Covington Representative Mark Wright has a bill that would require first-time DUI offenders to install an in-car interlock device. Taylor Sharp reports the device only allows sober drivers to start the vehicle…

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Taylor Sharp”

_______________________________

If you’re a driver of a pickup in Louisiana and you aren’t buckled up you might find yourself ticketed during Buckle Up in Your Truck week. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________

The state’s unemployment rate is now the lowest it’s been since the start of the pandemic, but new job growth remains a bit sluggish. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Covington Representative Mark Wright is working with Mothers Against Drunk Driving to pass a bill that would require drivers convicted of a first-offense DUI to install an in-car interlock device system in their vehicle for at least 180 days. Wright says the interlock device will not let the car start unless it knows the driver is sober.

Cut 4 (10)“….the car”

Thirty-four states and the District of Columbia already have this law on their books. He says it could reduce repeated drunk driving offenses by up to 20-percent…

Cut 5 (09)“…death.”

The bill is awaiting its first hearing in the House Transportation Committee. Wright on whether he thinks the legislation can receive House and Senate approval…

Cut 6 (11) “…that simple.”

_____________________________

Law enforcement is on the lookout this week for pickup drivers who aren’t wearing their seat belts. It’s part of the Buckle Up in Your Truck awareness campaign to increase usage. Louisiana Highway Safety Commission spokesperson Mark Lambert says you are twice as likely to die in a crash in a pickup versus an automobile.

Cut 7 (10)  “…even death.”

According to the 2019 Louisiana Seat Belt Observation Survey, occupants in a pickup truck are approximately 9-percent less likely to wear their seat belts.  If you are pulled over and not properly restrained, you will be ticketed, and Lambert says it can add up if you’re a repeat offender.

Cut 8 (11) “…$75 fine.”

Lambert says 17-percent of pickup drivers in the Bayou State fail to wear their seat belt, and those in rural areas in north Louisiana are least likely to buckle up including their passengers.

Cut 9 (12) “…buckled up.”

Lambert says pickup truck drivers in Lake Charles have the highest compliance with wearing seat belts. The campaign ends on Sunday.

____________________

State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon warns folks not to fall for social media fake news about COVID-19 vaccines and life insurance.

There are rumors floating around that people who get vaccinated lose life insurance coverage. Donelon says that could not be farther from the truth…

Cut 10 (10) “..vaccination.”

There’s only been one reported death suspected to be linked to a COVID vaccine among the over 124 million Americans who received at least one dose. Donelon says if for some reason you die as a result of a vaccine, your life insurance will still be paid out.

Cut 11 (06) “…founded.”

Donelon says unfortunately this kind of misinformation is widespread and impact more than just Louisiana.

Cut 12 (09) “…spread.”

_____________________________

Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell sliglty to 7.3 percent in March, the lowest number since the start of the pandemic. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Dejoie says despite the high unemployment figure there are a lot of jobs out there to be had.

Cut 13 (11) “…to”

Dejoie says their HiRE site currently has tens of thousands of job openings.

Since March of 2020, New Orleans is down 55-thousand jobs, Baton Rouge 18-thousand jobs, Lake Charles 17-thousand jobs, Shreveport just under 12-hundred jobs, and Lafayette just under 13-thousand jobs.

Dejoie encourages everyone without a job to go get vaccinated and when it is safe for you to return to work to do so.

Cut 14 (0)7 “…market.”

1,800 leisure and hospitality jobs were added from February to March.

The high unemployment rate is reflected in the state’s still high number of unemployment recipients.

Cut 15 (09)“…pandemic”

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The LSU baseball team dropped another SEC series over the weekend. They were on the verge of winning the series versus 11th ranked South Carolina as they had a two-run lead and needed three outs to win the second game of the series, but the Gamecocks rallied with four runs to win 4-2 and took the final game of the series nine to nothing. Coach Paul Maineri says losing the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader was tough

Cut 16 (11) “…for us.”

A-J Labas took a two to nothing lead into the seventh in Saturday’s game one of the doubleheader. The game was scheduled to go seven innings and Labas says he lost his edge in that inning which resulted in the Gamecocks scoring four runs…

Cut 17 (12) “…of focus.”

_______________________________________

LSU’s four quarterbacks combined to throw for 512 yards and four touchdowns in Saturday’s spring game as they rotated between the Purple and White teams. Coach Ed Orgeron liked what he saw….

Cut  18 (24)”…lot better.” 

Statistically, sophomore Max Johnson had the best day of the four QBs. He threw for 180 yards and two touchdowns. During the spring, the four signal callers shared snaps with the first team. Orgeron says they’ll use a different approach in August when they return for preseason camp…

Cut 19 (19) “…be the starter.” 

Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte picked up where he left off last year as he caught 11 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown. Boutte says the Tigers are loaded at the quarterback position…

Cut 20 (12) “…quarterback room.” 

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

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

____________________________________

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

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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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 thanking everyone who has been praying for his family

Cut 3 (09)  “…folks.” 

