A proposal to require all five-year-old children in Louisiana to attend kindergarten is headed to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

One in three Louisianans has received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine.  The total number of administered doses is just below 2.8 million. Most of the doses are of the two-dose regimen of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

A bill to give school systems the option to have year-round school awaits debate on the House floor. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are several reasons it could help students for example only 46-percent of students are mastering content when they leave third grade and in eighth grade, only 28-percent are on mastery level in math.

Cut 6 (09) “…as a whole.”
But teacher unions oppose the measure.

House Commerce rejects legislation that would prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Louisiana Fair Housing Action Center Policy Director Maxwell Ciardullo recounted the story of a woman who was sexually harassed by her landlord after she invited her girlfriend over to the house she was renting.

Cut 12 (09)   “…girlfriend” 

Bill author New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman voluntarily deferred the bill.

A bill to make kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana receives approval from a second committee in the Louisiana Senate. The Senate Finance Committee advanced the measure today. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says studies show a child is better off when they are in an educational environment early in life…

Cut 4 (06) “… would be.” 

Former state representative Woody Jenkins opposed the measure stating it’s better for young children to be at home.

A bill to give school systems the option to have year-round school awaits debate on the House floor. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds expressed concern to State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley about changes to a year-round school year and the effects it could have on family time spent over summer break.

Cut 8 (12) “…would continue”

Teachers Unions oppose the bill.

House Commerce rejects legislation that would prohibit housing discrimination on the basis of someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick spoke against the bill. He says landlords should be free to choose who they rent to.

Cut 14 (08) “…rent to” 

The legislation was voluntarily deferred by bill author New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman after a vote to move favorably was rejected 7-4.

A propane tank explosion at a crawfish boil in Krotz Springs over the weekend results in four victims needing to be airlifted to hospitals. Parish President Jessie Bellard says the large explosion could have been much worse if the rest of the party had been near the rig at the time the gas ignited.

Cut 11 (09) “…place”

The Fire Marshal is currently investigating the explosion.

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” 

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 set 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.

A proposal to legalize recreational marijuana will be heard on the House floor today. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says his polling shows nearly seven out of every ten Louisiana voters support full legalization, but there’s strong opposition inside the State Capitol…
cut 5 (06) “….community”
The House convenes at two o’clock.

A bill to give school systems the option to have year-round school awaits debate on the House floor. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley says there are several reasons it could help students for example only 46-percent of students are mastering content when they leave third grade and in eighth grade, only 28-percent are on mastery level in math.
Cut 6 (09) “…as a whole.”
But teacher unions oppose the measure.

A propane tank explosion at a crawfish boil in Krotz Springs over the weekend results in four victims needing to be airlifted to hospitals. Parish President Jessie Bellard says the explosion occurred after one person took a propane tank into a nearby shed and was trying to adjust a setting on the valves…
Cut 9 (09) “…door”
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.

The first episode of a new reality TV series called Louisiana Law aired last night on the Animal Planet channel. State Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Colonel Chad Hebert says the show follows wildlife agents as they do their jobs and Hebert credits the production team for capturing the feel of the job…
cut 15 (11) “…good worK

Legislation that would allow Louisiana voters to vote on the full legalization of marijuana is set to be heard in the House today. Many were surprised when the House Criminal Justice Committee approved the bill on a 7-5 vote. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says there’s real momentum behind this bill’s historic visit to the House floor.

Cut 4 (08)“…marijuana.”
Governor Edwards has backtracked on his previous opposition to legalization. He says he won’t make a decision until a bill hits his desk.

Amazon announced they will build a robotics fulfillment center in Shreveport that would bring a thousand new jobs with a starting pay of 15-dollars an hour. Construction is already underway on the 200-million-dollar project locate at Hunter Industrial Park. Governor Edwards says teamwork is responsible for the project…

Cut 9 (07) “…Louisiana.”
Hiring will begin next year.

A federal vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss the recommendation of Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15.  State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says we know children ages 12 to 15 are not as likely to develop a serious illness from COVID, but having that age group vaccinated is still beneficial.

