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

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

_______________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

________________________________________

Since the state has moved to Phase Three, and New Orleans has also eased restrictions, more tourists are returning. But Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser the state is also competing against neighboring states that have eased restrictions even more and conventions remain on the fence about Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12)  “…our doors”  

Nungesser says having the state in one phase and New Orleans in another is not helping the tourism industry whatsoever. He says to help the industry recover both leaders need to set a date in unison on when things will reopen completely.

Cut 4 (09) “…yet.” 

While individual hotel books are starting to go up, Nungesser says restrictions need to be modified so bars and restaurants can allow people to sit at the bar in addition to tables and music restrictions eased so more visitors can enjoy the New Orleans experience.

Cut 5  (10)  “…money” 

Nungesser says on a positive note they’ve seen one of the best years ever at state parks with the stay three get the fourth-night free deal.

_______________________________________

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

Cut 6 (09) “..have”

The Nightcrawlers are a collective of active musicians from other bands and only play a few live gigs a year.

Mingledorff says he’s most excited for the exposure their win will give other great New Orleans bands and the Crescent City as a whole.

Cut 7 (11) “…person”

The Nightcrawlers joined the Rebirth Brass Band as New Orleans brass bands who’ve won a GRAMMY.

Mingledorff says it’s been a tough year for musicians. But the upside of so much downtime means everyone’s been practicing…

Cut 8 (10) “….music”

“Atmosphere” was finished just as the pandemic began.

_______________________________________________________

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

Cut 9 (10) “…very challenging”

In a statement, Brees said he poured his heart and soul into being the Saints Quarterback, but now his real life’s work begins. Edwards says he’s excited to see what Brees does next…

Cut 10 (07) “…your family.” 

Brees will stay close to football by working as an NFL analyst for NBC. The Texas native also plans to stay involved with his philanthropic work.  Senior Vice President for New Orleans and Company says the Brees Dream Foundation is responsible for distributing 45-million dollars to charities

Cut 11 (11) ”   anything else”

Sunday marked the 15-year anniversary of Brees signing with the Saints. Romig says Brees arrival in 2006 came at the right time as the city was still reeling from the destruction left behind by Hurricane Katrina

Cut 12 (09) “ …up from here” 

_____________________________________________

LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward said on “WRKFs” Talk Louisiana this morning that he “totally” agrees with LSU interim President Thomas Galligan’s decision to suspend two athletic department administrators for less than a month as a result of the Husch Blackwell Report.  Woodward was not AD at the time the incidents occurred but says…

Cut 13 (11)“…this”

Verge Ausberry and Miriam Miriam Segar’s failure to properly address sexual misconduct reports resulted in 30 and 21-day suspensions without pay respectively. The Legislative Women’s Caucus slammed what they called an unacceptably small punishment.

Woodward was an AD at Washington and Texas A&M before returning to his alma mater in 2019. He says the handling of sexual misconduct cases on college campuses is not just a problem at LSU…

Cut 14 (12) “about” 

Woodward says the school and athletic department are committed to changing the culture through education.

Cut 15 (10) “…this.” 

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

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

As COVID hospitalizations continue to decline in Louisiana and vaccinations on the rise, state health officials are hopeful the pandemic is making a positive turn. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

Drew Brees is hanging up his cleats as the future hall of famer announces he’s retiring after 20 seasons. Jeff Palermof has the story

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”  

____________________________

Gas prices continue to increase at the pumps. According to Gas Buddy’s Senior Petroleum Analyst, Patrick DeHaan says demand for gasoline has reached its highest poting since the pandemic started. DeHaan says as states pull back on restrictions more people are traveling

Cut 4 (07)“…get out.”

DeHaan says as the pandemic appears to be ramping down, gas prices have increased to the highest level in a year. The problem is that U-S production of crude oil is far below what it was a year ago and…

Cut 5 (09)“…2019.”

As for the summer months when gas prices typically increase DeHaan says it looks like they will continue to rise but living in the Bayou State does have its perks.

