Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is facing backlash and calls for his removal as House Education Chairman as a result of a comment he made about slavery. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries was forced to euthanize a black bear after it became a threat to the public in Port Allen. Brooke Thorington.

Cut 2 (32) …I’m Brooke Thornigton”  

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Louisiana’s Legislative Black Caucus has asked for the removal of Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo as House Education Chairman over a comment he made about slavery. While discussing his bill to ban “divisive concepts” Garofalo said there were some good components of slavery…

Cut 3 (11)  “…maybe.” 

A video of Garofalo making the comment has gone viral. Garofalo says the slavery comment was taken out of context and blames the media of inflammatory reporting…

Cut 4 (11) “…accused of.” 

But Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Ted James calls Garofalo’s comments about slavery troubling and his comments on the House floor explaining the situation never resulted in an apology…

Cut 5  (11)  “…initial comments.”

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder told the Advocate he has not made a decision on whether Garofalo will be removed as House Education Chairman. The Speaker says he spoke with Garofalo and plans to meet with the Black Caucus. James says as a chairman of a committee, Garofalo, should be held to a higher standard

Cut 6 (07) “…of the chairman”

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Former LSU wide receiver Ja’marr Chase should hear his name called early in tonight’s NFL  draft as he’s projected to be a top-10 pick.  Chase’s high school head coach and Rummel athletic director Jay Roth says he knew Chase had a chance to be great.

Cut 7 (14) “…special here”

Archbishop Rummel has a very rich football tradition as they continue to be one of the top teams in the state.  Despite all of the talent to go through the school, Roth thinks Chase might be the best receiver he’s coached.

Cut 8 (10) “..in the NFL.”

Chase was one of the big-time college players to opt-out of the 2020 season due to the uncertainty surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic.  While Chase hasn’t played football in a year, he’s still considered the top receiver in this draft class.  Roth says it’s a credit to his hard work.

Cut 9 (10) “..NFL draft”

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Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff deputies say a homeowner used a pair of scissors to fight back against an armed robber who got inside his home. Chief Jimmy Travis says the homeowner feared for his life and two small children as one of the assailants was attacking him…

Cut 10 (10) “…on the scene” 

Twenty-six-year-old Devin Mitchell of Hammond died from his injuries. Travis says Mitchell was one of five people involved in the armed robbery and home invasion. The other four have been arrested. Travis says the homeowner will not be charged…

Cut 11 (11) “…bodily harm”

The four subjects behind bars are facing several charges, including first-degree murder, since their actions led to the death of Mitchell. Travis says the couple that owns the home, arrived at their house while the home invasion was in progress. He says the suspects began aggressively attacking and beating the couple

Cut 12 (06)   “…their children” 

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife of Fisheries had to make a difficult decision to put down a black bear after it became a threat to public safety in Port Allen. LDWF Biologist Supervisor Scott Durham says after relocating the bear in the woods over the weekend it returned to the West Baton Rouge Parish town.

Cut 13 (07)“…this case”

The bear was put down Tuesday night.

Durham says the bear demonstrated dangerous behaviors in his search for human-sourced food and even made its way on to a porch of someone’s home

Cut 14 (10) “…the town” 

Euthanizing a bear does not happen very often in the state, Durham says the leading cause of death for bears is car accidents when they roam. But when a bear becomes accustomed to human food it is very difficult to change their behavior once they begin seeking food in suburban areas.

Cut 15 (11) “…first” 

The bear was originally rescued from a tree in Port Allen on Saturday and relocated to the woods.  However, the same bear returned to the city and became a threat on Tuesday.

Louisiana saw a 2-percent population increase in the 2020 Census from the previous decade but compared to the national average of 7-percent growth, the slight increase is not as promising as it sounds. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The House Criminal Justice Committee agrees with a proposal to give Louisiana voters a chance to decide if recreational marijuana use should be legal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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2020 Census data shows the Bayou State’s population at 4.6 million, a 2-percent growth from the 2010 tally but well below the national average growth of 7-percent. Demographer Greg Rigamer says there’s a simple answer as to why Louisiana’s growth is below average.

Cut 3 (05)  “…money.” 

Rigamer says when you look at several business surveys Louisiana consistently ranks low for a number of reasons in attracting and retaining residents.

Cut 4 (12) “…and income.” 

Our neighboring state to the west, Texas saw the largest population boom in the sheer number of people for the 2020 Census. After the 2010 Census Louisiana lost a congressional seat due to a post Katrina population shift. But as for the 2030 outlook Rigamer says the current trend is not promising.

