster food stamps for 23 parishes severely impacted by the winter storms in February. DCFS Assistant Secretary of Family Support Shavana Howard says food assistance for a winter weather event is a first for Louisiana.

Cut 6 (07) “…benefits.”

Howard says if you lost food because of power outages during the winter storms from February 15th to the 18th you may be eligible.

Cut 7 (07) “…disaster.”

Because 23 parishes are approved DCFS will break down interviews for DSNAP into two Phases. Howard says the first phase is April 5^th through the 10^th for 11 parishes and then April 12^th through the 17^th for the remaining 12 parishes and they will be using the alphabet system by last name to register.

Howard says if you received SNAP benefits already in February 2021 you are not eligible but residents who began receiving benefits after February may be eligible. She urges you to preregister at their website.

Cut 8 (09) “…benefits.”

For a breakdown of parishes and interview dates and to preregister, visit dcfs.la.gov/DSNAP

_____________________________________________

Today is National Doctor’s Day and Chancellor of the LSU Health Sciences Center in Shreveport, Dr. G-E Ghali says the pandemic highlights the importance and shortage of physicians all over the country.

Cut 9 (10) “…impacted.”

Ghali says rural areas lack specialists and many physicians are attracted to larger cities that offer higher salaries to help offset their student loan debt.

Ghali says when you look at the state as a whole, it doesn’t appear to have a shortage of physicians, however…

Cut 10 (10) “…even nurses” 

Because student loan debt is so high for those in medical school, Ghali says they are looking to offer options to help offset loans to attract more physicians to work in rural areas.

Cut 11 (11) “rural parish.”

According to LSU Health Shreveport, more than 70-percent of physicians in north Louisiana did all or a portion of their training at LSUHS. The school has physicians practicing in almost every parish.

_____________________________________________

Louisiana REALTORS is urging state landlords to take advantage of the 300 million dollars in federal rental assistance aid that was made available through the American Rescue Act.

CEO Norman Morris says the US Treasury’s Emergency Relief Assistance Program allows landlords and their tenants to work together to apply for the aid.

Cut 12 (09)   “increments” 

There’s been a CDC eviction moratorium in place since the start of the pandemic, and it’s been extended into the summer. Morris says small businesses have suffered big losses.

Cut 13 (10)“tenant”

Morris says tenants or landlords who would like to participate and get their federal aid should visit LA-State-Rent-Dot-Com.

Cut 14 (08) “…here.” 

You can also call 877-459-6555 during regular weekday hours.

A new poll shows 68 percent of Louisianans believe using or possessing marijuana should not be illegal. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Ochsner Health’s 24-hour Vaccine Fest in Jefferson Parish is underway providing convenience and a festival-like atmosphere. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (32) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

________________________________________

68 percent of Louisianans support decriminalizing marijuana use and possession according to a new poll, a nine percent increase from last year. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says support for legalization cuts across all partisan, racial, and gender lines.

Cut 3 (09)  “…legalization”  

The only demographic group that consistently opposes legalization is those over the age of 65.

Couvillon says one good reason why support jumped so drastically this year likely has to do with the state’s legalization of medicinal marijuana.

Cut 4 (08) “…there” 

Another reason? Couvillon says the Regan era “Just Say No” campaign has faded from memory.

Couvillon says this widespread support for decriminalization and legalization hasn’t translated into successful legislation.

Cut 5  (11)  “…believe”

The poll features responses from 1,160 individuals with a margin of error of 2.9 percent.

_______________________________________

With all Louisianans 16 and older now eligible for the COVID vaccine, newly elected Congresswoman Julia Letlow is encouraging residents to be vaccinated. Letlow lost her 41-year-old husband Luke Letlow to COVID in December, just days before he was to be sworn-in to congress.

Cut 6 (08) “…get the vaccine.”

Luke Letlow was diagnosed with COVID in December shortly after he was elected to the 5^th Congressional District and then died from complications of the virus on December 29^th. His wife Julia Letlow who was then elected to the congressional seat says as someone who’s been personally affected by COVID loss she’s an advocate for the vaccine.

Cut 7 (07) “…proponent of the vaccine.”

Julia Letlow will be sworn-in after her election is certified by the state.

_______________________________________________________

If you miss live music and need to be vaccinated, then Ochsner Health has the event for you. Vaccine Fest is underway until 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Shrine on Airline in Jefferson Parish. Ochsner Health Medical Director of Infection Prevention Dr. Katherine Baumgarten says they have plenty of entertainment for the 24-hour event.