Cut 6 (10) “…Louisiana.”

________________________

The number of COVID-19 patients in the hospital is below 500 for the first time since the early days of the pandemic. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the continuing decline in hospitalizations is proof that vaccines work.

Cut 7 (11)  “…working.”

The state began receiving vaccine doses last December and they were first given to those working directly with COVID patients and then to residents 70 and older because seniors are more at risk of serious illness or death.

Kanter says more people have been vaccinated now than reported cases of COVID in the state.

Cut 8 (07) “…is it.”

The state will receive 5,200 doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine this week after not receiving any J & J shots the last two weeks due to manufacturing issues. Kanter says they hope we will soon see weekly allotments closer to 38,000.

Cut 9 (10) “…of March.”

Kanter says when the state begins receiving more of the J & J vaccine they will begin mass vaccination events again.

_____________________________

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins is among a group of Republican U-S House members who are in Texas today to assess the increase of unauthorized crossing attempts from Mexico. Higgins says what was a manageable situation during the Trump administration has turned into a crisis

Cut 10 (10) “…illegal crossings” (2x)

The number of migrant children reportedly detained at the border has tripled. The White House admits it’s a challenge but they are working on improving an immigration system gutted by the previous President. But Higgins says the Biden administration has put out signals that the border is open, which has led to an increase in illegal drugs coming into the U-S…

Cut 11 (10) “..well funded.”

Last week Congress approved a massive COVID relief package and there’s talk they would begin work on passing a large infrastructure spending bill. But Higgins says what’s happening at the U-S Mexico border needs to be addressed soon…

Cut 12 (07) “…our nation ”

_____________________________

On the 15-year anniversary of the Saints signing Drew Brees as a free agent, the future Hall of Fame quarterback announced his retirement from professional football yesterday, ending a stellar 20-year career. NFL analyst Mike Detillier says Brees helped turned a losing franchise into a Super Bowl champion

Cut 13 (11) “…high level”

Brees played 20 seasons, setting 13 NFL records, winning seven NFC South Championships, led New Orleans to three conference championship games, and winning a Super Bowl to complete a magical 2009 season. Detillier says Brees’ relationship with Coach Sean Payton helped produce a winning atmosphere

Cut 14 (10) “…get involved.” 

Brees leaves the NFL as the league’s all-time leader in passing yards and is second in touchdown passes with 571. Detillier says it was an amazing career, and it almost ended when he suffered a major injury in his last season in San Diego…

Cut 15 (10)“….to ever play.”

_________________________________________

Despite nearly winning the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, LSU is an eight-seed in the NCAA Tourney and will play 16-and-4 St. Bonaventure on Saturday. Coach Will Wade says it will be a challenge to beat the Bonnies who won both the Atlantic Ten regular season and conference titles

Cut 16 (16) “…small-ball four.”

LSU gets an invite to the Big Dance after compiling an 18-9 record. They’ve won four of their last five and lost by one point to sixth-ranked Alabama in the SEC Tournament Championship game. Wade says the lack of a quality non-conference win hurt them in the seeding and what they did past weekend didn’t help

Cut 17 (18) “…Bonaventure.”

LSU played yesterday in Nashville and today they’ll head to Indiana where the entire NCAA Tournament will be held. Wade says it will be a bubble-like atmosphere in the Hoosier State…

Cut  18 (21) “…on Saturday.”

LSU is facing calls for additional punishments for those involved in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Don Molino has more…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Don Molino”  

_______________________________________

Early voting for the March 20^th elections for two congressional seats in the 2nd and 5th districts ends Saturday and projected turnout is 15 to 20 percent. Taylor Sharp has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

________________________________________

Sexual assault victims, state lawmakers, and students are calling on LSU to issue more disciplinary action against those named in the Husch Blackwell report that examined LSU’s mishandling of sexual assault cases. LSU interim President Thomas Galligan says they continue to comb through the report

Cut 3 (12)  “…will be appropriate”  

Two athletic administrators have been suspended, Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar, 30 and 21-days respectively.
Galligan says while they consider additional discipline, they are moving forward with implementing Husch Blackwell’s 18 recommendations, which includes beefing up the Title Nine office

Cut 4 (11) “…our size.” 