Police do not believe foul play is involved in Gautier’s death. LSU Police Chief Bart Thompson says based on cell phone tracking, video footage, and other evidence shared Kori’s parents, they have concluded that were was no criminal activity. Gauthier did not discuss what was going on in his niece’s life…

Cut 4 (09) “…give up.” 

Spencer Gauthier closed out his video post by asking everyone to listen to Stevie Wonder’s song “These Three Words”….

Cut 5  (08)  “…those words.”

_______________________________________

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.”

Shreveport Medical School Chancellor Dr. G.E. Ghali was placed on leave after allegations of sexual misconduct. Tarver says but the chancellor at the New Orleans has received more complaints than Ghali but was not placed on leave.

Cut 7 (12) “…us different.”

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”

Tarver also stated that LSU Shreveport does not have enough representation on the LSU Board of Supervisors.

_____________________________________________

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.”

Galligan says while they have not written the policy it has been “made clear going forward”. He says the policy hasn’t been written yet “because they have been writing so much other stuff,” and that they would write it into policy.

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.” 

Freeman also has legislation pending that would establish a mandatory reporting policy at all state schools.

Galligan was asked if he is comfortable with how the students are perceiving the school’s handling of Title Nine. Galligan says they’ve got to earn student’s trust, but…

Cut 11 (12) “…happy”

_____________________

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 (Guh-lar-zuh) 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. He’s been identified as 63-year-old David Ledet of Thibodaux. Galarza says most of the vessel that capsized is underwater, which is why a dive team was brought in

Cut 13 (03)“….any survivors”

Galarza says 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.” 

One crew member is dead and 12 are still missing after a 129-foot lift boat capsized off of Port Fourchon in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

_______________________________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow was sworn into office this morning to represent the state’s 5^th Congressional District. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”  

________________________________________

The search is still on for 12 missing crewmembers of a SeaCor lift boat that capsized seven miles off the coast of Port Fourchon Tuesday afternoon.

Six of the ship’s original 19 crewmembers have been rescued so far, along with one confirmed death. Coast Guard Captain Will Watson thanks every civilian who’s offered to help in the search…

Cut 3 (09)  “…folks.” 

Four Coast Guard boats, one helicopter, at least four good Samaritan vessels, and other fixed-wing aircraft are participating in the search.

The SeaCor Power is believed to have started taking on water around 4:30 PM Saturday as it encountered a “microburst” of unexpectedly bad weather.

Cut 4 (10) “…circumstance.” 

Watson describes what a lift boat is…

Cut 5  (13)  “…rise.”

Half of the 129-foot vessel remains submerged. The boat is designed to carry thousands of barrels of oil from offshore platforms. Watson says there is no indication right now of any environmental impacts from the incident.

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It’s another day of severe thunderstorms, hail, and flash flooding for areas of the Bayou State. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a slow-moving cold front is responsible for the April showers and they’ll stay with us for the remainder of the week.

Cut 6 (12) “.. of Louisiana.”

Keim says the National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for all of southern Louisiana, and as far north as Alexandria until noon Thursday.

Cut 7 (11) “…Friday.”

Several parts of the state have experienced hail also, Keim says the National Weather Service is urging citizens to remain weather alert for the rest of the week.

Cut 8 (10) “…hand and hand”

The National Weather Service is also reminding drivers to turn around don’t drown due to the excessive amounts of rain causing flash floods.

_____________________________________________

Alexandria Police have made an arrest in the murder of 19-year-old Courtney Coco, who was killed in 2004. Coco was last seen at her home two days before her body was discovered in an abandoned building in southwest Texas. Alexandria Police Sergeant Josh Peppers says Detective Tanner Dryden was assigned to the case in 2018

Cut 9 (09) “..the case.”

45-year-old David Burns of Boyce has been charged with second-degree murder. Peppers hopes the arrest is a relief for those who knew Coco

Cut 10 (06) “..the family.” 

Coco’s death received national attention as NBC’s dateline featured the case last October. A multi-series podcast called “Real Life Real Crime” also provided the public details on the case.  Peppers says Detective Dryden put numerous hours into the investigation

Cut 11 (05) “.cold case”

Burns’s bond has been set at 500-thousand dollars.

_____________________

Congresswoman Julia Letlow took the oath of office this morning, filling the fifth district seat that was left vacant after the unexpected death of her husband Luke Letlow in December. Julia Letlow is the first Republican woman to represent Louisiana in Congress.

Cut 12 (12)   “…take office.” 

Letlow says she wants to assist farmers in the state, champion education, and assist with bringing broadband internet to the predominantly rural 5^th district. She also wants to focus on recovery efforts with the pandemic.

Cut 13 (10)“…with you.”

Letlow says she wants to be part of a revival of honesty, integrity, and hard work in congress.

Cut 14 (06) “…and for yours.” 

Julia’s two children along with the other members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation were present for the ceremony. A runoff to fill Louisiana’s 2^nd congressional seat is set for April 24^th.

