Gas prices look likely to rise nationwide after a cyber-attack shut down the Colonial Pipeline, one of the nation’s largest fuel veins. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says Louisiana likely won’t be as impacted as other states due to our local production, but to the east of us…

Cut 6, 11 seconds, gallon

The pipeline carries fuel from Texas up to the East Coast.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson once again postponed a vote on his bill that would legalize recreational marijuana. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says this bill may be stalling out for this session, but like medical marijuana could find success after a few more attempts.

Cut 15 (08)“…over time.”

Business groups are calling on lawmakers to cease federally enhanced unemployment to help end the worker shortage. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Governor Edwards is traveling to Washington D.C. to testify to Congress about the economic impact of President Biden’s moratorium on issuing new oil and gas leases in the Gulf. He’ll also be on hand to discuss the state’s efforts in fighting climate change, and to attend Congressman-elect Troy Carter’s swearing-in.

A vote on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana is once again delayed on the House floor. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there is not enough support at the moment to call for a vote.
Cut 13 (11) “…have to.”
The bill would legalize possession and use for those over the age of 21.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, along with a bipartisan group of more than 40 attorneys general in other states and territories, wants Facebook to reconsider launching Instagram for Kids. Facebook and Instagram reported 20 million child sexual abuse images last alone in 2020. Landy says it only continues to get worse.

Cut 12 (09) “…exploitation.”

A launch date has not been announced.

Several businesses, frustrated over labor shortages, are calling on lawmakers to end federal enhancements for unemployment. Opponents like Louisiana Budget Project say businesses are unable to find enough qualified workers because they fail to pay a fair wage. State Director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses Dawn McVea says but some members report they have increased wages.

Cut 9 (09) “…three months.”

NFIB is asking the legislature to offer hiring incentives instead of enhanced unemployment.

A group of LSU students has developed a radiation detection device that astronauts will use for the IM-one-Lunar Mission to the moon next year. Recent Physics graduate Haley Pellegrin…
cut 5 (10) “…resolution”
The IM-1 mission is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2022.

A House floor vote on legalizing recreational marijuana use is once again delayed. Matt Doyle asked a political analyst what’s going on with this controversial bill
Cut 3 (27) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would allow consumers of wine to receive wine straight from a manufacturer. The author of the proposal, Larose Representative Joseph Orgeron, says 44 other states have a similar law, which increases consumer access. Opponents say the measure could hurt wholesalers and retailers that sell wine.

Small businesses are dealing with a worker shortage. Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea says they are looking for the legislature to pass legislation similar to what was approved in Montana, which enacted a hiring bonus of $1,200 and eliminated federal enhancements of unemployment benefits…
cut 8 (06) “….that job”
But opponents of the legislation say if employers want to hire workers, they need to pay a fair wage.

The plan is for the United States to land a space ship on the moon next year and five LSU students have helped develop a radiation detective device for the astronauts to use. Assistant professor Jeffery Chancellor in the LSU Department of Physics and Astronomy says these scientists may be young, but that’s not unusual in this field…
cut 6 (10) “….experience”

For the second time in this session, a vote to legalize recreational marijuana has been delayed by the bill’s author, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the bill has everything going against it right now except broad public support, but he warns against giving up on it just yet.
Cut 14 (10)“…issue”
The bill has been re-scheduled for a vote for tomorrow.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry, along with a bipartisan group of more than 40 attorneys general, wants Facebook to reconsider launching Instagram for Kids. Landy fears a child-friendly Instagram for ages 13 and under will be misused by predators.
Cut 10 (11) “…smartphone.”
But Facebook says the app they are developing would give parents more control.

Business groups are calling on lawmakers to cease federally enhanced unemployment benefits to help end the worker shortage. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

According to the state health department, one-point-three million Louisiana residents have completed the COVID vaccine series. 28-percent of Louisiana residents are fully vaccinated, but the national average is 35-percent. Out of three Louisiana residents have received at least one shot.

For the second time during this legislative session, a vote on a bill to legalize recreational marijuana has been delayed. The Louisiana House was scheduled to debate the bill yesterday, but the bill’s author has pushed a possible vote on the controversial proposal to Wednesday. LA-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says the effort to legalize recreational marijuana may have to wait until another session when the votes are there…
cut 15 (08) “…over time”

Small businesses are having a hard time finding workers. Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea has the results from a recent survey…
cut 7 (09) “….usually is”
McVea says they are looking for Louisiana lawmakers to pass legislation to end federally enhanced unemployment benefits and use coronavirus aid to provide a hiring bonus.