Cut 12 (11) “…household.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are the stars of a new Animal Planet series “Louisiana Law” which premiered last night. The first episode focused on a crab trap theft, rescuing an injured eagle, a drunk oyster boat captain, and more. LDWF Enforcement Division Colonel Chad Hebert says you’ll get to see a lot more as the series unfolds…

Cut 14 (10) “… Louisiana.”

It airs Sundays at 8 pm on Animal Planet.

A proposal to legalize recreational marijuana will be heard on the House floor today. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says his polling shows nearly seven out of every ten Louisiana voters support full legalization, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill faces strong opposition inside the State Capitol…
cut 5 (06) “….community”
Supporters argue legalization could raise as much as 200 million dollars a year in state revenue. Opponents argue it will lead to increased marijuana consumption.

Construction is underway in Shreveport on an Amazon fulfillment center that would create over one thousand full-time jobs with starting pay of 15-dollars per hour. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is a major economic development victory…
cut 8 (08) “…quality of life”
Most of the hiring will take place next summer.

A Breaux Bridge man wanted in the death of an infant who was found in a vehicle in St. Mary Parish is now behind bars after he was arrested yesterday. 53-year-old Ervin Melancon has been charged with second-degree murder. The cause of the infant’s death has not been determined.

Later this week a federal advisory committee will meet and vote on the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for a younger age group. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Today the House will debate a bill that would set up a statewide vote on the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

This week marks the halfway point of the legislative session. It remains to be seen if lawmakers will approve legislation that would ban transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports, removing the need for a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and if lawmakers can approve any tax reform legislation.

Amazon has announced they will build a robotics fulfillment center in Shreveport that would result in one thousand new jobs with a starting pay of at least 15-dollars an hour. Construction is already underway on the 200-million dollar project that will be located in the Hunter Industrial Park. Governor Edwards says teamwork was responsible for making it a reality…
cut 9 (07) “….Louisiana”
Most of the hiring will begin next year.

The first episode of a new reality TV series called Louisiana Law aired last night on the Animal Planet channel. State Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Colonel Chad Hebert says the show follows wildlife agents as they do their jobs and Hebert credits the production team for capturing the feel of the job…
cut 15 (11) “…good work”

The Louisiana House is expected to vote on a bill this afternoon that would give voters a chance to decide if recreational marijuana use should be legal in the Bayou State. Recent polls show a majority of Louisiana residents support the legalization of marijuana. But Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says even if 60 to 70-percent of the public say they want pot legalized, the 30 to 40-percent who oppose are an important voting block for Republican lawmakers…
cut 6 (05) “….base”
The House will convene at 2 PM.

Amazon is investing $200 million to build the company’s first robotic fulfillment center in Louisiana. Amazon Regional Director of Operations William Hicks says the state-of-the-art facility that will be built in north Shreveport will provide over 1,000 jobs.
Cut 7 (08) “…the company.”

A federal vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss if they will recommend Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says if you have concerns about your children being vaccinated now is the time to talk with their physician.
Cut 10 (09) “…answered.”
Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one with emergency use approval for ages 16 and older.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are the stars of a new Animal Planet series called “Louisiana Law” which premiered last night at 8′ o’ clock. LDWF Enforcement Division Colonel Chad Hebert says the program showcases what a game warden does daily as they traverse the Louisiana wilds from the wooded north to the coastal marshlands…
Cut 13 (12) “…Grand Isle.”
The first episode focused on a crab trap theft, the rescue of an injured bald eagle and the search of a boat where the captain did not have the proper licenses for the thousands of dollars of oysters he had on the vessel.

Legislation that would allow Louisiana voters to vote on the full legalization of marijuana is set to be heard in the House today. Many were surprised when the House Criminal Justice Committee approved the bill on a 7-5 vote. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says there’s real momentum behind this bill’s historic visit to the House floor.
Cut 4 (08)“…marijuana
Governor Edwards has backtracked on his previous opposition to legalization. He says he won’t make a decision until a bill hits his desk.

A decision could come later this week from a federal vaccine advisory committee that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is safe for 12-to-15 year-olds. State Health Officer Doctor Joe Kanter says if approved, he anticipates the state health department will recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group…
Cut 11 (06) “….quickly.”

The world’s largest retailer is making another large investment in the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington explains
Cut 2 (29) “…the state”

Good chance we’ll see rain over the next three days, portions of southeast Louisiana are under a flash flood watch until noon today.

