Divers are trying to find the 12 crew members of the Seacor Power that remain missing since the lift boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday from hurricane-force winds. The phenomenon is known as a wake low. Six people were rescued and the one recovered body has been identified as the boat’s captain, 63-year-old David Ledet of Thibodaux.

Louisiana hits a major milestone in its quest to vaccinate all adults…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

State Trooper Kaleb Reeves has received the maximum suspension, which is 720 hours after an LSP investigation determined he was driving recklessly when he caused a crash last October that killed an 11-year-old and 18-year-old from Monroe. Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves suspension will last through August 19th and before that he was on administrative leave…
cut 15 (07) “…process”
This is not the first time Reeves had violated policy, he was involved in a preventable crash in Winn Parish in 2019.

The Louisiana AARP reports there’s been a decline in the number of COVID deaths and cases in nursing homes. Director Denise Bottcher says this indicates that the vaccine and infection control are working…
cut 5 (06) “….declined”
But Bottcher says staffing shortages remain an issue for nursing homes.

Trooper Kaleb Reeves, son of former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves, receives the maximum penalty after an investigation finds his reckless driving caused a crash in Monroe that led to the death of a child and teenager last October. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves is suspended for four and a half months without pay.
Cut 13 (09) “…hours.”
An LSP investigation determined Reeves was driving 20 miles over the speed limit, did not use his emergency lights, and violated policy with reckless driving.

The state health department reports one-million Louisiana residents have completed the COVID-19 vaccine series. Meanwhile, State Director of the Louisiana AARP Denise Bottcher says
Cut 4 (09)“….news.”
But State Health Officer Joe Kanter says they are seeing an uptick in young people suffering from COVID-like illnesses.

The Bayou Classic is set for this Saturday in Shreveport at Independence Stadium. Matt Doyle spoke with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President about what this means for the region…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The AARP COVID dashboard reports cases and deaths are on the decline among nursing homes in Louisiana Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Bayou Classic is set for this Saturday in Shreveport at Independence Stadium. Matt Doyle spoke with the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President about what this means for the region…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana hits a major milestone in its quest to see everyone fully vaccinated. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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The most recent AARP COVID-19 Dashboard indicates both cases and deaths in Louisiana nursing homes are on the decline. The current dashboard is from February 28^th to March 21^st. State Director Denise Botcher says fatalities dropped in nursing homes to 64 compared to the previous reporting period of 183.

Cut 4 (09)“….news.”

Botcher says this indicates that the vaccine and infection control are working. COVID Case numbers among residents dropped to 80 from the previous 643. Botcher says it’s not only residents.

Cut 5 (06)“…declined.”

Staffing shortages have been an ongoing issue for nursing homes in Louisiana. Botcher says while the decline is down to 31-percent from the previous 32-percent it remains a critical issue.

Cut 6 (09) “…to solve.”

The dashboard also indicated that PPE shortages declined among nursing homes which Botcher says is vital for infection control.

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This year’s Bayou Classic between Grambling and Southern won’t be played in the Superdome, it’ll be this Saturday at Independence Stadium in Shreveport.

Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau President Stacy Brown says the rivalry will bring in fans from around the state, giving the local economy a three million dollar boost…

Cut 7 (07)  “…quick.”

It’s a big get for northwest Louisiana and Brown says they’ll be showing off the city with Port Fest and Party on the Red…

Cut 8 (11) “…entertainment.”

The Shreveport-Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce will also host an expo featuring speakers and networking opportunities.

Brown says the game and surrounding celebrations will be walkable and she encourages you to use free transportation courtesy of Sportram…

Cut 9 (05) “…there.”

Southern leads the series 36-33 and kickoff is 1:30 PM.

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One million Louisianans have now completed their full vaccine series.

Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says about 31 percent of the state has received at least one dose of a vaccine.

Cut 10 (10) “…responded well.”

1.4 million Louisianans have initiated their series.

