The state health department announces it’s holding a series of mass COVID vaccination events. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke. Thorington”  

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A group of 33 Louisiana Republican lawmakers is urging Governor Edwards to cancel the statewide mask mandate. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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State Police is investigating a fatal police shooting in Abbeville yesterday afternoon that also resulted in a deputy getting shot. Trooper Thomas Gossen says a Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s deputy attempted to serve a protective custody order when the deputy and police officers were shot at by 41-year-old Dwight Brown who was armed with a rifle

Cut 3 (11)  “…fatally wound the suspect.”  

Gossen says the deputy who shot Brown, was also shot…

Cut 4 (04) “…been released.” 

Neighbors of the man who was fatally shot told K-A-T-C-TV that Brown was a veteran who suffered from P-T-S-D. Gossen says an order of  protective custody is usually associated with a mental evaluation

Cut 5  (12)  “…that report.” 

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The Louisiana Health Department announces it’s holding a series of mass COVID vaccination events for those eligible to be vaccinated. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they have partnered with various agencies and churches to reach as many as possible, especially those with access to care issues.

Cut 6 (11) “…barriers.”

Kanter says they are using the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which is one dose. He says this vaccine doesn’t require deep cold storage making it ideal for large events and compared to the other vaccines in use it’s just as effective.

Cut 7 (10) “…vaccine”

Just like the other two vaccines, Kanter says to refrain from taking a pain reliever before you are vaccinated to get the best immune response.

Cut 8 (11) “…thing.”

For a listing of mass vaccination events, visit the state health department’s website.

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33 Louisiana House Republicans urge Governor John Bel Edwards to join Texas and Mississippi in dropping the mask mandate.

Governor Edwards has indicated the mandate will likely be one of the last public health orders to go but House GOP Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez says it is no longer necessary.

Cut 9 (11) “…their own”

Texas’s mask mandate will go away next Wednesday. 15 states currently have no mandate.

Miguez says the mandate leads to nonsensical situations wherein people wear a mask into a restaurant, sit down to eat, take it off, then put it back on to leave.

Cut 10 (07) “…normal.” 

Miguez says by failing to join our neighbors in loosening restrictions we risk further impeding the state’s economic recovery.

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

Edwards says while the state is likely to continue reducing capacity restrictions the mask mandate will remain in place because it has no negative economic impacts and has been proven to significantly reduce the spread of coronavirus.

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Three farmers will be inducted into the Louisiana Agriculture Hall of Distinction during a ceremony tonight co-hosted by the Louisiana Radio Network. LRN Farm Director Don Molino says one of the inductees is longtime Louisiana Farm Bureau President Ronnie Anderson

Cut 12 (09) “ …150,000 today.” 

Sugarcane producer John Gay will also be inducted tonight. Molino says Gay farms over 45-hundred acres in Iberville Parish…

Cut 13 (06)“…a lot”

The third member of the Class of 2021 is Jackie Loewer from Acadia Parish. Loewer has played an integral role with the Louisiana Rice Research Board for 26 years and Molino says he’s also been a member of several national rice boards…

Cut 14 (09) “…can have” 

Our neighbors in Texas and Mississippi are dropping their mask mandates but Louisiana is not following suit. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Health officials say another unproven medication is making the round os on social media as a way to treat COVID symptoms. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Louisiana is dead last in the 2021 Childhood Report that ranks how well states provide for and protect children during the pandemic. Senator Bill Cassidy says he hasn’t read the report in full but believes it’s weighted towards the lack of internet access for many children and…

Cut 3 (11)  “…learning.”  

The report examines child poverty, child deaths, hunger, dropout rates, and teen pregnancy.

Cassidy says while Louisiana does have a high rate of in-person learning that includes hybrid models where students are in the classroom two days a week and virtual the other three.

Cut 4 (12) “…reopen.” 

Cassidy says there’s been federal funding dedicated to helping schools during the pandemic and only half has been spent.

While rural areas of the state are known for lack of broadband access, it’s become even more contentious since school systems moved to virtual learning Cassidy says he working with local and state officials to increase access.

Cut 5  (11)  “…they live.” 

The report finds Lincoln Parish as the best for children and Madison Parish as the worst in the state. The report states there was no significant data for Cameron and Tensas parishes.

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Louisiana moved into Phase Three COVID restrictions today but health officials warn that doesn’t mean the pandemic is over.

Our neighbors in Mississippi and Texas dropped their mask mandates but State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we won’t be doing the same.

Cut 6 (12) “…vigilant.”

Under Phase Three most businesses can move to 75 percent capacity in Louisiana but social distancing and mask-wearing are still mandatory.

The December/January spike was the largest the state ever experienced but…

Cut 7 (05) “…significant.”