Galligan says they’ve already started streamlining the investigative process after a sexual misconduct claim is reported. But during a legislative hearing this week, state lawmakers were furious the Husch Blackwell report didn’t result in any firings. Galligan says he welcomes their scrutiny

Cut 5  (12)  “…this situation” 

_______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and fisheries is urging boaters to practice safe boating after already seeing seven boating fatalities in 2021.  At this time in 2020 we only saw two boating fatalities.  Lieutenant Dean Aucoin says boaters need to be aware of their surroundings.

Cut 6 (12) “..everybody else safe”

It is required by law that anyone 16 years of age or under must wear an approved life jacket.  Aucoin stresses the importance of life jackets because, in recent incidents, no life jackets led to some of the fatalities.

Cut 7 (11) “…concerning to us”

Aucoin says that before going on the water, boaters need to make sure all of their safety equipment is in good shape and safe to use.

Cut 8 (10) “…everybody on board.”

_______________________________________________________

Saturday is the last day for early voting for the March 20^th election that includes the special congressional elections for the 2nd and 5th districts. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon projects a turnout of 15-20-percent but he’s observed an increase in the percentage of mail-in ballots

Cut 9 (08) “…election day”

In the predominantly New Orleans Democratic-based 2^nd Congressional District Couvillon predicts a runoff for lawmaker Troy Carter and most likely Karen Carter Peterson, also a legislator, or possibly with Baton Rouge businessman Gary Chambers or…

Cut 10 (09) “…party.” 

As for the 5^th Congressional District Couvillon says Republican Julia Letlow, the widow of Luke Letlow who won the seat in December but died of COVID before being sworn in, is the dominant front runner.

Cut 11 (09) “…before.”

If needed the run-off elections are set for April 24^th.

_____________________________

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the homicide of a 77-year old caretaker and the suspect is the special needs woman she cared for. Sheriff Joseph Lopinto says the incident happened Friday morning at a home in Terrytown.

Cut 12 (10) “ …sitter” 

Lopinto says the suspect, who is nonverbal, has been taken to a psychiatric ward while they notify next of kin. He says the victim, did not live at the residence and is not related to the suspect.

Cut 13 (10)“…why.”

Investigators believe the two women had an argument which then led to a physical altercation. Lopinto says while the cause of death is unknown, it’s most likely blunt force trauma.

Cut 14 (08) “…happened” 

Lopinto says it was a family member of the suspect that discovered the body.

The Saints have begun the process of releasing players in an effort to get under the salary cap. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

President Biden’s 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan gained final passage in the US House today. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (28) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces the return of Farmers Insurance to the state of Louisiana, offering automobile, property, and renter’s insurance. Farmers sold policies in the state before from 1999 to 2014 but left after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Donelon says having more insurance options helps policyholders.

Cut 3 (04)  “…prices.”  

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Farmers is the 9^th largest property and casualty insurance carrier by premium volume in the U-S. Donelon says adding the Bayou State and others is part of Farmers’ growth.

Cut 4 (10) “…brand.” 

Donelon says Farmers’ return to Louisiana in all 64 parishes is a huge win for consumer choice and cost.

Cut 5  (05)  “…Louisiana.” 

________________________

Louisiana has reached another milestone in getting residents vaccinated against the coronavirus. Governor John Bel Edwards says the number of people who have completed the vaccine series exceeds the number of people who tested positive for COVID-19…

Cut 6 (06) “…milestones.”