Cut 5  (09)  “…live here.”

Louisiana is ranked 25^th among state population, the same spot it held after the 2010 Census.

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The New Orleans Police Department is looking for a street performer that wears a Star Wars Chewbacca costume. That person allegedly stabbed another person after a verbal altercation with the victim on Saturday night in the French Quarter. New Orleans paramedic Holly Sherman from A&E’s “Nightwatch” told Talk 107-3 in Baton Rouge she received a strange call about the incident.

Cut 6 (11) “..Bigfoot costume”

When Sherman finally arrived on the scene in the 700 block of Toulouse Street, she realized that the call had some truth to it.

Cut 7 (07) “.got somebody…”

Sherman says that working in New Orleans, she responds to bizarre calls frequently.

Cut 8 (07) “…crazy calls..”

A witness says the suspect’s costume head fell off during the altercation revealing a black male in his 20’s.  If anyone has any information, contact NOPD eight district at 504-658-6080.

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A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill requiring the National Anthem be played before all sporting events at publicly funded facilities in Louisiana.

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt wrote the bill. She says it’s in honor of veterans…

Cut 9 (07) “..country”

Hewitt noted there are no penalties included in the bill for facilities that do not comply.

Hewitt says another reason she brought the bill is to try to teach the youth about patriotism.

Cut 10 (11) “…to that” 

There was no vocal opposition to the bill, only a red card signed in objection by the Southern Poverty Law Center.

State Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland attended the committee in support. He says as veteran, and father to three veterans…

Cut 11 (11) “…Louisianans”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that would give Louisiana voters the opportunity in 2022 to decide if recreational marijuana use should be legal. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s proposal passed on a seven to five vote

Cut 12 (14)   “…drug dealers” 

Nelson says there’s growing support among the public to legalize marijuana. He says it’s an activity that can be taxed, generating as much as 200-million dollars in state revenues. He says some of that money can go towards beefing up law enforcement…

Cut 13 (08)“….significant”

The Louisiana Sheriff Association Executive Director Michael Ranatza says taxing the legal use of marijuana is not worth it, because it will bring on a host of other problems. He pointed to a study out of Colorado that shows marijuana was mostly likely to be present in adolescents who commit suicide…

Cut 14 (08) “..of yours” 

The Louisiana District Attorneys Association also opposes. St. Tammany and Washington Parish D-A Warren Montogmery says legalizing recreational marijuana will bring a host of problems…

Cut 15 (12) “…mental health issues” 

With the committee passage of Nelson’s bill, the Louisiana House will have its first debate on a bill that seeks to legalize recreational marijuana use.

LSU is serious about winning in women’s basketball as they hire Tickfaw native Kim Mukley, who won three national championships in 21 seasons at Baylor. Taylor Sharp has more…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Taylor Sharp” 

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A large air and water search continues for the seven crew members still missing from when the Seacor Power capsized off of Louisiana’s coast nearly two weeks ago. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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New Orleans Senator Troy Carter defeated fellow Democrat Karen Carter Peterson in Saturday’s run-off to represent the state’s Second Congressional district. JMC Analytics Pollster John Couvillon says white voters were the key to Carter’s victory…

Cut 3 (08)  “…eighty-percent” 

Couvillon says even though it’s a predominately Democratic district Carter will have to pay some attention to the conservative vote in his district also when making decisions in DC.

Cut 4 (08) “…hit did.” 

Couvillon says Carter promoted his ability to reach across the aisle and it might have been Peterson’s TV ads describing her opponent as a Trump conservative that worked against her.

Cut 5  (10)  “…the  two.”

Voter turnout for the runoff was 17-percent.

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Hall of Famer Kim Mulkey is back home as the Tickfaw native is the new head LSU women’s basketball coach The 58-year-old Mulkey has an impressive resume. Three national championships as head coach at Baylor, two national titles as a player at La Tech and a 1984 Gold Medalist. The voice of the Lady Tigers, Patrick Wright, says it’s a blockbuster hire…

Cut 6 (11) “..you name it”

Wright says a hire of this magnitude will bring excitement to a women’s basketball program that has seen a sharp decline in attendance since its run of five straight Final Fours in the mid-2000s. He says Mulkey can make the Lady Tigers title contenders again

Cut 7 (12) “…recapture that.”

Mulkey takes over a program that went 9-and-13 last season. Wright believes Mulkey can make LSU a winner quickly…

Cut 8 (11) “…the top again..”

Mulkey will be introduced during a 5 PM press conference.

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Louisiana reportedly has one million COVID vaccine doses sitting in coolers as demand for the shot has declined rapidly.

