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.

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.

Legislation that protects employees from being discriminated against due to their natural hairstyle is headed to the House for final passage after a tense debate in committee. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Jeff Palermo”  

Louisiana residents facing financial shortfalls will be able to apply for help to pay for electricity, gas, water, sewerage, and trash services through the state’s rental assistance program at LAStateRent.com

Legislation inspired by cases where children in special education classes were physically and mentally abused by teachers is headed to the Senate. The bill would allow cameras to be set up in special ed classrooms should parents make that request. Baton Rouge physician and mother of a nonverbal special needs daughter, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Christian says she will never forget the day when she sat in an Individualized Education Program for her daughter and learned of ongoing abuse.

Cut 4 (12) “… every day.” 

The Defenders of Liberty Air and Space Show returns to the Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish this weekend with shows Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Air Show director Major Daniel Dreier…

Cut 12 (13)   “…performers” 

A Senate-approved bill aimed at ending employer discrimination against Black natural hairstyles is headed to the House floor after a contentious debate in committee. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says his bill was inspired by the experiences of African Americans who were suspended from school or fired from jobs just for wearing their hair naturally…

Cut 6 (12) “…shouldn’t be”

Opponents argue employers should have the right to dictate what employees’ hair looks like.

A bill to allow cameras in special education classrooms, if requested by the parents, advances from Senate Education. Baton Rouge Senator Franklin Foil author the bill on behalf of the Louisiana Development Disabilities Council and concerned parents whose special needs children experienced mental and/or physical abuse in the classroom.

Cut 3 (03)  “…safeguard.” 

The Defenders of Liberty Air and Space Show returns to the Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish this weekend with shows Saturday and Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Air Show director Major Daniel Drier says tickets are free for the event and you only need one printout per vehicle.  Everyone is encouraged to get tickets but Dreier says there will be a capacity limit.

Cut 11 (10) “…for safety”

Visit Barksdale airshow dot com for tickets.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he along with his family will enjoy a traditional mother’s day Sunday because everyone in his family is vaccinated and the faster everyone in the state gets vaccinated the safer we will be and the fewer holiday restrictions will be needed.

Cut 15 (08) “…today.” 

A bill to allow cameras in special education classrooms, advances from Senate Education. Parents like Tonya Williams shared the story of finding bruises on her son Tyler and how she received conflicting responses from administrators. She says cameras in the classroom could have saved her son from ongoing abuse.

Cut 5  (09)  “…tell me.”

Cameras will only be installed if a parents or guardian requests and could cost up to $8-million if installed in every special ed classroom.

A Senate-approved bill aimed at ending employer discrimination against Black natural hairstyles is headed to the House floor after a contentious debate in committee. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says his legislation protects against racial discrimination on the basis of natural hairstyles but Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges voted against the bill.

Cut 7 (08) “…hairstyle.”

The bill passed 7-4.

The Defenders of Liberty Air and Space Show returns to Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier Parish this weekend with shows Saturday and Sunday from 11 to 4.  Air Show director Major Daniel Drier says you need a ticket for your vehicle to attend and then just drive up to the base…

Cut 10 (12) “..square” 

Visit BarskdaleAirShow.com for free tickets.

Governor John Bel Edwards says because his entire family is fully vaccinated, they’ll be able to enjoy a safe and normal Mother’s Day celebration this Sunday. Edwards says the faster everyone in the state gets vaccinated the safer we will all be, and fewer holiday restrictions will be needed.

Cut 15 (08) “…today.” 

LSU is the first school in the SEC to appoint a Black president. University of South Carolina Provost William Tate IV has been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.

Cut 10 (11) “…very special.”

Tate was unanimously approved by the board.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden yesterday during his visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan. Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great if it comes to fruition, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…
Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

Biden also visited the water and sewer system in New Orleans Thursday.

The House approved next fiscal year’s 36.4 billion dollar spending plan and found an agreement on how to spend 800 million of the 1.6 billion in American Rescue Act funds Louisiana receives this year. House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue says a majority of the funds will assist education and there were a number of smaller increases and new programs financed for next year’s budget, including a boost to foster family assistance.

