Billions in new subsidies kick into effect today lowering Obamacare health insurance premiums. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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A New Orleans lawmaker introduces legislation decriminalizing the possession of marijuana. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana will receive only five percent of the CARES Act Fisheries Funding despite being one of the top fishing states in the country. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 3 (26)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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WalletHub ranks Louisiana as the second most stressed state in the nation. WalletHub Analyst Jill Gonzales says it comes down to finances, health and safety, and family. She says despite Louisianans working some of the highest averages of hours per week, Louisiana has one of the highest percentages of adults living in poverty and unaffordable housing.

Cut 4 (09)“…Mississippi.”

Healthwise Gonzales says the state has a high percentage of adults in poor health.

Cut 5 (08)“…sleep.”

And safety-wise she says residents are stressed because Louisiana has the second-highest crime rate per capita.

When it comes to family stressors, Gonzales says Louisiana has the fourth-highest divorce rate in the country.

Cut 6 (10) “…catagories.”

Louisiana follows Nevada that was ranked by WalletHub as the most stressed.

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A major insurance provider says the most recent stimulus bill makes it easier to purchase health care through the Affordable Care Act marketplace. Blue Cross Blue Shield Chief Healthcare Economist Mike Bertaut says lower monthly premiums and expanded income eligibility for financial assistance go into effect today…

Cut 7 (08)  “…first.”

Nationally it’s expected to reduce Obamacare premiums by about 600 dollars a year, but Bertaut says that average will be higher in Louisiana. If you don’t reapply for the savings now you’ll receive them as a tax credit on your return next year.

Previously individual plan subsidies were only available for those earning about 50,000 dollars a year or less…

Cut 8 (11) “…premium.”

The 36 billion dollar injection is a result of the Biden Administration’s American Rescue Act and the marketplace subsidies are expected to remain in effect through 2022.

Starting today there’s another new addition: the feds will cover 100% of your COBRA costs. Bertaut says employers are sending letters to those eligible.

Cut 9 (10) “…dollars.”

Open enrollment for the ACA marketplace has been extended through August 15th.

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Legislation is filed that would decriminalize marijuana possession pending the passage of a broader legalization and regulation of recreational marijuana in the state.

New Orleans Representative Candace Newell wrote the bill and says Louisiana spends too much money imprisoning people for possessing marijuana.

Cut 10 (11) “…50 percent.”

The proposed legislation does not apply to the crime of driving while under the influence, and would still allow employers to maintain zero-tolerance drug use policies.

Newell says passing this legislation would be an important step forward for the African American community.

Cut 11 (10) “…counterparts.”

A recent JMC poll shows 68 percent of Louisianans support decriminalization, but it’s traditionally been a non-starter at the Legislature. Newell says part of that is due to pressure from local governments.

Cut 12 (08) “…property.”

Newell says she was discouraged from filing this legislation by groups that touted the revenue benefits of maintaining current drug policies.

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Of the $255 million in CARES Act Fisheries Funding, Louisiana will receive less than five percent despite being one of the top fishing states in the nation. Republican Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a slap in the face.

Cut 13 (11) “…Louisiana.”

For example, Graves says Washington State is receiving $40 million compared to Louisiana’s $12.4 million, even though Louisiana has a 50 percent greater value to our fisheries landings.

Cut 14 (07) “…anything else.”

Florida was allocated $19 million even though Louisiana has a 50 percent greater fisheries value.

To gain additional funds Graves says he’s working with other programs where the state has received appropriate funding in the past.

Cut 15 (10)“…political friends.”

Louisiana is the second-largest seafood supplier in the nation.

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Former Tigers wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase returned to LSU’s indoor practice facility and ran a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash. Chase opted out before the start of the COVID-shortened 2020 season and said it wasn’t easy to watch LSU go 5-and-5 on the season…

Cut 16 (11) “…out this year.”

Chase says he has spoken to the Cincinnati Bengals who own the fifth pick and he would not mind reuniting with Joe Burrow.

Cut 17 (11) “…hard again.”

Defensive back Kary Vincent also opted out in 2020 and returned to LSU yesterday to run the fastest 40-time at 4.33. Vincent says he’s been talking with former Tiger and current Tampa Bay Buccaneer Devin White about the draft process

Cut  18 (10)  “…can do.”