The number of shots administered peaked the week of March 18^th at 168,000 and fell to 45,000 last week. Governor John Bel Edwards…

Cut 9 (11) “..are”

Roughly a third of the state has gotten at least one shot, third-worst in the nation.

Edwards says the state is doing its best to persuade those on the fence. Today they sent out over 100,000 letters to residents encouraging them to utilize a mass vaccination site in Baton Rouge.

Cut 10 (11) “…doctor.” 

That FEMA mass vaccination site in Baton Rouge is capable of administering 3,000 shots a day. Edwards says right now it’s only doing about 100 a day.

The ongoing public health emergency declaration expires Wednesday. Edwards says the last restrictions will not get lifted until enough people get vaccinated.

Cut 11 (08) “…normalcy”

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The search continues for the seven crewmembers of the Seacore Power who remain missing after the commercial lift boat capsized nearly two weeks ago during stormy weather in the Gulf of Mexico. United Cajun Navy volunteers have recovered hard hats and life jackets that say Seacore Power. Ronnie Adams from the reality TV Show Swamp People say it’s an encouraging sign

Cut 12 (09)   “…closure guys” 

The life jackets were found near Whiskey Island, which is 33 miles west of where the lift boat flipped. Hundreds of people are involved in the search and Adams says they have dozens of boats leaving Cocodrie to search the waters. He says the United Cajun Navy is accepting donations…

Cut 13 (07)“….please”

They also have volunteers on foot and A-T-Vs searching the marshland. Volunteer Cindy Reily says they have one goal…

Cut 14 (10) “..their families” 

If the federal Recovering American’s Wildlife Act passes, Louisiana could receive $16 million annually to help preserve 362 species at risk of extinction. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

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It might surprise you to learn that Louisiana is home to a farm of one of the world’s most popular beverages. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The Louisiana House is expected to debate several tax reform proposals this afternoon as lawmakers look to lower individual income tax rates. Don Molino

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Passage of the Recovering American’s Wildlife Act in Congress would dedicate $16 million annually to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ efforts to protect endangered species and habitats. LDWF Biologist Director Amity Bass says this could allow them to increase their Statewide Action Plan.

Cut 4 (11)“…declining.”

Bass says the funding will help them address the decline of endangered species in the state like the Louisiana Pearlshell and Pinesnake and recover them.

Cut 5 (07)“… species list.”

If a species becomes threatened or endangered, Bass says there’s been a failure to conserve them on the front end at some level so additional funds have the potential to drastically change that.

Cut 6 (09) “…but nationally.”

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You might not know that Tangipahoa Parish is home to one of the few tea farms in the United States. Owner of the Fleur De Lis Tea Company David Barron says for producers looking to further diversify their crops this might be your cup of tea.

Cut 7 (08)  “…after water.”

Barron says the terrain in general in the Bayou State is ideal for growing tea plants. He says they like well-drained soil…

Cut 8 (08) “…perfect for that.”

Barron says he sees great potential for tea in Louisiana especially on the sites of pine tree farms.

The tea plant is related to the Camilla plant that is popular in the south and Barron says anywhere you can grow a Camilla you can grow tea.

Fleur Des Lis Tea Company has a 160-acre farm in Amite. Barron purchased the pine tree farm more than ten years ago. He ventured into the tea business when a fellow horticulturist offered him a tea plant that he was cultivating.

Cut 9 (08) “…his fault.”

Barron says the U-S League Tea Growers annual meeting will be held in October at the farm in Amite and they will host growers from all over the world.

To learn more about the farm you can visit their website at www.fleurdelisteaco.com/

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The state health department has told vaccine providers to resume using the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine. The CDC and the FDA say the benefits of the single-dose vaccine outweigh the rare risk of developing blood clots. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the 11-day halt of the J-and-J shot was unfortunate but reassuring…

Cut 10 (12) “..cause a pause.”

Kanter says it’s incredible how quickly the FDA and the CDC acted after it was determined the Johnson and Johnson coronavirus vaccine was responsible for blood clots in six American women.

Cut 11 (07) “..it should”

Federal health officials uncovered 15 vaccine recipients who developed the blood clots out of the nearly eight million people who received Johnson and Johnson’s shot. All were women under 50, three of them have died.

Kanter expects there will still be a lot of demand for the J-and-J vaccine and he’s glad its back in circulation

Cut 12 (09) “…various locations.”

Over one-point-one million Louisianans have completed their vaccinations against COVID-19. About 85-thousand Johnson and Johnson doses have been administered in Louisiana and no reported cases of this rare blood clot.

