Two pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID vaccines advance to the House floor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A new report shows historic lows in confidence among small business owners. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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New voter research from UNO shows overall job approval for Louisiana’s two U.S. Senators at well under 50-percent. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Two pieces of legislation pertaining to COVID vaccines pass in House Health Welfare. Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley’s resolution to remove COVID vaccines from the state’s immunization schedule passed on a 10 to 6 vote. New Orleans Democrat Representative Jason Hughes asked Bagley why House Resolution 3 is even necessary.

Cut 4 (08)  “…need this?”

Bagley says it’s a matter of principle and that some schools have not allowed parents to opt out. He even quoted fellow Republican Representative Troy Romero who said the COVID vaccine doesn’t even stop the virus.

Cut 5 (06) “…your children.”

Shreveport Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist Dr. Joseph Bocchini spoke in opposition and says the decision to incorporate any vaccine into the routine schedule for children is based on the merits of the vaccine.

Cut 6 (08)  “…other staff.”

Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly’s bill to prohibit the government from issuing vaccine mandates passed on a 12 to 5 vote.  House Bill 990 does not pertain to Federal vaccine mandates…

Cut 7 (05) “…to do so.”

Both Bills advance to the House floor.

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A new survey by the National Federation of Independent Businesses says inflation is now the number one concern for small business owners, and they are becoming more pessimistic about the future. The latest numbers are at their highest since 1981, and state director Dawn McVea says the impact is real.

Cut 8 (07)  “…right now.”

The percentage of business owners expecting conditions to improve over the next sixth months is at its lowest level in the 48-year history of the survey. Aside from inflation, McVea pointed to several other areas of frustration.

Cut 9 (10)  “…labor shortages.”

With the supply chain disrupted, McVea says business owners have had to keep a watchful eye on their inventory as difficulty in stocking and restocking items has made their ability to operate increasingly challenging.

Cut 10 (08) “…to fewer sales.”

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A new survey of voters by the University of New Orleans shows less than overwhelming support for the state’s two U.S. Senators. Research director Dr. Ed Chervenak says 36-percent of persons surveyed approve of Senator John Kennedy’s job performance, with a much higher rating from his political base…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…job that he is doing.”  

Senator Bill Cassidy’s approval ratings were more evenly distributed between “approve”, “disapprove” or “don’t know.” 31-percent of the total survey give Cassidy the ‘thumbs up.” More whites than blacks approve of Cassidy, but also more DEMOCRATS than Republicans approve of his job performance. Chervenak says perhaps that’s because he voted with democrats for Donald Trump’s impeachment and a big democrat infrastructure bill. Chervenak says Cassidy is considering running for Governor next year…:

Cut 12 (13) “…going to be successful.”

The UNO survey shows persons 65 and older show more approval for Kennedy and Cassidy, but Cassidy polls better than Kennedy among 35-to-44 year-old voters. Overall, roughly a third of voters polled approve of the two senators job performance but also an third disapprove and about a third don’t know what to think. Chervenak says the “don’t knows” can be vexing for public opinion researchers…:

Cut 13 (12) “…the next election.”

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A bill banning the sale of abortion-inducing medications without a prescription and potentially criminalizing retailers and patients clears Senate Judiciary C on a 3-1 vote. Bill author, Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says current law prohibits the sale and distribution of abortion pills when they are not provided in person by a physician.

Cut 14 (10)  “…medical oversite.”

But New Orleans abortion-rights attorney Ellie Schilling says the bill criminalizes out-of-state providers along with pregnant women who are given the medications. Shilling says if the intent is to not punish pregnant women, then it should be amended.

Cut 15 (12)  “…pretty great.”

Hewitt says while the bill is not intended to punish pregnant women, it does enact penalties against those who she says are taking advantage of women.

Cut 16 (12)  “…use of the drug.”

Hewitt pledged to amend the bill before it reaches the Senate floor clarifying that women who take the medications cannot be prosecuted.

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The New Orleans Pelicans are two wins away from making the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Standing in their way tonight in an elimination game is the San Antonio Spurs. Coach Willie Green faces off against one of his mentors Gregg Popovich, but says Pop’s resume won’t be taking the court.

Cut 17 (17) “ …on the line.” 