The state health department, following guidance from the CDC and FDA, is stopping the use of the Johnson and Johnson one-dose vaccine while they review data. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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A top priority of the 2021 session, a centralized sales tax collection system, receives significant support from the House Ways and Means Committee. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

________________________________________

The state department of health is following guidance from the CDC and FDA and halting the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine. Both the CDC and FDA are investigating a possible connection between blood clots and the one-dose vaccine. Tulane School of Medicine Professor Doctor Lisa Morici says six women were diagnosed with blood clots six to thirteen days after their injection.

Cut 3 (10)  “…age of 50.” 

The six women not only had blood clots in the sinuses of the brain but also appear to have a reduced platelet count.

According to the Louisiana Department of Health  85,000 doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine have been administered, in Louisiana and no reported complications or blood clots.

Morici says this only affects the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, not the others in the U-S, and shouldn’t discourage you from being vaccinated.

Cut 4 (10) “…Pfizer vaccines.” 

While the stop usage is receiving lots of attention, Morici says the blood clots could be a result of something else for example smoking and not the vaccine, so it’s important the cases be thoroughly investigated.

Cut 5  (12)  “…going forward.”

Morici says once the investigation is completed the CDC and FDA could recommend the use of the vaccine in a particular demographic or stop usage altogether if they do find a link between the vaccine and blood clots.

_______________________________________

House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s proposal to centralize Louisiana’s sales tax collection system gets positive reviews from a House committee. Schexnayder proposes using a single board to collect local and sales taxes, which would make it easier on small businesses and assure the right amount of taxes is collected…

Cut 6 (10) “.. our job.”

A task force came up with Schexnayder’s centralized sales tax collection proposal. It will need two-thirds support in both the House and Senate and Schexnayder says a constitutional amendment to streamline Louisiana’s sales tax system will appear before the voters in the fall

Cut 7 (07) “…always important.”

Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps says she supports the idea of a centralized sales tax system, but she’s concerned about whether voters will understand what this proposed constitutional amendment will do

Cut 8 (08) “…laymen terms”

Currently, sales tax is collected by the state as well as individual cities and parishes. The measure was approved on a 14 to 1 vote by the House Ways and Means Committee.

_____________________________________________

With Congressional efforts to raise the federal minimum wage dead in the water Governor Edwards is looking to the Legislature to increase the state’s 7.25 an hour minimum this session.

In past years Edwards would put his weight behind a single bill but this time he says he’ll take any raise he can get, even if it’s below his preferred number.

Cut 9 (07) “..sign it.”

Edwards says many essential workers don’t make a living wage, and after everything they’ve done for the state since the start of the pandemic they deserve a raise.

Cut 10 (09) “..needs.” 

The minimum wage hasn’t seen a hike since 2008 and Edwards says there’s tons of polling to suggest that raising it in Louisiana is a very popular idea.

Cut 11 (11) “.life.”

_____________________

The City of New Orleans will be the backdrop for the first movie production to leave the state of Georgia amid protest of the state’s new voting laws. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s spokesperson, Beau Tidwell, says the Will Smith feature, Emancipation, is moving to Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12)   “…recently.” 

Emancipation is a drama based on the true story of an enslaved man who escapes from a plantation during the Civil War and joins the union army. It was scheduled to begin filming near Savannah in June.

Tidwell says this could be the first of many productions leaving Georgia and relocating to Louisiana.

Cut 13 (09)“…have them.”

As for what the economic impact will be on the city, Tidwell says he doesn’t have the numbers yet.

Cut 14 (10) “…update you.” 

Emancipation will be the second Apple TV production filmed in Louisiana. The Tom Hanks feature Greyhound was shot in Baton Rouge in 2019

An EF3 tornado left an 8-mile path of destruction, claiming one life and damaging 25 homes in the village of Palmetto in St. Landry parish  Brooke Thorington has more.

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

_______________________________________

President Biden’s over two trillion dollar American Jobs Plan proposal could see Louisiana receive a massive windfall in federal infrastructure aid. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

Residents in the St. Landry Parish village of Palmetto are rummaging through the damage from an EF3 tornado that ravaged at least 25 homes early Saturday morning and claimed one life. Parish President Jesse Bellard (Bell-ard) says the tornado touched down on Bolden Road just off Highway 359.

Cut 3 (11)  “…storm.” 

The National Weather Service says debris could be seen 15-thousand feet in the air. Seven people were transported to the hospital where two remain, one with back and neck injuries, the other with a collapsed lung.

Bellard is encouraging those who received damage to report it to Damage.LA.Gov so the state can assess the damage and possibly receive funding.

Cut 4 (08) “…assessment.” 

Bellard says he’s encouraged by the outpouring of support from residents of nearby towns assisting with clean-up and providing food for victims. As for tornado damage, he says this is the worst he’s ever seen.

Cut 5  (10)  “…completely.”

The St. Landry Foundation is also collecting funds to assist with transporting the body of the one fatality from the storm back to his home in Mexico so he can be buried.

_______________________________________

A 26-year-old woman who fell off her jet ski and was not found until the next day is listed in critical condition at a hospital in Covington. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries spokesperson Adam Einck says the search began Friday night in the Tchefuncte River…

Cut 6 (08) “.. next morning.”

