LRN PM Newscall May 6

Four women accusing LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor of fostering a toxic and discriminatory workplace spoke about their decision to file an EEOC complaint against the school. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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President Biden pushed for the passage of the American Jobs Plan during a visit to Lake Charles, a city that could use a new bridge and hurricane recovery dollars. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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In addition to providing a digital copy of your driver’s license LA Wallet now offers the ability to store a copy of your COVID vaccine card. Governor Edwards says it’s optional and free of charge.

Cut 3 (04)  “…information” 

Edwards says users can be assured their health information is protected with the LA Wallet and the ability to have a copy of your vaccine status in the application is ideal for residents who tend to misplace things.

Cut 4 (08) “…lose them.” 

If you don’t have a smartphone you also have the option to receive a printed copy of your vaccine records from a parish health unit or any provider that administers vaccines and uses the LINKs system.

LA Wallet launched in 2018 to provide a digital copy of your driver’s license. Edwards says the additional feature for your vaccine status is completely voluntary.

Cut 5  (10)  “…allows.”

The LA Wallet app is free and available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

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Four women who filed EEOC complaints alleging they suffered sexual harassment and discrimination at LSU Health Shreveport are calling for Chancellor G.E. Ghali to be removed. Attorney Allison Jones represents the four high-ranking members of the school. Jones says Ghali created a toxic work environment hostile to women.

Cut 6 (10) “…behavior”

Jones highlighted behavior by administrative employee Dr. Scott Kennedy, alleging his routine harassment of female coworkers was allowed by Ghali.

Jones says her clients hoped to address the situation privately, but instead the LSU Board of Supervisors held an executive session where politicians were invited, but the media and accusers were barred.

Cut 7 (07) “…situation.”

An internal investigation by the school looked into the complaints but did not find any Title Nine violations. Ghali is currently on leave, but denies the allegations.

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Jen Woerner is one of the accusers. She says this decision wasn’t easy…

Cut 8 (11) “…truth”

An LSU Health Shreveport spokesperson responded saying “LSU Health Shreveport does not comment on personnel matters.”

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LSU quarterback TJ Finley has officially entered his name into the transfer portal.  Finley started five games for the Tigers last season after an injury to Myles Brennan, but was replaced late in the year by Max Johnson.  USA Today Network LSU Beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says after spring practice Finley saw the writing on the wall.

Cut 9 (12) “…play much”

The Ponchatoula native threw for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions in 2020.  While Finley showed some promise, Guilbeau says he wasn’t consistent enough.

Cut 10 (11) “..of games” 

Even though Finley’s time in Baton Rouge didn’t go as planned, Guilbeau is still confident that Finley can have a nice career.

Cut 11 (11) “…than ever”

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President Joe Biden was in Lake Charles today to tout his American Jobs Plan, which he says will create millions of jobs to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure. Biden says this legislation would result in tax hikes for the wealthiest Americans to pay for new roads and bridges, like the Calcasieu River Bridge…

Cut 12 (12)   “…this important” 

Biden says over 80-thousand vehicles a day use the I-10 bridge in Lake Charles and it’s one of 45-thousand bridges in the US that are structurally deficient.

Republicans do not support Biden’s plan. House Republican Whip Steve Scalise of Louisiana says the President is promoting a budget-busting tax hike that will force middle-class jobs overseas. But Biden says his plan would result in over 16-million American jobs and is willing to meet with GOP legislators to find common ground

Cut 13 (11)“…to compromise.”

The other issue surrounding Mr. Biden’s trip to Lake Charles is hurricane recovery. Local officials say Hurricane Laura devasted the region and Congress has yet to approve a disaster relief package. The President says he believes residents in southwest Louisiana need the help and he’ll make sure they get it

Cut 14 (10) “..I’ve observed” 

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House Labor approves legislation prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees for sharing salary information with each other, and from asking about applicants’ previous wage history. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter says in 2013 the Legislature passed legislation allowing state employees to share salary information and it narrowed the gender pay gap.

Cut 15 (09) “…percent.” 

Carpenter says 19 states have passed similar pay transparency laws.

Carpenter says blocking employers from asking about applicants’ wage history ensures they don’t get lowballed when taking a new job.

Cut 16 (09) “…retirement” 

The legislation is opposed by the National Federation of Independent Businesses.