Despite that progress, the state has still never dropped below 500 COVID-related hospitalizations. As of Wednesday 588 patients remain hospitalized.

Kanter says the plan moving forward is to ramp up the vaccination campaign fast enough to offset the rapidly growing number of variant cases.

Cut 8 (09) “…Louisiana.”

The UK variant, which is more contagious and believed to be more deadly, is expected to be the dominant strain in Louisiana sometime this month.

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It’s been one year since the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery was dedicated in Jennings. 84 veterans and their loved ones have been buried there and cemetery director Dwayne Guidry says they have 17-hundred burial spots available across ten acres

Cut 9 (09) “…our veterans”

Guidry says there are no fees to bury a veteran and the cost for spouses and dependents is 745-dollars. He says full military honors are also available and the cemetery is held to the highest standards…

Cut 10 (11) “…veteran cemeteries.” 

Guidry says 35-thousand southwest Louisiana veterans and their families have this cemetery as an option for eternal rest. He says if any vets are interested, just reach out to the Southwest Louisiana Veterans cemetery…

Cut 11 (10) “…a spot.”

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Since the pandemic began there’s been vast amounts of misinformation and medical theories about what can cure or curtail COVID-19. Some have tried a drug used on horses called ivermectin (ai-ver-mek-tn,) Director of Louisiana Poison Control center Dr. Mark Ryan says based on the few studies done, it’s not proven to treat COVID.

Cut 12 (08) “ …the case.” 

Even though the ivermectin is most often prescribed for horses, the antiparasitic is also used in humans, but Ryan says taking the drug without oversight from a physician could be dangerous.

Cut 13 (08)“…taking it..”

Ryan says ivermectin was at one time used in hospitals to treat patients when nothing else proved to be effective, but as physicians have found more useful drug therapies the medication has been removed as an option.

Cut 14 (07) “…COVID.” 

Ryan says never try to treat yourself, especially with nonproven drug therapy, without the oversight of your physician.

Crawfish season is beginning to gather steam and one state agency wants to remind you what to do after enjoying one of the state’s favorite pastimes. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…Brooke Thorington.”

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An LSU study of traffic trends before and during the pandemic indicates as the pandemic continued how the is virus spread. Brooke Thorington speaks with one of the researchers.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwards will announce whether or not the state will reduce COVID public health restrictions today at 1 PM. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is reminding crawfish connoisseurs to be sure to clean up properly after your boil to preserve other sea life. DEQ spokesperson Jean Kelly says never place shells or boil water into a ditch or waterway because it can seriously harm or even kill fish.

Cut 4 (09)“…treated.”

When you dispose of boil water and/or seasoned shells into a storm drain or ditch it goes directly to a lake, river, or stream.

The best way to dispose of both shrimp and crawfish shells is by double-bagging them and placing them in the garbage, Kelly says never put shells down the sink or garbage disposal.

Cut 5 (07)“…critters.”

Kelly says disposing of crustacean shells and boil water properly is vital to enjoying one of the state’s favorite pastimes in the future.

Cut 6 (08) “…every year.”

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Coronavirus vaccines are proven to significantly reduce COVID severity, and while it hasn’t been proven many doctors believe vaccination reduces transmissibility as well. Ochsner System Medical Director of Hospital Quality Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says if you are vaccinated then your body will immediately start fighting any virus you come into contact with…

Cut 7 (11)  “…asymptomatically.”

Lead Johnson and Johnson researchers believe the vaccine limits asymptomatic disease by 74 percent. Ochsner Infection Control and Prevention Medical Director Katherine Baumgarten…

Cut 8 (09) “…confirm that.”

Kemmerly says the reason why they can’t confirm this fact is that transmissibility is a harder endpoint to measure in clinical trials, and thus wasn’t studied as closely as other focuses.

Cut 9 (11) “…vaccinated.”

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An LSU study comparing traffic in ten states before and various stages during the pandemic, found that overall traffic volume decreased by 48 percent.  LSU Civil Engineering Professor Brian Wolshon (Wool-shon) says at the beginning as the virus spread across the country, traffic trends mirrored each other based on closures in each of the states.

Cut 10 (09) “…like that.”

The 10 states in the study were Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, and Vermont.

Wolshon says as the virus spread, and each state experienced waves, and plateaus of the virus, traffic also changed.

Cut 11 (12) “…cases.”

While an increase or decrease in traffic then later did not follow respectively an increase or decrease in case numbers it did indicate to researchers how the virus was spread.

Cut 12 (09) “…contact. ”

Wolshon says when you compare heavily populated areas like New York to Montana the states experienced different outbreaks of the virus, which also backs up the theory that the virus is spread when individuals are in close contact with others.  Data from the study also indicated that traffic-volume recovery was slower than the original decline of traffic.

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Governor Edwards will announce whether the state will loosen COVID public health restrictions this afternoon, and the data appears to support potentially moving into Phase Three.

