Governor Edwards testifies today before the U-S Senate Energy Committee. Eric Piccolli reports he’s expected to discuss oil and gas exploration and climate control…

Cut 1 (31) “…out of jobs.”

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Colonial Pipeline restarted operations Wednesday night after a shutdown caused several Americans to panic buy gasoline. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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In a reversal, the House Education Committee approves legislation that would bar transgender athletes from participating in elementary, secondary, and post-secondary girls’ and women’s sports. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

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Governor Edwards will testify today at the U.S. Senate Committee on Energy about federal offshore oil and gas developments. Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says that while he doesn’t agree with all of Edwards’s energy policies he believes the governor has a better perspective on offshore energy.

Cut 4 (10)“…zero energy production.”

Edwards is expected to address the state’s ongoing work on climate initiatives. Senator Bill Cassidy says that investing in Louisiana and other domestic oil producers will not only create jobs but help in the fight to decrease global greenhouse gas emissions.

Cut 5 (07)”…there will be.”

Edwards said ways to reduce the state’s emissions while maintaining its energy production are essential. This sentiment was echoed by Graves who believes the state shouldn’t continue business as usual.

Cut 6 (10) “…clean energy technologies.”

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Colonial Pipeline restarted operations last night after a  hacking incident forced a shutdown, which sparked several Americans to panic buy gasoline. But, Executive Director of the Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association Natalie Isaacks says there is no need for hoarding gas, especially in the Bayou State.

Cut 7 (06)  “…out of fuel.”

Photos of long lines at gas stations and people pumping gasoline in whatever kind of container they can get their hands on are circulating on social media. Isaacks says one photo of a woman putting gas in an open container is especially concerning.

Cut 8 (10) “…routine.” 

Colonial Pipeline carries fuel from Texas all the way up the east coast. Isaacks says even with the pipeline now back up in running it’s going some take time for distributors to catch up because people are hoarding gasoline and exacerbated the issue.

Cut 9 (06) “…Memorial Day.”

The association represents 3,400 fuel stations and Isaacks says members in central and northeastern Louisiana are reporting incidents of panic buying.

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House Education advances Senate-approved legislation barring trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girls’ sports, a reversal from the committee’s earlier rejection of a similar bill.

Former LSU championship-winning Decathlonist Claston Bernard spoke in favor of the bill. He says trans athletes have a competitive advantage in women’s sports.

Cut 10 (09) “….happen.”

Bill author Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says the bill is preemptive, as there are currently no trans athletes participating in Louisiana girls’ sports.

Franklin Representative Vincent St. Blanc says he and his constituents are concerned long-standing records would be shattered if this bill doesn’t pass.

Cut 11 (03) “….broke.”

Coalition for Louisiana Progress Chair Melissa Flournoy says the legislation is discriminatory and a solution in search of a problem…

Cut 12 (12) “…association.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has indicated he will veto the bill.

Forum for Equality Executive Director Sarah Jane Guidry says after 12 months of testosterone suppression trans athletes fall under the usual variance in athletic ability from woman to woman.

Cut 13 (04) “…pelican state.”

The NCAA has threatened to move events out of states that enact such laws.

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Legislation requiring all kids who turn five years old on or before Sept. 30th to attend kindergarten clears the Senate 34-1.

Gonzales Senator Edward Price spoke in support of the bill by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields.

Cut 14 (09) “…been here.”

The bill also requires students to take a readiness assessment prior to entering first grade.

Price says there’s ample evidence showing just how beneficial kindergarten is to educational development.

Cut 15 (10)“…state.”

If signed into law it would take effect for the 2022-2023 school year.

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Cut 16 (00) “…n/a.”

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LSU is 9-and-15 in the SEC heading into this weekend’s series against Alabama that will begin on Friday night at Alex Box Stadium. Kendall Rogers with D-1 baseball-dot-com says the Tigers need to win five of their six remaining SEC games in order to secure a spot in the NCAA Tournament

Cut 17 (13) “…NCAA Tournament.”

LSU is 30-and-18 overall and they have an RPI of 20. Rogers says LSU could be a dangerous team if they get into a Regional…

Cut  18 (13)”…on a run.”

Louisiana Tech is 33-and-13 overall and they have an RPI of 25. Rogers says the Bulldogs 19 wins in conference play, plus victories over Arkansas and Ole Miss give them a great chance at hosting a Regional…

Cut 19 (18) “…of pitching.” 

The House votes to decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, meaning those found in possession would only face a 100 dollar fine and no jail time. Currently, a person who possesses 14 grams or less of marijuana could face up to 15 days in jail and up to six months if convicted a second time. The bill had the backing of some of the chamber’s most conservative Republican members along with Black Caucus members like Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle…

Cut 4 (06) “…of marijuana” 

By one vote the House approves legislation that would partially roll back the near blanket current qualified immunity protections for police officers. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says his bill blocks officers from utilizing qualified immunity in a wrongful death or injury suit if a judge deems their conduct to be “unreasonable”.

