Legislation that would make kindergarten attendance mandatory continues its steady march through the Legislature, this time clearing a second Senate committee. Proponents argue there’s a lot of research showing the benefits of early childhood education, but Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud is concerned parents could end up in jail they decide not to send their child to kindergarten…

Cut 5  (09)  “…doing so”

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

Cut 9 (09) “…door”

one victim suffered burns to a third of their body and is expected to have a long road to recovery.

A bill to give school systems the option to for year-round school awaits debate in the House. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Five LSU students and their instructor will make history next year when their radiation detection device is included in the IM-1 lunar mission. The team worked with private partners to develop a detection device that could survive on the surface of the moon and detect potentially deadly galactic radiation ahead of the restart of manned missions.

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 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.

After gliding through the Senate with no opposition legislation aimed at ending employer discrimination against Black natural hairstyles ran into some opposition in a House committee before it was ultimately approved. Proponents recounted incidents where African Americans who were suspended from school or fired from jobs just for wearing their hair naturally, but Denham Springs Representative Valarie Hodges says business owners should have the right to dictate what employees’ hair looks like.

Cut 8 (10) “…sued?”

The final vote was 7-4 in favor.

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”

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.

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” 

A Bill banning workplace and employment discrimination on the basis of an employee’s natural hair clears a House committee. New Orleans Senator Troy Carter says his bill was inspired by numerous incidents where Blacks were suspended from school or fired just for wearing their hair naturally. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton was surprised to hear about that…

Cut 9 (12) “…*claps*”

The bill passed 7-4 and heads to the House floor for final approval.

Governor John Bel Edwards is touting the benefits of the vaccine by emphasizing that families who are fully vaccinated will be able to have a safe, fun Mother’s Day indoors without having to wear masks or distancing.

Cut 14 (12) “..desire” 

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

Cut 1 (31) “ …I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

LSU has a new president and chancellor of its flagship school as 65-year-old William Tate the 4th was a unanimous pick by the LSU Board of Supervisors. He becomes LSU’s first Black president and the first African American university president in the SEC. Governor Edwards says Tate, who is a provost at the University of South Carolina, is the right person to lead LSU.