Colorado State University anticipates another above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2021. Brooke Thorington has more

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

_______________________________________

Lawmakers grilled LSU’s lawyer over the decision to ban all employees from testifying under oath at a legislative committee investigating the school’s mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

State Police say a vehicle heading the wrong way on Interstate 10 near Crowley caused a fiery crash that killed three people and left another person in critical condition. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the vehicle driving in the opposite direction slammed head-on into another vehicle…

Cut 3 (07)  “…that was also involved.” 

Gossen says they are still trying to determine why one of the vehicles involved was heading in the wrong direction. He says there are cases when a vehicle gets on the wrong on-ramp and ends up traveling against the current flow of traffic, but they are not sure what happened in this incident…

Cut 4 (08) “..westbound lanes” 

The identities of the victims have not been released and Gossen says because the vehicles were badly damaged, it’s difficult to determine who was heading the wrong way…

Cut 5  (09)  “…the crash.”

_______________________________________

Colorado State University hurricane researchers anticipate an above-average 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Graduate Researcher at CSU Jhordanne Jones says they are predicting 17 named storms, not as active as last year but still above average.

Cut 6 (09) “…in 2020”

2020 was a record-breaking hurricane season with 30 names storms. Jones says this time last year sea surface temperatures along the east coast and Gulf of Mexico were higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…active season”

CSU is not anticipating El Nino conditions at the peak of the 2021 season. El Nino tends to decrease tropical activity.

Jones says Louisiana has a 50-percent probability of landfall hurricanes in 2021, which she says is hauntingly like predictions we had last year.

Cut 8 (09) “…happens”

Jones says they will be observing if we transition into an Enso or neutral state which means we could experience above-normal activity.

AccuWeather is predicting  16 to 20 named storms for 2021 and seven to ten to become hurricanes.

_____________________________________________

LSU’s General Counsel told lawmakers why LSU employees had been banned from speaking under oath to a Legislative Committee today.

Winston Decuir says it’s related to a lawsuit by a current LSU administrator. He says he learned of the lawsuit Wednesday and had not or seen who was named in it when the decision was made.

Cut 9 (08) “circumstance.”

That lawsuit, by Atheltic Administrator Sharon Lewis, alleges a broad conspiracy to cover up sexual misconduct claims at the school, and retaliation against Lewis for investigating claims against former coach Les Miles.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says she has witnesses who claim either Verge Ausberry or Miriam Segar violated the terms of their recent suspensions…

Cut 10 (12) “…job” 

Athletic Department administrators Ausberry and Segar were suspended for several weeks each as a result of Husch Blackwell findings that they mishandled reports of sexual misconduct. A condition of their suspension was that they were barred from performing any of their duties.

Freeman pointed out head coach Ed Orgeron had already refused to attend the hearing before the lawsuit. Freeman says Tuesday night Orgeron held a Zoom Spring Football press conference…

Cut 11 (05) “…statement”

A number of other athletics and administrative leaders had also refused to attend before the lawsuit was known.

Freeman says she’s heard from alumni and students who are furious that LSU didn’t fire anyone after the Husch Blackwell report’s release. Decuir responded on behalf of Interim President Tom Galligan…

Cut 12 (11)   “…unacceptable” 

_____________________

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says a family of four in Louisiana could purchase a health insurance plan for premiums as low as 163-dollars per month at health-care-dot-gov. Director of the Office of Minority Health Doctor LaShawn McIver says that’s because of newly expanded financial assistance

Cut 13 (12)“…enrollment period”

McIver says the President recently extended the special enrollment period to August 15, so that families can take advantage of newly expanded financial assistance

Cut 14 (12) “…qualify for” 

McIver says if you need assistance they have a toll free number at 1-800-318-2596

Cut 15 (11) “…COVID relief law.” 

LSU’s senior associate athletic director Sharon Lewis tells the USA Today she’s filing multiple lawsuits against her current employer over mistreatment for trying to stop sexual harassment. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (36) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Louisiana GOP lost several thousand registered voters since the January 6^th US Capitol attack, a rare loss of membership for a party that’s seen major growth in the state over the last ten years. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting, Sharon Lewis, tells the USA Today she will file several lawsuits against the school, claiming she was mistreated for trying to stop sexual harassment. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the allegations are explosive, including the details of an argument Lewis had with former football coach Les Miles

Cut 3 (09)  “…M-fing face.” (2x)  

Lewis says the argument was over Miles’s alleged desire to have blond women or light-skinned black women on the recruiting staff that he considered prettier.

