The state House will have the opportunity to debate whether transgender athletes should be barred from competing on girls’ athletics teams at public schools. The Senate approved measure has received approval from House Education. Supporters say it’s unfair for a biological female to compete against someone who was born as a boy. But 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.

The Senate has passed a bill that makes kindergarten mandatory in Louisiana. Gonzales Senator Ed Price says kindergarten is beneficial to educational development….
cut 15 (10) “…state”
The measure is heading to the House after receiving only one “No” vote in the Senate by Turkey Creek Senator Heather Cloud.

The Colonial Pipeline which runs through Louisiana has restarted after it was shut down for six days following a ransomware attack. It has led to gasoline shortages, especially along the East Coast. Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association Director Natalie Isaacks says it will take some time for distributors to catch up…
cut 9 (06) “…Memorial Day”

Governor Edwards is before the U-S Senate Energy Committee at this hour discussing on how the moratorium on new lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico is impacting the state’s economy. Edwards is also expected to talk about the state’s ongoing work on climate initiatives. The governor believes the state can still be a major energy producer, but at the same time reducing emissions. Congressman Garret Graves supports the effort…
cut 6 (10) “….clean energy technologies”

In a reversal, the House Education Committee approves legislation that would bar transgender athletes from participating in girls’ sports. Matt Doyle has the story…
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Governor John Bel Edwards announces that Louisianans ages 12 and up can now receive Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine as a result of the CDC approving the use of the vaccine in 12 to 15 year-olds. There are about 15-hundred locations in Louisiana that offer the COVID vaccine.

Legislation requiring all kids who turn five years old on or before Sept. 30th to attend kindergarten clears the Senate on a 34-1 vote. Gonzales Senator Edward Price…
Cut 14 (09) “…been here.”
The bill heading to the House also requires students to take a readiness assessment prior to entering first grade.

Panic gasoline buying is a real issue on the East Coast because of the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which delivers gasoline and other fuels from Gulf Coast refineries to states like Georgia, Virginia, and South and North Carolina. 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. Louisiana Oil Marketers and Convenience Store Association Director Natalie Isaacks says a photo of a woman putting gas in an open container is especially concerning.
Cut 8 (10) “…routine.”
Isaaks says they only a handful of reports of gas stations running out of fuel in Louisiana.

Colonial Pipeline restarted operations yesterday after a shutdown caused several Americans to panic buy gasoline. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state health department is expected to provide formal notice this morning to vaccine providers that they can administer the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to kids between the ages of 12 and 15 years old. There are over 15-hundred clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies in Louisiana that have the Pfizer vaccine.

A Senate-approved bill that would prevent transgender athletes from competing on girls’ sports teams in schools heads to the House floor. Supporters say it will protect biological female athletes from unfair competition, but Coalition for Louisiana Progress Chair Melissa Flourney says the legislation is discriminatory and not needed…
cut 12 (12) “…association”
If the bill reaches the governor’s desk, it’s expected he will veto it.

Governor Edwards will testify this morning before the U.S. Senate Energy Committee, where he’ll discuss federal offshore oil and gas exploration. Baton Rouge Congressman Garrett Graves says 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 express his concerns with the current moratorium on new offshore lease sales.

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.”
According to GasBuddy less than one percent of Louisiana gas stations had outages.

Louisiana’s House Education Committee approves legislation that would prohibit transgender athletes from participating on girls’ sports teams at public K-through-12 schools. The controversial proposal passed on a 10-to-4 vote. 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.”
Governor Edwards has threatened to veto this bill if it reaches his desk.

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.”

Today’s meeting starts at 9 AM.

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.”

_______________________________

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.” 

____________________________

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.”

____________________________

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.”

__________________________________

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.

______________________________

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.

_____________________________________

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.

_________________________________

Cut 16 (00) “…n/a.”

__________________________________________________

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.