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”  

A sixth body has been recovered from the Seacor powerlift boat that capsized a week ago Tuesday. The Lafourche Parish Coroner’s Office says 31-year-old Quinon Pitre of St. Mary Parish, has been recovered. Seven crew members remain missing as divers continue search efforts inside the vessel.

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

Cut 4 (13) “…environment.” 

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

The House Ways and Means Committee advances a proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax on residents and a tax on businesses known as the corporate franchise tax. Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson tax plan would also lower the homestead exemption from 75-to 25-thousand dollars. The freshman lawmaker believes the public will support the measure.

Cut 14 (05) “..will sell” 

The Senate Education Committee approved bills today in response to LSU’s mishandling of previous sexual misconduct cases. The legislation spells out how college campuses and law enforcement should communicate when an allegation is made and detail what employees should do when they receive a complaint. It also requires colleges to fire employees who do not properly report allegations. LSU interim president Thomas Galligan spoke in favor…
cut 5 (09) “…safe”

The Senate Education Committee also approved a bill that requires five-year-olds to attend kindergarten. 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”

Louisiana elected officials are satisfied that a jury found ex-Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty of murder and manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus Ted James said on Talk Louisiana on WRKF he was expecting an acquittal….
Cut 8 (10) “..held accountable”
Chauvin will be sentenced in two months and the most serious charge carries up to 40 years in prison.

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 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.” 

An 85-year-old woman was killed Tuesday when her golf cart crashed and pinned her to the ground. St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the woman was unresponsive when emergency workers answered the call around 9 p.m. near Abita Springs. The parish coroner’s office will determine the cause of death and release the woman’s name.

Many are saying justice was served when former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty in the murder of George Floyd. But Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus Ted James on Talk Louisiana on WRKF tells host Jim Engster he can’t go that far…

Cut 9 (08) “..it was justice.”

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. Homeschool Louisiana Governmental Affairs Jesse Leger spoke in opposition saying 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”

Several spoke in favor. advances to the Senate Floor but could be sent to the Senate Finance to address fiscal needs.

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

A bill mandating five-year-olds to go kindergarten is headed to the Senate floor as well. Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools Legal Director Sarah Vandergriff says early education increases student literacy rates.

Cut 10 (06) “….is supported.” 

The organization known as Homeschool Louisiana argues five-year-olds should be outside playing and not limited to a classroom setting and this is an overreach of government.

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

Cut 2 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts in the death of George Floyd. Cell phone video showed Chauvin’s knee pressing on Floyd’s neck for nine and half minutes during an arrest. Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus Ted James said on Talk Louisiana on WRKF he was expecting an acquittal….

Cut 8 (10) “..held accountable”

Social media claims that the COVID vaccine is responsible for a more than 300-percent increase in miscarriages is causing concerns. LSU Health New Orleans OB/GYN Doctor Asha Heard says there has been no evidence at this time to suggest the claims of an increase are true and miscarriages early in pregnancy are far more common than you would think.

Cut 12 (06) “…recognized pregnancies.”

Heard says speak with your personal physician and not social media for your medical concerns.

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”

Divers have recovered a sixth body that was a crewmember on the capsized Seacor Power lift boat in the Gulf of Mexico. The Lafourche Parish Coroner’s office identifies the person as 31-year-old Quinon Pitre of St. Mary Parish. Seven crew members remain missing.

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy believes justice was done when former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty on all counts Tuesday. Cell phone video showed Chauvin’s knee pressing on George Floyd’s neck for nine and half minutes during an arrest. 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”

The Louisiana Senate will soon have the opportunity to decide whether .45-percent of the state’s 4.45-percent sales tax should strictly be used on Louisiana roads. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says with billions in federal infrastructure aid potentially headed to the state, the state needs to start putting some money aside.
Cut 5 (08)“… for federal funds.”
Peacock’s proposal has already cleared a Senate committee.

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 as with any medical concern speak with your personal physician.