Cut 8 (08) “…more.”

They will be administering the Moderna for ages 18 and older.

Baumgarten says they will be administering 6,500 doses and they have plenty of appointments available. You can visit MyOchsner.org to schedule a time or…

Cut 9 (10) “…appointment.”

They are also encouraging participants to share their vaccine experience on social media and use the hashtag #VaxFest. Baumgarten says they chose to hold a 24-hour event to allow essential workers the opportunity to be vaccinated.

Cut 10 (07) “…vaccine” 

Participants will be scheduled for their second dose of the Moderna vaccine on Wednesday, April 28^th from 6 a.m. until midnight.

_____________________________________________

Police are searching for the driver of a Ram pickup truck who struck a bicyclist in St. Landry Parish Sunday morning and fled the scene.

That hit and run led to a series of events resulting in the death of 24-year-old Ryan Fontenot of Breaux Bridge. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says Fontenot was struck initially as he was turning into Acadian Medical Center…

Cut 11 (08) “vehicle”

That second impact was ultimately fatal to Fontenot. That driver did remain at the scene.

Gossen urges anyone with information about this crash to contact their local authorities.

Cut 12 (09)“ area” 

Gossen says Fontenot likely would still be alive today had the driver of the first vehicle not fled the scene.

Cut 13 (04)“this”

A sweeping voting rights bill is set to have its first US Senate hearing today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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If you received unemployment last year, there’s a major change in filing your taxes now thanks to the American Rescue Plan. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

Starting next month Obamacare health insurance marketplace subsidies will substantially increase. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Houma Police and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the shooting death of an 8-year-old girl. Houma Police Chief Dana Coleman says they received a call Monday night of a light-colored sedan following and dark sedan and firing shots at the vehicle that Treyce Bryant was riding in.

Cut 4 (07)“…life.”

The shooting happened in the 9100 block of Main Street. Coleman says Bryant was in the car with her mother and a friend of her mother’s when another vehicle began following them and then fired several shots. As of this time, there is no motive behind the shooting, police said.

Terrebonne Parish District Attorney Joe Waitz, Jr says they have partnered with city police, sheriff’s office, and state police.

Cut 5 (08)“…they are.”

Officials each expressed condolences to the family and Waitz vowed to bring justice to them for the death of Bryant.

Cut 6 (06) “…killing.”

Bryant’s grandmother issued a plea for the perpetrator to come forward and turn themselves in.

________________________

A House Democrat-backed voting rights bill has its first Senate committee hearings today.

Power Coalition Director of Strategic Partnerships Morgan Shannon says if signed into law H.R. 1 would institute automatic voter registration when people come of age, allow same-day online voter registration, and mandate precinct distribution based on population…

Cut 7 (09)  “…to vote.”

H.R. 1 would also ban voter purges. Shannon says in Louisiana voters who do not vote in multiple federal elections in a row can be purged from the rolls. It would also mandate a minimum of two weeks of early voting and vote by mail for all elections.

Senator Bill Cassidy opposes the legislation. He says it would facilitate more voter fraud, in particular, because it blocks states from requiring residents to have an ID to vote.

Cut 8 (08) “…to vote.”

Cassidy also argues the legislation would allow unethical ballot harvesting.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell called H.R. 1 a Democrat power-grab. Cassidy agrees…

Cut 9 (09) “..thumb on.”

H.R. 1 seems unlikely to pass the Senate without a repeal of the filibuster.

Shannon says there’s no evidence that making it easier to vote will damage the integrity of elections. She says that’s often just a race-baiting narrative…

Cut 10 (11) “…fraud.”

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The IRS issues guidance for tax filers who received unemployment compensation last year from changes issued in the American Rescue Plan. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Kimberly Robinson says if you received unemployment last year, you can now exclude $10,200 from your 2020 state and federal taxes.

Cut 11 (11) “…$150,000.”

If by chance you’ve already filed your taxes for 2020, Robinson says there’s no need to amend them.

Cut 12 (06) “…automatically.”

The IRS gives detailed information on how to claim the $10,200 on your return. Robinson explains what to do if you haven’t filed your taxes yet.

Cut 13 (09) “…line eight.”

Robinson says this is an exception for 2020 income taxes because with record unemployment many didn’t know that they would be taxed on unemployment income.

There are instructions on how to deduct your unemployment on the IRS and Louisiana Department of Revenue’s websites.