Einck says the search resumed Saturday morning. He says at around 10:30 in the morning the woman’s jet ski was located and St. Tammany Parish deputies found her about a half-hour later…

Cut 7 (08) “…her alive.”

Einck says once the woman was discovered her, deputies quickly got her to a nearby boat launch…

Cut 8 (08) “…critical condition”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana could be in line for billions of dollars in federal “infrastructure” aid under President Biden’s over two trillion dollar American Jobs Plan.

Biden says Louisiana is in particular need, giving the state a D+ grade on the Infrastructure Report Card. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson doesn’t dispute that appraisal.

Cut 9 (10) “..years.”

It’s currently unclear exactly how much of the two trillion dollar bill would be headed to Louisiana.

The single biggest item in the proposal is 600 billion dollars for transportation infrastructure, 115 billion of that going to repairing roads and bridges.

Cut 10 (11) “…representation.” 

Also included is 50 billion for infrastructure environmental resiliency, 111 billion for clean water infrastructure, 300 billion for manufacturing, 100 billion for broadband, and 85 billion for public transportation.

The AJP is marketed as an infrastructure bill but it contains hundreds of billions in funding for expanded childcare, elderly caregiving, and housing. Wilson says those investments are needed to power a modern economy.

Cut 11 (06) “..moving.”

_____________________

Over 900 bills and resolutions have been filed for the legislative session that began today and there are several measures dealing with the legalization of sports betting. Metairie Senator Cameron Henry says a big question is whether lawmakers will agree to allow residents in approved parishes to place bets on their phone

Cut 12 (10)   “…bet online” 

Voters in 55 of 64 parishes said yes to legal sports betting in their parish last November. Henry says he’s heard the governor is not completely comfortable with mobile sports betting, where bets can be placed anywhere in an approved parish. He says as the legislation moves forward they’ll work with the governor’s office …

Cut 13 (06)“…in place.”

Henry says lawmakers will also have to decide on how the activity will be taxed and where the revenue will go…

Cut 14 (07) “…significant hurdle.” 

There’s a number of hot-button issues up for debate in this year’s legislative session but a political analyst doesn’t expect many of them to get far. Matt Doyle has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

A New Orleans lawmaker files legislation requiring college university employees who fail to properly report incidents of “power-based violence” such as sexual assault, harassment, and domestic violence. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

____________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards will address the Legislature from Southern’s campus at 6 PM today to kick off the session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat expects the legislative session that begins today to be dominated by debate over how to allocate billions in federal pandemic aid.

There are a number of controversial culture war topics on the docket including trans issues, marijuana legalization, prison labor, and teaching about systemic racism, but ultimately…

Cut 4 (11)“…happens”

Pinsonat says unlike in other states he does not expect there to be much appetite in Louisiana for controversial elections and voting bills.

The Legislature will be tasked with writing the regulatory framework for sports betting after a legalization ballot initiative passed overwhelmingly last year. Pinsonat expects it to get done…

Cut 5 (10)“…government”

The biggest argument will be about the scope of legalization. Will it be contained to riverboat casinos and Harrah’s in New Orleans, or will it be allowed at video poker or through online betting websites?

Pinsonat says it will take a month to take center stage but the biggest fight will be over the 3.2 billion in incoming federal aid, and whether to use it to pay down debt or fund new services or construction.

Cut 6 (05) “…riches”

Final federal guidance on just how states can spend their American Rescue Act aid has not been delivered yet. It’s expected sometime within the next 30 days.

_____________________________

A bill is filed that would result in automatic termination of any post-secondary employee who fails to properly report incidents of “power-based violence” to the campus Title Nine coordinator.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman wrote the legislation. She says it’s inspired by LSU’s failure to properly handle incidents of sexual misconduct.

Cut 7 (11)  “…terminated.”

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

Freeman says under this legislation incidents like the kind that allegedly occurred when a former LSU running back sexually harassed a Superdome worker would have to be reported.

Cut 8 (11) “..student.”

74-year-old Gloria Scott alleges running back Derrius Guice sexually harassed her while she was working at the Superdome. Scott says she reported the incident to LSU but was told because she wasn’t a student and the event at the Dome did not involve LSU that it did not fall under Title Nine reporting requirements.

STAR legal director Morgan Lamandre says under this law if you receive knowledge that someone has committed an act of power-based violence, you must report it.

Cut 9 (11) “…radar.”

Current policy often only requires Title Nine reporting if employees are informed of a victim who is involved with the school.

____________________

At 6 PM Governor Edwards will kick off the 2021 Legislative session with a speech at Southern University’s Mumford Stadium.

Edwards will use that time to lay out his agenda. He says he will reject any efforts to reduce state revenue through tax cuts this year.

Cut 10 (10) “..tax.”

Edwards is holding the speech at Southern due to COVID restrictions limiting indoor gatherings. Typically he would address the legislature in person at the state Capitol.

Edwards will push for legislation to close the state’s gender pay gap, which he says remains among the worst in the country, and to end discriminatory practices in setting auto insurance rates.

Cut 11 (05) “…record.”

