President Biden is expected to announce a moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses on federal lands and waters. Matt Doyle spoke with Senator Bill Cassidy about the decision…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has asked President Joe Biden to push Congress to approve three-billion dollars in funding to help with recovery from Hurricanes Laura and Delta. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Boating related incidents and fatalities increased by 20-percent in 2020, Brooke Thorington spoke with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries about the increase.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The Biden Administration is expected to issue a yearlong moratorium on new oil and gas drilling licenses for federal lands and waters.

Senator Bill Cassidy blasted the move. He says it will destroy Louisiana jobs and not help solve the world’s greenhouse gas emission problem.

Cut 4 (09)“…here.”

The Biden Administration also revoked the permit for the controversial Keystone XL Pipeline, a move that will cost a reported 11,000 jobs.

Cassidy says reducing American production of fossil fuels will hurt our international standing and strengthen America’s rivals.

Cut 5 (05) “…example.”

The American petroleum institute estimates about 22 percent of all American oil and 12 percent of all American gas production occurs on federal lands and waters.

The Biden Administration says the move is vital to helping the country limit global warming but Cassidy says if cleaner burning and produced American fuel isn’t available countries will turn to dirtier options…

Cut 6 (10) “…energy.”

One of the first moves the new administration made was rejoining the Paris Climate Accord, an agreement by member countries to become carbon neutral by 2050.

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Today marks five months since Hurricane Laura made landfall in southwest Louisiana causing massive damage and the rebuild is far from complete. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s asked President Joe Biden and Congress to approve an additional three-billion dollars in assistance

Cut 7 (11)  “…agricultural losses.”

The governor made a similar request with the Trump administration, but it was never fulfilled. Edwards says the community block grant funding would help storm victims pay for repairs to their homes, strengthen a person’s home from future storms and also create affordable rental housing.

Edwards says President Biden has told him he understands what the needs are in southwest Louisiana and they also have an ally in former Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond, who serves as the President’s advisor

Cut 8 (10) “…deledation.”

An estimated 47-thousand homes in 21 parishes were damaged by Hurricane Laura. Edwards says they still have 684 evacuees living in hotels in New Orleans and Lafayette…

Cut 9 (14) “…as well.”

Despite the struggles, Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter believes the recovery is ahead of schedule, based on the conversations he’s had with other mayors who have dealt with major natural disasters

Cut 10 (13) “…today.”

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Boating crash incidents and boating-related fatalities increased by twenty percent in 2020. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says the pandemic has caused an increase in the number of boaters out on the water.

Cut 11 (10) “….safe manner.”

In 2020 the state recorded 162 incidents compared to 135 in 2019 and 24 fatalities last year an increase of four from 2019.

So far in 2021 three boating fatalities have been reported which includes two 15-year old boys in Caldwell Parish. The operator of the boat has been charged with vehicular homicide and operating a vessel while intoxicated.

Einck says while they haven’t seen a trend for the uptick of boating incidents, they do however equate the increase to more traffic on the waterways. As for fatalities, they do see a common thread.

Cut 12 (10) “…your life.”

Of the 24 fatalities last year 20 were recovered without lifejackets. Einck says anyone 16 years of age or younger is required to wear a lifejacket. He says they make a variety of personal floatation devices so invest in one that you’ll wear.

Cut 13 (05) “….I feel.”

LDWF says in 2020, four of the 24 boating fatalities involved alcohol. Nationwide alcohol is the leading contributor to fatal boating accidents, causing 19 percent of all boating deaths.

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Beginning next week Louisiana will receive 67,350 COVID vaccine doses, an increase of almost 16 percent. President Joe Biden announced an overhaul to the Federal distribution of COVID vaccines Tuesday. Since taking office last week the administration has been working to increase vaccine availability to meet the strong demand from states.

Cut 14 (09) “…10-million doses.” 

It’s all part of Biden’s goal to vaccine 1.5 million Americans daily, an increase of a half a million from his previously announced initiative. The number of vaccines distributed is based on population.

Cut 15 (11)“…anticipated.”

Biden also says after complaints from both democrat and republican governors and inconsistencies in distribution, they are increasing transparency with the vaccine distribution so states can plan ahead for vaccine rollout.

Cut 16 (10) “…going to get.”

Biden’s official goal on administering vaccines still remains at 100 million shots in his first 100 days in office, which equates to 50 million being fully vaccinated with two doses. According to the CDC as of Tuesday 3.3 million Americans have received two doses of the vaccines.

The House of Representatives delivered Articles of Impeachment against former President Donald Trump to the Senate last night. Senator Bill Cassidy is set to be a juror in an impeachment trial for the second time in a year, and a juror for the only President to be impeached twice…

Cut 9 (09) “…I vote.”

Trump is being impeached on allegations that he incited an insurrection on January 6^th. Democrats allege he riled up a mob of his supporters who attended a protest in D.C. earlier that day to head to the Capitol and interrupt Biden’s certification.

Many Entergy customers are fuming about sky-high December power bills. Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis says bills were up because December saw a 20 percent increase in consumption, coupled with a billing cycle that was 35 days instead of 30…

Cut 13 (11)“…increases.”

Ochsner Health System has been forced to reschedule 21,400 COVID vaccine appointments after receiving fewer doses than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says everyone that was canceled has been put on a waiting list and will be rescheduled in the order in which they first made their appointments.

Cut 8 (08) “…doses.”

Thomas says their hospital system got 70-percent fewer vaccines than expected as a result of a much smaller federal allocation for this week.

LSU has hired Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Head coach Ed Orgeron joined Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert on ESPN 104.5 in Baton Rouge and says he plans to have the entire defensive staff completed very soon.

