Students will not be required to get a COVID vaccine to attend in-person classes this fall at either LSU or UL system schools. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

Louisiana Housing Corporation Executive Director Keith Cunningham has been suspended while he’s under investigation for allegedly sexually harassing an employee, Cunningham was placed on administrative leave with pay last Wednesday pending the investigation according to Governor Edwards’ spokeswoman Christina Stephens.

A Senate Committee approves a constitutional amendment expanding the size of the State Supreme Court from seven justices to nine. Bill author and Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the current makeup of State Supreme Court districts is not representative of the state’s population distribution.

Cut 9 (07) “..district.”

The bill also calls for a redistricting of the State Supreme Court to be conducted after every census.

LSU Interim president Thomas Galligan removes himself from consideration to be named permanently to the post. As for his predecessor, Galligan says they will have a big job considering the school’s Title IX issues. He says however improvements to reporting sexual misconduct at the university are significantly underway.

Cut 5  (07)  “…commitment.”

Galligan will remain interim until the board names his replacement.

LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan withdraws his name from being named permanent President. Galligan, who served as Dean of LSU’s Law School, was named to the post of interim President in January of 2020. Galligan says he feels teaching is what he does best, and the role of president limits his ability to instruct.

Cut 4 (05) “…classroom.” 

Galligan will remain interim until the board names his replacement.

The UL and LSU systems will not require students to be vaccinated to attend in-person classes for the upcoming fall semester. UL System President Jim Henderson says he has concerns about mandating students take a vaccine that is still under FDA emergency use authorization.

Cut 12 (07)   “..vaccine” 

Full biological licensing for vaccines may not be available until 2022.

The Edwards administration announces it’s using 216 million dollars in federal coronavirus stimulus money on road and infrastructure projects. The federal money replaces the lost gas tax revenue the state experienced in 2020 when fewer people traveled due to the pandemic. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says 50-million dollars will go towards extending I-49 from Lafayette to New Orleans…

Cut 7 (12) “..to construction”

Wilson says another 20 million will go towards widening I-10 in Ouachita Parish.  The money was approved by Congress in December.

LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan withdraws his name from consideration to be named permanent President. Galligan says he came to the decision after spending time with his 14-month-old grandson…
cut 3 (10) “…do best”
Galligan was the dean of the LSU law school when he was named temporary leader of the LSU system in January of 2020.

Louisiana is receiving 216-million dollars in federal coronavirus stimulus dollars that can be used on highway projects like widening I-20 in Ouachita Parish and extending I-49 south in Lafayette. Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says eleven million dollars must also be spent on installing electric vehicle charging stations statewide…
cut 8 (11) “…of that”

A proposal to allow Louisianans to carry a concealed handgun without needing to take a class to get a permit narrowly passes out of a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor Edwards says he does not support legislation that would ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at public schools…
cut 30 (07) “…other things”
New Orleans hosts the men’s final four next year and the NCAA has said they will only hold championship events in states that are free of discrimination.

The Edwards administration says it’s using 216 million dollars in federal coronavirus stimulus money on road and infrastructure projects. The money was approved by Congress in December and Governor John Bel Edwards says improving the state’s roads and bridges has been a priority of his administration.

Cut 6 (10) “..for awhile”

A bill allowing Louisianans 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training, passes out of a Senate Committee 3-2. Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Fabian Blache Jr. says they’re not opposed to concealed carry, just concealed carry without education and training…

Cut 8 (11) “…fear.”

Proponents argue there’s no data supporting claims that not requiring a permit will result in more crime.

Four antitransgender bills have been filed this legislative session. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the emotional impact these bills could have on the transgender community.

Cut 11 (09) “…individuals”

Two bills ban transgender females from competing in women’s sports and two others would make it more difficult for transgender individuals to receive both mental and medical treatment.

The Coast Guard has ended its search for the eight missing crewmen that were on the Seacor Power lift boat when it capsized last Tuesday eight miles from the coast of Lafourche Parish. Seacor Marine has hired divers to continue the search and National Transportation Safety Board investigator Andrew Ehlers says the probe could take a year or two to complete…

Cut 13 (08) “…happening again”
NTSB says they will focus on the weather conditions at the time of the accident.

A bill allowing Louisianans 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit passes out of a Senate Committee on a slim three to two vote. Bill author West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says Louisiana already allows open carry for anyone over the age of 18…
Cut 7 (08) “…weapon.”
Law enforcement opposes the legislation. More debate on the measure will take place on the Senate floor.

Also heading to the Senate floor is a bill that would give voters in St. Tammany Parish the opportunity to vote on whether they want a riverboat casino in Slidell. Speak Hope representative Cynthia Collins argues casinos are hotbeds for human trafficking, Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns disagrees…
cut 6 (12) “….trafficking”
The measure cleared committee on a four to three vote.