____________________________

Starting April 1^st subsidies for the Affordable Care Act marketplace health insurance plans will increase substantially as a result of the American Rescue Act.

Louisiana Blue Cross/Blue Shield Chief Economist Mike Bertaut says historically a single person making 55,000 dollars a year would not qualify for subsidies…

Cut 14 (10) “…a year.” 

US Department of Health estimates show the average premium for someone with marketplace insurance will go down 50 dollars a month starting April 1^st.

Bertaut says if you already have a marketplace plan, or chose not to get one because of the cost, you should check healthcare.gov again starting next month.

Cut 15 (09)“…insurance.”

The Biden Administration has extended the ACA enrollment period through August 15^th to allow people to take advantage of the increased subsidies.

Another impact of the 1.9 trillion dollar ARA was that starting April 1^st the feds will cover 100 percent of the cost of COBRA if you were laid off after March 1^st of 2020…

Cut 16 (08) “…department.”

Bertaut made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

_________________________________

The  2020 LSU football season did not go as planned for the Tigers as they struggled and finished with a 5-5 record. Coach Ed Orgeron made several changes with his coaching staff after the .500 season and admits he did a poor job of hiring coaches after winning the national championship…

Cut 17 (25) “…tremendous job.”

Daronte Jones is LSU’s new defensive coordinator.  The Tigers last defensive coordinator Bo Pelini led LSU to a historically bad season on defense and Orgeron says he’s more hands-on this year…

Cut  18 (22) “….doing it.”

____________________________________________________

Saints Quarterback Jameis Winston got emotional talking about Drew Brees and the possibility he may replace Brees next season. Winston recently signed a one-year deal with New Orleans for the opportunity to replace the future hall of famer. He spent this past as Brees’ backup and says it was a dream for him to have an opportunity to learn from a great Q-B….

Cut 19 (19) “..he understands.” 

Winston will compete with Taysom Hill for the Saints’ starting job after signing a new contract.  Even though it’s only a one-year deal Winston says he’s grateful for the opportunity.

Cut 20  (14) “…that I can.” 

A 30,000 participant clinical trial for AstraZeneca is complete and results show the vaccine is safe and effective. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

_______________________________

The CDC revises social distancing guidelines for schools to 3-feet instead of six. Brooke Thorington has more from a Louisiana Congressman who led the charge for revision.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

Legislation is filed for the April session that would bar car insurance companies from charging higher premiums to women, widows, and those with low credit scores. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

Don’t forget to take your umbrella with you today, and you’ll need to keep it handy. State Climatologist Barry Keim says some areas will see more rain than others as a frontal boundary hangs around until Thursday, bringing plenty of rain and threats of flash flooding to a large portion of southeast Louisiana.

Cut 4 (07)“…the state.”

Keim says you can expect to see showers across the entire state over the next few days. He says the rain however is a welcome relief for some, especially in south-central Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10)“…issues.”

In addition to a flash flood watch for southeastern parishes, Keim says the Storm Prediction Center predicts a marginal risk for severe weather today.

Cut 6 (10) “…develop.”

Keim says once this system clears we should have ideal weather Friday with highs in the 70s.

________________________

AstraZeneca’s clinical trial shows the company’s two-shot COVID-19 vaccine has an efficacy rate of 79 percent in the US.

Use of AZ’s vaccine in Europe was temporarily halted on fears it was leading to incidents of blood clotting. Tulane School of Medicine Professor Doctor Lisa Morici says the data did not support that decision.

Cut 7 (11)  “…to see.”

30,000 people participated in the study.

Morici says AZ’s vaccine is similar to Johnson and Johnson’s in that it uses an adenoviral vector and can be stored for months in regular refrigerators.

Cut 8 (06) “…world.”

Johnson and Johnson’s adenoviral vector vaccine has an efficacy rate of about 72 percent in the US on one dose.

Morici says because we may have enough Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson and Johnson vaccines to vaccinate everyone in the US there’s a chance Louisianans may not end up taking AstraZeneca.

Cut 9 (10) “..states.”

Earlier this month the Biden Administration announced it would send a significant portion of the AstraZeneca US stockpile to Mexico and Canada.

_____________________________

The CDC revises guidance for K-12 schools to three feet for physical distance between students in the classroom in addition to face masks. Congressman Mike Johnson says the previous recommendation of six feet placed 89-percent of school children across the nation in the most restrictive red zone category.

