The restaurant industry faces a critical shortage of workers, so they are having to pay more to attract employees and customers might have to pick up the tab. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There’s been an 11 percent decline in vaccination numbers nationwide this week, a trend that has health officials worried the campaign may be slowing down too early.
State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says that trend is concerning because the longer the vaccine campaign takes, the greater the chance COVID variants could become a serious problem.
Cut 4 (09)“…experiencing that.”

House Health and Welfare advances legislation expanding the state medical marijuana program to include smoke-able “raw” marijuana.
Proponents say the raw form of the treatment is much cheaper than the current processed versions being sold in the state.
Natchitoches Representative Kenny Cox says the current medical marijuana program has been a success, but it needs to be expanded…
Cut 11 (07) “..other things”

A bill limiting the amount of time the state can keep someone behind bars before filing criminal charges narrowly escapes from House Criminal Justice. Bill sponsor, Representative Ted James says currently a person can remain in jail for up to 120 days for capital offenses, 60 days for felonies, and 45 days for misdemeanors.
Cut 13 (10) “…without charge.”