The United Cajun Navy ends search efforts for the missing crew members of the SEACOR lift boat. Brooke Thorington explains.

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

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Legislation allowing St. Tammany voters to vote on allowing a waterfront casino to operate in Slidell is headed to the House floor. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Matt Doyle.”  

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The United Cajun Navy is explaining why they are no longer aiding in the search for the seven missing crewmen of the SEACOR Power that capsized on April 13^th. UCN spokesperson Brian Trascher says they cap search efforts at two weeks and opted to end their participation due to a smear campaign launched by former members.

Cut 3 (10)  “…oxygen” 

Trascher says the UCN still plans to assist family members of the missing crew members.  Trascher says it’s a group of former volunteers, that were asked to leave the group for various reasons, who continue to slander the UCN and they’ve had to take the matter to court before.

Cut 4 (11) “…judge.” 

Trascher says the United Cajun Navy is the only registered nonprofit organization that has emerged from the grassroots efforts of the Cajun Navy that responded to the 2016 flood in Louisiana. Trascher says there are several rumors accusing the organization of misusing funds, but a lack of evidence.

Cut 5  (07)  “…all lies.”

Trascher says even though the group is nonprofit it doesn’t mean they don’t have expenses and they are also donating funds raised from search efforts in the form of grants to families of the missing crewmembers.

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The Louisiana Department of Education is partnering with Ochsner Health to give teachers and school support staff workers free access to virtual visits with a licensed mental health professional. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley….

Cut 6 (08) “…private format”

During the appointment, patients will be asked about current symptoms, medical history and goals for therapy. Brumley says those seeking help will have access to a variety of visits.

Cut 7 (11) “…the state.”

More than 166,000 public school educators and support staff statewide will have access to free mental health virtual visits through Ochsner Anywhere Care.  Brumley says Louisiana educators have done hero’s work through a pandemic and a record-breaking hurricane season and this is one way we can be there for them.

Cut 8 (11) “…everyday.”

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A House committee votes 8-2 in favor of legislation allowing St. Tammany voters the opportunity to decide whether or not they’d like a waterfront casino in Slidell.

St. Tammany Corporation CEO Chris Masingill says they’ve worked out a five percent revenue share agreement with casino owners Pacific Peninsula, who are moving the license from Bossier City…

Cut 9 (10) “…projects”

Masingill also notes the 250 million dollar project would create 1,900 direct jobs at the facility.

The bill is backed by the St. Tammany Chamber and Northshore Business Council. Business Council CEO Bonnie Eades says local residents deserve a chance to vote on this…

Cut 10 (10) “…issue” 

Moving the license would result in the closure of DiamondJacks Casino in Bossier City. DiamondJacks has not been open since the beginning of the pandemic.

Some residents who live near the proposed casino spoke against the bill. Lisa Clayton argues casinos are magnets for sex trafficking.

Cut 11 (12) “…town”

Others argued there’s evidence that casinos lower property values in nearby neighborhoods.

Louisiana Baptists Office of Public Policy Director Will Hall says Louisiana has the 4^th highest incidence of problem gambling, a number that ballooned after gambling was legalized in the early 90s.

Cut 12 (08)   “…research” 

The legislation advances to the House floor. A similar bill on the Senate side is stuck in the Finance Committee.

__________________________

A proposal that would prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls sports teams in schools fails to pass out of the House Education Committee on a six to five vote. Conservative groups are in support. Louisiana Baptist Office of Public Policy. Director Will Hall says the legislation seeks to create a fair playing field

Cut 13 (07)“…for women.”

Several advocates for transgender individuals spoke out against the bill. Teyanna Tokeoh, a spokesperson for a group called BreakOut, says the proposed bill discriminates against trans gender youth…

Cut 14 (07) “…male cheerleaders” 

Two Republicans on the committee joined with Democrats to kill this particular bill for the session. The announcement of the final vote drew a reaction from the audience…

Cut 15 (12) “…thank you.” 

