Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. Jim Shannon has more on how that affects the state and you. Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon” ______________________________________________ Legislation that would set up statewide rules for ride-sharing services and expand Uber and Lyft to rural areas has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Jeff Palermo has more. Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says they ask residents in affected areas to help reduce emissions Cut 3 (11) “to lunch” Aucoin says those with respiratory problems, whether chronic or acute should try to stay indoors for the duration of warning, as the outside air could be harder to breathe. Cut 4 (11) “expose yourself” Aucoin says if you’d like to stay on top ozone updates, drop by www.deq.louisiana.gov. Cut 5  (10) “your phone” _________________________________________________________ Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. But Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says the rise in crude prices is not jump starting an industry that’s been struggling.. Cut 6 (10)  “seen that” Briggs says numerous lawsuits filed by local governments in south Louisiana seeking money for coastal restoration has had a chilling effect on the industry. Briggs says it’s not all bad as non-direct jobs are on the increase since the prices began going up. Cut 7 (12)  “good thing” Historically, Louisiana oil and gas companies have benefited from higher oil prices. But Briggs says a recent wave of lawsuits by parishes accusing the industry of damaging the wetlands has slowed drilling activity… cut 8 (12) “south Louisiana land” Analyst say the rise in price is two-fold, A strong demand and production limits. _________________________________ A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Lyft Public Policy Manager Jonathan Buckner tried to reassure lawmakers that the service is safe, and offers multiple ways to ensure a trustworthy ride around town. .Cut 9 (11) “you up” The legislation would bring Louisiana in line with 45 other states. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny pushed back against the legislation. He says Uber and Lyft would be under much lighter regulations than cab companies, lacking the more extensive background check for drivers, a CDL license, and expanded insurance. Cut 10 (10) “have to” Martiny says rideshare companies should meet the same requirements as cabbies. Cut 11 (12) “regulating it” _____________________________________ A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer. Cut 12 (10)   “around it” But the bill received opposition from people who were concerned about the constitutional ramifications of allowing a public official to lead a religious ceremony. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds brought up a 1990 case from Nebraska, when contesting Gatti’s bill. Cut 13 (09) “of religion” Edmonds says the legislation has potential to undermine other religious liberty laws that Louisiana has passed. Cut 14 (10)  “already have” Southern University Constitutional Law Professor Michelle Ghetti opposed the legislation, posing a hypothetical where a group of students and teachers got permission to conduct a “Wican” ritual. Cut 15 (14) “their god” Reports say offering up a chicken is not common practice in mainstream Wicca.