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The Louisiana House is expected to discuss and possibly vote on several tax reform bills today. State lawmakers are looking to reduce the state’s income tax rate, but eliminate other tax breaks. Governor John Bel Edwards says he can back this effort…

Cut 13 (10) “…support it”

House Ways and Means Chairman Stuart Bishop has a proposal that would lower the individual income taxes. For those who make over 50-thousand dollars, their income tax rate will be lowered from six to 4.25 percent. But the measure would eliminate the ability to deduct federal income taxes paid from your state taxes. Edwards says Bishop’s bill has a lot of merit…

Cut 14 (08) “…F-I-T.”

These tax reform proposals will also need voter approval and two-thirds support in the House and Senate. Edwards says he will not support tax bills that result in an overall increase in taxes or a decrease, which could result in future budget deficits…

Cut 15 (10)“…took office”

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Louisiana Tech football completed its spring practice on Saturday in a game spring game that featured nine sacks sacks by the defense. Redshirt freshman linebacker Maki Carabin had a game-high seven tackles. Coach Skip Holtz on what he saw from his defense…

Cut 16 (15) “…positive.”

The offensive line had its struggles on Saturday, but Holtz is optimistic they will be much better once the 2021 regular season starts

Cut 17 (23) “…the fall”

As far as the quarterbacks go, Aaron Allen was 14 of 25 for 216 yards and a touchdown. JD Head was 12 of 25 for 146 yards and a touchdown. Holtz gave up an update on Luke Anthony who broke his fibula in December. He says Anthony is still expected to make a full recovery…

Cut  18 (25)”..his recovery.” 

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LSU baseball has suffered a lot of tough losses this season, but Saturday’s implosion tops them all. The Tigers led by eight runs in the bottom of the eighth and there were two outs in the inning. But the Rebels came back to win 10-9. Shortstop Jordan Thompson tried to provide an upbeat message after the brutal loss…

Cut 19 (19) “…all weekend” 

The Rebels tied the game in the eighth inning on a grand slam by TJ McCants as the ball just sailed over the out stretched glove of LSU center fielder Giovanni DiGiacomo. DiGiacomo says you have to credit the Rebels…

Cut 20 (10) “…either” 

Voters in southeast Louisiana will elect a new Congressman in the 2nd district on Saturday. Jim Shannon looks at the race between Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jim Shannon” 

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Louisiana Green Fuels announces plans to construct a 700-million dollar renewable diesel refinery in Caldwell Parish. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Southeast Louisiana voters decide who will represent the state’s second congressional district in DC Saturday. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak says the heated race between Democrats Karen Carter Peterson and Troy Carter is not about the issues.

Cut 3 (11)  “…personal” 

Chervenak says the race comes down to likeability between the candidates and their ability to turn out the vote. He says with voter turnout expected to be between 15 and 20 percent it’s definitely a challenge.

Cut 4 (10) “…the poll” 

Both candidates are from New Orleans and serve in the Louisiana Senate. Chervenak says Carter received the endorsement of outgoing Congressman Cedric Richmond…

Cut 5  (12)  “…the district”

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

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The DEA is holding a semi-annual prescription drug take-back day throughout the State tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  This allows you to turn in your unused or unwanted prescription drugs so that they can be disposed of properly.  Special agent Randy Harness says getting rid of these drugs might save someone’s life.

Cut 6 (13) “..someone else”

Harness says that this take-back event is vital because overdose deaths are on the rise and pain meds are a major reason…

Cut 7 (11) “…this year.”

Assistant special agent Mike Zaiter says while most people believe they can handle their prescriptions responsibly, abusing the drugs isn’t hard.

Cut 8 (13) “…illegally..”

For more information on the closest take-back site, go to www.deatakeback.com and enter your zip code.

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The wife of one of the missing crewmembers from the Seacor lift boat that capsized last Tuesday files a $25-million lawsuit. Loyola University Political Science Professor Dane Ciolino says anytime there’s a workplace accident that results in the loss of life or major injury there’s going to be a civil lawsuit, but who can be named in the suit remains the question.

Cut 9 (11) “..contend are responsible.”

Ciolino says this suit is most likely the first of many to be filed and could take years to settle. He says it’s a matter of who’s responsible and why and how much damage is suffered by the plaintiffs as a result.

Cut 10 (10) “…company was.” 

Most industrial lawsuits are settled before they go to court and Ciolino believes that will be the same with this lawsuit.

Cut 11 (11) “…years pass”

Ciolino says he’s actually surprised it took as long as it did for a lawsuit to be filed despite the tragedy taking place less than two weeks ago.