Governor John Bel Edwards does not support the legislation that has been filed that’s considered anti-transgender. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A Lafayette couple has been cited for allegedly possessing a live grey wolf. It’s illegal to possess a wolf in Louisiana and 47-year-old Andrew Hill and 49-year-old Jill Kramer are the alleged owners of the wolf, which has been sent to a K-9 training facility. LDWF began investigating after someone complained they saw a person walking a wolf in front of an elementary school in Lafayette.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not support any of the bills filed in the current legislative session that would prevent transgender athletes from competing in sports in public schools ….
cut 10 (10) “…in sports”
Edwards says he also opposes legislation that would make it difficult for a minor to pursue transgender treatments. These proposals have yet to receive a committee hearing.

The Coast Guard has ended its search for the remaining missing crewmembers from the Seacor Power. It was a week ago today when the lift boat capsized during stormy weather in the Gulf of Mexico. National Transportation Safety Board investigator Andrew Ehlers says their investigation will look at three factors…
cut 14 (10) “….accident”

A Senate Committee approves legislation that would end the requirement that gun owners 21 and older must have a permit to carry concealed firearms. The measure advanced to the Senate floor on a three to two vote. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter voted against it because he supports the mandatory training in order to get a permit…
cut 9 (07) “….matters”
Supporters say 20 other states do not require a concealed carry permit.

Another Senate committee narrowly approved legislation giving St. Tammany Parish voters a chance to decide if they want a riverboat in Slidell. Senator Sharon Hewitt says Peninsula Pacific Entertainment has proposed a waterfront casino that would create 1,900 permanent jobs and keep parish residents from spending money in Mississippi.
Cut 4 (11)“…customers in Mississippi.”
The proposal heads to the full Senate for more discussion.

The Coast Guard has ended its search in the Gulf of Mexico for the eight crew members of the Seacore Power lift boat who are now presumed dead. The National Transportation Safety Board is launching an investigation into the tragedy that claimed 13 lives. NTSB marine accident investigator Andrew Ehlers says they will focus on the weather conditions…
cut 15 (09) “….that vessel” (2x)
And Ehlers says they are also asking for anyone who was in the area at the time of the accident to contact the N-T-S-B.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not support legislation that would ban transgender athletes from competing in women’s sports at public schools…
cut 12 (07) “…other things”
New Orleans hosts the men’s final four next year and the NCAA has said they will only hold championship events in states that are free of discrimination..

Legislation that would allow voters in St. Tammany Parish to decide if they want a riverboat casino in Slidell is headed to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

The Louisiana Department of Corrections has placed four Angola guards on administrative leave after they were charged with malfeasance for allegedly using excessive force on an inmate and then trying to cover it up. The D-O-C says the inmate received minor injuries and two of the people charged are from Louisiana, 44-year-old Karla Williams of Baton Rouge and 58-year-old Roy Favre of Port Allen.

The Coast Guard has ended its search for the eight missing crewmen that were on the Seacor Power lift boat when it capsized last Tuesday eight miles from the coast of Lafourche Parish. Seacor Marine has hired divers to continue the search and the National Transportation Safety Board is beginning its investigation. N-T-S-B investigator Andrew Ehlers says the probe will take a year or two to complete…
Cut 13 (08) “…happening again”
Ehlers says they will focus on the weather conditions at the time of the accident.

A Senate committee has approved legislation that would give voters in St. Tammany Parish the opportunity to vote on whether they want a riverboat casino in Slidell, despite opposition from religious groups. Louisiana Baptist Convention President David Cranford…
cut 5 (10) “…are wolves”
The discussion will continue on the Senate floor.

A proposal to allow Louisianans to carry a concealed handgun without taking a class to get a permit is headed to the Senate floor after narrowly passing out of a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Legislation allowing the voters to St. Tammany to approve a waterfront casino in Slidell is headed to the Senate floor. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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A proposal to allow Louisianans to carry a concealed handgun without taking a class to get a permit is headed to the Senate floor after narrowly passing a Senate committee. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Four bills have been filed in the legislature impacting transgender individuals in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington on why they don’t have the Governor’s support

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A Senate committee narrowly approves legislation allowing the people of St. Tammany Parish to vote on allowing a casino to operate in Slidell.

Bill author Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says a developer has proposed a waterfront casino that would create 1,900 permanent jobs and keep parish residents from spending money in Mississippi.

Cut 4 (11)“…customers in Mississippi.”

The proposal is by P2E, who currently owns DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks did not reopen after COVID restrictions were lifted.

Louisiana Baptist Convention President David Cranford opposes allowing the referendum vote, saying allowing a casino would corrupt the family-friendly culture of the Northshore.

Cut 5 (10)“…are wolves.”

St. Tammany Parish President Mike Cooper supports allowing the vote and the Parish Council has issued a resolution in support.

Speak Hope representative Cynthia Collins argues casinos are hotbeds of human trafficking, a charge Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns denied.

Cut 6 (12) “…trafficking.”

The final vote was 4-3. The bill heads to the Senate floor.