Cut 5  (11) “..pretty soon.” 

The House of Representatives delivered the Articles of Impeachment to the Senate last night and a second trial for President Donald Trump is expected to begin in earnest the week of February 8^th, but many Republicans are now coalescing behind a theory that you can’t hold an impeachment trial for a President that’s out of office. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s something that must be considered…

Cut 11 (08) “…considered.”

Ochsner had to cancel 21,400 covid vaccine appointments this week after the feds shorted us on the state’s weekly delivery. CEO Warner Thomas says it was 70 percent less than expected…

Cut 7 (06) “…Louisiana”

The Biden Administration announced starting next week vaccine supply will begin steadily increasing.

LSU has hired Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Jones is a former colleague of former Tiger’s defensive coordinator and now Baylor coach Dave Aranda and coach Ed Orgeron says he came highly recommended…

Cut 4 (10) “…outstanding job for us.” 

Orgeron spoke with T-Bob Hebert on ESPON 104.5 in Baton Rouge.

Many Entergy customers in the state have seen a significant increase in their power bills. Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis says it was the perfect storm for there to be an increase for the month of December. Ellis says energy consumption for December was up an average of 20-percent.

Cut 12 (11) “…twelve-percent.” 

Articles of Impeachment against former President Donald Trump have been delivered to the US Senate. Matt Doyle has the story.

cut 2 (30) ….I’m Matt Doyle”  

Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is about to call the purple and gold home. It’s official Jones will be LSU’s new Defensive Coordinator. Coach Ed Orgeron says Jones came highly recommended by the Tigers’ former defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who is now at Baylor. The Bayou State is familiar to Jones after coaching at Nicholls State and two high schools in Louisiana.

Ochsner Health System had to cancel and will have to reschedule 21,400 COVID vaccine appointments after discovering they’d be getting less vaccine supply than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says they will begin rescheduling people for their first dose as they receive new supply, but…

Cut 6 (12) “…dose”

Entergy CEO David Ellis says there are three reasons many customers have seen an increase in their most recent bill. Energy consumption was up 20-percent on average in December, natural gas prices increased 12-percent and the billing cycle was 35 days. Ellis says if you are having difficulty paying your bill call and discuss a payment program. Also, another option is levelized billing.

Cut 14 (12) “…same amount.” 

The US House of Representatives presented the new, Democratically-controlled Senate with Articles of Impeachment against President Trump last night. The allegations are that Trump incited a mob to insurrection on January 6^th. Senator Bill Cassidy will once again be a juror in a Trump impeachment trial. He says the worst-case scenario for Trump is that evidence is produced showing he was briefed on the potential for violence resulting from the rally he held before the Capitol Riot.

Cut 10 (11) “…evidence.”

Many Entergy customers about fuming about sky-high December power bills. Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis says bills were up because December saw a 20 percent increase in consumption, coupled with a billing cycle that was 35 days instead of 30…

Cut 13 (11)“…increases.”

Ochsner Health System has been forced to reschedule 21,400 COVID vaccine appointments after receiving fewer doses than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says everyone that was canceled has been put on a waiting list and will be rescheduled in the order in which they first made their appointments.

Cut 8 (08) “…doses.”

Thomas says their hospital system got 70-percent fewer vaccines than expected as a result of a much smaller federal allocation for this week.

LSU has hired Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Head coach Ed Orgeron joined Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert on ESPN 104.5 in Baton Rouge and he came away impressed with Jones after their interview…

Cut 3 (11)  “…same fronts.”

The House of Representatives delivered Articles of Impeachment against former President Donald Trump to the Senate last night. Senator Bill Cassidy is set to be a juror in an impeachment trial for the second time in a year, and a juror for the only President to be impeached twice…
Cut 9 (09) “…I vote.”
Trump is being impeached on allegations that he incited an insurrection on January 6th.

Many Entergy customers in the state are reporting a significant increase in their latest power bill. Entergy New Orleans CEO David Ellis says it was the perfect storm for there to be an increase for the month of December. Ellis says energy consumption last month was up an average of 20-percent.
Cut 12 (12) “…twelve-percent.”
And the billing cycle was 35 days.

21,400 people had their COVID vaccine appointments at Ochsner canceled after the health system received fewer doses than anticipated. Taylor Sharp has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp”

The state health department reported today that 43-thousand COVID vaccines have been administered since its last update on Thursday. A total of 357-thousand vaccines have been administered, nearly 47-thousand individuals have received both doses.

Ochsner Health System had to cancel and will have to reschedule more than 21 thousand COVID vaccine appointments after discovering they’d be getting less vaccine supply than expected. CEO Warner Thomas says they’re getting less vaccine supply allocated to them by the state than expected, but it’s not the state government’s fault…

Cut 7 (07) “…Louisiana”

Thomas says they will begin rescheduling people for their first dose as they receive a new supply.

LSU is reportedly close to hiring Minnesota Vikings Defensive Backs coach Daronte Jones as the team’s next defensive coordinator.  Head coach Ed Orgeron joined “Off The Bench with T-Bob Hebert” on 104.5 ESPN this morning and says if the process continues to go well, he plans to have the entire defensive staff completed very soon.

Cut 5  (11) “..pretty soon.” 

The state reports 2,654 COVID-19 cases and 31 fatalities today. Hospitalizations had been declining but went up by 8 today to 1,646. The peak was 2,069 on January 7^th.  Just over 311-thousand vaccine doses have been administered in the state.

Only 49 percent of Ocshner system staff have been vaccinated despite being eligible to be vaccinated for several weeks. They are waiting on additional supply.