Funds are now available to help tenants and landlords who’ve experienced financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “…Brooke Thorington.”

Lousiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy voted no against the COVID-19 relief bill that passed the Senate and could be signed by the President this week. The measure will provide 14-hundred dollar checks to taxpayers, but Cassidy and Kennedy disagree with the spending in the measure that they say does not have anything to do with the pandemic.

Thousands of Louisianans suffered damage during last month’s winter storms, so will your homeowner’s insurance 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 says roof damage, busted pipes and slipping on the ice and falling are circumstances that could be covered by your insurance.

A baby at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge becomes the youngest person to receive a two-million-dollar gene therapy for spinal muscular atrophy. Lexa James was four-days old when she received Zolgensma in an effort to prevent S-M-A symptoms. Lexa’s mother, Andrea, says until there’s a cure for SMA…
cut 12 (09) “..born”

Louisiana has launched a 161-million dollar COVID-19 rental assistance program. Federal coronavirus relief dollars are funding the program that Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Keith Cunningham says will provide much needed relief to both landlords and renters…
cut 5 (09) “…April”
The program also provides eligible tenants up to three months for future rental assistance. For more information go to la-state-rent-dot-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.”

A baby born at Woman’s Hospital in Baton Rouge has received a two-million-dollar gene therapy drug called Zolgensma that will halt symptoms brought on by Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Lexa Adams received the drug four days after she was born. Her two-year-old brother also has S-M-A. And their mother Andrea James says…
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.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says if your property sustained damage as a result of last month’s winter storms, you should file a claim to see if it’s covered…
cut 14 (07) “….another”
Donelon says your insurance provider may cover a slip and fall on ice, roof damage and damage from busted pipes.

Both of Louisiana’s U-S Senators voted against the one-point-nine trillion-dollar COVID relief bill that was approved by the Senate over the weekend. Bill Cassidy says the legislation wastes billions on pet projects. John Kennedy says the so-called coronavirus bill is an orgy of pork. The Louisiana Democratic Party says the legislation helps families, small businesses, schools, and farmers.

Louisiana cattle and poultry producers are still recovering from last month’s winter storms…
cut 2 (29) “….I’m Matt Doyle”

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon is encouraging residents to file a claim if they sustained damage as a result of last month’s winter storms. Slips and falls, roof damage and burst pipes are some of the circumstances that should be covered by your homeowners’ insurance. Donelon says one estimate says last month’s winter storms will cost the insurance industry 18-billion dollars…
cut 15 (07) “….weather”

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.”
Lexa receiver a Zolgensma dose last month in the hopes that this will prevent her from every showing symptoms of SMA.

The state launches a new program to provide financial assistance to both tenants and landlords experiencing financial hardship from the pandemic. Executive Director of the Louisiana Housing Corporation Keith Cunningham says $161 million has been allocated for 57 parishes.
Cut 4 (09)“…COVID.”
Louisiana’s seven largest parishes will administer their own programs and you can find out more by visiting LA-State-Rent-dot-com.

This week, the LSU Ag Center is expected to come out with an estimate on the economic damage to the state’s agriculture industry from last month’s winter storms. LSU Ag Center regional livestock specialist Jason Holmes says for poultry and cattle producers the damage to their infrastructure is extensive…
cut 9 (12) “….right here”

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.”

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.”  

And former head football coach Les Miles has been placed on administrative leave at the University of Kansas after the Husch Blackwell report revealed inappropriate behavior with female student workers at LSU. Former LSU AD Joe Alleva reportedly wanted to fire Miles after the investigation.

Voters in the 5^th and 2^nd congressional districts head to the polls today for the first day of early voting in the primary. In the heavily Democratic second district, there have been no outside polls of the race that seems to be a contest between New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, and Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says internal campaign polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

A mass vaccination event is underway 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 the event ends at 4 pm.

