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.”

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

Cut 2 (29) “…the state” 

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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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”

A bill to allow cameras in special education classrooms advances from Senate Education. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and a couple of tornadoes will be possible in the south and central Plains today and into tomorrow morning which could include parts of Louisiana. Heavy rain could cause flash flooding in the Mid Mississippi Valley.

Minute 2

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

Cut 8 (10) “within Amazon”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be able to have a normal Mother’s Day celebration this year because he and his family are fully vaccinated.  Edwards says if your family is not fully vaccinated continue social distancing and hold the event outdoors.

Edwards says 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”

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 (30) “I’m Taylor Sharp”

The LSU baseball team will be looking for a sweep to wrap up a weekend series against Auburn today at 2 p.m.  LSU won Thursday night’s game 8-3 and took down Auburn 9-6 in game two.  Also, former Southeastern Lion and Loranger Red Wolf Wade Miley threw a no-hitter last night for the Cincinnati Reds.

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.  Tickets are free for the event and you only need one printout per vehicle.  Everyone is encouraged to get tickets but  Air Show director Major Daniel Drier says there will be a capacity limit.

Cut 11 (10) “for safety”

A bill to allow cameras in special education classrooms, if requested by the parents, advances from Senate Education.  Tonya Williams shared the story of how her son Tyler was shuffled around in several schools and when she found bruises on his body, she received conflicting responses from administrators. Williams says cameras in the classroom could have saved her son from ongoing abuse.

Cut 5 (09) “tell me”

A bill to allow cameras in special education classrooms advances from Senate Education. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Severe storms with large hail, damaging winds, and a couple of tornadoes will be possible in the south and central Plains today and into tomorrow morning which could include parts of Louisiana. Heavy rain could cause flash flooding in the Mid Mississippi Valley.

Minute 2

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

Cut 8 (10) “within Amazon”

Governor John Bel Edwards will be able to have a normal Mother’s Day celebration this year because he and his family are fully vaccinated.  Edwards says if your family is not fully vaccinated continue social distancing and hold the event outdoors.

Edwards says 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”

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”

A bill to allow cameras in special education classrooms, if requested by the parents, advances from Senate Education.  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 Drier says you need a ticket for your vehicle to attend the show and then drive up to the base…

Cut 10 (12) “square”

Governor John Bel Edwards says because he and his family are fully vaccinated they’ll be able to enjoy a safe, normal Mother’s Day celebration Sunday.

Edwards says after having to cancel Mother’s Day 2020, he’s ready to return to normal.

Cut 13 (12) “vaccinated”

The LSU baseball team got a series-clinching win over the Auburn Tigers last night 9-6.  It was a 6-6 ball game after seven innings.  LSU scored one run in the eight before shortstop Jordan Thompson blasted a two-run home run in the ninth inning to give LSU a 9-6 advantage. Pitcher Devin Fontenot pitched in relief and was given the win.  Game three is scheduled for 2 p.m.

The Tulane baseball team suffered a 12-4 loss to East Carolina last night in game 1 of the series.  They play a double-header today before wrapping up the series tomorrow.

Nicholls beat Southeastern 11-3 in extra innings after the Colonels scored eight runs in the 10^th inning.  Game two is scheduled for 2 p.m.

ULM fell to UT-Arlington last night by a score of 6-1, the Ragin Cajuns easily beat North Alabama 11-1 in game one of the series, and McNeese won game one of last night’s doubleheader against Northwestern but lost game two 4-3.

Tech’s game against Florida International was suspended last night due to heavy rain in Miami.  The Bulldogs will now play a doubleheader today beginning at 1 p.m. then a second doubleheader on Sunday.

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Wade Miley threw a no-hitter Friday night against the Cleveland Indians for a 3-0 win. The former Southeastern Lion and Loranger Red Wolf struck out eight Cleveland batters on the way to his first no-no of his pro career.  With the win, Miley improves to 4-2 on the season.

The New Orleans Pelicans suffered two losses last night as they dropped a close to the Philadelphia 76ers 109-107, and will now be without forward Zion Williamson as he is out indefinitely with a fractured finger.  The Pels’ backcourt duo of Eric Bledsoe and Lonzo Ball each poured in 18 points in the game, while Jaxson Hayes scored a team-high 19 on the night.  Six Pelicans scored in double-figures in the loss.  The Pels’ next game is Sunday at Charlotte.

In more basketball news, LSU has received the paperwork for the transfer of former Illinois guard Adam Miller.  Miller, a 6’3 guard, started all 31 games for the Illini as a freshman this past season, averaging 8.3 points and 2.8 rebounds per game as Illinois won the Big Ten conference tournament and advanced to the NCAA tournament.  Miller will be eligible immediately.