Public Affairs Research Council Policy Director Dr. Steven Procopio says not only are new positive cases down but so is the percent positivity of tests, and total COVID-related hospitalizations.

Cut 13 (08) “..improve”

COVID hospitalizations are down to 629 compared to the over 2,000 we saw in early January.

The Governor has never released his official benchmarks for moving the state through different phases but Procopio says our current numbers look like a period when we were in Phase Three restrictions.

Cut 14 (10) “…interact.” 

During that period total COVID hospitalizations sat between 800 and roughly 500.

Last week Edwards said our trajectory looked promising and Procopio says the data indicates a cautious loosening of restrictions is justified right now.

Cut 15 (09)“..transmutability.”

657,000 Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

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The LSU baseball team will take on Nicholls tonight at 6:30 after beating the Colonels 14-0 on Saturday.  The Tigers have been great at the plate so far this year, batting .303 as a team.  Hitting Coach Eddy Smith says the team does a good job of feeding off each other.

Cut 16 (15) “…impose their will.”

The Tigers are a young team and already have a number of freshmen that are making an immediate impact.  Coach Smith says he’s not surprised because he knew this freshman class would be special.

Cut 17 (12) “….these freshmen”

While the freshmen continue to make headlines, junior Drew Bianco has been hitting the ball well, as he’s batting .250 with two home runs, both of which occurred against Nicholls.  Bianco almost left the program over the summer as he entered the transfer portal before deciding to remain in Baton Rouge.  Bianco says that experience motivated him to have a big year.

Cut  18 (14) “…in the long run.”

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The LSU men’s basketball team will take on the Vanderbilt Commodores at home tonight.  Vanderbilt is just 3-11 in SEC play this season but coach Will Wade says the Commodores are better than their record shows.

Cut 19 (16) “…how they’re playing.” 

LSU has lost its last two games due in large part to poor shooting.  Forward Darius Days has struggled in those losses, putting up a total of 4 points combined in those games.  Wade says he knows Days will get out of his shooting slump.

Cut 20  (13) “…at home.” 

Leaders in the state legislature are beginning to formulate their plans for tax reform legislation to be debated in the regular session that begins next month. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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The state has hit another milestone in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Brook Thorington has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Legislative leaders say they are putting together a tax reform plan that will be debated during the regular session that begins April 12th. Senate President Page Cortez says because of the complexity of the current tax structure, they want to bring stability, simplicity, and predictability to the state’s tax code

Cut 3 (10)  “…we will be successful”  

Cortez says the highest priority is to create a centralized state and local sales tax collection. He says Louisiana is one of three states not to have one, which makes it more difficult on businesses when it comes to paying taxes.

Cut 4 (12) “…right now” 

Cortez says phasing out the property tax businesses pay on inventory and reducing and simplifying the corporate franchise tax are other proposals that will be debated.

He says Senate and House leaders are also looking at eliminating the ability for taxpayers to deduct federal income taxes they pay on their state returns, which could lead to an overall lower income tax rate…

Cut 5  (11)  “…tax rate” 

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During an AARP Tele-Town Hall meeting, New Orleans physician Dr. Eric Griggs answered questions about COVID-19 and the vaccines. Griggs says the three vaccines available underwent thorough testing, Johnson and Johnson had 30-thousand clinical trial participants and 75-thousand people in the Pfizer and Moderna trials.

Cut 6 (12) “…the trial.”

Griggs says it’s important not to take anything like Tylenol before you are vaccinated to dull your immune response to the vaccine however you can take pain relief after your injection.

Cut 7 (11) “…after.”

When it comes to behavior after you have been vaccinated Griggs says because of variants of the virus you still need to continue to social distance and wear masks. As for travel and visiting with others outside your immediate household…

Cut 8 (10) “…a risk.”

To hear the complete town hall, visit AARP Louisiana’s Facebook page.

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New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson said today that Tulane police officer Martinus Mitchum was fatally shot on Friday by a man who tried to force his way into a high school basketball playoff game. Ferguson says Mitchum was working as a security guard and tried to escort the gunman out of the building after he hit an employee working at the door

Cut 9 (10) “…the chest”

Officer Mithum was rushed to University Medical Center where he died and 35-year-old John Shallerhorn was quickly arrested and charged with one count of first-degree murder of a police officer. Ferguson calls Mitchum a hero for making sure Shallerhorn didn’t get inside the gym…

Cut 10 (11) “…negligence.” 

It’s been reported Shallerhorn became irate after being told he had to wear a mask at the Carver High School playoff game, but Ferguson can not confirm that

Cut 11 (11) “…wearing a mask.”