Lewis says she continues to get mistreated by several LSU athletic officials who she claims tried to cover up sexual harassment allegations against Miles. Higgins says Lewis told the USA Today she’s also been denied pay raises and Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry allegedly said to her, “maybe it’s time to find a new job”…

Cut 4 (06) “..Verge Ausberry.” 

The Husch Blackwell report resulted in Ausberry and Miriam Segar receiving a multi-week suspension. But Higgins says Lewis’s detailed allegations in the USA Today report of how she’s been mistreated over the last several years could lead to further discipline…

Cut 5  (08)  “…incompentent B.”

_______________________________________

Based on research by the LSU Manship School Statehouse Bureau 7,800 Louisiana voters have left the Republican Party since the January 6^th mob attack on the US Capitol.

LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this tracks with nationwide stats that show roughly 100,000 Republicans have unregistered from the party since then…

Cut 6 (12) “…registration”

To start the year Democrats lost more members, about 8,000 total, than Republicans, but unlike Republicans that is part of an ongoing trend in state party membership decline. Republicans have seen a 37 percent gain over the last decade while Democrats lost 12 percent. Third-party membership saw a 4,000 person increase in January and February.

Hogan says unregistering from a party doesn’t change much for a voter given Louisiana operates on a jungle primary system. The only thing you miss out on is voting in Presidential primaries.

Cut 7 (11) “..that way”

The bulk of the GOP’s losses came in January, where 5,503 members left the party. Similar drop-offs of party identification for the GOP were not seen in the opening months of 2017 or 2013.

Hogan says it’s an interesting phenomenon, but not one that will likely have any short-term electoral impacts on statewide Republican dominance.

Cut 8 (08) “..earlier”

_____________________________________________

While the American Rescue Plan does not contain student loan forgiveness it does allow temporary relief of taxes on student loans that are forgiven through 2025. Student Loan Hero, Loan Expert Rebecca Safier (Sapphire) explains.

Cut 9 (12) “…forgiven amount.”

Before with student loan forgiveness for example a teacher, they were taxed on the amount forgiven on the loan. Safier says this also applies to forgiveness on an income-driven repayment plan.

Cut 10 (10) “….tax bill.” 

According to Lending Tree, approximately 600,000 borrowers in the state juggle an average balance of almost $34,000 in student loans with monthly payments averaging $246. If the proposed student loan forgiveness of $10,000 passes, 35-percent of borrowers in Louisiana would have their debt eliminated. Safier says since the pandemic student loan forgiveness has gained traction.

Cut 11 (04) “…and see”

Louisiana has the 18th highest student loan obligation in the nation with a cumulative of $21.7 billion in federal and private loans.

_____________________________________________

The Red River United teacher’s union files a lawsuit against the Caddo Parish School Board alleging discrimination with the school system’s $1,000 bonus. Red River United Vice President Jordan Thomas says the bonus is for full-time employees who were present for 90-percent of the current school year, but it discriminates against teachers that took maternity leave and…

Cut 12 (09)   “…allow them.” 

Thomas says teachers have done everything that has been asked of them and announcing the bonus criteria now isn’t fair.

Cut 13 (10)“…to do.”

Thomas says every teacher who worked during the pandemic should be recognized regardless of their attendance and the system could have offered prorated bonuses based on attendance to do that.

Cut 14 (09) “…employees” 

Several attempts to reach the Caddo Parish School System for comment were unsuccessful.

____________________

One Louisiana Senator files a bill forcing minors to have parental permission to receive gender-based medical or mental health care. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Recordings from LSU reveal a man asked for $100,000 on behalf of an alleged sexual harassment victim of former running back Derrius Guice. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (42) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

Willis-Knighton Health System is seeking COVID-positive participants for a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

Houma Senator Michael Fesi files legislation requiring parental consent for a minor seeking gender therapy which includes psychotherapy along with surgical and nonsurgical procedures for gender identity. Fesi says it should be required like every other medical procedure for minors.

Cut 4 (11)“…consent.”