_____________________________

A bill allowing Louisianans 21 and older to carry a concealed handgun without a permit or training passes out of a Senate Committee 3-2.

Bill author West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says Louisiana already allows open carry for anyone over the age of 18…

Cut 7 (08)  “…weapon.”

20 states have already approved “Constitutional Carry” legislation with Texas seemingly on track to become the 21^st state.

Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Director Fabian Blache Jr. spoke against the bill. He says they’re not opposed to concealed carry, just concealed carry without education and training…

Cut 8 (11) “…fear.”

Constitutional Carry proponents argued there’s no data supporting claims that not requiring a permit for concealed carry will result in more crime. Those with criminal records would still be forbidden from possessing a weapon.

New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says the legislation promotes untrained gun ownership. He says this would increase the likelihood of accidental shootings.

Cut 9 (07) “…matters.”

The legislation is headed to the Senate floor. A similar bill in the House that would set the age limit at 18 instead of 21 awaits a hearing in committee.

____________________

There are several bills making their way through the legislature that impact transgender individuals in Louisiana. Two bills would prohibit transgender girls from competing in women’s sports. Governor John Bel Edwards says he does not support any of the bills.

Cut 10 (10) “…in sports.”

The other bills would make it more difficult or even ban health care for transgender children and teenagers.

Edwards says he’s concerned about the emotional impact these bills could have on the transgender community.

Cut 11 (09) “…individuals”

Louisiana is scheduled to host the NCAA’s Final Four basketball tournament next year. The NCAA has stated it will not hold tournaments in states with antitransgender laws. Edwards believes the state will receive national backlash if transgender girls are not allowed to compete.

Cut 12 (07) “…other things.”

In 2016 the NCAA disqualified North Carolina from hosting neutral-site championship events for the 2016-17 academic year after the passage of a bill banning transgender use of public restrooms. The law has since been reversed.

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The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the Seacor lift boat that capsized off the coast of Lafourche Parish last Tuesday. Eight of the nineteen crew members remain missing. N-T-S-B investigator Andrew Ehlers says the investigation can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months.

Cut 13 (08) “…happening again”

Ehlers says the investigation will focus on three factors to determine the cause of the accident.

Cut 14 (10) “…accident.”

Ehlers says they will focus first on weather conditions at the time of the accident and the National Weather Service is assisting with the investigation.

Other organizations assisting include the U-S Coast Guard, Seacor Marine, and the American Bureau of Shipping.

The N-T-S-B is also asking for the public’s help. Ehlers says if you were in the area and witnessed the accident or experienced similar weather conditions in the Gulf of Mexico that day to contact them.

Cut 15 (09)“…that vessel”

The N-T-S-B can be reached at eyewitness@ntsb.gov. You can follow the investigation on Twitter @ntsb_newsroom.

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Halfway through the SEC season, the LSU Tigers find themselves four and eleven in league play and in fifth place in the SEC West. The Tigers dropped another series this past weekend against South Carolina and once again it featured a game in which the Tigers blew a late lead. Coach Paul Mainieri says finding a dependable closer has been an issue all season

Cut 16 (15) “…frustrating.”

The Tigers have used three closers, Devin Fontenot, Garrett Edwards, and Ty Floyd and none of them have been able to get the job done consistently. Mainieri says despite the team’s struggles, there are some positive things to point out too…

Cut 17 (19) “..frustrating.”

LSU will host ULM tonight. Freshman Will Helmers will start against the Warhawks. Hellmers is 5-and-1 with a 3.46 ERA and Mainieri was asked about using him as a game three starter for the weekends…

Cut  18 (18)”…work in progress.” 

Major tax reform legislation advantaged out of committees in both the Senate and House that would lower state income tax rates but eliminate state tax deductions for federal taxes. Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says non-partisan groups have backed this reform for years…

Cut 4 (09) “…more fair PM

The change would need two-thirds backing in both chambers and approval from voters.

On a 3-2 vote, a bill allowing Louisianans to carry concealed handguns without a concealed carry permit is headed to the Senate floor. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter asked bill author, Senator Jay Morris, about the specifics…

27

20 states have so far adopted Constitutional Carry laws.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will reject legislation to be considered impacting transgender sports participation and healthcare access for teens.

Cut 11 (09) “…individuals” AM

On a slim 4-3 vote a bill authorizing a parish-wide vote in St. Tammany Parish over allowing a casino to be built in Slidell moves to the Senate floor. Louisiana Baptist Convention President David Cranford opposes allowing the vote…

Cut 5 (11)“…wolves.” AM

But bill author and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt countered…

22

The proposed casino would be built by P2E, who seeks to relocate DiamondJacks from Bossier to the waterfront in Slidell.

With no opposition, a Senate committee approved a bill that would task the Louisiana Department of Health with creating a comprehensive grading system for state water systems by 2023. The bill author says the list could be used to map out a series of municipal water system consolidations.