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The Louisiana Health Department says it expects to receive this week nearly 38-thousand doses of Johnson and Johnson’s newly approved COVID-19 vaccine. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says this is a single dose vaccine which could be especially beneficial for people who have difficulty taking time off of work

Cut 12 (10) “ …vaccines now.” 

Kanter says the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is also a more durable vaccine and it can last up to three months in a refrigerator, whereas the other vaccines must be stored at very cold temperatures

Cut 13 (08)“…strike teams.”

Kanter says clinical trials on the Johnson and Johnson vaccine show its 100-percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths

Cut 14 (12) “…zero deaths” 

There’s a discussion about moving the Atlantic hurricane season up by two weeks. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Edwards’ proposed 400 dollar K-12 teacher pay raise has some teacher advocates crying foul. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The Johnson and Johnson effort to end the pandemic received emergency use authorization Saturday. Brooke Thorington on what makes this vaccine different from the others.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Workforce Commission reports the state unemployment system was bombarded with fraudulent applications last year, but most were rejected.

The Workforce Commission has turned over 28,000 suspected cases of attempted unemployment insurance fraud to law enforcement. Secretary Ava Dejoie says those attempts did not succeed.

Cut 4 (04)“…went off.”

The Commission also suspects they have an additional 60,000 could be fraud attempts. Assistant Secretary of Unemployment Insurance Robert Wooley says these applications have incomplete information, and…

Cut 5 (10)“…fraud.”

Dejoie says 2020 was an incredibly busy year for the department in general. They disbursed 8 billion dollars in federal and state UI benefits.

Cut 6 (07) “…2019”

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The Atlantic hurricane season officially starts June 1st, but a committee at the National Hurricane Center is looking at changing the start date to May 15th. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the two-week jumpstart might be justified.

Cut 7 (11)  “…six seasons.”

Keim says but the bigger question is are we detecting storms sooner or is climate responsible for the earlier start.

Cut 8 (06) “…of it.”

The answer to the question according to Keim is that possibly both is happening, climate change and better surveillance.

Keim says hurricane season is tied to sea surface temperatures and when they become warm enough, they can feed energy into creating a tropical storm or hurricane. He says June 1^st is not necessarily some magical date.

Cut 9 (07) “…cycle.”

Keim says by moving the hurricane season up two weeks it may help to foster earlier preparation and forecasting for the Atlantic season.

The record-breaking 2020 season began May 16^th when tropical storm Arthur formed east of Florida.

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Many teachers are scoffing at the Governor’s proposed 400 dollar teacher pay raise, calling it far too little.  Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana Director Dr. Keith Courville says the Governor needs to add an extra zero to that figure if he wants to rival the pay teachers can find in neighboring states.

Cut 10 (09) “…faculty.”

The 400 dollar pay raise for teachers and 200 dollar pay raise for support staff will cost the state an additional 40 million dollars a year. The proposal will be debated in the upcoming April legislative session.

Courville says teachers made great sacrifices for the state during the pandemic and this proposal is just a slap in the face.

Cut 11 (09) “…this year.”

Courville says the Governor is not on track to meet his campaign trail promise of getting Louisiana teacher pay up to the southern regional average.

Cut 12 (09) “…wrong. ”

A+PEL is not associated with either of the state’s two major teachers unions, the LAE or LFT, and Courville described the 9,800 member group as the state’s independent, non-partisan teachers association.

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The Johnson and Johnson one dose COVID-19 vaccine has received emergency use authorization and doses should arrive in the state this week.  Tulane School of Medicine Professor Dr. Lisa Morici says data shows the J & J vaccine doesn’t have any of the severe allergic reactions shown with the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines..

Cut 13 (11) “…injection site.”

Morici says don’t get caught up with the stats that J&J’s has an overall efficacy rate of 66-percent versus in the 90-percent and greater of the other vaccines.

Cut 14 (11) “…deaths.” 

When given the opportunity to be vaccinated, Morici says take whichever vaccine is first offered.

Besides being one-dose, Morici says the J & J vaccine also doesn’t require extensive cold storage like the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines making it ideal for transport in rural areas.

Cut 15 (09)“…is great.”

On Thursday, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter said that once approved the state anticipated receiving up to 38,000 doses of the J & J vaccine this week in addition to the weekly allocation of more than 97,000 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

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Louisiana Tech men’s basketball recorded two blowout victories over the weekend beating Rice 101-57 and 79-58. Kalob Ledoux had a season-high 25 on Friday and followed that up with a 17-point performance on Saturday. Coach Eric Konkol says he’s proud of Ledoux

Cut 16 (16) “…to the basket.”

Before Saturday’s game, Tech celebrated the collegiate careers of the six senior Bulldog basketball players who have led the team to a 19-6 record this season. Konkol calls them a special group…

Cut 17 (16) “….one another”

There is the potential for another game to be added, if not La Tech will play in the Conference USA Tournament next week in Frisco, Texas.