The Pelicans lost three of four to the Spurs this season, though New Orleans was without Brandon Ingram in two of those games. Green says there isn’t anything new to add at this point; both teams know what the other is trying to do. The difference will be in execution.

Cut 18 (18) “ …play our game.” 

CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas are two of only five players on the roster with any postseason experience, and both have been in the play-in before. Green says that they’ve already taken the younger Pels under their wings in getting them prepared for a playoff atmosphere.

Cut 19 (14) _“…highest level possible.” 

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Cut 20 (16) “ …those plays.” 

On a ten to three vote, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Bill author, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick says you shouldn’t have to pay for a permit to conceal carry. Current law requires gun training in order to receive a permit, and St. Martinville Representative Marcus Bryant expressed concern about removing instruction.

Cut 13 (07) “…real crazy.”

Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis spoke in opposition saying legal conceal carry puts law enforcement at a disadvantage. In closing statements, McCormick says the state constitution is specific about a citizen’s right to bear arms.

Cut 15 (09) “…strict scrutiny.”

A bill banning the sale of abortion-inducing medications without a prescription and potentially criminalizing retailers and patients clears Senate Judiciary C on a 3-1 vote. Bill author, Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt…

Cut 14 (11)  “…medical oversite.”

Opponents say the bill criminalizes out-of-state providers along with pregnant women who are given the medications.

A New Orleans area senator Patrick Connick defers his bill to ban single-use plastic bags after hearing opposition from grocery store owners. Connick says the bill’s intent is the reduce litter, and while he decided to defer the legislation, he remains committed to cleaning up the state

Cut 8 (12) “…this legislation.” 

Is Louisiana headed in the “wrong direction?” A new LSU public opinion poll indicates two-thirds of us think, “yes.” Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Police say an Ascension Parish man was killed last night when – for reasons unknown – he stopped his car in the middle of westbound Interstate 10 and got out. 39-year-old Kyle Ripple was struck by two separate vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Why he stopped in the middle of a travel lane instead of pulling over is not yet known.

More than three years after the shooting death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson of Baker has been convicted of second-degree murder. Video of the shooting was critical to the case, as jurors saw the fatal confrontation from multiple angles. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore applauded his prosecutors for their work and thanked the jury for reaching a guilty verdict…:

CUT 03(12)      “…actually was.”

Simpson faces a mandatory life sentence.

At the Capitol, a bill that would have forbidden grocers and other shops from bagging your goods in those familiar plastic bags was pulled from consideration, after the bill sponsor received a lot of pushback from committee members and citizens – like grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair, who feels the bill unfairly singles out grocers as a primary source of litter…:

CUT 07(09)      “…the place.”

An East Baton Rouge Parish man is found guilty of the murder of LSU basketball standout Wayde Simms back in 2018. 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson faces a mandatory life sentence for gunning Simms down outside a North Baton Rouge sandwich shop as he tried to break up a fight. Simms dad, Wayne Simms – who also played for LSU as a youth – spoke for the family of Simpson’s conviction…:

CUT 05  (12)        “…the best we can.”

Good news for folks in lower Lafourche Parish: Ochsner Health Center in Lockport has re-opened its doors for the first time since Hurricane Ida did major damage to the facility last August. In the time since then, patients needing care in that region had to travel to Raceland or Matthews. The re-opening signifies progress in the long-term recovery from the Category 4 hurricane.

At the Capitol, the House Criminal Justice Committee passes a bill that would allow citizens to carry concealed weapons without a permit; providing they are a non-felon over 21. Oil City GOP Representative Danny McCormick is the bill sponsor. In support, Chalmette Republican Ray Garafalo who says if criminals can carry a hidden pistol, why not potential crime victims…?

CUT 14  (12)        “…that a criminal has?”

St. Martinville Democrat Marcus Bryant says removing restrictions on gun carrying concerns him…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…real crazy.”

The “yeas” outnumbered the “nays”, so the bill now goes to the full House for debate. The same bill reached final passage last year, but was vetoed by Governor Edwards. A veto override attempt failed, but by a thin margin.

A bill to allow so-called Constitutional Concealed Carry of firearms passes the House Criminal Justice Committee. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 02  (34)        “…Brooke Thorington.”