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Louisiana Green Fuels plans on building a 700-million dollar renewable diesel refinery in Caldwell Parish on a 171-acre site at the Port of Columbia. Governor Edwards says a final investment decision is expected in late 2022, but this has the potential to be a major economic development win for rural north Louisiana…

Cut 12 (12)   “…five million dollars” 

The plant would provide up to 32-million gallons of renewable fuel annually, 83-percent of the final product is expected to be renewable diesel.

Edwards says the project is also great for the environment as the state seeks to address climate change. He says the refinery would remove more carbon from the environment than it produces…

Cut 13 (13)“….carbon negative”

Edwards says the state has established a goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. He says this biodiesel plant is a step in the right direction

Cut 14 (11) “..blue hydrogen” 

A north Louisiana police officer allegedly offers a woman sexual favors in exchange for a positive police report to show her insurance company. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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 LSU’s list of eight finalists for the job of system President leaves some unimpressed. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Winnsboro Police Lieutenant Terrance Pleasant is accused of soliciting sexual favors and money to a woman who was involved in a two-vehicle crash. State Police Trooper Michael Reichardt says the woman who received the offer told the Franklin Parish Sheriff’s Office

Cut 3 (10)  “…her insurance” 

Reichardt says they investigated the case for several weeks and then last night 47-year-old Pleasant was booked into the Franklin Parish Jail…

Cut 4 (08) “…of office” 

Reichardt says a grand jury has indicted Pleasant on one count of public bribery and one count of abuse of office. He says police officers are not above the law…

Cut 5  (07)  “…we have”

Winnsboro Police Chief Will Pierce told the Franklin Sun Pleasant has resigned after a 15-year career with the department.

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Bossier City Police arrested a 30-year-old man for first-degree murder in connection with the shooting and vehicle crash that claimed the life of 29-year old Hannah Sheffield earlier this month.  Bossier City Police spokesperson Traci Ponder says Demetrius McCoy was already in jail on other charges when investigators served him a warrant.

Cut 6 (10) “..shooting”

Sheffield was shot while driving and then crashed the vehicle into a home on April 10^th. She was transported to a local hospital and later died. Ponder says McCoy is charged with first-degree murder because Sheffield was not McCoy’s intended target.

Cut 7 (07) “…the year.”

Ponder says officers work diligently to make an arrest in the case and they hope it will bring about a sense of resolution for all involved.

Cut 8 (08) “…community..”

Bond is set at $1.2 million for the murder charge.

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The father of one of the missing SeaCor lift boat crewmembers says the vessel has been fully swept and the six remaining missing crew members were not found.

Scott Daspit, father of the missing Dylan Daspit, gave an impassioned plea for help as Good Samaritans continue search efforts after the Coast Guard ceased searching Monday.

Cut 9 (10) “..at sea.”

Daspit says local mariners have determined currents have shifted outside of the original Coast Guard search zone, and they’re flying planes over the new area.

Cut 10 (10) “…a miracle.” 

Ronnie Adams of Swamp People fame is helping the search efforts. He asked for donations to the United Cajun Navy to help pay for fuel to operate civilian planes and vessels in the new search zone.

Cut 11 (11) “…kids”

Adams and Daspit made the comments on a Facebook Live stream.

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LSU’s list of eight finalists for the job of system President is not packed with nationally recognized stars of higher education according to some. Advocate Capitol Bureau Editor Mark Ballard says this isn’t what you would call an A-list.

Cut 12 (10)   “…candidates” 

There are reports that there is a “legitimate effort” to hire former LSU Chancellor and current NCAA CEO Mark Emmert for the job, despite his name not being on the finalist list.

LSU Professor and famed political consultant James Carville says given the school’s ongoing sexual misconduct scandal there’s only one woman on the list.

Cut 13 (07)“….list”

The one woman on the list is University of Maryland professor and former Provost Mary Ann Rankin.

Carville says the decision of who will be named President is the most consequential in the modern history of the school, and a big name would go a long way.

Cut 14 (10) “..great” 

The two most prominent local candidates to make the final eight are Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne and UL System President Jim Henderson. Carville and Ballard made the comments on Talk Louisiana.

A Senate Committee approves legislation mandating higher education staff properly report known cases of sexual misconduct, or be terminated. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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Louisiana elected officials react to a jury convicting former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin of murder and manslaughter of George Floyd. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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Legislation inspired by the LSU sexual misconduct scandal mandating higher ed employees properly report known incidents of “power-based violence” is headed to the Senate floor.