A similar bill remains alive in the upper chamber and is waiting for a vote on the Senate floor. Governor John Bel Edwards has expressed his opposition to the anti-transgender legislation

A state audit finds that prisoners received unemployment checks last year. Don Molino has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Don Molino” 

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House Criminal Justice is scheduled to hear a bill tomorrow that seeks to decriminalize prostitution in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Motorists who have State Farm could see a slight increase in their premiums. The Louisiana Insurance Department has approved a statewide rate increase of four percent. Last June, State Farm lowered rates by an average of 10-percent. So what changed? Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says more vehicles on the road…

Cut 3 (09)  “…as well” 

The adjusted auto rates in Louisiana went into effect on April 5th. Donelon says 9.6 percent decrease in auto insurance rates that State Farm put into place last year is no longer justified as the nation starts to move out of the pandemic

Cut 4 (12) “…2019.” 

The state legislature passed a tort reform law last year that supporters say will lead to lower auto insurance rates. So why are State Farm’s rates going up? Donelon says the legislation changes the rules on how car accident lawsuits are handled in the state’s court system, but we will not see the impact until suits are settled or judges rule on cases…

Cut 5  (09)  “…legislature.”

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The Louisiana Department of Transportation has completed debris removal from what Hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta left behind last season. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says the extensive removal process started at the end of August.

Cut 6 (11) “…hurricane debris”

Debris removal in Calcasieu Parish wrapped up last week, it was the last parish of the five in southwest Louisiana that required removal.

Mallett says with the assistance of contractors they moved from one parish to another until the cleanup of the more than 3- million cubic yards of debris from a historic 2020 hurricane season

Cut 7 (12) “…professional fashion.”

The southwest parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jefferson Davis required the majority of debris removal with more than 2 million cubic yards of the just over 3 million cubic yards removed in the state.

Cut 8 (09) “…hurricane season.”

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A state audit finds the Louisiana Workforce Commission paid out six-point-two million dollars in unemployment benefits to nearly 12-hundred prisoners. Data Analytics Manager for the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office, Chris Magee, says it’s a conservative number since they only looked at unemployment applications for the first half of 2020

Cut 9 (07) “..the issue”

Magee says L-W-C has told them the problem is with a vendor that multiple states use to track incarceration data…

Cut 10 (09) “…COVID pandemic.” 

Magee says LWC plans on trying to recoup the unemployment benefits that went to prisoners. He says in most of the cases they’ve identified, incarcerated individuals received multiple unemployment checks

Cut 11 (10) “… those individuals”

The LWC says they are trying to determine why there was an issue with the cross-matching process which helps identify if individuals are eligible for benefits. The state agency says the potential overpayments found by the Legislative Auditor represent well less than one percent of the 900-thousand individuals paid since the start of the pandemic.

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The House Criminal Justice Committee will hear a bill to decriminalize prostitution in Louisiana on Tuesday. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says the intent of her bill is not to turn the state into a red-light district but to protect sex workers and reduce human trafficking.

Cut 12 (10)   “…they need.” 

Landry says if their profession is no longer a crime, they could seek assistance.

However National Center of Sexual Exploitation CEO Dawn Hawkins says decriminalizing prostitution will do more harm than good for sex workers.

Cut 13 (11)“…prostitution.”

Hawkins says it was a London School of Economics study that found decriminalization increased the sex trade and violence associated with it.

Landry says trafficking is already a crime no matter what age someone is doing something against their will along with prostitution.

Cut 14 (12) “…trafficking victim” 

Landry says it’s often sex workers that are charged with a crime and not those seeking their services.

Hawkins says the answer to protecting sex workers and victims of trafficking is to providing off-ramps for those being exploited in the commercial sex trade.

Cut 15 (12) “…in the area.” 

The legislative effort to bring a riverboat casino to Slidell is scheduled for a key vote today. Taylor Sharp has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Taylor Sharp.”