Nearly 450-thousand residents have completed the vaccine series. The state has expanded eligibility to include people 16 and over and with a health condition that can contribute to a person becoming seriously ill from COVID. State health officer Joe Kanter says conversations with vaccine providers resulted in the state opening the shot to more people

Cut 7 (07) “…to expand”

A threshold for herd immunity for the coronavirus is unknown, but estimates put it at 70 to 90 percent. Kanter says national data is showing that vaccine confidence is growing…

Cut 8 (09) “…own research.”

______________________

It was just over six months ago when Hurricane Laura caused widespread devastation in Louisiana. Laura affected 22 parishes and recovery efforts continue. FEMA spokesperson Tiana Suber says at one time more than 800 FEMA workers were in Louisiana providing assistance.

Cut 9 (09) “…in hotels”

Suber says currently only 400 survivors remain in hotels and approximately 1,200 households have been licensed into temporary housing.

Similar to after hurricanes Katrina and Rita, FEMA is working on temporary trailer placement for homeowners as they rebuild, but it can be a lengthy process.

Cut 10 (11) “…families.” 

Suber says for residents who are un or underinsured or have more damage than their inspection indicated she encourages you to register with and contact FEMA for assistance.

Cut 11 (11) “…you need.”

________________________

The US House gave President Biden’s 1.9 trillion dollar COVID relief and economic stimulus plan final passage today on a party-line vote. 

The Louisiana Congressional Delegation is expected to vote against the plan. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says the package is full of unnecessary spending.

Cut 12 (08) “ …lines.” 

The bill covers everything from a significantly increased and revamped child tax credit, 1,400 dollar stimulus checks to over 80 percent of Americans, increased health insurance subsidies, and a number of other items.

The Biden Administration says the stimulus portion is vital to ensuring the nation sees a robust economic recovery from the pandemic. Graves says there’s evidence that we don’t need it.

Cut 13 (09)“…bill”

Graves additionally noted that as much as a trillion dollars from previous COVID relief bills remains unspent and spending in this plan stretches out to 2023.

Republicans have been most vocal about the 350 billion dollars in state aid. Graves says it’s a bailout for mismanaged state budgets.

Cut 14 (06) “…past” 

The package cleared the Senate on a 50-49 vote via tiebreaker from Vice President Harris. The plan now awaits the President’s signature. 

Louisiana has expanded the eligibility requirements for the COVID-19 vaccine. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

_______________________________________

Former LSU football coach Les Miles has been fired at Kansas after allegations of sexual misconduct were made public last week during his time at LSU. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Taylor Sharp.”  

________________________________________

Louisiana has expanded COVID vaccine eligibility to anyone 16 years and older with certain health conditions, including asthma, hypertension, diabetes, smokers, and people who are overweight. Edwards says the list of health conditions for eligibility can be found on the state department of health’s website.

Cut 3 (14)  “…to the vaccine”  

Edwards says this another important step in the state’s fight against COVID-19 as he hopes getting more of the population vaccinated will reduce serious illness and death from the virus.

Cut 4 (08) “…the virus.” 

Edwards is encouraging everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to get the vaccine. He says nearly 10-percent of the state’s population have been fully vaccinated and very few people have reported serious side effects…

Cut 5  (11)  “…this pandemic.” 

________________________

Les Miles is out as the head football coach at Kansas University as a result of the reports that surfaced last week where Miles acted inappropriately with female students at LSU and was told to quit texting them. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the 67-year-old’s coaching days are likely over

Cut 6 (10) “…yeah.”

Miles has denied the allegations made against his client that were investigated in 2013. The former Tigers coach allegedly tried kissing a student and performing unwanted touching. Higgins says Kansas had no choice but to let him go…

Cut 7 (12) “…any level”

Higgins says the sexual misconduct allegations were initially hard to believe,   because Miles was considered a family man.

Cut 8 (10) “…long time ago.”

______________________

State Treasurer John Schroder tells Talk Louisiana host Jim Engster he will not be taking a COVID vaccine.

Schroder was asked about the impending substantial expansion in vaccine eligibility. He says…

Cut 9 (07) “…vaccine”

Schroder says instead he’s focusing on making sure his immune system is strong. Schroder says he’s under doctor’s care…

Cut 10 (10) “…system.” 