Today the House will debate a bill that would allow a statewide vote on marijuana legalization. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

The world’s largest retailer is making another large investment in the Bayou State. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (29) “…the state” 

____________________________

Later this week a federal advisory committee will meet and vote on emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for a younger age group. Brooke Thorington has more for state officials.

Cut 3 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

____________________________

Legislation that would allow Louisiana voters to vote on the full legalization of marijuana is set to be heard in the House today.

House Criminal Justice’s 7-5 approval of the bill was a shock to many. JMC Analytics publisher John Couvillon says there’s real momentum behind this bill’s historic visit to the House floor.

Cut 4 (08)“…marijuana.”

Governor Edwards has backtracked on his previous opposition to legalization. He says he won’t make a decision until a bill hits his desk.

Couvillon says his polling shows 68 percent of Louisianans now support full legalization, but that popular desire is going to run up against legislative inertia and opposition from key constituencies.

Cut 5 (06)“…community”

Supporters argue legalization could raise as much as 200 million dollars a year in state revenue. Opponents argue it will lead to increased marijuana consumption.

Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says even if 60 to 70 percent of the public says they want legalization that 30 to 40 percent who are opposed are an important voting block for Republicans.

Cut 6 (05) “…base.”

Legislation allowing for smokeable medical marijuana has received little to no opposition so far this session.

__________________________________

The world’s largest online retailer is investing $200 million in Shreveport to build its first robotic fulfillment center in Louisiana.  Amazon Regional Director of Operations William Hicks says the state-of-the-art facility being in North Shreveport will provide more than 1,000 jobs.

Cut 7 (08)  “…the company.”

Hicks says while Amazon is a global business it’s a conglomeration of small businesses.

Cut 8 (10) “…within Amazon.” 

Hicks says since Amazon launched its operations in the state it has grown its workforce to more than 2,000 employees.

Governor Edwards attended the announcement and said it was over a year ago when Louisiana Economic Development dedicated the 135-acre site in Hunter Industrial Park where Amazon will locate their robotics facility. Edwards says teamwork was responsible for making it a reality.

Cut 9 (07) “…Louisiana.”

The Amazon robotics fulfillment center in Shreveport is the largest of seven Amazon facilities, operating, announced, or under construction in Louisiana. Hiring for the Shreveport facility will begin next year.

______________________________

A federal vaccine advisory committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday to discuss if they will recommend Pfizer’s COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says if you have concerns about your children being vaccinated now is the time to talk with their physician.

Cut 10 (09) “…answered.”

Dr. Kanter says if approved, he anticipates LDH will recommend the use of the Pfizer vaccine for that age group, based on the data he has reviewed so far.

Cut 11 (06) “….quickly.”

Currently, the Pfizer vaccine is the only one with emergency use approval for ages 16 and older. Kanter says we know children ages 12 to 15 are not as likely to develop a serious illness from COVID, having that age group vaccinated is still beneficial.

Cut 12 (11) “…household.”

_____________________________________

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are the stars of a new Animal Planet series “Louisiana Law” which premiered last night at 8 PM.

LDWF Enforcement Division Colonel Chad Hebert says the program showcases what a game warden does daily as they traverse the Louisiana wilds from the wooded north to the coastal marshlands…

Cut 13 (12) “…Grand Isle.”

The first episode focused on a crab trap theft, rescuing an injured eagle, a drunk oyster boat captain, and more. Hebert says you’ll get to see a lot more as the series unfolds…

Cut 14 (10) “… Louisiana.”

Hebert says working with the production team was a joy and they really captured the feel of the job.

Cut 15 (11)“..good work.”

___________________________

LSU had a chance to sweep Auburn on the Plains this past weekend, but mustered just two hits in a two to one loss on Saturday. Tre Morgan started the game with a solo home run, but that was all of the scoring for the Tigers. Coach Paul Mainieri was surprised they couldn’t do more at the plate…

Cut 16 (11) “…went cold.”

LSU won the first two games of the series, eight to three and nine to six and they head into the final two weekends of SEC play with a nine and 15 league record and in fifth place in the SEC West. Mainieri on taking two of three from the War Eagles…

Cut 17 (17) “…look at it”