Cut 12 (11)   “…immunity” 

The legislation is the result of a police reform task force that was formed after last year’s George Floyd Protests

The Louisiana House has unanimously passed a bill extending the period in which victims of child sexual abuse can pursue legal actions against their abusers from 10 to 35 years. Lead sponsor and New Orleans representative Jason Hughes…

Cut 6 (10) “…at 52 years old”

In a surprise reversal from a decision last week the House Education Committee approved legislation barring trans athletes from participating in K-12 and college girls’ sports. Franklin Representative Vincent St. Blanc says trans athletes have an unfair advantage…

Cut 11 (04) “….broke.”

But Forum for Equality Executive Director Sarah Jane Guidry called it discriminatory…

Cut 13 (04) “…pelican state.”

The bill already has Senate approval but faces a likely veto by Governor Edwards should it the House pass it.

The Louisiana House passes a bill that would decriminalize possession of marijuana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

37-year old Jordy Robertson, the father of Jarrius Robertson, was sentenced to eight years in prison for drug trafficking and for fraudulently capitalizing on his son’s illness with a phony charity. His son gained fame for being a Saints superfan and prosecutors say his father took advantage of his son’s notoriety.

The Louisiana House has unanimously passed a bill extending the period in which victims of child sexual abuse can pursue legal actions against their abusers from 10 to 35 years. Lead sponsor and New Orleans representative Jason Hughes says the extension is necessary since most victims delay their disclosure into adulthood.

Cut 6 (10) “…at 52 years old”

A CDC advisory approved the emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15 today. Ochsner Health Pediatrician Dr. William Lennarz says data for this age group is extremely encouraging with the Pfizer vaccine.

Cut 9 (08) “…safe”

Ochsner Health says they expect to begin giving vaccine for ages 12 to 15 by the end the of week.

The House votes to decriminalize possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana, meaning those found with the substance would only be hit with a 100 dollar fine and face no jail time. Even one of the most conservative members of the House voted for it, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh,…

Cut 5  (10)  “…incarcerate em.”

The measure passed on a 67-35 vote.

The House votes 53-42 in favor of legislation that would partially limit qualified immunity for police officers in some cases. House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez opposes the bill. He told bill author Representative Edmond Jordan that passing this legislation would make it more difficult to recruit law enforcement officers.

Cut 13 (12)“…good actors”

Ochsner Health says they are ready to begin vaccinating teens ages 12-15 with the Pfizer vaccine once state health gives the go-ahead following the CDC’s approval today. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

In a surprising reversal the House Education Committee approves legislation barring trans athletes from playing girls sports 10-4, just a week after rejecting a similar bill. This version of the legislation already has veto-proof Senate approval but Governor Edwards has warned should it hit his desk he will veto it.

A person would no longer face jail time if convicted of possessing 14 grams or less of marijuana as a result of a bill approved by the Louisiana House. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill removes the possibility of jail time and would make a 100- dollar fine the maximum penalty. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle voted in support…
Cut 4 (06) “…of marijuana”
The measure passed on a 67-35 vote and now heads to the Senate.

Legislation that would limit a police officer’s immunity in civil lawsuits passed out of the House on a 53-42 vote. Baton Rouge Representative Ted James took issues with some of his colleagues’ accusations that this bill would lead to frivolous lawsuits against officers…
cut 14 (09) “….it is”
The measure needs Senate approval.

The Louisiana House has unanimously approved a bill by New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes that would increase the statute of limitations in civil child abuse cases. Future Victims can take legal actions until their 53-years-old, instead of the current age of 28. Hughes was asked why not eliminate the prescriptive period.
Cut 7 (10) “…governers desk.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The C-D-C’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has approved Pfizer’s request for its COVID-19 vaccine to be administered to 12 to 15-year-olds. Ochsner Health Pediatrician Doctor William Lennarz says once the state health department gives the green light, they will begin administering vaccines to kids 12 and up…
cut 11 (05) “…vaccine”
It will be administered in adolescents in two doses, three weeks apart.

The House votes 53-42 in favor of legislation that would partially limit qualified immunity for police officers in some cases. Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says his bill blocks officers from utilizing qualified immunity in a wrongful death or injury suit if a judge deems their conduct to be “unreasonable”.

Cut 12 (11)   “…immunity” 

A person would no longer face jail time if convicted of possessing 14 grams or less of marijuana as a result of a bill approved by the Louisiana House. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says the possession of a small amount of marijuana should no longer result in two things.

Cut 3 (10)  “…to prison” 

The measure passed on a 67-35 vote, it now heads to the Senate.