Cut 14 (08) “… populations.”

The LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center has found that mothers who have pre-school-age children struggled during the pandemic with increased stress levels and a loss of sleep. Doctor Chelsea Kracht says in some cases this resulted in moms suffering from depression and absenteeism from work…

Cut 8 (09) “…usually do.” 
The study’s findings support the necessity of providing mothers with reliable, affordable childcare options.

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter and President Joe Biden spoke Thursday during the President’s visit about the city’s most pressing needs. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

_______________________________

LSU is the first school in the SEC to select a Black president. Brooke Thorington has more on the historic appointment of William Tate IV.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington” 

____________________________

The House found agreement on how to spend 804 million dollars of the 1.6 billion dollars in American Rescue Act funding we’re set to receive this year. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 3 (28)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter met briefly with President Joe Biden Thursday during the President’s visit to Louisiana to promote his jobs and infrastructure plan.

Biden vowed that if his plan is passed a new I-10 bridge over the Calcasieu River would be built. Hunter says that’s great if so, but this isn’t the first time they’ve heard that promise…

Cut 4 (12)“…bridge.”

Hunter says he also took time to implore the President to send additional hurricane aid to the area. He says the long wait for federal aid has been unacceptable…

Cut 5 (08)“…package.”

Hunter says he also spoke with President Biden about getting a group of American oil executives imprisoned in Venezuela known as the Citgo Six freed. Hunter says he personally knows Lake Charles native Tomeau Vadall, who’s been imprisoned in the country for the past three years on charges of corruption.

Hunter says the President was very attentive and responsive to his requests during the visit.

Cut 6 (08) “…honor.”

__________________________________

An LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study indicates the pandemic was responsible for almost doubling the loss of sleep for mothers of young children Researcher Dr. Chelsea Kracht says they surveyed close to two thousand mothers who on average sleep less anyway, but the epidemic only worsened the situation.

Cut 7 (10)  “…physical health.”

Kracht says a marked decrease in the amount of sleep one receives can increase depression and absenteeism from work. There is even a name for the malady.

Cut 8 (09) “…usually do.” 

She says a lack of sleep also leads to weight gain which can cause multiple health concerns.

Several factors surrounding pandemic anxiety were responsible for the decrease in sleep. Kracht says fear of contracting the virus, long-term career impacts due to cutting back hours to care for children, and having to oversee their children’s remote learning.

Kracht says to assist mothers of young children society needs to rethink safe and economical approaches to childcare.

Cut 9 (07) “…responsibility.”

Kracht says having fathers take on some of the responsibilities of housework will also assist mothers in balancing the demands of their careers and personal lives.

______________________________

LSU appoints the first-ever Black president in the school’s history and who’s also the first Black president in the Southeastern Conference. University of South Carolina Provost William Tate IV has been tapped by the LSU Board of Supervisors to lead the system.

Cut 10 (11) “…very special.”

Tate was unanimously approved by the board and board member Collis Temple Jr, who was LSU’s first Black basketball player, made the emotional official motion to select Tate.

When asked how he will lead the university that remains under the cloud of a Title IX scandal Tate says he believes it’s an opportunity to develop a trauma-based approach to assist victims of sexual misconduct.

Cut 11 (12) “….the case.”

Tate was also questioned about what he considers his biggest challenge as he takes the helm at LSU, Tate responded getting to know everyone as quickly as possible.

Cut 12 (12) “…in the future.”

Board Chairman Robert Dampf says the details of Tate’s contract are still being negotiated.

_____________________________________

The House approved next fiscal year’s 36.4 billion dollar spending plan and found agreement on how to spend 800 million of the 1.6 billion in American Rescue Act funds Louisiana receives this year.

House Appropriations Chairman Jerome Zeringue highlighted the increased investment they were able to put into higher education.

Cut 13 (10) “…institutions.”