Schroder is a COVID survivor who was hospitalized in early December.

Cut 11 (08) “say that..”

________________________

President Biden declares Louisiana a major disaster after two winter storms last month. Deputy Director of the Governor’s Office Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Casey Tingle says it allows homeowners and renters in affected parishes to be eligible for assistance if they sustained damage.

Cut 12 (10) “ …Louisiana.” 

Tingle says this will also assist city and parish governments to pay for clean-up from the storms.

In addition to the 23 parishes, Tingle says nine others could also be eligible for assistance.  A few weeks ago, GOHSEP asked residents to complete a Damage.LA.gov for a better idea of how many were impacted by the storms.

Cut 13 (10)“…included here”

While the Bayou State is used to disaster declarations for hurricanes, Tingle says the length of the two storms and extensive damage to some water systems gave the state eligibility for a declaration in the winter.

Cut 14 (10) “…weather” 

Eligible parishes include Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, Webster, West Carroll, and Winn.

Police are seeking a 1^st Degree Murder charge against a man they say murdered and robbed a 29-year-old New Orleanian at a meetup to sell a 2,800 dollar dirt bike. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle”  

_______________________________________

 A sit-in of about 100 students formed this morning outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

________________________________________

The attorney for former LSU football coach Les Miles calls Kansas’s decision to place Miles on administrative leave unfair. K-U made this move after reports that Miles acted inappropriately with female student workers while at LSU. Legal analyst Tim Meche says Miles’ attorney is upset because a Husch Blackwell investigation never spoke with Miles or other key witnesses

Cut 3 (11)  “…right now.”  

Attorney Peter Ginsberg says when LSU investigated Miles in 2013 they found no evidence he kissed a student worker or offered to take her to a hotel. Meche says Miles’s 3-and-18 record at Kansas is likely a factor in being placed on administrative leave…

Cut 4 (08) “…winning record.” 

Kansas says they want to use this time to review two reports that investigated the allegations. Meche wonders if K-U officials will use this opportunity to fire Miles…

Cut 5  (07)  “…his buyout.” 

Miles would reportedly be owed eight million dollars if he’s fired without cause.

________________________

The pandemic has crippled the convention industry which is responsible for almost five-thousand jobs in Louisiana. Co-Chair of Meetings Mean Business Fred Dixon says the industry has been trained on how to re-open safely once the pandemic passes and most convention attendees say they’ll be there.

Cut 6 (11) “…the future.”

Dixon says a majority of those surveyed say they miss in-person professional development. Careers for example like healthcare, teachers, and attorneys are required to receive annual certified training and online classes are not always preferred.

Cut 7 (09) “…New Orleans”

Dixon says the survey also revealed that convention attendees are able to form better relationships and build trust in communications at in-person meetings.

Cut 8 (10) “…its feet.”

______________________

A 29-year-old New Orleans man was allegedly murdered in Jefferson Parish after meeting someone through an online marketplace app to sell his dirt bike.

JP Sheriff Joe Lopinto says they tracked down and arrested Jalen Harvey after discovering messages between him and the victim, Joseph Vindel in the app.

Cut 9 (09) “…itself”

Vindel’s dirt bike was discovered outside of Harvey’s apartment.

Lopinto says meeting strangers online can be dangerous, but while the victim could’ve chosen a safer location like a police station parking lot or outside of a grocery…

Cut 10 (11) “…outside.” 

Vindel’s body was discovered this morning.

Lopinto says since the start of last year they’ve seen two armed robberies, one simple robbery, two thefts, and now a homicide connected with these marketplace sales.

Cut 11 (10) “..it to”

Police are seeking a 1^st Degree Murder charge against Harvey.

________________________

About 100 students are holding a sit-in outside of LSU’s Football Operations Building calling on LSU officials to fire athletic administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar based on findings released last week in the Husch Blackwell report. The students are part of a group called Tigers Against Sexual Assault.

