The Public Service Commission will investigate why so many Entergy customers saw their bills balloon after a cold snap in December. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”
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Despite opposition from Governor Edwards, Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing a bill that would raise the state’s gasoline tax 22-cents over the next 12 years. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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An Ochsner Regional Medical Director shares a warning to those who’ve just been vaccinated and think they can immediately return to pre-pandemic life…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”
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The City of New Orleans shut down seven bars over the weekend for COVID violations as the city prepares to close all bars ahead of Mardi Gras weekend.
NOLA Director of the Office of Business and External Services Peter Bowen says these business owner’s selfishness is getting people killed and damaging the city’s economy.
Cut 4 (11)“…tunnel.
Bowen noted that at one venue patrons were entering through a back door while the front door was locked up in an attempt to hide the bar’s operation from the authorities.
Cut 5 (09)“…casualty.”
Bowen says these seven bars will not be allowed to open until they can prove they will stay in compliance, and for some they may never be allowed to reopen due to state fire violations.
Cut 6 (12) “..safely”
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At the next Public Service Commission meeting, the PSC plans to direct a third party to do an independent investigation into why so many homeowners Entergy bills are up significantly.
Entergy blames cold weather in December. P-S-C Chairman Craig Greene says that’s a possibility given heaters pull three to four times as many amps as A/Cs do.
Cut 7 (08) “…expensive”
One theory as to why people’s bills have skyrocketed has to do with the installation of new meters. Greene says that possibility will be investigated.
Cut 8 (10) “..jumped.”
That third party will be tasked with doing a random survey of the billing situations of not just those who’ve filed complaints, but the average customer as well. Greene says they won’t have immediate results.
Cut 9 (07) “answers.”
That meeting is set for February 24th.
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Governor John Bel Edwards has said he does not support an increase in the state’s gasoline tax, but Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland still plans on filing legislation to be heard this year. McFarland says 34 other states have increased the investment into their roads and bridges since 2013, including every southern state
Cut 10 (11) “…in infrastructure”
McFarland says Louisiana pays the seventh-lowest gas tax in the nation at 20-cents a gallon and it has not been raised since 1989. The lawmaker says his bill would raise the state’s gasoline tax by 22-cents over the next 12 years. He says each penny would result in 30-million dollars in additional revenue and he believes Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson might support the proposal…
Cut 11 (08) “…coming down.”
McFarland says his legislation, which needs two-thirds support in both the House and Senate, will also help the state receive 780-million dollars in federal transportation dollars. He says several small business owners are behind his effort…
Cut 12 (12) “…closed bridge.”
McFarland says he plans to file his bill that also includes reform, accountability, and transparency measures, in the coming days for the regular session that begins April 12th.
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Health officials are warning folks it can take several weeks after your second COVID vaccination to receive adequate levels of immunity.
Ochsner Regional Medical Director Dr. Aldo Russo says he was vaccinated, then a week later unknowingly exposed to a positive case, and a week after that began developing symptoms…
Cut 13 (08) “…disease.”
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are thought to be only 50 percent effective a few days after your first shot. Russo says ten to fourteen days after your second dose is when you achieve immunity.
Cut 14 (09) “…COVID”
Russo adds that there are some people for whom the vaccine will not take and even after two shots will receive no immunity. This is more common in those with autoimmune disorders.
Russo says two weeks after your second shot you’re pretty safe to move throughout the community, but it will still be necessary to mask up and socially distance for a time…
Cut 15 (11)“..of this.”
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The New Orleans Pelicans have won three straight games and five of the last seven contests. The team continues to be led offensively by forwards Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who are both averaging over 20 points per game. Head coach Stan Van Gundy says Zion Williamson has really expanded his offensive game.
Cut 16 (15) “…our offense.”
While the team has been efficient on offense during this winning streak, Van Gundy says he wants to see a lot of improvement on defense.
Cut 17 (12) “…together more.”
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After two hurricanes and a coronavirus pandemic, the McNeese Cowboys will return to the football field this Saturday to kick-off their spring season by visiting Tarleton State in Stephenville, Texas. Head Coach Frank Wilson says the team understands southwest Louisiana is excited to see the Pokes play…
Cut 18 (24) “…right way.”
McNeese and the Southland is one of several F-C-S leagues that will play this spring after their fall was postponed because of the coronavirus. Wilson admits he didn’t know they would play this fall after Hurricane Laure produced three feet of water on the football field
Cut 19 (25) “…with us”
Tarleton State plays in the Western Athletic Conference. Wilson says they were 11-1 in 2019 but lost a lot of starters from that team…
cut 20 (17) “…as well.”