The sweeping bill also covers everything from mandatory awareness training to establishing what must be documented related to those cases. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow…

Cut 3 (08)  “…existed” 

Power-based violence is defined as dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking.

Higher ed officials came out in support of the legislation. Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed…

Cut 4 (13) “…enviroment.” 

Among the many items included in the bill is a mandate that all suspected cases of power-based violence must be reported specifically to the school’s Title Nine Office, along with the establishment of “confidential advisors” who receive specialized training in the handling of those reports.

LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan says this legislation is vital for restoring student trust.

Cut 5  (09)  “…safe”

Under the bill the chancellor of a Louisiana higher education institution must, each fall and spring semester, submit a detailed report on incidents of power-based violence to the Board of Supervisors, and post that report online. The report shall not identify any individuals involved.

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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s thankful the criminal justice system dispensed justice against ex-Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin who was found guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. U-S Senator Bill Cassidy says justice was done

Cut 6 (11) “..never taught”

Cell phone video showed Chauvin’s knee pressing on Floyd’s neck for nine and half minutes during an arrest. During that time Floyd repeatedly said he could not breathe. Cassidy says he spoke to local law enforcement who tell him what Chauvin did is not taught in police training

Cut 7 (05) “..take over”

Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus Ted James said on Talk Louisiana on WRKF he was expecting an acquittal….

Cut 8 (10) “..held accountable”

Many are saying justice was served, but James tells “Talk Louisiana” host Jim Engster he can’t go that far…

Cut 9 (08) “..it was justice.”

Chauvin will be sentenced in two months and the most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

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The Senate Education votes 5-1 in favor of a bill that would make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ bill would require all children to start school at the age of five. Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Legal Director Sarah Vandergriff backs the legislation…

Cut 10 (06) “….is supported.” 

Homeschool Louisiana Government Affairs Jesse Leger spoke in opposition. She says five-year-olds should be outside playing, not limited to a classroom setting and this places another burden on families who homeschool.

Cut 11 (09) “…happy about”

Executive Director of the Louisiana Partnership for Children and Families Susan East Nelson supports the bill because research shows early education has a direct impact on learning and social skills.

Cut 12 (11)   “…children thrive” 

The bill advances to the Senate Floor but could be sent to the Senate Finance to address fiscal needs to provide kindergarten at all public schools.

_________________________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee advances a proposal that would eliminate the state’s income tax on residents and a tax on businesses known as the corporate franchise tax. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says to make up for an estimated four billion dollars in lost revenue, local governments can raise property and sales taxes

Cut 13 (08)“….income tax rate”

A good portion of tax revenue the state collects is re-directed to local governments.

Nelson’s tax plan would also lower the homestead exemption from 75-to 25-thousand dollars and eliminate a major property tax break that large manufacturers can receive called I-TEP. The freshman lawmaker believes the public can get behind this proposal because it eliminates state income taxes

Cut 14 (05) “..will sell” 

It’s unclear if Nelson’s tax reform plan has enough support to get the two-thirds vote needed to pass, but Baton Rouge Representative Barry Ivey says it’s a proposal that should be looked at some more…

Cut 15 (10) “…consideration” 

A Bossier City Senator proposes dedicating the expiring .45 percent of the state’s sales tax solely to roads and bridges. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes resigns and files an EEOC discrimination complaint against AG Jeff Landry alleging retaliation for his reporting of former top aid Pat Magee’s alleged workplace sexual misconduct. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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There are claims on social media that the COVID vaccine is causing an increase in miscarriages. Brooke Thorington talks with an OB/GYN about the allegations

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The full Senate is set to hear legislation that would dedicate .45 percent of the state sales tax, which is set to expire in 2025, to road and bridge construction. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock’s proposal would raise about 840 million over three years. Peacock says it’s similar to how Texas funds its road projects…

Cut 4 (10)“…sales tax.”

If adopted the proposal would generate 168 million in 2022, 294 million in 2023, and 387 million in 2024 as it is gradually phased in.

Peacock says with billions in federal infrastructure aid potentially headed our way we need to start putting some money aside.

Cut 5 (08)“… for federal funds.”

The legislation requires at least half of the funds to be evenly divided among the state’s nine transportation districts and all funds must be used for the direct cost of projects.

The bill cleared committee with no votes against but with some concerns it could prompt another fiscal cliff. Peacock argues it will gradually install fiscal discipline ahead of the tax’s expiration.

Cut 6 (09) “…three years.”

