A federal grand jury returns a six-count indictment on 19-year-old Chance Seneca of Lafayette. Seneca met a gay teen on the dating app Grindr and then allegedly proceeded to torture him in June 2020. Among the charges are hate crime and kidnapping.

Louisiana casinos lost 877 million dollars last year compared to 2019 and are starting off 2021 down significantly from where they were this same time last year.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Several female lawmakers have called on LSU to fire instead of suspending two high-ranking athletic officials for their role in the mishandling of sexual misconduct cases outlined in the Husch Blackwell report. Governor Edwards says he while some disagree with the suspensions, he’s not questioning the decision.

Cut 7 (11) “…decision.”

LSU faces St. Bonaventure in the first round of NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 12:45. St. Bonaventure is anchored defensively by big man Osun Osunniyi, who averages almost three blocks per game.  LSU Coach Will Wade says he’s one of the best rim protectors he’s seen.

Cut 4 (11) “…in the country” 

The number of COVID-19 patients hospitalized in Louisiana has fallen below 400 to 399. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says this is evidence that we are doing a good job of stopping the spread, using mitigation measures, and proof the vaccine is working.
Cut 13 (08)“…hospitalizations.”
Nearly a million Louisianans have now received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine and 568-thousand have completed their full series.

Louisiana casinos and other gaming establishments lost about 877-million dollars in 2020. Will we see a recovery in 2021? Louisiana Casino Association Executive Director Wade Duty does not expect revenues to immediately return to normal even after the public health emergency ends…
Cut 11 (09) ” that point

Governor Edwards calls it a reasonable decision to not fire, but suspend two LSU athletic administrators for failing to handle sexual misconduct allegations properly. Edwards says mistakes were certainly made, including the investigation involving former LSU Coach Les Miles who was accused of inappropriate behavior with female students…
cut 8 (13) “….inappropriate”

The LSU men’s basketball team faces St. Bonaventure in the first round of NCAA Tournament on Saturday at 12:45. The Bonnies are known for playing great defense and coach Will Wade says LSU will have to be disciplined offensively since the Tigers like to play fast
Cut 3 (15) “…what we do.”

An effort to recall Governor John Bel Edwards falls way short of the signatures needed to force a recall election. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Don Molino”  

Beginning Monday essential workers will be eligible for the COVID vaccine. That includes people working in foodservice and grocery stores, manufacturing, construction, clergy, and other essential jobs. Essential workers will need to make appointments and bring proof of employment.

After a legislative hearing last week, several female lawmakers called on LSU to fire instead of suspending two high-ranking athletic officials for their role in the mishandlings of sexual misconduct outlined in the Husch Blackwell report. Governor Edwards was asked about it Thursday.

Cut 6 (12) “…longer there.”

Louisiana gaming revenue is still slow to get back to normal after a tough 2020 was followed up by extreme weather last month. Louisiana Casino Association President Wade Duty says February revenue is down 23-percent from 2020, and that’s partially due to the water situation that happened in Shreveport, but also close to the industry’s new normal.

Cut 10 (11) “…picture” 

Voters in the New Orleans, River Parishes, and north Baton Rouge-based 2^nd Congressional District will be voting on their next representative Saturday. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Democratic New Orleans State Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson are favorites to make it to a runoff.

Cut 5 (11)“…District.”

The 5^th district special election will also be held Sunday.

Beginning Monday all Essential Workers will be eligible for the COVID vaccine. Governor John Bel Edwards Like all other eligible groups for the vaccine, essential workers will have to schedule appointments and also identify themselves as eligible workers and provide documentation.

Cut 8 (10) “…eligible

Hospitalizations for COVID-19 have dropped below 400 for the first time since late March.

Louisiana casinos lost 877 million dollars in 2020 compared to 2019 and are starting off 2021 down significantly from where they were this same time last year. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (27) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

Beginning Monday all Essential Workers will be eligible for the COVID vaccine. Governor John Bel Edwards made the announcement Thursday. The list includes grocery store, food service, and postal workers.

Cut 7 (09)  “…eligible.”

The list of professions also includes hotel, construction, manufacturing, energy, emergency preparedness workers, and media.

Voters in the 5th and 2nd Congressional Districts head to the polls tomorrow to pick their next U-S House Representative. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the 5th District race should be a landslide win for Republican Julia Letlow who may avoid a runoff.

Cut 4 (10)“…husband.”

Pinsonat says the second district congressional election will need a runoff.

Louisiana gaming revenue is still slow to get back to normal after a tough 2020 was followed up by extreme weather to start 2021. Louisiana gaming establishments lost 877 million in revenue for 2020 compared to 2019. Louisiana Casino Association President Wade Duty…

Cut 9 (10) “…temperatures”

Close to 5,000 employees were laid off from state casinos throughout the course of 2020.