President of Louisiana Trans Advocates President Dylan Waguespack says this sets a dangerous precedent, especially for transgender and gender non-confirming minors without affirming parents or ones experiencing homelessness.

Cut 5 (10)“…they need.”

Fesi says several constituents have come to him concerned about their children having the ability to change their gender without parental consent.

Cut 6 (11) “…on TV.”

Waguespack says the suicide attempt rate among trans youth is fifty percent and possibly denying them care, especially by a lawmaker without a background in medicine or mental health could increase suicide attempts.

Cut 7 (08)  “…an increase.”

Waguespack is asking Senator Fesi to withdraw the bill and meet with the young people he is targeting.

__________________________

The Advocate reports recordings from LSU reveal a man asked for payment on behalf of an alleged victim of sexual harassment by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in exchange for not going to the media.

Advocate reporter Andrea Gallo says Cleavon Williams asked for payment of $100-thousand in lieu of LSU not suspending Guice ahead of the 2018 Citrus Bowl.

Cut 8 (06) “…involved.”

The woman, 74-year-old Gloria Scott, says Guice harassed her in 2017 while she was working at the Superdome. Scott says coach Ed Orgeron called her about the incident after she reported it. Orgeron says he does not recall contacting Scott.

Williams identified himself as a New Orleans AAU basketball coach to LSU Athletic Administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar. Segar questioned his role in the alleged incident.

Cut 9 (13) “…sure.”

Segar told Williams it seemed like blackmail, which Williams denied.

Also released is a recording of voicemails left by Scott. Gallo says payment in sexual misconduct cases is not unusual, an undisclosed amount was paid to the victim in the alleged Les Miles misconduct, but payment is usually requested by an attorney.

Cut 10 (08) “…for money.”

Gloria Scott asked LSU Police to investigate the matter, but they said it was out of their jurisdiction because it was not on campus nor an LSU event.

_____________________________

Over two million total doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in Louisiana with over 800,000 people having completed their series and over 1.2 million having initiated their series.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’re close to the point where anyone who wants a vaccine can make an appointment to get one for the next day.

Cut 11 (08) “…for people.”

The New Orleans region leads the state in vaccination series completion at 22 percent of the population. The Lake Charles and central Louisiana regions are lowest in the state at 12 and 13 percent respectively. Some Lake Charles providers argue the number is misleading because the population is lower than it appears on census data due to recent hurricanes.

Just over 18 percent of Louisianans have completed their vaccine series, and Kanter says those folks have a near-perfect but not guaranteed level of protection. That’s why we need herd immunity.

Cut 12 (10) “…lower.”

Herd immunity is thought to be 70 percent. 126 “breakthrough” cases of fully vaccinated people getting COVID in Louisiana have been recorded.

With the mass vaccination campaign in full swing Kanter says they’re launching a COVID vaccine hotline to help residents get connected with local providers.

Cut 13 (02) “…this week”

____________________

Willis-Knighton is one of 120 sites nationwide that will participate in a clinical trial for Regeneron’s COVID monoclonal antibody treatment.  Children’s Health Services Director Dr. Joseph Bocchini says they need COVID-positive participants and know early results have been extremely promising for people with comorbidities.

Cut 14 (08) “…percent.”

Other early results show Regeneron reducing the duration of symptoms for those with comorbidities by four days.

The objective is to enroll enough people to study the effects of Regeneron on pregnant women and children, but Bocchini says with COVID numbers declining it will be a challenge.

Cut 15 (08)“…desire.”

Those interested in participating should call 318-455-9730 or go to www.wkhs.com/clinical-trial.

Estimates show at our current rate of vaccination we could hit herd immunity by late summer, but Bocchini says even after that there will still be a need for COVID treatments.

Cut 16 (10) “…cases.”

Those participating in the 29 day study will receive a single dose of Regeneron at the WK COVID Research Infusion Center in Shreveport. Participants will be monitored at home and tested by healthcare workers.

____________________________________________

The LSU baseball team is now 17-11 overall and 1-8 in SEC play after being swept by Vanderbilt this past weekend.  The Tigers still have a long season ahead of them and coach Paul Mainieri says his team needs to figure out how to win close games.

Cut 17 (16) “…have to do.”