_____________________________

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes resigns accusing AG Jeff Landry of retaliating against him for reporting alleged sexual misconduct by former top aid Pat Magee. Debres’ Attorney Jill Craft says after reporting alleged harassment and sexism towards other workers Landry retaliated by opening an investigation into Derbes and more…

Cut 7 (13)  “…unheard of.”

Craft also says the AG denied Derbes a promotion and then took away the majority of his job duties after he reported Magee’s behavior.

Craft says Derbes first reported the harassment in 2019 to his superiors, spoke with other administrators about it, and then finally submitted the allegations in an email.

Cut 8 (09) “…problem.”

Derbes also claims the Attorney General showed political preferential treatment for a person who was facing 20 counts of child porn. Landry says he was not aware of the accusation.

Landry says while an investigation did find Magee made inappropriate comments his behavior did not rise to the level of sexual misconduct. He says if it had, one of the alleged victims would’ve filed suit.

Cut 9 (10) “…the case.”

After an investigation by a third party, Magee was placed on leave without pay to start the year and had his pay docked.

AG’s Office HR Director Sandra Schober says she investigated Derbes claims and found claims that jobs and workspaces were withheld or assigned based on women’s looks to be false.

Cut 10 (09) “…form a narrative.”

Derbes has filed an EEOC discrimination complaint. Craft says it’s the first step towards filing a retaliation claim.

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Social media claims that the COVID vaccine is responsible for a more than 300-percent increase in miscarriages is raising eyebrows. LSU Health New Orleans OB/GYN Doctor Asha Heard says recent studies by the CDC and the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology say otherwise.

Cut 11 (05) “…the two.”

Heard says miscarriages early in pregnancy are far more common than you would think.

Cut 12 (06) “…recognized pregnancies.”

But as with any medical concerns, Heard suggests a dialogue with your personal physician about the vaccine and pregnancy.

Cut 13 (08) “…are pregnant.”

Heard also says there’s been no evidence to date suggesting the COVID vaccine increases stillbirths or reduces fertility.  She says if there was evidence the FDA and CDC would pause the rollout and review data as they did with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.

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A bill requiring public schools to provide kindergarten and mandatory attendance will be heard in the Senate education committee today. Stand for Children Governmental Affairs Director Brigitte Nieland says they fully support Senator Cleo Fields’ legislation because kindergarten provides vital foundational skills for students.

Cut 14 (09) “…student’s lifetime.”

Nieland says while some assume kindergarten is already mandatory if the bill passes it would go into effect fall of 2022 and increase attendance considerably.

Cut 15 (11)“…takes effect”

Nieland says the bill makes common sense and only if the state’s education system performed higher would the measure be up for debate as far as she’s concerned.

Cut 16 (05) “…debate really.”

The bill says a child who turns five years of age on or before September 30th would be required to attend kindergarten and pass a readiness assessment prior to first grade.

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ULM has wrapped up its first spring football season under new head coach Terry Bowden. Bowden is facing a big task in trying to upgrade a roster that didn’t win a game in 2020. Bowden plans on adding players before the team gathers again in August

Cut 17 (23) “…one or two.”

Bowden says one of the goals this summer is to add depth at the running back position…

Cut  18 (19)”…in the season.” 

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For the second straight week, D-1 baseball has Louisiana Tech ranked 14th in the country. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs says there’s not much discussion about the ranking…

Cut 19 (18) “…be ranked.” 

This weekend, Tech will host Marshall for a four-game series that will start on Friday. The Thundering Herd are 6-and-22 on the season, but Burroughs says they have to be ready to play Marshall

Cut 20 (19) “…ability to adapt.” 

LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan withdraws his name from being named permanently to the post. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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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”  

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LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan withdraws from consideration to be 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 came to the decision after spending time with his 14-month-old grandson recently.

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. The 65-year-old says teaching is what he does best, and the role of president prevents him from instructing.

Cut 4 (05) “…classroom.” 

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.

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The Edwards administration announces 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 have been a priority of his administration

Cut 6 (10) “..for awhile”

The federal money replaces the lost gas tax revenue the state experienced last year because fewer people traveled as a result of 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 dollars will go towards widening I-10 in Ouachita Parish. He says federal law is also requiring them to use 11-million dollars on installing electric vehicle charging stations statewide

Cut 8 (11) “..of that”

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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.

Cut 10 (08) “.problem” 

If approved by voters the new redistricting would have to receive a 2/3rds vote in the Legislature and the Governor’s approval to be implemented. If approved by voters the amendment would become effective in 2025.

Democratic Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau had some concerns that Democratic New Orleans Senator Jimmy Harris, a co-author, tried to allay…

Cut 11 (12) “..either way”

The legislation heads to the Senate floor.