The state and federal tax filing deadline has been extended to June 15th in Louisiana for all individuals and businesses. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathryn Pittman says this is because of the federal disaster that was approved for Louisiana as a result of last month’s winter storms.

Cut 10 (09) “…taxpayers.”

The state is expanding vaccine eligibility and starting Monday restaurant workers, grocery store employees and those who work at manufacturing facilities and at construction sites are eligible to get the vaccine. Governor Edwards says like all other eligible groups for the vaccine, essential workers will have to schedule appointments and also identify themselves as eligible workers and provide documentation.
Cut 8 (10) “…eligible
And the state health department is launching an outreach campaign that will get vaccines into hard-to-reach areas of Louisiana. State Health officer Doctor Joe Kanter…
cut 14 (11) “….next week”
Kanter expects community vaccination events during the second and third weekends of April.

Tomorrow is a special election for the 5th and 2nd Congressional District seats. Matt Doyle has more on both races.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The I-R-S and the state Department of Revenue are giving taxpayers until June 15th to file their 2020 taxes. But Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathyrn Pittman says do not procrastinate…
cut 11 (11) “…refund”

Governor Edwards announces essential workers can begin receiving vaccines on Monday.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

And the state is launching an outreach effort designed to remove any barriers that exist so residents make informed decisions on when it comes to COVID vaccines. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the campaign is designed to bring us back to where we were pre-pandemic…
cut 13 (05) “…right now”

Voters in the 2nd and 5th Congressional Districts can elect a new Representative to represent them in the U-S House. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says in the 2nd district, New Orleans state Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson are likely headed to a run-off…
cut 5 (11) “…District”
Another Democrat Gary Chambers is also running a visible campaign and Claston Bernard has the support of the Louisiana Republican Party.

The I-R-S and the state Department of Revenue will allow Louisiana taxpayers until June 15th to file their 2020 returns. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathyrn Pittman says Louisiana is getting extra time because of the winters storms that impacted the state last month…
cut 12 (10) “…thing”

All essential workers are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine in Louisiana starting on Monday. This includes people working in foodservice and grocery stores, manufacturing, construction, clergy and postal workers.

And the state health department is launching an awareness campaign to make sure every corner of the state has access to and knowledge of the vaccine. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

The election is tomorrow for two vacant U-S House seats in Louisiana, one for the second district, which was previously held by Democrat Cedric Richmond and the fifth district where Luke Letlow was set to be the Congressman before he died from the coronavirus. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says turnout will be low and that’s more important in the 2nd district, which is likely headed to a runoff…
cut 6 (07) “….for you”
Democrats Troy Carter, Gary Chambers, Karen Carter Peterson, and Republican Claston Bernard are the main candidates in the 2nd district.

The state and federal tax filing deadline has been extended to June 15th in Louisiana for all individuals and businesses. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathryn Pittman says this is because of the federal disaster that was approved for Louisiana as a result of last month’s winter storms.
Cut 10 (09) “…taxpayers.”

The state of Louisiana is expanding who can get the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Monday essential workers are eligible for the shot. That includes people working in foodservice and grocery stores, manufacturing, construction, clergy and other essential jobs.

Edwards says the state continues to make progress in the fight against COVID-19 as the positivity rate is just below three-percent and according to the latest vaccination numbers from the state health department, nearly one million people in Louisiana have received at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. and Edwards says…
cut 9 (04) “….on time”

And the state is launching a grassroots campaign that will make sure vaccines get to areas of the state that might not be getting enough of them now. State Health Office Doctor Joe Kanter….
cut 15 (09) “….like this”

Tomorrow is a special election for the 5th and 2nd Congressional District seats. Matt Doyle has more on both races.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

A 19-year-old Lafayette man has been charged with a hate crime and kidnapping charges. Federal prosecutors say Chance Joseph Seneca tried to kidnap and murder gay men by connecting with them through social media and a dating app. One of his victims was strangled and his wrists were slit to the bone.

Governor Edwards announces essential workers can begin receiving vaccines on Monday. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards calls it a reasonable decision to not fire, but suspend two LSU athletic administrators for failing to handle sexual misconduct allegations properly. Edwards says based on what he read in the Husch Blackwell report the people that should get fired are no longer employed at LSU. But female state legislators are pushing for harsher punishments for the two LSU employees who have been suspended.

Voters in the 5th and 2nd Congressional Districts head to the polls tomorrow to pick their next U-S House Representative. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the 5th District race should be a landslide win for Republican Julia Letlow who may avoid a runoff.
Cut 4 (10)“…husband.”
Pinsonat says the second district congressional election will need a runoff.

The I-R-S and the Louisiana Department of Revenue are giving taxpayers until June 15th to file their taxes this year. Postlethwaite and Netterville Associate Tax Director Kathyrn Pittman says despite the extensions, it’s still not a good idea to procrastinate…
cut 11 (11) “…refund”