The United Cajun Navy ends search efforts for the missing crew members of the SEACOR lift boat. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Legislation allowing St. Tammany voters to vote on allowing a waterfront casino to operate in Slidell is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”
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The United Cajun Navy is explaining why they are no longer aiding in the search for the seven missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power that capsized on April 13th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says they cap search efforts at two weeks and opted to end their participation due to a smear campaign launched by former members.
Cut 3 (10) “…oxygen”
Trascher says the UCN still plans to assist family members of the missing crew members. Trascher says it’s a group of former volunteers, that were asked to leave the group for various reasons, who continue to slander the UCN and they’ve had to take the matter to court before.
Cut 4 (11) “…judge.”
Trascher says the United Cajun Navy is the only registered nonprofit organization that has emerged from the grassroots efforts of the Cajun Navy that responded to the 2016 flood in Louisiana. Trascher says there are several rumors accusing the organization of misusing funds, but a lack of evidence.
Cut 5 (07) “…all lies.”
Trascher says even though the group is nonprofit it doesn’t mean they don’t have expenses and they are also donating funds raised from search efforts in the form of grants to families of the missing crewmembers.
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The Louisiana Department of Education is partnering with Ochsner Health to give teachers and school support staff workers free access to virtual visits with a licensed mental health professional. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley….
Cut 6 (08) “…private format”
During the appointment, patients will be asked about current symptoms, medical history and goals for therapy. Brumley says those seeking help will have access to a variety of visits.
Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”
More than 166,000 public school educators and support staff statewide will have access to free mental health virtual visits through Ochsner Anywhere Care. Brumley says Louisiana educators have done hero’s work through a pandemic and a record-breaking hurricane season and this is one way we can be there for them.
Cut 8 (11) “…everyday.”
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A House committee votes 8-2 in favor of legislation allowing St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they’d like a waterfront casino in Slidell.
St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says they’ve worked out a five percent revenue share agreement with casino owners Pacific Peninsula, who are moving the license from Bossier City…
Cut 9 (10) “…projects”
Masingill also notes the 250 million dollar project would create 1,900 direct jobs at the facility.
The bill is backed by the St. Tammany Chamber and Northshore Business Council. Business Council CEO Bonnie Eades says local residents deserve a chance to vote on this…
Cut 10 (10) “…issue”
Moving the license would result in the closure of DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks has not been open since the beginning of the pandemic.
Some residents who live near the proposed casino spoke against the bill. Lisa Clayton argues casinos are magnets for sex trafficking.
Cut 11 (12) “…town”
Others argued there’s evidence that casinos lower property values in nearby neighborhoods.
Louisiana Baptists Office of Public Policy Director Will Hall says Louisiana has the 4th highest incidence of problem gambling, a number that ballooned after gambling was legalized in the early 90s.
Cut 12 (08) “…research”
The legislation advances to the House floor. A similar bill on the Senate side is stuck in the Finance Committee.
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A proposal that would prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams in schools fails to pass out of the House Education Committee on a six to five vote. Conservative groups are in support. Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy. Director Will Hall says the legislation seeks to create a fair playing field
Cut 13 (07)“…for women.”
Several advocates for transgender individuals spoke out against the bill. Teyanna Tokeoh, a spokesperson for a group called BreakOut, says the proposed bill discriminates against trans gender youth…
Cut 14 (07) “…male cheerleaders”
Two Republicans on the committee joined with Democrats to kill this particular bill for the session. The announcement of the final vote drew a reaction from the audience…
Cut 15 (12) “…thank you.”
A similar bill remains alive in the upper chamber and is waiting for a vote on the Senate floor. Governor John Bel Edwards has expressed his opposition to the anti-transgender legislation