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A survey shows that more than 60-percent of tourists say they are more likely to visit a place if they’ve already seen it on the silver or small screen. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

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 The FDA’s decision to ban menthol cigarettes in the U-S could have sweeping impacts on smoking rates and even a greater effect in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Senate Finance committee is scheduled to hear legislation today that would give St. Tammany Parish residents the opportunity to vote on whether they want a casino in Slidell. Advocate Reporter Tyler Bridges says the measure has passed out of one committee, as Norco Senator Gary Smith made the tie-breaking vote

Cut 4 (09)“…in Slidell.”

Bridges is a veteran reporter on casino issues. He wrote the book Bad Bet on the Bayou. The Rise in Gambling and the Fall of Edwin Edwards. He says Slidell religious leaders are lobbying hard against this legislation…

Cut 5 (12)“…broken families.”

The project also does not have the full backing of the Slidell City Council.

Peninsula Pacific Entertainment wants to build the 250-million dollar casino resort. The company owns DiamondJacks in Bossier city which did not open after COVID restrictions were lifted. Bridges expects an interesting hearing today

Cut 6 (07) “…turn out.”

_____________________

The UNO Survey Research Center finds registered voters are divided on whether returning college students should be required to receive covid vaccines. Director Ed Chervenak says respondents are just as likely to say yes as to say no.

Cut 7 (08)  “…in person”

46-percent of the nearly 700 respondents said yes, another 46-percent said no, and eight percent said they do not know.
The survey highlights a striking generational divide with only 35% of young adults compared to 65% of seniors saying students should be vaccinated before returning to classes in person.

Cut 8 (03) “…covid vaccination” 

Chervenak says the survey also showcased a racial divide with over half of African Americans supporting vaccine requirements.

Cut 9 (07) “…less so.”

__________________

A Market Dynamic Research Group survey finds more than half of recent visitors to Louisiana say it was a movie or TV show featuring the Bayou State that inspired their trip. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says that translates to $2.5 billion in tourism revenue.

Cut 10 (09) “…in Louisiana.”

Nungesser says not only are productions a visual postcard of the state, but they also offer employment opportunities.

Cut 11 (10) “…electricians.”

As more people begin to travel again and states compete for visitors, Nungesser says luring productions to the state is just another way to promote tourism.

Cut 12 (12) “…stay open.”

Last month makers of the civil war-era film Emancipation starring Will Smith announced it was relocating from Georgia to Louisiana.

________________________________________

The FDA’s recent decision to ban menthol cigarettes has garnered praise among public health advocates. Associate Director for Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living Shawna Shields says the long-awaited intervention is a huge step in ending the marketing of highly addictive cigarette additives towards the Black community.

Cut 13 (08) “…Big Tobacco.”

Shields says tobacco companies tend to place more cigarette and cigar retailers in heavily populated Black communities and they even promote discounts on menthol cigarettes to entice users.

Cut 14 (10) “…communities.”

The use of menthol in cigarettes gives the tobacco a more appealing taste and Shields says that also causes menthol smokers to become hooked easier and they tend to breathe the product deeper into the lungs.

Cut 15 (06)“…smokers.”

For free counseling to quit smoking visit QuitWithUsLA.org

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The LSU baseball team dropped its series with number one ranked Arkansas, but finished out the weekend with a 5 to 4 win over the Razorbacks. Ma’Khail Hilliard made his first SEC start and threw five solid innings for his fourth win. Coach Paul Mainieri says the senior from Central threw the ball great…

Cut 16 (13) “…for a kid.”

LSU will host Southern tonight and the final SEC three series are against teams not ranked in the Top 25. But Mainieri doesn’t see an easy road ahead…

Cut 17 (24) “…about it.”

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Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston will battle to replace Drew Brees as the Saints starting quarterback, but New Orleans has also added former Notre Dame signal caller Ian Book to the competition. The Saints selected Book in the fourth round. Coach Sean Payton likes that Book went 30-and-5 as a starter at Notre Dame…

Cut  18 (18)”..he was there.” 