The Louisiana House has unanimously passed a bill extending the period in which victims of child sexual abuse can pursue legal actions against their abusers from 10 to 35 years. New Orleans representative Jason Hughes gave an emotional closing statement on the House floor, telling lawmakers this legislation is on behalf of every victim and survivor of child sexual abuse.

Cut 8 (8) “…them closure”

A CDC advisory committee is expected to approve emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15 today. Ochsner Health Pediatrician Dr. William Lennarz says while yes children are less likely to become extremely ill from COVID compared to adults however they are not completely immune to the virus.

Cut 10 (11) “…syndrome 

Ochsner says once approved, they will begin vaccinating 12-15 years olds in 24 hours.

The Louisiana House has unanimously passed a bill extending the period in which victims of child sexual abuse can pursue legal actions against their abusers from 10 to 35 years. Lead sponsor and New Orleans representative Jason Hughes says the extension is necessary since most victims delay their disclosure into adulthood.

Cut 6 (10) “…at 52 years old”

A CDC advisory committee is expected to approve emergency use of the Pfizer COVID vaccine for ages 12 to 15 today. Ochsner Health Pediatrician Dr. William Lennarz says data for this age group is extremely encouraging with the Pfizer vaccine.

Cut 9 (08) “…safe”

Ochsner says once they receive approval from the state health department, they will begin vaccines for ages 12-15 within 24 hours.

The Louisiana House passes a bill that would decriminalize possession of marijuana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

On a 67-35 vote, the House approves legislation decriminalizing possession of up to half an ounce of marijuana. Under the bill, those found with 14 grams or less of pot would only face a 100 dollar fine and no jail time. Even one of the most conservative members of the House voted for it, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh,…

Cut 5  (10)  “…incarcerate em.”

The legislation heads to the Senate for more discussion.

It’s termite season and Ag Commissioner Mike Strain wants you to get your house tested by a professional as the first swarms begin to show up. Strain says he’s witnessed first-hand how active termites currently are.

Cut 14 (09) “…new home.”

A Lafayette grand jury declines to indict the officers who fatally shot Trayford Pellerin last August. District Attorney Don Landry showed extended video including Pellerin fleeing from officers while holding a knife after causing a scene at a nearby gas station and then being shot to death as he attempted to enter another corner store. Landry says the shooting was justified.

Cut 11 (11) “….hindsight.”

Pellerin Family Attorney Ronald Haley called the result disappointing and says Pellerin was clearly in the midst of a mental health crisis and had good reason to flee from police at that time…

Cut 13 (13) “…enforcement.”

Haley says failure to comply should not be a death sentence.

A person would no longer face jail time if convicted of possessing 14 grams or less of marijuana as a result of a bill approved by the Louisiana House. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover’s bill removes the possibility of jail time and would make a 100-fine the maximum penalty. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle voted in support…

Cut 4 (06) “…of marijuana” 

The measure passed on a 67-35 vote and now heads to the Senate.

A panel from the CDC is expected to authorize the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for 12–15-year-olds today. Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is encouraging adolescents to get the vaccine…

Cut 8 (09) “…dinner.” 
About 29-percent of the state’s population is fully vaccinated.

A grand jury has declined to indict the Lafayette Police officers who fatally shot Trayford Pellerin outside of a gas station last August. 15th Judicial District Attorney Don Landry says State Police reviewed the incident from every angle available and found the shooting was justifiable…

Cut 10 (09) “….a case.”

Pellerin family attorney Ronald Haley says video evidence shows Pellerin was clearly experiencing a mental crisis and committing no crime other than failure to comply.

Termites are year-round pests, but they are especially prevalent during the spring and summer months here in Louisiana.  Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says he’s witnessed first-hand how active termites currently are.

Cut 14 (09) “…new home.”

Strain stressed the importance to have a licensed professional inspect your home

A grand jury has declined to bring charges against Lafayette Police officers who fatally shot Trayford Pellerin, a 31-year-old black man, who died from gunshot wounds he received while trying to enter a Circle K store. Body camera video shows Pellerin holding what appeared to be a knife. Family Attorney Ronald Haley…
cut 12 (08) “…the country”

A person would no longer face jail time if convicted of possessing 14 grams or less of marijuana as a result of a bill approved by the Louisiana House. Shreveport Representative Cedric Glover says the possession of a small amount of marijuana should no longer result in two things…
cut 3 (10) “….go to prison”
The proposal heads to the Senate for more discussion.

A CDC advisory committee is expected to give emergency use authorization today for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 15-years-old. Senator Bill Cassidy says most children do not suffer severe effects from COVID-19, but that’s not a reason to have your child immunized.
Cut 7 (09) “…a grandparent..”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services announces another round of Pandemic EBT benefits will be available for children who did not go to school because classes were virtual and they normally receive free or reduced-price lunches. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavanna Howard expects the first P-EBT cards will be mailed next month…
cut 6 (09) “…eligible students’
Howard says no need to apply, schools will report to DCFS who is eligible.