Cut 10 (08) “…highs chools.”

Johnson says he along with other congressmen put pressure on the CDC to change the unworkable guidance.

Cut 11 (09) “…classrooms.”

Johnson says we’ve known for many months that the risk of transmission is extremely low particularly among young students. Johnson believes there was political pressure on the CDC not to revise the guidelines from Democrats…

Cut 12 (10) “…science.

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says they are awaiting guidance from the Louisiana Department of Health before changing to three feet.

____________________________

Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau files legislation barring car insurance companies from charging women, widows or widowers, and those with low credit scores higher premiums.

One argument is that those who are recently widowed start driving more. Luneau says they’ve had experts testify to the Legislature that this is false.

Cut 13 (12) “…rates.”

Another defense from the industry was that those recently widowed are not married and thus should be charged the higher rates seen by single people.

Luneau says it’s unacceptably discriminatory to charge women more than men just because of their gender.

Cut 14 (10) “…more” 

Credit score can also impact rates. Luneau says credit scores are often inaccurate and discriminate against the working class.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon argued last year that passing this legislation would not reduce overall premiums, just shift the burden to other drivers. Luneau disputes that claim but says even if true…

Cut 15 (09)“…risk”

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It was a back-and-forth game, but in the end, top-seeded Michigan was the better team and ended LSU’s season in the second round in the NCAA Tournament with an 86-78 victory over the Tigers last night. The Bayou Bengals got great games from Cam Thomas and Javonte Smart, but Coach Will Wade’s team allowed the Wolverines to shoot 54-percent from the field and hit 10 three-pointers…

Cut 16 (20) “…what we were doing.”

LSU only turned it over three times, but shot 39-percent from the field. Wade says they played well, but ran into a great team…

Cut 17 (16) “…40 minutes”

Thomas had 30 points to lead LSU and Smart had 27 points. Smart gives credit to the Wolverines…

Cut  18 (15) “….in the end”

________________________________________

The Louisiana Tech baseball team’s five-game winning streak has them ranked in the Top 25 in two polls. Perfect Game ranks the Bulldogs 21st in the nation and D-1 Baseball has Tech as the 23rd best team in the country. Coach Lane Burroughs says his guys are deserving of the ranking

Cut 19 (24) “..while now.” 

The 13-and-5 Bulldogs will host ULM tonight. They swept Tulane last weekend after beating nationally ranked Arkansas and Ole Miss. Burroughs says his players want to put Louisiana Tech on the college baseball map…

Cut 20  (16) “…stay with it.” 

New Orleans State Senators Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter advance to the runoff in the special election for the 2^nd Congressional District. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana has hit another grim milestone from the coronavirus pandemic. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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The special election for the 2^nd Congressional District is headed to a runoff between New Orleans State Senators Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter.

Carter won 36 percent to Peterson’s 23 percent. Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers nearly made the runoff at 21 percent. JMC Analytics Publisher John Couvillon says Carter is the favorite, but…

Cut 3 (11)  “…peterson”  

Total turnout was 18 percent, above initial predictions that it would land in the high single digits.

Republican candidates combined for 16 percent of the vote. Couvillon says along with a Chambers endorsement this is the second biggest factor that will impact the runoff.

Cut 4 (05) “…percent” 

Claston Bernard led the Republican field at ten percent.

The race did see one strange situation. Peterson took third place in her home district while Chambers took third place in his hometown Baton Rouge precincts. Couvillon says it’s hard to know what to make of that…

Cut 5  (05)  “…support” 

The runoff is set for April 24^th.

_______________________________________

Republican Julia Letlow overwhelmingly wins the special election for the fifth congressional district. The seat was previously won by her husband Luke Letlow, who passed away from COVID in December before being sworn in. She says winning is the honor of a lifetime especially in the district she calls home.

Cut 6 (10) “…results back.”

Letlow who garnered 65-percent of the vote is the mother to two young children, Jeremiah is three and Jacqueline one. Letlow says they were with her Saturday night as the results came in.

Cut 7 (07) “…celebration”

One of Letlow’s opponents ran for the seat out of concern she wouldn’t have time for her two young children. Letlow says women have been juggling for centuries and she’s just following the lead of other women who have gone before her.

Cut 8 (09) “…job done.”

Letlow says once the state certifies the votes she will be sworn in office.

_______________________________________________________

It’s a nice day today, but get ready for some wet weather starting tomorrow.  Christopher Bannon with the National Weather Service in New Orleans says southeast Louisiana could see several inches of rain Tuesday through Thursday.