All Louisianans aged 16 and older are now eligible to get vaccinated and Kanter says we’ve hit a point where if you want a vaccine you really won’t have a hard time finding one.

Cut 11 (07) “….surpassed it.”

About 22 percent of the state has completed their series now, good for 39^th in the country.

Kanter says it’s vital that we keep up this good pace of vaccinations because new threats are growing…

Cut 12 (09) “…transmissible.”

The New Orleans region leads the state in completed series at 27 percent of the population. Lake Charles and central Louisiana have the lowest rates at about 15 percent each.

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Trooper Kaleb Reeves, son of former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves, receives the maximum penalty after an investigation finds his reckless driving caused a crash in Monroe that led to the death of a child and teenager last October. Master Trooper Michael Reichardt says Reeves is suspended for four and a half months without pay.

Cut 13 (09) “…hours.”

The investigation found the crash was preventable. Reeves was driving 20 miles over the speed limit, did not use his emergency lights, was driving without a seatbelt, and violated policy with reckless driving. Reichardt says Reeves will also have to undergo training.

Cut 14 (09) “…operations.”

Reeves was responding to a call last fall that did not involve injuries or road blockage and therefore was not an emergency, but nonetheless was driving 77 mph when he crashed. Reichardt says Reeves was placed on leave last month for the October 2020 crash.

Cut 15 (07)“…process.”

This is not the first time Reeves had violated policy, he was involved in a preventable crash in Wynn Parish in 2019.

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The LSU spring football game is this Saturday at noon.  While the spring game doesn’t count in the win/loss column, head coach Ed Orgeron says he wants his team to be competitive.

Cut 16 (10) “…rotate some players.”

The Spring game will be televised on the SEC Network plus and Orgeron says fans shouldn’t expect a lot of creativity with the play calling.

Cut 17 (15) “…very basic.”

The quarterback battle has been a hot topic during spring practice, with Max Johnson, Myles Brennan, TJ Finley, and Garrett Nussmeier are competing for the starting spot. Orgeron says the rotation in the spring game does not reflect a current depth chart.

Cut  18 (13)”…very very talented.” 

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With Cam Thomas, Trendon Watford, Javonte Smart, and Darius Days all declaring for the NBA draft, the LSU basketball team has some holes to fill and could look to the transfer portal for help.  Coach Will Wade explains what type of players he’s looking for in the portal.

Cut 19 (09) “…or two.” 

When it comes to finding the right fit, Wade says they have a system to try and project a player’s impact on the team.

Cut 20 (20) “…where you fit.” 

The session continues to heat up the LSU sexual misconduct scandal. A line of questioning from Representative Denise Marcelle in Ways and Means led to an admission by LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan that LSU still has not written a mandatory reporting policy requiring employees to properly report sexual misconduct cases or be terminated.

23

Representative Aimee Freeman pointed out the University of Louisiana System has already written and implemented that policy…

Cut 10 (12) “..over.” 

The sexual misconduct scandal is now spreading across the LSU system leading to Shreveport Medical School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali being placed on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver says Ghali has already been cleared by a probe and this may be dirty politics by the Baton Rouge campus ahead of an upcoming Legislative fight over medical school funding for Pennington Research Center…

Cut 8 (09) “…move forward”

An effort to further expand the state’s medical-marijuana program has some early success. Legislation that would set up a system of taxation for smoke-able medical marijuana clears a key committee and is headed to the House floor. Under the proposal, inhalable medical marijuana would be taxed at the state sales tax rate.

The effort would still require a separate piece of legislation allowing the use of “raw” medical marijuana in the state to pass.

Crews are continuing their search for 12 workers who were aboard a lift boat that capsized in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Port Fourchon Tuesday. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Carlos Galarza (Guh-lar-zuh) says a dive team has been brought in and air and surface assets are also being used in the search, which is expected to continue for the time being…

Cut 14 (06) “…and for yours.” 