Cut 12 (12) “ …responsible.” 

LSU interim president Thomas Galligan has only suspended Ausberry for 30 days and Segar for 21-days without pay.

Protesters say the suspensions of only two athletic officials after the school spent thousands on the Husch Blackwell report to investigate mishandlings of sexual assault and abuse are not enough.

Cut 13 (10)“…cover-ups”

One protester says she’s lost all faith in the university and she’s not alone.

Cut 14 (13) “…transferring” 

Funds are now available to help tenants and landlords who’ve experienced financial hardship from the pandemic. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Cattle and poultry producers in north Louisiana are still recovering from last month’s winter storms. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

For the first time in their lives, many Louisians are filing winter storm damage home insurance claims. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (29)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

____________________________

The state launches a new program to provide financial assistance to both tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic. Executive Director of Louisiana Housing Corporation Keith Cunningham says $161 million has been allocated for 57 parishes.

Cut 4 (09)“…COVID.”

Parishes with populations over 200,000 will receive funding directly from the US. Treasury for aid, so now both urban and rural areas of the state are covered.

LHC in partnership with the Louisiana Office of Community Development will administer the program.

Cunningham says the primary focus is to pay rental arrears.

Cut 5 (09)“…April.”

The program also then gives eligible tenants up to three months for future rental assistance.

Cunningham says the eviction moratorium was necessary during the pandemic, but it transferred the financial burden to landlords and this program offers them relief.

Priority is given to households where at least one member has been unemployed for more than 90 days due to COVID…

Cut 6 (10) “…considered.”

For more information visit LA State Rent-dot com

www.LAStateRent.com

________________________

The state’s cattle and poultry industries took a beating from last month’s historic winter storms.

LSU AgCenter regional livestock specialist Jason Holmes says thousands of chickens were lost when several poultry facilities collapsed due to snow and ice buildup.

Cut 7 (11)  “…work through.”

Feed mill operations were also backed up during the storms due to iced-over roads and snow.

Holmes estimates many cattle farmers lost at least a couple head, mostly calves, due to the stress of the event and the frigid temperatures. He says it came at a rough time…

Cut 8 (07) “…the ground”

Holmes says more so than lost livestock the industries really took a hit to their often expensive infrastructure, but that damage may be covered…

Cut 9 (12) “…right here”

A full accounting of the total cost to these two industries is expected to be released soon.

_____________________________

Baton Rouge newborn Lexa Dennis is the youngest ever to receive Zolgensma (zol·gens·ma.), the most expensive gene-drug therapy in the world at $2.1 million. Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Charlotte Hollman says Lexa has Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a debilitating and often fatal disease, was given the life-saving medication at just four days old at Woman’s Hospital.

Cut 10 (06) “…opportunity.”

Hollman says it was a team effort getting her approved for the medication and her older brother Axel, who also has SMA, received the medication just before his second birthday.

Mother of both Lexa and Alex, Andrea James…

Cut 11 (10) “…to do.”

SMA is the most common cause of death in the first year of life and the drug was approved for use in the United States in 2019. James says until there’s a cure for SMA…

Cut 12 (09) “…born. ”

Eleven days after Lexa received Zolgensma she was able to go home from the hospital.

_____________________________

Thousands of Louisianans suffered some very unusual types of home damage during last month’s winter storms and now wonder if their insurance will cover it. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says if you sustained any damage from the storms do not hesitate to at least file a claim with your insurer.

Cut 13 (06) “…claim.”

Donelon also suggests filling a claim if you or anyone on your property hurt themselves in a slip and fall incident due to the weather.

Donelon says, unlike hurricane coverage…

Cut 14 (07) “…another.” 

One thing is universal: you still have a responsibility to do your best to mitigate the damage from the event, such as unfreezing pipes safely or covering holes in your roof.

Donelon says overall last month’s winter storms will cost the insurance industry 18 billion dollars.

Cut 15 (07)“….weather.”