Police in New Iberia are seeking four women they say attacked and badly beat a woman inside a restaurant last weekend. Cops say cellphone video shows the group savagely kicking and stomping the woman – even as she tries to flee the attack. All four have been identified and will be booked with aggravated battery and other charges, once caught.

A New Orleans area senator defers his bill to ban single-use plastic bags after hearing opposition from grocery store owners. Marrero Republican Patrick Connick says his measure is an effort to reduce litter, but Ascension Parish businessman Brandon Trosclair says the bill is not a solution to the state’s litter problem…:

CUT 06(10)      “…out there. One percent”

Trosclair also doesn’t like the bill singling out groceries as a litter source. Realizing he didn’t have enough votes to get it past the committee, Connick withdrew the measure.

A new LSU research poll shows two-thirds of the state’s people feel Louisiana is headed in a bad direction. LSU Manship School research director Mike Henderson says concerns about crime have doubled and confidence in government to solve problems is at its lowest in over a decade…:

CUT 11(07)      “…about 2010.”

Read the report at “pprlsu.com/projects”

66-percent of the adults who participated in an LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll say the state is heading in the wrong direction. LSU Manship School associate professor Doctor Michael Henderson says respondents point to the economy, education, and infrastructure as the most pressing issues…

Cut 10 (07) “…disconnect.”

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More than three years after the shooting death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson of Baker has been convicted of second-degree murder. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore applauded his prosecutors for their work and thanked the jury for reaching a guilty verdict. Moore said ultimately though he believes justice was served, there is no joy to be taken from yesterday’s verdict. At least two families will have to live with the aftermath of that night forever.

Cut 4 (12) “…losing a son.”

Sims was killed while attempting to break up a fight at a party on September 28, 2018.

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On a ten to three vote, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the measure and says people should not have to pay for a permit to conceal carry. Current law requires gun training in order to receive a permit, and St. Martinville Representative Marcus Bryant expressed concern about removing instruction.

Cut 13 (07) “…real crazy.”

When asked if he had support from law enforcement, McCormick responded he had local support and that he had not spoken with State Police. LSP Superintendent Col Lamar Davis spoke in opposition saying legal conceal carry puts law enforcement at a disadvantage and the training one receives with their permit is invaluable to keep others safe.

In closing statements, McCormick says the state constitution is specific about a citizen’s right to bear arms.

Cut 15 (09) “…strict scrutiny.”

A survey conducted by LSU finds two-thirds of Louisiana residents believe the state is headed in the wrong direction. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle voted against the bill.

Cut 12 (13) “…poor people.”

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More than three years after the shooting death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson of Baker has been convicted of second-degree murder. Video of the shooting was critical to the case, as jurors saw the fatal confrontation from multiple angles. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore applauded his prosecutors for their work and thanked the jury for reaching a guilty verdict.

Cut 3 (12) “…actually was.”

Simpson did not testify in his own defense and faces a mandatory life sentence.

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66-percent of the adults who participated in an LSU Public Policy Research Lab poll say the state is heading in the wrong direction.  LSU Manship School associate professor Doctor Michael Henderson says only 26-percent say the state is heading in the right direction…
cut 9 (06) “…2004”
Just over 600 adults participated in the online survey.

A University of New Orleans research poll shows falling approval numbers for Governor John Bel Edwards. UNO political science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says 38-percent of persons surveyed said they approve of the job Edwards is doing…:
Cut 10 (12) “…the death of Ronald Greene.”
A similar poll in 2020 had Edwards’ approval rating at 56-percent.

On a ten to three vote, the House Criminal Justice Committee approved legislation to allow non-felons 21 and older to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle voted against it and says issuing gun permits is vital to know who has the legal right to carry.
Cut 12 (13) “…poor people.”
Oil City Representative Danny McCormick is the author of the measure and says people should not have to pay for a permit to conceal carry.

Cleco announces the company will invest 900-million dollars to reduce carbon emissions at the largest of its nine electric generation units in Louisiana. CEO Bill Fontenot.…
Cut 4 (12) “…economic development.”
Cleco calls the project Diamond Vault and estimates it will create up to 40 direct jobs and over one-thousand construction jobs.