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry has joined dozens of other attorneys general in calling on Facebook to end plans of creating an Instagram for kids. Landry says the internet can be a great resource for kids, it’s also a great resource for those looking to take advantage of children and he fears this is another method for social media to gain insight on a vulnerable population…
cut 11 (10) “….the mine”
A Facebook statement says that any experience they develop for kids will prioritize safety and privacy.

A group of LSU students has developed a radiation detection device that astronauts will use for the IM-one-Lunar Mission to the moon next year. Recent Physcics graduate Haley Pellegrin…
cut 5 (10) “…resolution”
The IM-1 mission is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2022.

A vote on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana is once again delayed on the House floor. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says there is not enough support at the moment to call for a vote.
Cut 13 (11) “…have to.”
The bill would legalize possession and use for those over the age of 21. A companion bill would set the licensing fees for the personal and commercial growth of the plant.

A radiation detection device developed in part by five LSU students will be sent to the Moon next year as part of the IM-1 lunar mission. Senior Engineering Undergrad Jacob Miller helped developed the case the iPhone-sized detection device will be housed in. He says this equipment will help keep future astronauts safe.
Cut 4 (09)“…exciting.”.

Attorney General Jeff Landy along with dozens of other attorneys general want Facebook to stop the launch of Instagram for Kids. Brooke Thorington explains.
cut 2 (28) “…reporting”

Be prepared for heavy rainfall as most of the state is under a flash flood watch into tomorrow morning.

Business groups are calling on lawmakers to cease federally enhanced unemployment to help end the worker shortage. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Attorney General Jeff Landy along with 44 other attorneys general in other states and territories wants Facebook to stop the launch of Instagram for Kids. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28) “…the state” 

____________________________

A House floor vote on legalizing recreational marijuana use is once again delayed. Matt Doyle asked a political analyst what’s going on with this hot topic…

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

A radiation detection device developed in part by five LSU students will be sent to the Moon next year as part of the IM-1 lunar mission.

Senior Engineering Undergrad Jacob Miller helped developed the case the iPhone-sized detection device will be housed in. He says this equipment will help keep future astronauts safe.

Cut 4 (09)“…exciting.”

IM-1 stands for Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based private company that is contracted by NASA to supply payloads for two upcoming trips to the Moon.

Recent Physics graduate Haley Pellegrin says the vacuum environment presents a lot of technical challenges to equipment, and once you send something to the moon you can’t go fix it later.

Cut 5 (10)“…resolution.”

The five students worked under LSU SpaRTAN Lab head Jeffery Chancellor. He says these scientists may be young but that’s not unusual in this field.

Cut 6 (10) “…experience.”

The IM-1 mission is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2022.

__________________________________

Frustrated over labor shortages several members of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses want the state to ween recipients off federally enhanced unemployment benefits and direct the money elsewhere, like incentives for people to get back to work.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea says labor shortages are impeding recovery for many businesses.

Cut 7 (09)  “…usually is.”

McVea says they are looking to propose a measure like Montana which enacted a hiring bonus of $1,200 and elimination of federal enhancements to unemployment benefits.

Cut 8 (06) “…that job.” 

Opponents like Louisiana Budget Project says businesses are unable to find enough qualified workers because they fail to pay a fair wage. McVea says but some members report they have increased wages.

Cut 9 (09) “…three months.”

McVea says they are working with Monroe Representative Michael Echols to put forth an amendment to curb federal unemployment incentives on bills looking to make changes to current state unemployment benefits.

______________________________

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry,  along with a bipartisan group of more than 40 attorneys general in other states and territories, wants Facebook to reconsider launching Instagram for Kids. Landy fears a child-friendly Instagram for ages 13 and under will be misused by predators.

Cut 10 (11) “…smartphone.”

Landry says while the internet can be a great resource for kids it is also a great resource for those looking to take advantage of children and fears that Instagram for Kids is another method for social media to gain insight on a vulnerable population.

Cut 11 (10) “….the mine.”

Those against Instagram for Kids claim children lack the ability to understand privacy and say Facebook and Instagram reported 20 million child sexual abuse images last alone. Landy says it only continues to get worse.

Cut 12 (09) “…exploitation.”

Another report found a 200-percent increase in recorded instances in the use of Instagram to target and abuse children over a six-month period in 2018. In March Facebook, which owns Instagram, announced the launch for preteens.

_____________________________________

A vote on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana is once again delayed on the House floor.

LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s clear this bill is close to passing, but the bill author just doesn’t have enough support at the moment to call for a vote.

Cut 13 (11) “…have to.”

The bill would legalize possession and use for those over the age of 21. A companion bill would set the licensing fees for personal and commercial growth of the plant, currently at 100 and 2,500 dollars respectively.

Alford says the bill has everything going against it right now except broad public support, but he warns against giving up on it just yet.

Cut 14 (10) “…issue.”

Alford says it’s possible the bill is dead for the session but just like medical marijuana could find success after a few more attempts.

Cut 15 (08)“…over time.”

The bill by Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson currently is set to be heard Wednesday.

___________________________

Cut 16 (00) “…n/a.”

__________________________________________________

LSU hosts 14th ranked Louisiana Tech tonight at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers have struggled in SEC play this year, but are undefeated this season in mid-week non-conference contests. Coach Paul Mainieri can’t explain it…

Cut 17 (13) “…streak going.”

After tonight’s scheduled game against La Tech, LSU will host Alabama for the final home SEC series of the season. Mainieri on the importance of this week…

Cut  18 (16)”…sugar-coating it” (x2)

_______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech is having an outstanding season as they have a 33-12 record. But one of their dozen losses occurred earlier this year at Alex Box Stadium. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs is looking forward to another chance at the Tigers

Cut 19 (15) “…be ready.” 

This week Louisiana Tech will find out if they are one of 20 schools in the running to host an NCAA Baseball Regional. Burroughs says he’s not losing any sleep over the anticipated announcement…

Cut 20 (15) “…assure you.” 

Legislation that would bar landlords from discriminating against LGBTQ tenants is seemingly dead after being voluntarily deferred in a House committee by the author. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick spoke against the bill, saying if a landlord doesn’t want to rent to someone who is gay, they shouldn’t be forced to do so…

Cut 14 (08) “…rent to” 

But housing advocates argue such discrimination is immoral and out of step with federal law.

Legislation backed by the Governor and early childhood education advocates that would mandate kindergarten attendance clears another Senate committee. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says there’s ample evidence showing the long-term benefits of kindergarten…

Cut 4 (06) “… would be.” 

Opponents argue it’s better for children to be at home at that age.

A bill to give school systems the option to for year-round school awaits debate in the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

A vote on legislation that would fully legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana has once again been delayed. It was set to be heard on the House floor this evening.

This week marks the halfway point of the legislative session.

A bill that would make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana receives approval from a second committee in the Louisiana Senate. The Senate Finance Committee advanced the measure today, despite concerns from former state representative Woody Jenkins who says it’s better for young children to be at home.

Cut 3 (12)  “…institutional setting.” 

Proponents cited studies showing the long-term benefits of early education.

State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley backs legislation to be heard on the House floor that would allow school systems to have year-round classes. Brumley says it’s a pilot program option, approved by the board and BESE…

Cut 7 (11) “…of time.”

The extended classroom time would be funded by federal relief dollars.

House Commerce rejects legislation that would prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says her bill would bring Louisiana housing law in line with federal law and standard practice at the world’s biggest companies.

Cut 13 (12)“…law”

An opponent argued landlords should not be forced to rent to someone they don’t want to rent to.

A propane explosion at a St. Landry Parish crawfish boil sent four people to the hospital over the weekend. Parish President Jessie Bellard says at least one person had burns to 30 to 40 percent of their body and another had suspected internal injuries, but luckily no one died.

Cut 10 (11) “.happened” 

The Fire Marshall’s is investigating the incident.

Legislation that would make kindergarten attendance mandatory continues its steady march through the Legislature, this time clearing a second Senate committee. Proponents argue there’s a lot of research showing the benefits of early childhood education, but Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud is concerned parents could end up in jail they decide not to send their child to kindergarten…

Cut 5  (09)  “…doing so”

A propane tank explosion at a crawfish boil in Krotz Springs over the weekend results in four victims needing to be airlifted to hospitals. St. Landry Parish President Jessie Bellard says the explosion occurred after one person at the party took a propane tank into a nearby shed and was trying to adjust a setting on the valves…

Cut 9 (09) “…door”

one victim suffered burns to a third of their body and is expected to have a long road to recovery.

A bill to give school systems the option to for year-round school awaits debate in the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Five LSU students and their instructor will make history next year when their radiation detection device is included in the IM-1 lunar mission. The team worked with private partners to develop a detection device that could survive on the surface of the moon and detect potentially deadly galactic radiation ahead of the restart of manned missions.