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The LSU men’s basketball team had a five point lead at Arkansas on Saturday, but played poorly in the second half and fell behind by 20 before losing to the 20th ranked Razorbacks 83-75. Coach Will Wade says it was a tale of two halves

Cut  18 (20) “…advantage of that.”

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After a couple of tough losses on the road in Milwaukee and San Antonio, the Pelicans return home tonight to host the Utah Jazz, who have the best record in the NBA. On Saturday, the Pels fell to the Spurs 117 to 114 to drop their record to 14-19. After the game, New Orleans All-Star Zion Williamson said the team is close to winning a bunch of games…

Cut 19 (19) “…be there.” 

Williamson says his teammates are determined to keep fighting, which is why he believes this team is close to turning the season around…

Cut 20  (16) “…figure it out” 

The Edwards administration has proposed a 36 billion dollar budget plan for next fiscal year, a 186 million dollar increase over the current year. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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With the State Department of Education to receive one-billion in CARES funding, one lawmaker is urging them to use part of the funds to help close the digital divide.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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State officials say there is a critical need for blood donations due to supply disruptions caused by last week’s winter storms. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says donating blood is quick and easy. You can call 2-1-1 to be directed to a donation center near you.

Cut 3 (07)  “…twice” 

Edwards asks if you have a regularly scheduled blood donation appointment to move it up to this weekend.

Cut 4 (10) “…right now” 

Edwards says this appeal comes directly from the state’s hospitals…

Cut 5  (11)  “…serious.” 

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Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne has laid out the governor’s 36 billion dollar budget plan to legislators today. Thanks to an increase in federal funding for Medicaid, the proposal is a 186 -million dollar increase over the current year. Dardenne says public colleges would see 80 million dollars more to help pay for faculty pay raises.

Cut 6 (11) “…institutions.”

Much of the budget increase is being afforded by more generous federal support for the state’s Medicaid program, which is allowing state funds to be moved into other areas. The budget did not include increased funding for early childhood education.

The Governor’s call for a 400 dollar pay raise for K-12 teachers and a 200 dollar increase for support staff would cost the state an additional 40 million dollars a year.

Cut 7 (09) “…average.”

The budget also calls for increased investment in the Department of Corrections.

The plan will be debated by the Legislature in the legislative session that begins in April. Dardenne hopes these proposals won’t be rolled back…

Cut 8 (12) “…investments.”

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Avoyelles State Representative Darryl Deshotel is asking the State Department of Education to use part of the more than one billion it is receiving in CARES Federal Funding to assist areas of the state that lack broadband access, which will help students with virtual education.

Cut 9 (11) “…partner”

Deshotel says the CARES funding is designated to be used for COVID-related expenses and students need internet access as soon as possible.

Cut 10 (11) “…future.” 

Deshotel says the federal government has given the state $300-million in vouchers for students to buy broadband access, however…

Cut 11 (14) “…no infrastructure.”

Deshotel says the Federal Government has designated $349-million for broadband infrastructure in the state but says it’s going to take another 400 to 500-million to close to the digital divide.

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As parents struggle with getting their children to eat healthy the American Academy of Pediatrics has some tips on how to first introduce your kids to more nutritious meals. Pediatrician and Mom Dr. Candice Jones says since small children eat small amounts parents need to make every bite count.

Cut 12 (08) “ …protein.” 

Jones says if possible, children should be breastfed for the first six months of life and then begin introducing them to nutritious pureed food gradually, one new food group at a time.

Cut 13 (10)“…vegetables.”

Jones says it’s also very important to introduce dairy, eggs, fish, and nuts to prevent food allergies as early as possible.

Another tip is to try to offset the sugary drinks that kids favor with low-fat milk or water and remember that children will model your behavior.

Cut 14 (11) “…take it.” 

Jones also reminds you to avoid processed and prepackaged food for children and try to introduce fruit and vegetables with low-fat yogurt in the form of smoothies to make food more appealing for young children.

________________________

 The LSU men’s basketball team will take on the Arkansas Razorbacks on the road on Saturday. LSU easily won the previous matchup 92-76 against the Razorbacks but coach Will Wade says they’re a different team now.

Cut 15 (17) “…huge challenge” 

 Wade says a big reason for Arkansas’ improved level of play is due to the confidence they have as a team.

Cut 16 (09) “…great job” 

In an effort to have children educated sooner, one lawmaker files a bill to make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana.  Brooke Thorington explains

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

_______________________________________

Utilities reported to the Public Service Commission this morning on last week’s winter storm response. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Currently, it is not mandatory to send your child to kindergarten in Louisiana, but one Senator wants to change that to get more children enrolled in pre-K education. Baton Rouge Senator and Chairmen of the Senate Education Committee Cleo Fields has pre-filed legislation to make kindergarten a requirement.