Edwards also backed a small pay raise for teachers and higher education staff this year.

The governor says he’s in favor of any legislation to raise the state’s minimum wage of $7.25 an hour, which has not changed since 2008.

Cut 12 (13) “…into law.”

Edwards says he also supports legislation for mandatory kindergarten, a statewide Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, and law enforcement disciplinary reform.

_____________________________

Republican Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder’s agenda for the 2021 legislative session includes tax reform, allocation of federal COVID relief funds, and replenish the unemployment trust fund.

He wants to simplify the tax code to make it easier for small businesses and citizens to operate and get things done in the state. Schexnayder says it would stay the same…

Cut 13 (09) “…part of it.”

Schexnayder says the state is missing out on a substantial amount of revenue from internet sales. For example, after the first year that Mississippi streamlined their internet sales tax collection they collected$400-million as opposed to Louisiana’s average of $180-million. He says our tax rate and population are also higher so once reformed it could create a considerable amount of revenue for the state.

Also, importation is the allocation of the $3.5 billion of COVID relief funds from the federal government. Schexnayder says they want to be sure they replenish the state’s unemployment trust fund that was depleted during the pandemic.

Cut 14 (10) “…accounts.”

The Speaker says he feels that lawmakers are ready to return to session and senses a bipartisan effort to return the state to a sense of normalcy.

Cut 15 (10)“…really good.”

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The Ragin Cajuns eight-game winning streak ended yesterday with a 16-11 loss to Arkansas State. U-L Lafayette committed two errors that led to eight unearned runs and the Cajuns also walked nine hitters, while U-L batters struck out 13 times. Coach Matt Deggs says that all led to the loss…

Cut 16 (17) “…our loss.”

The Cajuns are 20-12 overall, 7-and-2 in conference play and in first place in the Sun Belt West. On Sunday, U-L Lafayette fell behind 3-0, but took the lead in the fourth when they hit three straight home runs. The Cajuns hit seven home runs as a team. Deggs says they are exciting even in a loss…

Cut 17 (18) “…that generous.”

_________________________________________________

Despite losing 13-4 on Sunday to Kentucky, the LSU baseball team won its first SEC series of 2021 as the Tigers beat the Wildcats on Friday and Saturday. Freshman right-hander Blake Money made his first SEC start and suffered the loss giving up five runs in four innings. Kentucky scored eight runs in the seventh to put the game out of reach. Coach Paul Mainieri

Cut  18 (18)  “…for that”

LSU snapped a six game SEC losing streak on Friday with a 15-2 win on Friday and held on for an eight to six victory on Saturday. Freshman shortstop Jordan Thompson committed a throwing error that opened the door for Kentucky’s big inning. Thompson ays despite the loss, he believes the Tigers are heading in the right direction…

Cut 19 (13) “…going forward” 

Thompson had three hits yesterday and eight hits over the weekend to raise his average to nearly .300. Thompson says hard work has got him feeling good at the plate…

Cut 20 (20) “…I guess.” 

Colorado State University anticipates another above-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2021. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_______________________________________

Lawmakers grilled LSU’s lawyer over the decision to ban all employees from testifying under oath at a legislative committee investigating the school’s mishandling of sexual misconduct cases. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

________________________________________

State Police say a vehicle heading the wrong way on Interstate 10 near Crowley caused a fiery crash that killed three people and left another person in critical condition. Trooper Thomas Gossen says the vehicle driving in the opposite direction slammed head-on into another vehicle…

Cut 3 (07)  “…that was also involved.” 

Gossen says they are still trying to determine why one of the vehicles involved was heading in the wrong direction. He says there are cases when a vehicle gets on the wrong on-ramp and ends up traveling against the current flow of traffic, but they are not sure what happened in this incident…

Cut 4 (08) “..westbound lanes” 

The identities of the victims have not been released and Gossen says because the vehicles were badly damaged, it’s difficult to determine who was heading the wrong way…

Cut 5  (09)  “…the crash.”

_______________________________________

Colorado State University hurricane researchers anticipate an above-average 2021 Atlantic hurricane season. Graduate Researcher at CSU Jhordanne Jones says they are predicting 17 named storms, not as active as last year but still above average.

Cut 6 (09) “…in 2020”

2020 was a record-breaking hurricane season with 30 names storms. Jones says this time last year sea surface temperatures along the east coast and Gulf of Mexico were higher than normal.

Cut 7 (09) “…active season”

CSU is not anticipating El Nino conditions at the peak of the 2021 season. El Nino tends to decrease tropical activity.

Jones says Louisiana has a 50-percent probability of landfall hurricanes in 2021, which she says is hauntingly like predictions we had last year.

Cut 8 (09) “…happens”

Jones says they will be observing if we transition into an Enso or neutral state which means we could experience above-normal activity.

AccuWeather is predicting  16 to 20 named storms for 2021 and seven to ten to become hurricanes.

_____________________________________________

LSU’s General Counsel told lawmakers why LSU employees had been banned from speaking under oath to a Legislative Committee today.