Cut 9 (06) “…higher amounts”

The entire state will see rainfall over the next few days, but Bannon says a flash flood risk exists both tomorrow and Wednesday for southeast Louisiana as a cold front stall over the area

Cut 10 (09) “…short time” 

A flash flood watch is in effect for southeast Louisiana from Tuesday morning through Thursday night. Bannon says multiple rounds of moderate to heavy rain are expected across and the area. He says flooding of low-lying and flood-prone areas is possible with localized flash flooding…

Cut 11 (07) ” pretty low”

_____________________________________________

Over 10,000 Louisianans are now believed to have died from COVID-19 as of today’s Department of Health report.

The first reported COVID-19 death in Louisiana occurred on March 14^th, 2020. Governor Edwards says it’s a grim reminder of just how deadly the pandemic has been.

Cut 12 (07) “ …2019.” 

Early on in the pandemic, there was widespread misinformation calling COVID-19 no worse than the common flu. Edwards says that’s been completely debunked.

Cut 13 (10)“…real.”

Despite that grim milestone, there are signs of hope. As of today over a million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Cut 14 (09) “…positive.” 

Essential workers are now eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington talks with a physician about what it means for these front-line workers

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Louisiana Lottery estimates they will transfer a record high of more than $190-million to the state for K-12 public schools this year. Brooke Thorington on how education hit the jackpot.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Attorney General Jeff Landry joins other Republican AG’s in opposing an aspect of the recently passed Biden Stimulus Bill that blocks states from enacting tax cuts. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Starting today essential workers can be vaccinated. Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says this is a very important step in mitigating the pandemic and giving those who have kept things running the best protection from COVID.

Cut 4 (08)“…society.”

Essential workers are the last group to be prioritized before the vaccine is open to all adults. Hassig says while the goal to vaccinate the elderly first has merit, most essential workers do not t have the option to work remotely.

Cut 5 (10)“…danger.”

Some argue essential workers should have received higher priority because of their professions and on-the-job risk of exposure. Hassig agrees.

Cut 6 (10) “…higher.”

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The Louisiana Lottery estimates they will end their fiscal year at the end of June, the most profitable in their 30-year history. Lottery spokesperson Kim Chopin says they are projected to transfer over $190-million to the state for K-12 public education.

Cut 7 (11)  “…ways.”

Chopin says the Lottery was extremely lucky that their retailers, grocery and convenience stores, remained open thorough out 2020. Allowing them to entertain consumers.

Cut 8 (10) “…Limited.”

Casinos closed for two months in 2020 and then reopened at limited capacity, making the lottery the only game in town for a bit.

Chopin says another bonus for the Lottery came in June when the legislature eased the budgetary transfer mandate allowing them to put more money into prizes.

Cut 9 (04) “…play more.”

And sales also boomed for the Louisiana Lottery with record jackpots of 1-billion and 731-million for Mega Millions and Powerball in January. The Louisiana Lottery will celebrate its 30 year anniversary in September.

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Tucked into the American Rescue Act is a requirement that states that accept aid are restricted from cutting taxes through 2024.

Attorney General Jeff Landry joined other Republican AG’s in opposing the tax cut limitation. Solicitor General Liz Murrill says because the Act has already been signed into law…

Cut 10 (06) “…applicable.”

350 billion dollars of the 1.9 trillion dollar plan was set aside specifically as assistance for states.

Murrill says the mandate is unlawful and unconstitutional.

Cut 11 (05) “…Legislature”

Per the AG’s office, the wording of the stimulus bill forbids states from using COVID-19 relief funds to “directly or indirectly offset a reduction in net tax revenues.” 21 AG’s signed onto a letter sent to the Treasury Secretary opposing the language and asking for regulatory intervention removing it.

Governor Edwards says he has no problem with the requirement, and it doesn’t change any of his plans. He says he’s committed to pursuing tax reform, but only if it is revenue-neutral.

Cut 12 (06) “…Governor”

The Governor has unilateral authority to accept or reject the federal funds, and the mandates that come with them.

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Republican Julia Letlow won the special election for the 5^th Congressional District outright Saturday with 65 percent of the vote.

The election was called after Julia’s husband, Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, died of COVID-19 just days before he was set to be sworn in. Julia Letlow told KNOE-TV it’s been an emotional four months…

Cut 13 (03) “…with pride.”