Cut 3 (10)  “…the state.” 

According to Louisiana’s Early Childhood and Education Commission, birth to five years of age is critical for brain development. Fields wants to aid educational outcomes for children as early as possible.

Cut 4 (11) “…first grade.” 

Fields says we need to concentrate on learning sooner so all children will have the advantage of pre-K and kindergarten education before, they walk into first grade. Fields says but first we must make kindergarten a requirement.

Cut 5  (11)  “…through twelve.” 

If the bill is approved children who turn age five on or before September 30^th will be required to enroll in kindergarten.

________________________

Utility providers went before the Public Service Commission today to explain last week’s winter storm power outages and the poor communication to customers about those outages.

Entergy CEO Phillip May says Tuesday the grid faced significantly more demand than it had supply and they were given 30 minutes by a regulator to begin rolling blackouts.

Cut 6 (10) “…resort”

That super-regional regulator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, operates an energy market in 15 states throughout the center of the country. Nearly all of those states were caught in last week’s polar vortex.

May says part of the problem last week was that they could not source enough natural gas to maintain a normal level of power production.

Cut 7 (10) “…supply”

Providers acknowledged that natural gas prices for February were far higher than they usually are, and that will be passed on to customers. Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta…

Cut 8 (09) “…before then”

______________________

Senator Bill Cassidy spoke with members of the media on a zoom conference to discuss his vote to impeach former President Donald Trump.  Despite some criticism, Cassidy says he’s at peace with his decision.

Cut 9 (08) “…people objecting”

After Cassidy’s vote, the Louisiana GOP voted to censure him, but Cassidy says that’s only a small portion of the Republican Party and that a lot of Republicans say they respect his decision.

Cut 10 (11) “…went into it” 

In regards to how this vote will impact his political career, Cassidy says honoring his constitutional oath is more important.

Cut 11 (10) “…consequesnces.”

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A former well-known Monroe staple passed away Monday at the age of 72. Shirley was the sole elephant at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo for 22 years after she arrived in 1977.  As requirements changed for keeping elephants in captivity, Zoo Director Tom Pearson says they opted to let Shirley retire.

Cut 12 (12) “ …years.” 

Pearson says since elephants are herd animals, Shirley relocated to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee where she defied the odds as the Sanctuary’s oldest elephant after her previous circus life and then her residency in Monroe.

Cut 13 (08)“…circus.”

Pearson says at the Sanctuary, Shirley was able to roam vast the grounds with other elephants and had little human interaction. He says about 10 years ago however one of her former caretakers in Monroe, Solomon James, was allowed to visit on her birthday.

Cut 14 (11) “…thrilled”

At the time of her passing, Shirley held the record for the second oldest elephant in North America.

The next Louisiana Gubernatorial race is more than two years away but the top potential candidates are on their way to assembling large campaign war chests. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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If you receive unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP you’re also eligible to receive free mobile internet service. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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Potential 2023 Gubernatorial Race contenders Attorney General Jeff Landry and Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser are off to a strong fundraising start with the election more than two years away.

Landry is sitting on two million dollars and Nungesser has a million in a half in the bank. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the two statewide elected Republicans are strong early favorites.

Cut 3 (10)  “…candidates” 

The reported numbers cover the end of the 2020 fundraising period.

Other Republicans rumored to be contemplating a run include Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt and State Treasurer John Schroder, but each is only sitting on six-figure sums…

Cut 4 (07) “…found out.” 

Hewitt claimed 215,000 dollars cash on hand while Schroder has 550,000 in the bank. Another potential Republican, Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, has a federal election war chest that can’t be used in state races.

Pinsonat says with Governor Edwards term-limited there’s no easy answer for Democrats in 2023, but Edwards two wins prove you can’t count the party out…

Cut 5  (10)  “…win” 

Pinsonat says two early Democrats being floated are Norco Senator Gary Smith and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields.

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The State Fire Marshal’s Office is asking residents to reconsider the use of heat lamps to keep pets and animals following several fires last week, including one in Bossier Parish that claimed the lives of seven horses. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says even outside, heating lamps can be hazardous.

Cut 6 (15) “…over the heat lamp.”

Rodrigue says there was also a fire involving a heating lamp in the Houma area that killed a dog and another one in Livingston Parish. Rodrigue says the fires could be due to the lamps being placed near flammable objects like a blanket…

Cut 7 (11) “…on fire”

Rodrigue says that if animals are able to be brought inside, then that’s the best option for warmth.

Cut 8 (12) “…not advisable.”

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A 56-year old Bossier Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being allegedly shot multiple times by his daughter in Benton Monday night. Sheriff’s Office Spokesperson Bill Davis says they were called to Burt Wich’s home in Benton around 5 pm.