Zeringue also notes they found the funds to double the Governor’s proposed 400 dollar teacher pay raise to 800 dollars.

There were a number of smaller increases and new programs financed for next year’s budget, including a boost to foster family assistance.

Cut 14 (08) “… populations.”

The total budget for next year sits at 42 billion dollars.

The ARA funds went into four categories: 400 million to replenish the unemployment trust fund, 10 million for logger’s relief, 90 million for broadband expansion, and 300 million for water infrastructure…

Cut 15 (11)“..serwer systems.”

___________________________

Cut 16 (00) “…N/A.”

_________________________________________________

It’s the final home series of the season for the ULM Warhawks who host Texas-Arlington. The Warhawks will recognize their seniors who are wrapping up their collegiate careers. Head Coach Mike Federico

Cut 17 (23) “…conference standings.”

ULM is 7-and-11 in conference play and in last place in the Sun Belt West Division, while the Mavericks are 10-and-5 and in first place. Federico is looking forward to the opportunity to still move up the division standings

Cut  18 (15)”…this weekend.” 

_______________________________________________

Louisiana Tech looks to extend its school-record 10-game winning streak on the road when they begin a four-game series against F-I-U. The Panthers are 8-and-16 in Conference USA play, but Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs knows they have plenty of talent….

Cut 19 (19) “…any weekend.” 

Burroughs is expecting a hard-fought series…

Cut 20 (12) “…your playing.” 

President Biden was in Lake Charles touting his American Jobs Plans to rebuild infrastructure today. Congressman Steve Scalise says the President is promoting a budget-busting tax hike that will force middle-class jobs overseas. But Biden says his plan would result in over 16-million American jobs and is willing to meet with GOP lawmakers to find common ground.

Cut 13 (11)“…to compromise.”

The LA Wallet now offers the ability to store a copy of your COVID vaccine card. In addition to your driver’s license Governor Edwards says it’s optional and free of charge.

Cut 3 (04)  “…information” 

The LA Wallet app is free and available for download on the Apple App and Google Play stores.

Four women have filed EEOC complaints alleging they suffered sexual harassment and discrimination at LSU Health Shreveport. Their attorney Allison Jones says her clients wanted to address the situation privately, but the LSU Board of Supervisors held an executive session where politicians were invited, but the media and accusers were barred.

Cut 7 (07) “…situation.”

They are calling for Chancellor G.E. Ghali to be removed.

House Labor approves legislation prohibiting employers from retaliating against employees for sharing salary information with each other, and from asking about applicants’ previous wage history. Baton Rouge Representative Barbara Carpenter says in 2013 the Legislature passed legislation allowing state employees to share salary information and it narrowed the gender pay gap.

Cut 15 (09) “…percent.” 

Carpenter says 19 states have passed similar pay transparency laws.

President Biden is in Lake Charles touting his infrastructure plan this hour at the Calcasieu River Bridge. After a tour of hurricane recovery efforts, he will then travel to New Orleans and also visit the city’s water and sewer system.

Four women accusing LSU Health Shreveport Chancellor of fostering a toxic and discriminatory workplace spoke about their decision to file an EEOC complaint against the school. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “ …I’m Matt Doyle.” 

The LA Wallet on your smartphone can now store your COVID vaccine card. Governor John Bel Edwards says users can be assured their health information is protected with the LA Wallet and the ability to have a copy of your vaccine status in the application is ideal for residents who tend to misplace things.

Cut 4 (08) “…lose them.” 

It’s free and storing your vaccine status is completely optional.

LSU quarterback TJ Finley has officially entered the transfer portal.  Finley started five games for the Tigers last season after an injury to Myles Brennan but was replaced late in the year by Max Johnson.  USA Today Network LSU Beat reporter Glen Guilbeau says the Ponchatoula native threw for 941 yards with five touchdowns and five interceptions in 2020.  While Finley showed some promise, Guilbeau says he wasn’t consistent enough.

Cut 10 (11) “..of games”