A bill requiring young children to attend kindergarten will be heard in the Senate education committee today. Stand for Children Governmental Affairs Director Brigitte Nieland fully support Senator Cleo Fields’ legislation because she says kindergarten provides vital foundational skills.
Cut 14 (09) “…student’s lifetime.”
But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says parents should decide if their children attend kindergarten, not the Louisiana Legislature.

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.

A bill heading to the state senate would take a portion of the state’s sales tax and use it to improve Louisiana’s roads. The bill’s author, Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says it’s a concept that Texas does…
cut 4 (100 “….sales tax”
Peacock’s proposal would generate about 800-million dollars over the next three years.

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.”

Divers have recovered a sixth body that was a crewmember on the capsized Seacor Power lift boat in the Gulf of Mexico. The Lafourche Parish Coroner’s office identifies the person as 31-year-old Quinon Pitre of St. Mary Parish. Seven crew members remain missing.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes resigns accusing AG Jeff Landry of retaliating against him for reporting alleged sexual misconduct by former top aide Pat Magee. Derbes’ Attorney Jill Craft says after reporting alleged harassment and sexism towards other workers, Landry retaliated by opening an investigation into Derbes…
Cut 7 (13) “…unheard of.”
Magee has resigned after a second person came forward accusing him of sexual harassment. Landry says an investigation found Magee made inappropriate comments, but his behavior did not rise to the level that he should be fired, if it had, one of the alleged victims’ would’ve filed suit…
cut 9 (10) “….the case”

The Senate Education Committee is scheduled to debate a bill this morning that would make it mandatory for young children to attend kindergarten. Stand for Children Governmental Affairs Director Brigitte Nieland calls this common-sense legislation considering how poorly Louisiana does in national education rankings…
cut 16 (05) “….debate really”
The Louisiana Family Forum says attending kindergarten should be a parent’s decision not the legislature.

The state sales tax is 4.45-percent, but .45-percent of that tax is set to expire in 2025. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock is proposing to use the temporary portion of the sales tax to be spent on highway construction projects….
cut 6 (09) “…three years’
He says currently that money just goes into the general fund to be spent on almost anything, so it’s time to ween lawmakers

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes resigns and files an EEOC discrimination complaint against AG Jeff Landry alleging retaliation for his reporting of former top aide Pat Magee’s alleged workplace sexual misconduct…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

LSU interim president Tom Galligan says he’s no longer interested in becoming the permanent president. Galligan says he plans to return as Dean of LSU’s law school and spend more time with family.

A bill requiring young children to attend kindergarten will be heard in the Senate education committee today. Stand for Children Governmental Affairs Director Brigitte Nieland fully support Senator Cleo Fields’ legislation because she says kindergarten provides vital foundational skills.
Cut 14 (09) “…student’s lifetime.”
But Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says parents should decide if their children attend kindergarten, not the Louisiana Legislature.

The Louisiana Senate will soon have the opportunity to decide whether .45-percent of the state’s 4.45-percent sales tax should strictly be used on Louisiana roads. Bossier City Senator Barrow Peacock says with billions in federal infrastructure aid potentially headed Louisiana’s way the state needs to start putting some money aside.
Cut 5 (08)“… for federal funds.”
Peacock’s proposal has already cleared a Senate committee.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Derbes resigned claiming he faced retaliation for reporting sexual harassment within the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office. Attorney Jill Craft represents Derbes and says Debres first reported the harassment to his supervisors in 2019 involving A-G Jeff Landry’s former top aide Patrick Magee. Craft says Derbes also spoke with other administrators and submitted the allegations in an email…
cut 8 (09) “….problem”
Magee headed the office’s criminal division and has since resigned. ring a press conference at the A-G’s office, H-R director Sandra Schober discredited Derbes allegations…
cut 10 (09) “…form a narrative”

A Bossier City Senator proposes using the expiring .45 percent of the state’s sales tax solely on roads and bridges. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”

Today in Senate Education, lawmakers will discuss a bill that will make kindergarten mandatory. Stand for Children Governmental Affairs Director Brigitte Nieland says if this bill passes, kindergarten enrollment will increase…
cut 15 (11) “….takes effect”