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The UL and LSU systems will not require students 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.

That being said Henderson strongly encourages all students to get a vaccine as soon as they can

Cut 13 (08)“….campuses”

All Louisiana residents 16 and older are eligible to receive the vaccine at local pharmacies.

Despite not implementing a vaccine mandate Henderson is confident that our current vaccination rates will facilitate a safe fall campus experience, barring a new vaccine immune variant.

Cut 14 (07) “..science” 

Henderson says about 50 universities across the country have announced vaccine mandates, but a much larger number have either not weighed in, or said they will not require it.

Legislation that seeks to eliminate the federal income tax deduction, a tax break many Louisiana taxpayers enjoy in exchange for lower income tax rates receives approval from the House tax-writing committee. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Coast Guard is ending its search for eight missing crewmembers from the Seacor Power lift boat. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Don Molino”  

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The House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation that would eliminate the ability to Louisiana taxpayers to deduct taxes paid to the federal government on their state tax returns, but individual income tax rates would drop. House Ways and Means Chairman Stuart Bishop is the author…

Cut 3 (08)  “…right direction.” 

Public Affairs Research Council President Robert Travis Scott says there have been studies and non-partisan groups who have suggested for years that Louisiana should eliminate the federal tax deduction and lower the income tax rate…

Cut 4 (09) “…more fair.” 

Supporters of the legislation say for those who make 50-thousand dollars or above, they would see their individual income tax rates drop six to 4.25 percent. Taxpayers who make less than 50-thousand would see a lower income tax rate break.

A similar measure has also passed the Senate Revenue Fiscal Affairs Committee. Chairman Brett Allain of Franklin says getting rid of the federal income tax break and lowering the individual income tax rate is good tax policy…

Cut 5  (06)  “…we have now.”

The proposed tax swap plan has a lot of support among legislative leaders and will need a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate and also voter approval.

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A suspected road rage incident in Jefferson Parish Saturday leads to a crash that killed three people, including an 11-year-old. Trooper Monroe Dillon says 49-year-old Paul Ferrara of New Orleans allegedly had a hostile exchange with a woman driving an F-150 and moments later rammed that woman’s truck…

Cut 6 (07) “..occured”

Ferrara’s Durango then hit a Hyundai Elantra, killing both Ferrara and the Elantra’s occupants, 31-year-old Raish-Nia Wright of Tennessee and 11-year-old Dezerra Wright of Tennesee.

Dillon says if you see another driver acting aggressively and threatening others like Mr. Ferrara allegedly did, dial star-L-S-P.

Cut 7 (09) “..investigations.”

The road rage incident allegedly began after Mr. Ferrara attempted to pass the woman in the F-150 in a no-pass zone during some bad weather. He was unable to, and a few minutes later pulled up alongside her truck and began to yell at her.

Dillon says if someone is threatening you with road rage, try not to engage them.

Cut 8 (11) “…location”

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Legislation that would task the Department of Health with creating a statewide grading system for all water systems is headed to the Senate floor.

Bill author, Parks Senator Fred Mills says independent studies rate the state’s water infrastructure at a D minus, and conclude it would cost five billion dollars to get us to an acceptable level…

Cut 9 (09) “..problem.”

The grading system would be A through F.

Mills says the grading system would give local communities a roadmap for potential future water system consolidations.

Cut 10 (12) “.merge” 

The first grades would be required by 2023.

Mills says the grading system will be based on past violations, the system’s financial sustainability, infrastructure violations, and customer satisfaction.

Cut 11 (10) “..public”

The legislation cleared Senate Health and Welfare without opposition.

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The Coast Guard is suspending the search for the eight crewmembers from the Seacor Power lift boat that capsized off the coast of Lafourche Parish. Captain Will Watson says suspending a search is one of the toughest decisions they have to make and he describes the meeting they had with the families of the victims…

Cut 12 (08)   “…still” 

Seacor Marine President John Gellert says 17 divers will continue to search the capsized lift boat as they remain committed to recovering all of the missing. He says the divers have been through half of the vessel.

The N-T-S-B will conduct an investigation, which will look at the weather conditions at the time. Gellert says it was the captain’s decision for the vessel to operate that day

Cut 13 (09)“….we know”

The Seacore Power capsized on Tuesday afternoon after it encountered hurricane-force winds unexpectedly.

The captain of the Seacor Power has been identified as 63-year-old David Ledet of Thibodaux. Gellert says the captain had decades of experience on lift boats…

Cut 14 (09) “..what so ever.”