Winston Decuir says it’s related to a lawsuit by a current LSU administrator. He says he learned of the lawsuit Wednesday and had not or seen who was named in it when the decision was made.

Cut 9 (08) “circumstance.”

That lawsuit, by Atheltic Administrator Sharon Lewis, alleges a broad conspiracy to cover up sexual misconduct claims at the school, and retaliation against Lewis for investigating claims against former coach Les Miles.

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says she has witnesses who claim either Verge Ausberry or Miriam Segar violated the terms of their recent suspensions…

Cut 10 (12) “…job” 

Athletic Department administrators Ausberry and Segar were suspended for several weeks each as a result of Husch Blackwell findings that they mishandled reports of sexual misconduct. A condition of their suspension was that they were barred from performing any of their duties.

Freeman pointed out head coach Ed Orgeron had already refused to attend the hearing before the lawsuit. Freeman says Tuesday night Orgeron held a Zoom Spring Football press conference…

Cut 11 (05) “…statement”

A number of other athletics and administrative leaders had also refused to attend before the lawsuit was known.

Freeman says she’s heard from alumni and students who are furious that LSU didn’t fire anyone after the Husch Blackwell report’s release. Decuir responded on behalf of Interim President Tom Galligan…

Cut 12 (11)   “…unacceptable” 

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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says a family of four in Louisiana could purchase a health insurance plan for premiums as low as 163-dollars per month at health-care-dot-gov. Director of the Office of Minority Health Doctor LaShawn McIver says that’s because of newly expanded financial assistance

Cut 13 (12)“…enrollment period”

McIver says the President recently extended the special enrollment period to August 15, so that families can take advantage of newly expanded financial assistance

Cut 14 (12) “…qualify for” 

McIver says if you need assistance they have a toll free number at 1-800-318-2596

Cut 15 (11) “…COVID relief law.” 

LSU’s senior associate athletic director Sharon Lewis tells the USA Today she’s filing multiple lawsuits against her current employer over mistreatment for trying to stop sexual harassment. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (36) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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The Louisiana GOP lost several thousand registered voters since the January 6^th US Capitol attack, a rare loss of membership for a party that’s seen major growth in the state over the last ten years. Matt Doyle spoke with LSU Poli Sci Professor Robert Hogan…

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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LSU’s associate athletic director of football recruiting, Sharon Lewis, tells the USA Today she will file several lawsuits against the school, claiming she was mistreated for trying to stop sexual harassment. Tiger Rag Editor Ron Higgins says the allegations are explosive, including the details of an argument Lewis had with former football coach Les Miles

Cut 3 (09)  “…M-fing face.” (2x)  

Lewis says the argument was over Miles’s alleged desire to have blond women or light-skinned black women on the recruiting staff that he considered prettier.

Lewis says she continues to get mistreated by several LSU athletic officials who she claims tried to cover up sexual harassment allegations against Miles. Higgins says Lewis told the USA Today she’s also been denied pay raises and Executive Deputy Athletic Director Verge Ausberry allegedly said to her, “maybe it’s time to find a new job”…

Cut 4 (06) “..Verge Ausberry.” 

The Husch Blackwell report resulted in Ausberry and Miriam Segar receiving a multi-week suspension. But Higgins says Lewis’s detailed allegations in the USA Today report of how she’s been mistreated over the last several years could lead to further discipline…

Cut 5  (08)  “…incompentent B.”

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Based on research by the LSU Manship School Statehouse Bureau 7,800 Louisiana voters have left the Republican Party since the January 6^th mob attack on the US Capitol.

LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says this tracks with nationwide stats that show roughly 100,000 Republicans have unregistered from the party since then…

Cut 6 (12) “…registration”

To start the year Democrats lost more members, about 8,000 total, than Republicans, but unlike Republicans that is part of an ongoing trend in state party membership decline. Republicans have seen a 37 percent gain over the last decade while Democrats lost 12 percent. Third-party membership saw a 4,000 person increase in January and February.

Hogan says unregistering from a party doesn’t change much for a voter given Louisiana operates on a jungle primary system. The only thing you miss out on is voting in Presidential primaries.

Cut 7 (11) “..that way”

The bulk of the GOP’s losses came in January, where 5,503 members left the party. Similar drop-offs of party identification for the GOP were not seen in the opening months of 2017 or 2013.

Hogan says it’s an interesting phenomenon, but not one that will likely have any short-term electoral impacts on statewide Republican dominance.

Cut 8 (08) “..earlier”

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While the American Rescue Plan does not contain student loan forgiveness it does allow temporary relief of taxes on student loans that are forgiven through 2025. Student Loan Hero, Loan Expert Rebecca Safier (Sapphire) explains.

Cut 9 (12) “…forgiven amount.”

Before with student loan forgiveness for example a teacher, they were taxed on the amount forgiven on the loan. Safier says this also applies to forgiveness on an income-driven repayment plan.

Cut 10 (10) “….tax bill.” 

According to Lending Tree, approximately 600,000 borrowers in the state juggle an average balance of almost $34,000 in student loans with monthly payments averaging $246. If the proposed student loan forgiveness of $10,000 passes, 35-percent of borrowers in Louisiana would have their debt eliminated. Safier says since the pandemic student loan forgiveness has gained traction.

