Business groups are calling on lawmakers to cease federally enhanced unemployment to help end the worker shortage. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Attorney General Jeff Landy along with 44 other attorneys general in other states and territories wants Facebook to stop the launch of Instagram for Kids. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28) “…the state” 

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A House floor vote on legalizing recreational marijuana use is once again delayed. Matt Doyle asked a political analyst what’s going on with this hot topic…

Cut 3 (27)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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A radiation detection device developed in part by five LSU students will be sent to the Moon next year as part of the IM-1 lunar mission.

Senior Engineering Undergrad Jacob Miller helped developed the case the iPhone-sized detection device will be housed in. He says this equipment will help keep future astronauts safe.

Cut 4 (09)“…exciting.”

IM-1 stands for Intuitive Machines, a Houston-based private company that is contracted by NASA to supply payloads for two upcoming trips to the Moon.

Recent Physics graduate Haley Pellegrin says the vacuum environment presents a lot of technical challenges to equipment, and once you send something to the moon you can’t go fix it later.

Cut 5 (10)“…resolution.”

The five students worked under LSU SpaRTAN Lab head Jeffery Chancellor. He says these scientists may be young but that’s not unusual in this field.

Cut 6 (10) “…experience.”

The IM-1 mission is expected to launch in the first quarter of 2022.

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Frustrated over labor shortages several members of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses want the state to ween recipients off federally enhanced unemployment benefits and direct the money elsewhere, like incentives for people to get back to work.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea says labor shortages are impeding recovery for many businesses.

Cut 7 (09)  “…usually is.”

McVea says they are looking to propose a measure like Montana which enacted a hiring bonus of $1,200 and elimination of federal enhancements to unemployment benefits.

Cut 8 (06) “…that job.” 

Opponents like Louisiana Budget Project says businesses are unable to find enough qualified workers because they fail to pay a fair wage. McVea says but some members report they have increased wages.

Cut 9 (09) “…three months.”

McVea says they are working with Monroe Representative Michael Echols to put forth an amendment to curb federal unemployment incentives on bills looking to make changes to current state unemployment benefits.

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Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry,  along with a bipartisan group of more than 40 attorneys general in other states and territories, wants Facebook to reconsider launching Instagram for Kids. Landy fears a child-friendly Instagram for ages 13 and under will be misused by predators.

Cut 10 (11) “…smartphone.”

Landry says while the internet can be a great resource for kids it is also a great resource for those looking to take advantage of children and fears that Instagram for Kids is another method for social media to gain insight on a vulnerable population.

Cut 11 (10) “….the mine.”

Those against Instagram for Kids claim children lack the ability to understand privacy and say Facebook and Instagram reported 20 million child sexual abuse images last alone. Landy says it only continues to get worse.

Cut 12 (09) “…exploitation.”

Another report found a 200-percent increase in recorded instances in the use of Instagram to target and abuse children over a six-month period in 2018. In March Facebook, which owns Instagram, announced the launch for preteens.

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A vote on legislation that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana is once again delayed on the House floor.

LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says it’s clear this bill is close to passing, but the bill author just doesn’t have enough support at the moment to call for a vote.

Cut 13 (11) “…have to.”

The bill would legalize possession and use for those over the age of 21. A companion bill would set the licensing fees for personal and commercial growth of the plant, currently at 100 and 2,500 dollars respectively.

Alford says the bill has everything going against it right now except broad public support, but he warns against giving up on it just yet.

Cut 14 (10) “…issue.”

Alford says it’s possible the bill is dead for the session but just like medical marijuana could find success after a few more attempts.

Cut 15 (08)“…over time.”

The bill by Mandeville Republican Representative Richard Nelson currently is set to be heard Wednesday.

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Cut 16 (00) “…n/a.”

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LSU hosts 14th ranked Louisiana Tech tonight at Alex Box Stadium. The Tigers have struggled in SEC play this year, but are undefeated this season in mid-week non-conference contests. Coach Paul Mainieri can’t explain it…

Cut 17 (13) “…streak going.”

After tonight’s scheduled game against La Tech, LSU will host Alabama for the final home SEC series of the season. Mainieri on the importance of this week…

Cut  18 (16)”…sugar-coating it” (x2)

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Louisiana Tech is having an outstanding season as they have a 33-12 record. But one of their dozen losses occurred earlier this year at Alex Box Stadium. Bulldogs Coach Lane Burroughs is looking forward to another chance at the Tigers

Cut 19 (15) “…be ready.” 

This week Louisiana Tech will find out if they are one of 20 schools in the running to host an NCAA Baseball Regional. Burroughs says he’s not losing any sleep over the anticipated announcement…

Cut 20 (15) “…assure you.” 

Legislation that would bar landlords from discriminating against LGBTQ tenants is seemingly dead after being voluntarily deferred in a House committee by the author. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick spoke against the bill, saying if a landlord doesn’t want to rent to someone who is gay, they shouldn’t be forced to do so…

Cut 14 (08) “…rent to” 

But housing advocates argue such discrimination is immoral and out of step with federal law.

Legislation backed by the Governor and early childhood education advocates that would mandate kindergarten attendance clears another Senate committee. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says there’s ample evidence showing the long-term benefits of kindergarten…

Cut 4 (06) “… would be.” 

Opponents argue it’s better for children to be at home at that age.

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.”  

A vote on legislation that would fully legalize recreational marijuana use in Louisiana has once again been delayed. It was set to be heard on the House floor this evening.

This week marks the halfway point of the legislative session.

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 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.

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” 

The Fire Marshall’s is investigating the incident.

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.

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.

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 proposal to legalize recreational marijuana will be heard on the House floor today. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says his polling shows nearly seven out of every ten Louisiana voters support full legalization, but there’s strong opposition inside the State Capitol…
cut 5 (06) “….community”
The House convenes at two o’clock.

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.

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 explosion occurred after one person took a propane tank into a nearby shed and was trying to adjust a setting on the valves…
Cut 9 (09) “…door”
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.

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

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.

A proposal to legalize recreational marijuana will be heard on the House floor today. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says his polling shows nearly seven out of every ten Louisiana voters support full legalization, but Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill faces strong opposition inside the State Capitol…
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.

Construction is underway in Shreveport on an Amazon fulfillment center that would create over one thousand full-time jobs with starting pay of 15-dollars per hour. Governor John Bel Edwards says this is a major economic development victory…
cut 8 (08) “…quality of life”
Most of the hiring will take place next summer.

A Breaux Bridge man wanted in the death of an infant who was found in a vehicle in St. Mary Parish is now behind bars after he was arrested yesterday. 53-year-old Ervin Melancon has been charged with second-degree murder. The cause of the infant’s death has not been determined.

Later this week a federal advisory committee will meet and vote on the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for a younger age group. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”