______________________________________

The LSU men’s basketball team outscored Missouri 19-12 in the final six minutes on Saturday and went on to beat Mizzou 86-80 to claim the three seed in this week’s SEC tournament in Nashville. Coach Will Wade was pleased with getting this victory on the road

Cut 16 (16) “…good start.”

Wade says it was nice to win a close game and execute down the stretch…

Cut 17 (19) “…tournament time”.

LSU will have a double-bye in the SEC Tournament and they’ll play the late game on Friday night. Wade wants to make a run in the tournament…

Cut  18 (15) “…for us.”

Phase Three allows live music to return but with numerous strings attached, some say it’s hitting all the wrong notes. Brooke Thorington has more.

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

_______________________________________

Two high-ranking LSU athletic officials have been suspended as a result of a nearly 150-report that looked at how the school failed to properly handle sexual assault complaints. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

________________________________________

Phase Three allows live music to return indoors but under strict rules. Like a strong HVAC system and plexiglass between the stage and audience. Louisiana native and country music artist David St. Romain says it will be difficult for most venues to meet the requirements.

Cut 3 (11)  “…outdoor.”  

St. Romain says for example when you look at a venue like The Texas Club in Baton Rouge, where capacity is 1,200 it’s not the best fiscal decision to bring back music.

Cut 4 (11) “…600 people.” 

St. Romain says the new normal for him and other musicians have been to play online and try to reach as many as possible. He says even when venues can open to full capacity he will continue to play online as well.

Cut 5  (11)  “…facilities.” 

________________________

Early voting in the 2^nd Congressional District special election begins Saturday and the race appears to be shaping up around three candidates.

Political analyst Clancy DuBos says there are two clear frontrunners at the moment, New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter. Of the two…

Cut 6 (09) “Richmond.”

Carter also boasts the endorsement of prominent Baton Rouge lawmaker Cleo Fields. Peterson’s endorsements are headlined by Emily’s List and Stacy Abrams.

DuBos expects this race to head to an April runoff due to the 15 candidates on the ballot, most notably the presence of Baton Rouge social justice activist Gary Chambers.

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Over 70 percent of the voters in the 2nd are based in Metro New Orleans, with the rest coming from the River Parishes and north Baton Rouge.

No third parties have polled the race so far and DuBos says internal campaign polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

Voting in the 5th Congressional District special election also begins Saturday.

______________________

LSU suspends two high-ranking athletic officials without pay as a result of a report on how the school mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry received a 30-day suspension, while senior associate A-D Miriam Segar received 21 days. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan

Cut 9 (09) “…go unaddressed”

Ausberry and Segar will be required to go through training on sexual misconduct, domestic violence and more.

Husch Blackwell delivered what Galligan called a brutally honest and objective evaluation. Husch Blackwell Partner Scott Schneider says their report found that LSU’s Title Nine office was woefully understaffed and one victim described how complicated it was for a case to get investigated…

Cut 10 (11) “…warned down.” 

The report gives 18 recommendations on improving LSU’s Title 9 practices and Galligan says the school plans to act on all recommendations and that includes beefing up the Title 9 Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

There is criticism over the severity of the punishment handed down to Ausberry and Seger. Galligan says Ausbery and Seger acknowledge they made mistakes but there was no clear path on how to report sexual assaults…

Cut 12 (12) “ …appropriate resources” 

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A mass vaccination event will be held Saturday at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those who are eligible, bring a photo ID and insurance card.  LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says it will be from 9 to 4.

Cut 13 (08)“…community”

Teachers will also need to bring proof of employment, vaccines for instructors will be from 2 to 4 pm.

The Johnsons and Johnson one dose vaccine will be administered. Vanchiere says if possible, they would like to you preregister at lsuhs dot edu.

Cut 14 (06) “…vaccinated” 

The Brookshire Grocery Arena is the former CenturyTel Center in Bossier City located at 2400 Century Link Center Drive.

Cut 15 (05) “…arena” 

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.