Cut 11 (04) “…and see”

Louisiana has the 18th highest student loan obligation in the nation with a cumulative of $21.7 billion in federal and private loans.

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The Red River United teacher’s union files a lawsuit against the Caddo Parish School Board alleging discrimination with the school system’s $1,000 bonus. Red River United Vice President Jordan Thomas says the bonus is for full-time employees who were present for 90-percent of the current school year, but it discriminates against teachers that took maternity leave and…

Cut 12 (09)   “…allow them.” 

Thomas says teachers have done everything that has been asked of them and announcing the bonus criteria now isn’t fair.

Cut 13 (10)“…to do.”

Thomas says every teacher who worked during the pandemic should be recognized regardless of their attendance and the system could have offered prorated bonuses based on attendance to do that.

Cut 14 (09) “…employees” 

Several attempts to reach the Caddo Parish School System for comment were unsuccessful.

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One Louisiana Senator files a bill forcing minors to have parental permission to receive gender-based medical or mental health care. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Recordings from LSU reveal a man asked for $100,000 on behalf of an alleged sexual harassment victim of former running back Derrius Guice. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (42) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Willis-Knighton Health System is seeking COVID-positive participants for a clinical trial testing the effectiveness of Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody treatment. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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Houma Senator Michael Fesi files legislation requiring parental consent for a minor seeking gender therapy which includes psychotherapy along with surgical and nonsurgical procedures for gender identity. Fesi says it should be required like every other medical procedure for minors.

Cut 4 (11)“…consent.”

President of Louisiana Trans Advocates President Dylan Waguespack says this sets a dangerous precedent, especially for transgender and gender non-confirming minors without affirming parents or ones experiencing homelessness.

Cut 5 (10)“…they need.”

Fesi says several constituents have come to him concerned about their children having the ability to change their gender without parental consent.

Cut 6 (11) “…on TV.”

Waguespack says the suicide attempt rate among trans youth is fifty percent and possibly denying them care, especially by a lawmaker without a background in medicine or mental health could increase suicide attempts.

Cut 7 (08)  “…an increase.”

Waguespack is asking Senator Fesi to withdraw the bill and meet with the young people he is targeting.

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The Advocate reports recordings from LSU reveal a man asked for payment on behalf of an alleged victim of sexual harassment by former Tiger running back Derrius Guice in exchange for not going to the media.

Advocate reporter Andrea Gallo says Cleavon Williams asked for payment of $100-thousand in lieu of LSU not suspending Guice ahead of the 2018 Citrus Bowl.

Cut 8 (06) “…involved.”

The woman, 74-year-old Gloria Scott, says Guice harassed her in 2017 while she was working at the Superdome. Scott says coach Ed Orgeron called her about the incident after she reported it. Orgeron says he does not recall contacting Scott.

Williams identified himself as a New Orleans AAU basketball coach to LSU Athletic Administrators Verge Ausberry and Miriam Segar. Segar questioned his role in the alleged incident.

Cut 9 (13) “…sure.”

Segar told Williams it seemed like blackmail, which Williams denied.

Also released is a recording of voicemails left by Scott. Gallo says payment in sexual misconduct cases is not unusual, an undisclosed amount was paid to the victim in the alleged Les Miles misconduct, but payment is usually requested by an attorney.

Cut 10 (08) “…for money.”

Gloria Scott asked LSU Police to investigate the matter, but they said it was out of their jurisdiction because it was not on campus nor an LSU event.

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Over two million total doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in Louisiana with over 800,000 people having completed their series and over 1.2 million having initiated their series.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we’re close to the point where anyone who wants a vaccine can make an appointment to get one for the next day.

Cut 11 (08) “…for people.”

The New Orleans region leads the state in vaccination series completion at 22 percent of the population. The Lake Charles and central Louisiana regions are lowest in the state at 12 and 13 percent respectively. Some Lake Charles providers argue the number is misleading because the population is lower than it appears on census data due to recent hurricanes.

Just over 18 percent of Louisianans have completed their vaccine series, and Kanter says those folks have a near-perfect but not guaranteed level of protection. That’s why we need herd immunity.

Cut 12 (10) “…lower.”

Herd immunity is thought to be 70 percent. 126 “breakthrough” cases of fully vaccinated people getting COVID in Louisiana have been recorded.

With the mass vaccination campaign in full swing Kanter says they’re launching a COVID vaccine hotline to help residents get connected with local providers.

Cut 13 (02) “…this week”

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Willis-Knighton is one of 120 sites nationwide that will participate in a clinical trial for Regeneron’s COVID monoclonal antibody treatment.  Children’s Health Services Director Dr. Joseph Bocchini says they need COVID-positive participants and know early results have been extremely promising for people with comorbidities.

Cut 14 (08) “…percent.”

Other early results show Regeneron reducing the duration of symptoms for those with comorbidities by four days.