Democrat Sandra Christophe came in second with 27 percent of the vote. Republican Chad Conerly won five percent.

She says her time on the campaign trail has helped her process the tragedy.

Cut 14 (09) “…for me.” 

Letlow became the instant favorite to win the seat after declaring her candidacy and inheriting her husband’s campaign infrastructure and support.

Letlow says when she gets to Congress her first priority will be rural broadband.

Cut 15 (12)“..coming down.”

The sprawling 5th District touches 27 parishes running from northeast Louisiana through Alexandria and over to the northern half of the Florida Parishes.

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This year’s NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament has featured several upsets and eighth-seeded LSU will try to add to the upset tally when they face top-seeded Michigan at 6:10 PM tonight. The Wolverines are 21-and-4 and Tigers Coach Will Wade says the Wolverines have huge guys that will bully you….

Cut 16 (16) “…from three.”

Michigan’s leading scorer is seven-foot-one freshman Hunter Dickinson, who is averaging 14 points and seven rebounds a game. Six-foot-seven Junior Forward Darius Days on going up against Dickinson and the Wolverines….

Cut 17 (16) “…for us.”

The Tigers have struggled rebounding this season and Days that will be a key in tonight’s game…

Cut  18 (13) “…the ball.”

Louisiana casinos lost 877 million dollars in 2020 compared to 2019 and are starting off 2021 down significantly from where they were this same time last year. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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An effort to recall Governor John Bel Edwards falls way short of the signatures needed to force a recall election. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Don Molino”  

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LSU faces  St, Bonaventure in the first round of NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 12:45. The Bonnies are known for playing great defense and coach Will Wade says LSU will have to be disciplined offensively since the Tigers like to play fast….

Cut 3 (15)  “…what we do.”  

St.Bonaventure is anchored defensively by big man Osun Osunniyi (Oh-shoon Oh-shoon-ee-yee), who averages almost three blocks per game.  Wade says he’s one of the best rim protectors he’s seen.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the country” 

LSU is a young team, with only Javonte Smart and Darius Days having experience in the tournament.  Smart says the team needs to treat this like any other game.

Cut 5  (10)  “…just another game” 

Tip-off Saturday from Bloomington, Indiana is at 12:45.

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Several female lawmakers have called on LSU to fire instead of suspending two high-ranking athletic officials for their role in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases outlined in the Husch Blackwell report. Governor Edwards says the people who contributed to the system-wide failure are not employed at LSU anymore…

Cut 6 (12) “…longer there.”

Edwards says he while some disagree with the suspensions, he’s not questioning the decision.

Cut 7 (11) “…decision.”

Edwards says only two members of the current Board of Supervisor were on the board during the period reviewed and they had no knowledge of the alleged behavior of former Coach Les Miles. The report concluded only three members knew about the situation and failed to share it.

Cut 8 (13) “…inappropriate.”

Miles, who has been released from his contract at Kansas University, denies the allegations.

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Louisiana gaming revenue is still slow to get back to normal after a tough 2020 was followed up by extreme weather to start 2021.

Louisiana gaming establishments lost 877 million in revenue for 2020 compared to 2019. Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty…

Cut 9 (10) “…temperatures”

Workforce Commission figures show 4,790 employees were laid off from state casinos throughout the course of 2020.

February revenue is down 23.4 percent from 2020. Duty says that’s partially due to the water situation that happened in Shreveport, but also close to the industry’s new normal.

Cut 10 (11) “…picture” 

Some of the biggest revenue losses were seen at Harrah’s in New Orleans. Louisiana’s lone land-based casino was down 40 percent from February of 2020, or 7.4 million dollars.

Duty does not expect revenues to immediately return to normal even after the public health emergency ends because those 50 and older are staying closer to home…

Cut 11 (09) ” that point”

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Louisiana reports fewer than 400 COVID-19 hospitalizations for the first time since late March.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’re seeing historic lows in nearly all COVID-related categories right now.

Cut 12 (10) “ …to date.” 

Kanter says this is evidence that we are doing a good job of stopping the spread, using mitigation measures, and proof the vaccine is working.

Cut 13 (08)“…hospitalizations.”

987,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 568,000 have completed their full series.

Kanter says the one area of the state he is worried about is Lake Charles. He says they’ve been seeing an increase in cases for about two weeks.

Cut 14 (08) “…outbreak.” 

The Calcasieu Parish positivity rate sits at 8.1 percent per the most recent update.