Cut 9 (11) “…murder”

22-year old Kalee (pronounced Kallie) Wich is being held at the Bossier Maximum-Security Facility in Plain Dealing.

Davis says Deputy Wich, who lives alone was getting ready to go assist a friend with storm damage when his daughter Kalee arrived.

Cut 10 (09) “…the least” 

Davis says Deputy Wich is in stable condition at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and was up walking around this morning after being shot multiple times.

Cut 11 (08) “…to work.”

Davis says the gun used in the shooting was not the deputy’s service revolver. The investigation is ongoing.

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Thanks to a COVID Relief bill those receiving unemployment, Medicaid or SNAP Benefits are now eligible to receive free mobile internet service. Q Link Wireless is one of the phone providers participating in the program and CEO Issa Asad (EE-sa Ah-sod) says you can even keep your current phone and number.

Cut 12 (10) “ …in need.” 

Asad says to sign up for the benefit you can visit QLinkWireless.com, He says once approved you’ll receive service in two to three days.

Cut 13 (06)“…no bill”

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program passed by Congress begins on February 25th and lasts until the end of the year, after that Asad says you can roll over into the LifeLine program.

Cut 14 (09) “…unlimited”

Louisiana officials are asking residents who suffered damage during last week’s winter weather to report it, as the state plans to submit that information to the federal government. Taylor Sharp has more

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

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Louisiana Strawberry farmers are pulling up tarps and surveying damage from last week’s winter storms. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

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The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is seeking information via survey on damage.la.gov from anyone who sustained damage from the winter weather, which could potentially lead to federal assistance.  GOHSEP Spokesperson Mike Steele says filling out a survey will help speed up the recovery process.

Cut 3 (11)  “…recovery process” 

 Steele says that reporting the damage will also help state officials determine where the most damage occurred.

Cut 4 (10) “…assistance may be available.” 

 Steele explains that this doesn’t guarantee federal assistance but it could certainly help.

Cut 5  (11)  “…benefit us” 

Steele wants Louisiana residents to understand that this should not replace reporting damage to your insurance agency.

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Strawberry farmers are surveying crops after last week’s winter storm and it appears 30 to 35 percent of the crop is lost according to one farmer. Owner of Harris Farmers in Springfield, Trey Harris says despite covering the berries, the length of the storm also impacted the crops.

Cut 6 (09) “…stems.”

Harris says the last time a winter storm impacted the crops this bad was four years ago, his first season in the strawberry business. Harris says but the December 2017 snow gave them enough time to recover because it takes 21 days for a bloom to produce a strawberry.

Cut 7 (10) “…coming in”

As for prices on strawberries, Harris says they should stay up for a while because of lack of volume, and it’s not just Louisiana that’s having issues with strawberries.

Cut 8 (09) “…volume.”

Harris says the peak of the season is mid-April giving farmers time to salvage their season.

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A Bienville Parish man was fatally shot Sunday morning by a truck driver after allegedly attempting to break into his 18-wheeler. Bienville Sheriff John Ballance says 35-year-old Jonathan Raney of Ringgold kicked in the front door of a liquor store, then targeted a nearby semi…

Cut 9 (12) “…window out”

Raney did not enter the liquor store after kicking in its front glass door.

Ballance says the truck driver woke up and warned Raney to leave… 

Cut 10 (06) “…shot” 

The driver was parked at the store’s parking lot overnight with permission.

Ballance says the driver fired four shots and they believe the shooting was justified.  

Cut 11 (09) “…break in”

Ballance speculates Raney’s erratic behavior was the result of drug use but says they are awaiting toxicology results to determine if that is the case.  

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The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office releases new details about a fatal shootout at a Gretna gun store on Saturday.

Sheriff Joe Lopinto says video evidence and witness reports show 27-year-old Jamal Williams was not confrontational while in the store, and was exiting the premises after being asked to unload his weapon by staff when he fired a round out the door and across the street, then turned around and shot his first victim…

Cut 12 (03) “ …happened” 

Williams held a concealed carry permit, had no major criminal history, and was allegedly at the store with his brother and a minor to purchase ammo, and was in the store for seven minutes before he began shooting.

Lopinto says contrary to their initial impressions…

Cut 13 (11)“…training”

Two people were fatally shot, 59-year-old Veronica Billiot a customer who was the first victim in the spree, and 47-year-old store employee Noah Fiscbach, who was shot while lying on the ground.