The objective is to enroll enough people to study the effects of Regeneron on pregnant women and children, but Bocchini says with COVID numbers declining it will be a challenge.

Cut 15 (08)“…desire.”

Those interested in participating should call 318-455-9730 or go to www.wkhs.com/clinical-trial.

Estimates show at our current rate of vaccination we could hit herd immunity by late summer, but Bocchini says even after that there will still be a need for COVID treatments.

Cut 16 (10) “…cases.”

Those participating in the 29 day study will receive a single dose of Regeneron at the WK COVID Research Infusion Center in Shreveport. Participants will be monitored at home and tested by healthcare workers.

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The LSU baseball team is now 17-11 overall and 1-8 in SEC play after being swept by Vanderbilt this past weekend.  The Tigers still have a long season ahead of them and coach Paul Mainieri says his team needs to figure out how to win close games.

Cut 17 (16) “…have to do.”

The Tigers received news Monday that junior pitcher Jaden Hill will be out for the season due to a tear in his right elbow, an injury he sustained in Friday’s game against Vanderbilt

While the Tigers have not had a lot of success so far, Mainieri hopes his team will continue to play hard.

Cut  18 (18)  “…this weekend.”

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The Ragin Cajuns baseball team swept ULM this past weekend after winning the opening conference series against Coastal Carolina and now sit at 6-1 in the Sun Belt Conference. Right fielder Carson Roccaforte says he believes the team is hitting its stride.

Cut 19 (09) “…together for us.” 

Tonight the Cajuns host Nicholls at Russo Park. Earlier this season, U-L Lafayette beat the Colonels nine to eight in Thibodaux. Nicholls nearly came back to win the game as they scored four runs in the eighth as the Cajuns committed four errors on the night. Sophomore outfielder Tyler Robertson on what it will take to win their sixth straight game…

Cut 20 (12) “…in the game.” 

Approximately 98-thousand Louisianans received ineligible unemployment benefits last year totaling $405 million according to a Legislative Auditors report. Brooke Thorington explains

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

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Of the 834,000 Louisianans who’ve completed their vaccine series, only 126 have tested positive for COVID-19 so far. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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A Legislative Auditor’s report finds that approximately 98-thousand individuals received $405 million in unemployment benefits and it appears they were not eligible in Louisiana from the end of March until the end of 2020. Auditor Chris Magee says they found the error by using the program Wage Data.

Cut 3 (12)  “…benefits.”  

$247 weekly is the maximum one can earn, anymore they are not eligible.

Magee says the Louisiana Workforce Commission reports benefit filings were unprecedented and rose more than two-hundred thousand percent from pre-pandemic levels which led to the oversite.

Cut 4 (11) “…improper payments.” 

Magee says another factor for the oversight is the 2020 legislative instrument that gave employers an additional 45 days to report wages.

Magee says once the LWC determines if the error is administrative or fraud, they will enter into repayment agreements with those individuals. And if they don’t make repayments…

Cut 5  (09)  “…federal taxes.”

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Legislation is filed that would ban K-12 schools from teaching “Divisive Concepts” one of which being that the United States or the State of Louisiana is institutionally or systemically racist. House Education Chairman Ray Garofalo says the bill would ensure a traditional classroom environment that deters discrimination.

Cut 6 (07) “…origin”

Other “Divisive Concepts” include teaching that an individual’s race or sex makes them inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, or that the concepts of meritocracy or capitalism are racist or sexist, along with other topics.

The bill has received pushback from those who advocate teaching that the US, through slavery, was founded on racism and has maintained a legacy of systemic racism. Garofalo disagrees.

Cut 7 (11) “…case.”

The legislation would also apply to trainings provided to teachers and school staff.

Garofalo says the legislation should not be controversial.

Cut 8 (05) “…acheivement.”

Garofalo says the jury is still out on whether this legislation would impact higher education.

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126 Louisianans have tested positive for COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated, good for only .02 percent of all Louisianans who are fully vaccinated.

State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says for those few people who got the bug, they didn’t get it bad…

Cut 9 (10) “…facilities.”

Full vaccination is two weeks after you complete your vaccine series. 834,000 Louisianans have completed their vaccine series.

Kanter says no vaccine is 100 percent effective 100 percent of the time, but…

Cut 10 (11) “….cases.” 

A recent CDC “real world” study showed Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were 90 percent effective two weeks after their second doses.

Kanter says this is just further proof of the incredible effectiveness of vaccines, and a message that should be shared with those still on the fence…

Cut 11 (12) “…as well”

1.3 million Louisianans have received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine.

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In a poll of 781 Louisiana adults, roughly half of the state’s residents approve of Louisiana’s response to the pandemic. LSU Public Policy Research Lab Director Mike Henderson says the 2021 Louisiana survey shows a divide among party lines.

Cut 12 (11)   “…handled it.” 

Part of the state’s response to the pandemic was handling of the fall and spring elections. He says 75-percent of the respondents supported the extra days for early voting

Cut 13 (08)“…main in vote”

Henderson mail-in voting is a controversial topic and the divide is once again  along party lines

Cut 14 (06) “…in Louisiana.”