The Tigers received news Monday that junior pitcher Jaden Hill will be out for the season due to a tear in his right elbow, an injury he sustained in Friday’s game against Vanderbilt

While the Tigers have not had a lot of success so far, Mainieri hopes his team will continue to play hard.

Cut  18 (18)  “…this weekend.”

_____________________________________________

The Ragin Cajuns baseball team swept ULM this past weekend after winning the opening conference series against Coastal Carolina and now sit at 6-1 in the Sun Belt Conference. Right fielder Carson Roccaforte says he believes the team is hitting its stride.

Cut 19 (09) “…together for us.” 

Tonight the Cajuns host Nicholls at Russo Park. Earlier this season, U-L Lafayette beat the Colonels nine to eight in Thibodaux. Nicholls nearly came back to win the game as they scored four runs in the eighth as the Cajuns committed four errors on the night. Sophomore outfielder Tyler Robertson on what it will take to win their sixth straight game…

Cut 20 (12) “…in the game.” 

Approximately 98-thousand Louisianans received ineligible unemployment benefits last year totaling $405 million according to a Legislative Auditors report. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_______________________________________

Of the 834,000 Louisianans who’ve completed their vaccine series, only 126 have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

A Legislative Auditor’s report finds that approximately 98-thousand individuals received $405 million in unemployment benefits and it appears they were not eligible in Louisiana from the end of March until the end of 2020. Auditor Chris Magee says they found the error by using the program Wage Data.

Cut 3 (12)  “…benefits.”  

$247 weekly is the maximum one can earn, anymore they are not eligible.

Magee says the Louisiana Workforce Commission reports benefit filings were unprecedented and rose more than two-hundred thousand percent from pre-pandemic levels which led to the oversite.

Cut 4 (11) “…improper payments.” 

Magee says another factor for the oversight is the 2020 legislative instrument that gave employers an additional 45 days to report wages.

Magee says once the LWC determines if the error is administrative or fraud, they will enter into repayment agreements with those individuals. And if they don’t make repayments…

Cut 5  (09)  “…federal taxes.”

_______________________________________

Legislation is filed that would ban K-12 schools from teaching “Divisive Concepts” one of which being that the United States or the State of Louisiana is institutionally or systemically racist. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo says the bill would ensure a traditional classroom environment that deters discrimination.

Cut 6 (07) “…origin”

Other “Divisive Concepts” include teaching that an individual’s race or sex makes them inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, or that the concepts of meritocracy or capitalism are racist or sexist, along with other topics.

The bill has received pushback from those who advocate teaching that the US, through slavery, was founded on racism and has maintained a legacy of systemic racism. Garofalo disagrees.

Cut 7 (11) “…case.”

The legislation would also apply to trainings provided to teachers and school staff.

Garofalo says the legislation should not be controversial.

Cut 8 (05) “…acheivement.”

Garofalo says the jury is still out on whether this legislation would impact higher education.

_____________________________________________

126 Louisianans have tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated, good for only .02 percent of all Louisianans who are fully vaccinated.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says for those few people who got the bug, they didn’t get it bad…

Cut 9 (10) “…facilities.”

Full vaccination is two weeks after you complete your vaccine series. 834,000 Louisianans have completed their vaccine series.

Kanter says no vaccine is 100 percent effective 100 percent of the time, but…

Cut 10 (11) “….cases.” 

A recent CDC “real world” study showed Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were 90 percent effective two weeks after their second doses.

Kanter says this is just further proof of the incredible effectiveness of vaccines, and a message that should be shared with those still on the fence…

Cut 11 (12) “…as well”

1.3 million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

_____________________________________________

In a poll of 781 Louisiana adults, roughly half of the state’s residents approve of Louisiana’s response to the pandemic. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says the 2021 Louisiana survey shows a divide among party lines.

Cut 12 (11)   “…handled it.” 

Part of the state’s response to the pandemic was handling of the fall and spring elections. He says 75-percent of the respondents supported the extra days for early voting

Cut 13 (08)“…main in vote”

Henderson mail-in voting is a controversial topic and the divide is once again  along party lines

Cut 14 (06) “…in Louisiana.” 

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.”

_______________________________

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.” 

____________________________

 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.” 

_______________________________________

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.”  

________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________

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.

_____________________________________________

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” 

_______________________________________

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.”  

________________________________________

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”

_______________________________________

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.”  

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.” 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”