After taking Book in the fourth round, the Saints took Kentucky offensive tackle Landon Young in the sixth round, in the seventh round, South Alabama wide receiver Kawaan Butler. The first three players were defensive players. Payton feels good about the players they drafted…

Cut 19 (19) “…good job” 

Houston defensive end Payton Turner was the Saints first round pick and in the second round they selected linebacker Pete Werner. Payton on how he sees those two players on defense…

Cut 20 (25) “…inside linebacker.” 

Governor John Bel Edwards says he would not have a problem if Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo is removed as a committee chairman for his comments regarding slavery. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The state Health Department has confirmed two cases of the Brazilian COVID-19 variant in Louisiana. Eric Picolli has the story

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Erik Picolli.”  

________________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards has provided his input on how one-point-six billion dollars in federal coronavirus aid should be spent.  Edwards says 400-million dollars should go towards refilling the unemployment trust fund, which is bankrupt, and the only other way to re-fill it is by taxing businesses

Cut 3 (09)  “…a pandemic” 

Edwards another 230-million dollars would go toward repaying loans from the federal government to pay jobless claims after the Unemployment Trust Fund went bankrupt. The governor says he’s also proposing to use 400-million dollars to pay for road and bridge construction…

Cut 4 (09) “…has lagged.” 

The governor is also proposing the state legislature spend 300-million dollars on improving water and sewer systems. He says 125-million will go towards Tourism and Convention and Vistors Bureaus and 20-million dollars for the Tourism Department…

Cut 5  (08)  “…our businesses.”

All of this money comes from the American Rescue Plan approved by Congress earlier this year. The state legislature must approve Governor Edwards’ plan.

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The State Fair is underway in Shreveport and having the event in the spring is a first for the Bayou State staple. State Fair President Chris Giordano says due to COVID they postponed last year’s fall event and instead of canceling the 114^th edition, they opted for both a spring and fall fair this year. So far feedback is positive.

Cut 6 (10) “…families”

The spring event has all the attractions that you’d find in the fall and also the opportunity to take a spin around the ice rink when the Shreveport Mudbugs aren’t playing hockey in the coliseum.

Giordano says their timing couldn’t have been better, the same week the governor partially lifted the mask mandate and capacity restrictions.

Cut 7 (09) “…exciting.”

Once the spring fair concludes Giordano says they’ll review attendance and feedback and consider holding two fairs annually.

Cut 8 (05) “…each year.”

The spring fair opened Thursday and runs through May 9^th.

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The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two cases of the COVID-19 Brazilian variant in Louisiana. LDH detected the cases in the New Orleans area and Southwest Louisiana. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says that this was to be expected

Cut 9 (06) “..identified yet”

The Brazilian variant is one of now three variants circulating in Louisiana. Kanter says officials getting vaccinated can help  prevent mutations and infections of COVID-19

Cut 10 (08) “…the other variants.” 

The CDC says the Brazilian COVID-19 variant is more transmissible and carries a higher risk of severe disease. Kanter says it’s likely there are other variants to be discovered.

Cut 11 (07) “…more varients”

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The Saints stayed put at 28 in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft and selected Houston defensive end Payton Turner, who played in 40 games for the Cougars, racking up 115 tackles and 10 sacks. Coach Sean Payton says Turner is a player they’ had their eye on.

Cut 12 (12)   “…was good” 

While the team still has holes to fill on the roster, Payton says they couldn’t pass up on Turner’s potential.

Cut 13 (11)“…in our league”

Former LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals with the fifth pick, reuniting him with college teammate Joe Burrow. The two won a championship together at LSU.  Chase says he’s ready to grow as a player with Burrow at quarterback.

Cut 14 (11) “…will be easy” 

While Chase wasn’t sure what team would draft him, he says Burrow gave him  a hint.

Cut 15 (10) “…I’m ready bro” 

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”  

________________________________________

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” 

__________________________

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”

__________________________

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.

_______________________________________

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.

_____________________________________

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”

__________________________

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”

_______________________________

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.” 

____________________________

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.”

____________________________

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.”

_____________________________

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.