Vincent announced in August he was opting out of the 2020 season. He says he tested positive for COVID and developed some symptoms that had him concerned

Cut 19 (24) “…around here.” 

Most businesses can operate at full capacity today as a result of updated guidelines put out by the governor’s office. The new order ends an eleven PM alcohol curfew and restaurants can have full occupancy. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state’s hospitality industry has taken it on the chin, so hopefully, the updated guidelines can help re-start the tourism industry.

Cut 5  (11)  “…in Louisiana”

New Orleans is easing COVID-19 restrictions for all indoor and outdoor gatherings but won’t be going as far as the rest of Louisiana.

According to a statement from the Mayor’s office, all indoor gatherings will be limited to 150 people and all outdoor gatherings will be limited to 250 people as of April 2 and outdoor recreation spaces and sports complexes will be able to host crowds at 50% of their occupancy.

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”

Pfizer announces their COVID vaccine is also effective for children ages 12 to 15. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John Vanchiere says while children are not as susceptible to COVID compared to adults, this is a huge step forward towards ending the pandemic.

Cut 7 (06) “…as well.”

Clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 with the Pfizer vaccine begin in May.

Next week the state will establish a COVID vaccine hotline, a service designed to connect those interested in getting vaccinated with a nearby provider who has open appointments. Governor Edwards says next week we’re getting over 300,000 first COVID vaccine doses delivered and we need people to start lining up for them…

Cut 9 (11) “…pandemic.”

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

The pandemic has reordered Louisianan’s top priorities for state government to address according to the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Lab Director Mike Henderson says the two new top concerns compared to last year are the economy and COVID-19.

Cut 14 (08) “…concerns.” 

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.” 

Starting tomorrow health insurance premiums for Affordable Care Act individual plans are set to drop on average by over 50 dollars a month due to 36 billion dollars in new subsidies. If you currently have a marketplace plan log onto healthcare.gov tomorrow and follow the instructions provided to see a reduction in cost of your coverage.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says the lifting of several 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 in person now that capacity limits are lifted.

Cut 3 (11)  “…going again.”  

Louisiana is expecting 300 thousand COVID vaccine doses next week, which is almost double the number the state currently receives. And to help residents with where to get vaccinated the state is establishing a hotline number. Governor Edwards says it won’t cost the state any extra money.

Cut 11 (07) “response.”

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

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 there is some partisan separation in how people view the state’s economy.

Cut 13 (08)“Democrats”

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 clinical trials for ages 5 to 11 will begin in May.

Cut 8 (09) “…clinical trial.”

Pfizer hopes to amend its emergency use with the FDA in time for 12 to 15-year-olds to begin vaccinations in the fall.

Most businesses can operate at full capacity today as a result of updated guidelines put out by the governor’s office. The new order ends an eleven PM alcohol curfew and restaurants can have full occupancy. Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack says the state’s hospitality industry has taken it on the chin, so hopefully, the updated guidelines can help re-start the tourism industry..
Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana”

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”

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.”

State Police is investigating the death of a man who died while in the custody of Bossier City Police officers. A preliminary investigation has found that B-C-P-D officers arrived at a business after receiving a call about a stolen car and took a male suspect into custody. Authorities say shortly after the arrest, police called EMS because the man became unconscious. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

For the first time in over a year, many businesses are able to fully open today without capacity restrictions. But the social distancing requirement and the mask mandate remain in place. Bars are allowed to serve alcohol past 11 PM, but Governor John Bel Edwards says patrons must be seated and served at tables…
cut 28 (09) “….spread”
Lousiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is hoping Louisiana residents take advantage of this new freedom…
cut 4 (09) “…those doors open”
In New Orleans, the phase three order remains in place that means 75-percent capacity limits on most businesses. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says she will thoroughly assess what the governor announced, and she’ll make decisions accordingly.

Louisiana is expecting 300-thousand COVID vaccine doses next week, which almost doubles the number of doses the state is currently receiving. To help residents get these vaccines in their arms, the state will establish a vaccine hotline. Governor Edwards calls it a one-stop-shop for anyone seeking a vaccine appointment…
cut 10 (10) “…vaccines”
Everyone aged 16 and older is now eligible to receive a vaccine.

