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

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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

Cut 2 (28) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

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

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

Cut 3 (08)  “…existed” 

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

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

Cut 4 (13) “…enviroment.” 

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

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

Cut 5  (09)  “…safe”

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

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

Cut 6 (11) “..never taught”

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

Cut 7 (05) “..take over”

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

Cut 8 (10) “..held accountable”

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

Cut 9 (08) “..it was justice.”

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

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

Cut 10 (06) “….is supported.” 

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

Cut 11 (09) “…happy about”

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

Cut 12 (11)   “…children thrive” 

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

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

Cut 13 (08)“….income tax rate”

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

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

Cut 14 (05) “..will sell” 

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

Cut 15 (10) “…consideration” 

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

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

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

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Matt Doyle.” 

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

Cut 3 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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

Cut 4 (10)“…sales tax.”

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

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

Cut 5 (08)“… for federal funds.”

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

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

Cut 6 (09) “…three years.”

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

Cut 7 (13)  “…unheard of.”

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

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

Cut 8 (09) “…problem.”

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

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

Cut 9 (10) “…the case.”

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

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

Cut 10 (09) “…form a narrative.”

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

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

Cut 11 (05) “…the two.”

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

Cut 12 (06) “…recognized pregnancies.”

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

Cut 13 (08) “…are pregnant.”

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

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

Cut 14 (09) “…student’s lifetime.”

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

Cut 15 (11)“…takes effect”

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

Cut 16 (05) “…debate really.”

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

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

Cut 17 (23) “…one or two.”

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

Cut  18 (19)”…in the season.” 

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

Cut 19 (18) “…be ranked.” 

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

Cut 20 (19) “…ability to adapt.” 

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

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

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Students will not be required to get a COVID vaccine to attend in-person classes this fall at either LSU or UL system schools. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 2 (29) …I’m Matt Doyle”  

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LSU Interim President Thomas Galligan withdraws from consideration to be named permanent President. Galligan, who served as Dean of LSU’s Law School, was named to the post of interim President in January of 2020. Galligan says he came to the decision after spending time with his 14-month-old grandson recently.

Cut 3 (10)  “…do best.” 

Galligan was the dean of the LSU law school when he was named temporary leader of the LSU system in January of 2020. The 65-year-old says teaching is what he does best, and the role of president prevents him from instructing.

Cut 4 (05) “…classroom.” 

As for his predecessor, Galligan says they will have a big job considering the school’s Title IX issues. He says however improvements to reporting sexual misconduct at the university are significantly underway.

Cut 5  (07)  “…commitment.”

Galligan will remain interim until the board names his replacement.

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The Edwards administration announces it’s using 216 million dollars in federal coronavirus stimulus money on road and infrastructure projects. The money was approved by Congress in December and Governor John Bel Edwards says improving the state’s roads and bridges have been a priority of his administration

Cut 6 (10) “..for awhile”

The federal money replaces the lost gas tax revenue the state experienced last year because fewer people traveled as a result of the pandemic. State  Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says 50-million dollars will go towards extending I-49 from Lafayette to New Orleans…

Cut 7 (12) “..to construction”

Wilson says another 20-million dollars will go towards widening I-10 in Ouachita Parish. He says federal law is also requiring them to use 11-million dollars on installing electric vehicle charging stations statewide

Cut 8 (11) “..of that”

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A Senate Committee approves a constitutional amendment expanding the size of the State Supreme Court from seven justices to nine.

Bill author and Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the current makeup of State Supreme Court districts is not representative of the state’s population distribution.

Cut 9 (07) “..district.”

The bill also calls for a redistricting of the State Supreme Court to be conducted after every census.

Cut 10 (08) “.problem” 

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

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

Cut 11 (12) “..either way”

The legislation heads to the Senate floor.

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The UL and LSU systems will not require students be vaccinated to attend in-person classes for the upcoming fall semester.

UL System President Jim Henderson says he has concerns about mandating students take a vaccine that is still under FDA emergency use authorization.

Cut 12 (07)   “..vaccine” 

Full biological licensing for vaccines may not be available until 2022.

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

Cut 13 (08)“….campuses”

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

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

Cut 14 (07) “..science” 

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

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

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

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

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Don Molino”  

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

Cut 3 (08)  “…right direction.” 

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

Cut 4 (09) “…more fair.” 

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

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

Cut 5  (06)  “…we have now.”

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

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

Cut 6 (07) “..occured”

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

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

Cut 7 (09) “..investigations.”

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

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

Cut 8 (11) “…location”

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

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

Cut 9 (09) “..problem.”

The grading system would be A through F.

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

Cut 10 (12) “.merge” 

The first grades would be required by 2023.

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

Cut 11 (10) “..public”

The legislation cleared Senate Health and Welfare without opposition.

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

Cut 12 (08)   “…still” 

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

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

Cut 13 (09)“….we know”

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

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

Cut 14 (09) “..what so ever.” 

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”

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.

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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”

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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.” 

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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”  

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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.

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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.

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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”  

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.” 

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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.”  

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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.

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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”

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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.”

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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.”

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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.” 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”