Cut 13 (08)“…community”

LSU suspends two high-ranking athletic officials without pay after 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. The report gives 18 recommendations on improving LSU’s Title 9 practices and interim president Thomas Galligan says the school plans to act on all recommendations and that includes beefing up the Title 9 Office…

Cut 11 (08) “…any longer”

It was also revealed Friday in the Husch Blackwell report that former head football coach Les Miles was instructed not to have any one-on-one contact with female students after an investigation reported he had inappropriate behavior with female student workers. The University of Kansas, where Les Miles is the current head football coach has placed Miles on administrative leave while they review the report.

Early voting in the New Orleans, River Parishes, and north Baton Rouge-based 2^nd Congressional District begins today. Political analyst Clancy Dubos says there’s two clear frontrunners in New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, but there’s a strong third candidate in Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

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

Phase Three restrictions on live music still make it difficult for venues to feasibly bring back entertainment. Country music artist David St. Romain says the new normal for him and other musicians have been to play online and says even when venues can open to full capacity he will continue to play online.

Cut 5  (11)  “…facilities.” 

Two LSU athletics officials, Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and senior associate A-D Miriam Segar receive multi-week suspensions as a result of a probe into the school’s mishandling of sexual and domestic assault allegations. The report was compiled by Husch Blackwell, who was hired by the school. 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) “…worn down.” 

The report also revealed that former LSU athletic director Joe Alleva attempted to fire then head football coach Les Miles for inappropriate behavior with female student workers, including an accusation he kissed a female student twice. Kansas has put Miles on administrative leave to review the material in the report.

A mass vaccination event is going on at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City, for those whoare eligible, from 9 to 4 today. The Johnsons and Johnson one dose vaccine will be administered. LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says if possible, they would like to you preregister at lsuhs dot edu.

Cut 14 (06) “…vaccinated” 

Be sure to bring a photo ID and insurance card.

Early voting in the 2^nd Congressional District special election begins today 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.”

Gary Chambers of Baton Rouge is polling in third place. There are 15 candidates on the ballot.

Two LSU athletics officials receive multi week suspensions as a result of a probe into the school’s handling of sexual and domestic assault allegations. The report was complied by Husch Blackwell, who was hired by the school. 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.” 

Voters in the 5^th and 2^nd congressional districts head to the polls Saturday for the fist day of early voting in the primary. In the heavily Democratic 2^nd there have been no outside polls of the race that seems to be a contest between New Orleans lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, and Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says internal campaign polling shows there’s still a lot of undecideds left…

Cut 8 (11) “…window.”

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 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.” 

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.

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.

Early voting in the New Orleans, River Parishes, and north Baton Rouge-based 2^nd Congressional District begins tomorrow. Political analyst Clancy DuBos says there’s two clear frontrunners in New Orleans Democratic lawmakers Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter, but there’s a strong third candidate in Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers…

Cut 7 (08) “…here”

Live indoor music is available once again in Louisiana but many venues aren’t inviting the bands back to play due to the strict regulations surrounding indoor play. 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.”  

Plexiglas, a strong HVAC system, 20 feet of space from the audience, and other requirements have many small venues ineligible to host live music.

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

Cut 15 (05) “…arena” 

Two high-ranking LSU athletics officials have been given suspensions as a result of a report by a company hired by the school to investigate how LSU mishandled allegations of sexual and domestic assault. Many are criticizing the seemingly minimal punishments meted out to Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, who received a 30-day suspension, and senior associate A-D Miriam Segar, who received 21 days. LSU interim president Thomas 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” 

A mass vaccination event will be held Saturday at the Brookshire Grocery Arena in Bossier City for those eligible. The Johnsons and Johnson one dose vaccine will be administered and LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Infectious Disease Johnny Vanchiere says if possible, they would like to you preregister at lsuhs dot edu.

Cut 14 (06) “…vaccinated” 

Phase Three allows live music to return but with numerous strings attached…

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

We’re up to 713,000 Louisianans who’ve received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine since December. 404,000 have completed a full series. 415,000 Louisianans are also reported by the Department of Health to have recovered fully from COVID-19 off of the 433,000 total cases the state has tested positive for.