And Pfizer announced today its vaccine is effective for individuals as young as 12-years-old. LSU Health Shreveport pediatric infectious disease specialist Doctor John 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”

Next week Louisiana will be allocated over 300,000 first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine from the feds. Governor John Bel Edwards says the vaccine ramp-up is here and the month of April will be critical to the state’s success.

Cut 9 (11) “…pandemic.”

To help connect residents with providers next week the state will launch a vaccine hotline where folks can call and have a vaccine appointment made for them at a nearby pharmacy.

Pfizer says their COVID vaccine clinical trial of adolescents ages 12 to 15 is 100-percent effective. Professor of Pediatrics at LSHU Health Shreveport, Dr. John Vanchiere, who is a lead investigator of the Pfizer trials, says the antibody response among the age group is extremely promising.

Cut 6 (09) “…study.”

The Better Business Bureau says if you try to purchase a fake vaccination card you might end up getting swindled yourself. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has lifted the capacity limits on bars, restaurants, salons, gyms, malls, and casinos, but he’s still requiring these businesses to maintain social distancing of six feet. Edwards is also keeping the mask mandate in place. He says the C-D-C still recommends mask-wearing…

Cut 9 (08) “…vaccinations.”
Edwards says the capacity limits have been lifted because he says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19.

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.”  

Only 42 percent of Louisianans believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction per the 2021 Louisiana Survey. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

Cut 11 (08) “… direction.”

But partisanship isn’t always the driving force. Henderson says major disaster events like Hurricane Katrina saw opinion shifts in both Republicans and Democrats.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s unclaimed property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP settlement funds that are waiting to be claimed. Schroder is encouraging people and businesses impacted by the 2010 oil spill to check la-treasury-dot-com to see if any of this money belongs to them…
Cut 15 (05)“…$165,000.”
He says more than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

For the first time in over a year, many businesses are able to fully open today without capacity restrictions. But the social distancing requirement and the mask mandate remain in place. Bars are allowed to serve alcohol past 11 PM, but Governor Edwards says patrons must be seated and served at tables…
cut 8 (09) “….spread”
This new order will expire on April 28th.

An LSU survey of 780 Louisiana residents found that only 42 percent of the respondents believe the state is headed in the right direction, while 46 percent say it’s headed in the wrong direction. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says beliefs about the direction of the state have held relatively steady since 2017…
Cut 10 (11) “…margin of error.”
Henderson says the split is largely partisan and doesn’t seem likely to change any time soon.

The state health department says over 720-thousand people have been fully immunized against the coronavirus. That’s 16-percent of the state’s population. Chris Babin with the Better Business Bureau of Acadiana warns not to post photos of your vaccination card on social media because it contains personal information.
Cut 6 (06) “…leary of as well.”
Babin says they are also seeing websites popping up offering fake vaccination cards for those who do not want to get vaccinated but would like to have a card for any travel restrictions. He advises against purchasing a fake vaccination card.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s Unclaimed Property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP Settlement funds waiting to be claimed. The money comes from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Trust, which BP established to settle claims stemming from the 2010 oil spill. Schroder encourages people and businesses impacted by the spill to check la-treasury-dot-gov…
cut 14 (03) “…St. Bernard”
More than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

Governor John Bel Edwards is keeping the mask mandate in place, but COVID capacity restrictions on nearly all businesses have been lifted. That means gyms, bars, casinos, salons, and restaurants can fully open while maintaining social distancing requirements…
Cut 7 (08) “…again.”
Sporting events will remain limited to 50-percent capacity, so will event spaces and reception halls.

State Treasurer John Schroder says the state’s unclaimed property program has 700-thousand dollars in BP settlement funds that are waiting to be claimed. Schroder is encouraging people and businesses impacted by the 2010 oil spill to check la-treasury-dot-com to see if any of this money belongs to them…
cut 15 (05) “…165-thousand”
He says more than 100 people and businesses have claims totaling at least one-thousand dollars.

According to LSU’s 2021 Louisiana Survey, the pandemic did little to shift Louisiaian’s overall opinion of the state’s future. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

State Police is investigating the death of a man who died while in the custody of Bossier City Police officers. A preliminary investigation has found that B-C-P-D officers arrived at a business after receiving a call about a stolen car and took a male suspect into custody. Authorities say shortly after the arrest, police called EMS because the man became unconscious. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.