Video shows Williams exiting and entering the store and moving through the building exchanging fire with store employees before being shot in the parking lot. Lopinto says it could’ve been worse…

Cut 14 (12) “…day”

Beginning today pregnant women are eligible to be vaccinated in Louisiana, but some question is it safe to do so. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Teacher unions are celebrating as K-12 educators can receive a COVID vaccine starting today. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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The C-D-C says Louisiana suffered a 53 percent increase in drug overdose deaths between July of 2019 and 2020 compared to the previous one-year period. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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As pregnant women become eligible to be vaccinated for COVID in Louisiana today, many expectant mothers question if it is safe? West Jefferson Medical Center OB/GYN Dr. Jennifer Bigelow says always talk to your personal physician first, but they are recommending it.

Cut 4 (08)“…vaccine.”

COVID vaccine clinical trials for pregnant women are currently underway to gather more data. Bigelow says being pregnant puts you in a higher risk group if you contract COVID.

Cut 5 (10)“…progressed.”

Another concern among those of childbearing age is that the vaccine can affect fertility. Bigelow says there is no evidence-based research indicating it does.

Cut 6 (08) “…future.”

Bigelow also recommends that nursing mothers and women planning to get pregnant be vaccinated for COVID when eligible.

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Nearly half a million additional Louisianans are eligible for the COVID vaccine starting today and that includes over 50,000 K-through- 12 teachers. Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says this will go a long way towards getting education back to some sense of normalcy.

Cut 7 (07)  “…open.”

Along with teachers those 55 and older with certain medical conditions, pregnant women, and an expanded class of healthcare workers also became eligible.

Carter says even with vaccinating teachers education won’t return to normal until the pandemic ends, but this does help facilitate more in-person teaching.

Cut 8 (12) “..safe”

The LFT has been lobbying state leaders to give teachers access to the vaccine as early as last December.

Carter says now that teachers are eligible the next step is making sure they are getting vaccinated.

Cut 9 (09) “..vaccine.”

State Superintendant of Education Cade Brumley says teachers will not be required to take the vaccine.

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Louisiana suffered the nation’s largest spike in drug overdose deaths in the period between July 2019 and July 2020. That’s according to data from the C-D-C. Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich says the state’s drug overdose death number has been rising the last seven years, despite optimism it would slow.

Cut 10 (08) “…down.”

Louisiana now has the 8th highest rate of overdose deaths in the nation at 37 per 100,000. West Virginia leads the nation at 62 per 100,000.

It was a 53 percent increase in overdose deaths, 1,720 in total. Cvitanovich says it was largely driven by increased use of opiates like Fentanil and its concentrated form Carfentanil.

Cut 11 (09) “..potent”

South Carolina saw the next highest spike in the nation at only 43 percent.

Cvitanovich says there’s a lot that’s being done to fight the addiction epidemic domestically but it’s still pouring into the US from Mexico and China.

Cut 12 (07) “…people.”  (2x)

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One lawmaker is hoping to change the state motto in the next legislative session. St. Tammany Parish Representative Richard Nelson wants “We Live and Die for Those We Love,” to be the new state proverb.

Cut 13 (10) “…the seal.”

Nelson says the current state motto of “Union, Justice and Confidence” is not very well known even though it appears on the state flag.

Nelson says he was first intrigued by the slogan “We Live and Die for Those We Love” when it appeared on his law degree. He has since found it on state landmarks.

Cut 14 (06) “…capitol.” 

Nelson hopes if the new motto is adopted that it’s gradually phased into use and that current displays of “Union, Justice and Confidence” remain intact.

Cut 15 (05)“…over time.”

Nelson says it’s only appropriate when new state buildings are constructed that the motto be used, and current structures are not altered.

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For the first time since 1994, the LSU men’s basketball team hit the century mark in an SEC game as the Bayou Bengals blew out Auburn 104-80 on Saturday afternoon at the PMAC. Five players scored in double figures led by freshman Cam Thomas. Trendon Watford had a double-double and so did Josh Leblanc who has 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench. Coach Will Wade says it was great team effort…

Cut 16 (16) “…on the block.”

LSU held Auburn to 37-percent shooting and for the third consecutive game the Tigers shot better than 50-percent. Wade says on his improved offense…

Cut 17 (16) “..doing”

Saturday’s win improves LSU’s record to 9-4 in the SEC and they are tied for second place with Arkansas. The Tigers are at Georgia tomorrow and Wade says it will be difficult to beat the Bulldogs on their home floor

Cut  18 (18) “…ready to go.”

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It was a tough day at the ballpark for the LSU Baseball team has they lost to Air Force for the first time in school history giving up three runs in the ninth in a six to five loss to the Falcons. Air Force scored three runs in the ninth as Ty Floyd and Aaron George each walked two hitters and freshman third baseman Will Hellmers committed three errors at the hot corner. Coach Paul Mainieri…

Cut 19 (20) “…didn’t make” 

The loss drops LSU’s record to 1-and-1 after winning the season opener on Saturday six to one. The Tigers only have 14 hits after two games and Mainieri says the hitting will need to improve…

  cut 20  (26) “…go forward”