LSU says the body found in the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish on Tuesday is that of missing student Kori Gauthier (go-shay) of Opelousas.  The 19-year-old disappeared on April 7th and her car was found on top of the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Her uncle Spencer Gauthier posted a video on social media.

Cut 3 (09)  “…folks.” 

The House Appropriations committee discovers LSU still has not written a mandatory reporting policy requiring employees to properly report sexual misconduct cases. The discovery was made after Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle questioned LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan…

Cut 9 (13) “…policy.”

Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver is calling out LSU Baton Rouge amidst the sexual misconduct scandal and says they are attempting to skirt attention and place it on LSU Shreveport instead. Tarver says it’s clear that LSU Baton Rouge has not even touched the surface of mishandlings.

Cut 6 (10) “…nor fair.”

LSU still has not written mandatory sexual misconduct reporting policy despite the ongoing scandal. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (33) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

The Louisiana Department of Health says more than one million residents in the state have completed their vaccine series, that’s approximately 22-percent of the population.  The state also has a hotline to answer questions and assist with vaccine appointments. That number is 1-855-453-0774.

Authorities release the name of the one body recovered in the lift boat accident that capsized Tuesday, he’s been identified as 63-year-old David Ledet of Thibodaux. Crews continuing their search for 12 workers in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Port Fourchon. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Carlos Galarza (Guh-lar-zuh) says most of the vessel that capsized is underwater, which is why a dive team was brought in.

Cut 13 (03)“….any survivors”

Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver is calling out LSU Baton Rouge amidst allegations that Shreveport Medical School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali covered up sexual misconduct. Tarver says but the chancellor at the New Orleans has received more complaints than Ghali but has not placed on leave.

Cut 7 (12) “…different.”

Ghali was placed on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct.

LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan reveals that the school still has no written policy mandating that any employee who fails to report sexual misconduct incidents be immediately terminated. Given that information, Galligan was asked if he is comfortable with how the students are perceiving the school’s handling of Title Nine…

Cut 11 (12) “…happy” 

Many north Louisiana leaders are expressing concern over the decision to have Shreveport Medical School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali on leave over allegations of sexual misconduct. Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver believes LSU Baton Rouge could be shifting the focus of the scandal to Shreveport in an effort to increase funding for medical facilities at the main campus.

Cut 8 (09) “…move forward

Crews are continuing their search today for 12 workers aboard a lift boat that capsized in the Gulf of Mexico just south of Port Fourchon Tuesday. Coast Guard Petty Officer Third Class Carlos Galarza says a dive team has been brought in, but stormy weather has delayed their efforts

Cut 12 (08)   “…have commenced.” 

Six people from Seacor Power were rescued alive and one person’s body was recovered from the Gulf of Mexico yesterday.

LSU says the body found in the Mississippi River in St. John the Baptist Parish on Tuesday is that of missing student Kori Gauthier of Opelousas.  The 19-year-old disappeared on April 7th and her car was found on top of the Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Her uncle Spencer Gauthier posted a video on social media asking everyone to listen to Stevie Wonder’s song “These Three Words”….

Cut 5  (08)  “…those words.”

The search for a missing LSU student has reached a sad conclusion. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The Coast Guard continues to search for the 12 missing after a commercial platform capsized Tuesday afternoon. Sector commander of Coast Guard New Orleans Will Watson says they have to remain optimistic in search efforts. So far one body was located.

A Legislative committee discovers LSU still has not written a mandatory reporting policy requiring employees to properly report sexual misconduct cases. The discovery was made after Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle questioned LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman pointed out the University of Louisiana System has already written and implemented that policy, so why hasn’t LSU?

Cut 10 (12) “..over.” 

Shreveport Senator Greg Tarver is calling out LSU Baton Rouge amidst the sexual misconduct scandal and says they are attempting to skirt attention and place it on LSU Shreveport instead. Tarver says it’s clear that LSU Baton Rouge has not even touched the surface of mishandlings.

Cut 6 (10) “…nor fair.”