Governor Edwards tells the Senate Energy Committee that he wants the Biden Administration this summer to lift the moratorium on new lease sales for oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Jeff Palermo has more

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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The state health department says as a result of new CDC guidance, anyone 12 years of age and up can receive Pfizer’s Covid vaccine. Taylor Sharp has more.

Cut 2 (30) …I’mTaylor Sharp.”  

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Governor Edwards asked the Biden Administration to lift the moratorium on new oil and gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and also wants the federal government to increase the tax revenue Louisiana receives for offshore production. Edwards told the Senate Energy Committee the oil royalties are used on coastal restoration…

Cut 3 (12)  “…single year” 

Edwards says it’s imperative to restore Louisiana’s coast to combat the effects of climate change. He also says it’s important for the federal government to lift the moratorium on lease sales. The governor requests that the pause be lifted this summer to help an industry that employs 250-thousand Louisianans…

Cut 4 (10) “…and their families 

Edwards says the United States will never get away from oil production, but investments are being made in Louisiana to produce alternative forms of energy, including wind, but the ongoing lease sale moratorium is hurting that effort…

Cut 5  (12)  “…many people”

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A House committee approves legislation that would allow either chamber of the Legislature to fully terminate or modify an emergency declaration by the Governor on a majority vote.

Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman says the legislation is not an attack on Governor Edwards’ current powers but sets the stage for future pandemic responses…

Cut 6 (12) “…we’ve had”

The legislation would take effect in 2024.

Opponents took issue with the fact that only one chamber would have these sweeping powers during an emergency. Frieman says requiring both chambers would make the bill pointless.

Cut 7 (06) “…anything.”

Frieman says under his bill lawmakers could edit existing emergency declarations, meaning federal Stafford Act funds would not be impacted.

New Orleans Representative Candace Newell (New-elle) opposed the bill. She says the Legislature is not equipped to respond to disasters in the same way the Governor is.

Cut 8 (11) “…here”

The final vote was 7-5.

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Beginning today the second Louisiana-themed episode of Restaurant Recovery airs on Discovery Plus. It’s the brainchild of Raising Cane’s CEO Todd Graves who assisted ten eateries impacted by the pandemic downturn. Graves along with Saints Receiver Michael Thomas helped New Orleans’s legendary Domilise’s Po-Boys.

Cut 9 (09) “…same thing”

Archie Manning a Domilise’s regular also appears.

The series also features Baton Rouge staple Poor Boy Lloyd’s, who lost the majority of their customers when downtown businesses worked remotely. Graves says the owners went into credit card debt to pay their own employees.

Cut 10 (09) “…felt good.” 

Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal appears in the Poor Boy Lloyd’s episode to assist with marketing.

The best advice Graves has for struggling restaurants is proper marketing and advertising. He says reminding existing and potentially new customers of your business is vital to keeping the door opens.

Cut 11 (09) “…go eat”

Graves says the series has also been picked up by the Cooking Channel and will be served up primetime every Tuesday during the month of June.

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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. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this is a step in the right direction.

Cut 12 (12)   “…semester” 

For a person younger than 18, parental consent is needed to get the shot.  Dr. Kanter says parents questioning whether or not their child should receive the vaccine, should seek professional advice.

Cut 13 (08)“…than later”

Kanter vaccine hesitancy is a major issue for state health officials but he hopes the expansion of the Pfizer vaccine to 12 to 15 year-olds can help show this vaccine is proven to be safe and effective in reducing cases, hospitalizations, and deaths…

Cut 14 (08) “..to be” 

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

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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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.”  

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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” 

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. 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. Even one of the most conservative members of the House voted for it, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh,…

Cut 5  (10)  “…incarcerate em.”

Shreveport, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans have already passed local ordinances that decriminalized convictions for small marijuana possessions. The legislation heads to the Senate for more discussion.

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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”

The bill provides a list of what qualifies as a “crime against the child” including assault, kidnapping, and criminal neglect. Abita Springs representative Larry Frieman asked Hughes why not eliminate the prescriptive period.

Cut 7 (10) “…governers desk.”

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”

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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”

The American Academy of Pediatrics has already issued a statement in favor of 12- to 15-year-olds receiving the vaccine. Dr. Lennarz says while yes children are less likely to become extremely ill COVID compared to adults however they are not completely immune to the virus.

Cut 10 (11) “…syndrome 

Due to the cold storage required for the Pfizer vaccine Ochsner Health says the vaccine will not be available at their pediatric clinics, however, Dr. Lennarz says there are convenient locations for all ages to be vaccinated.

Cut 11 (05) “…vaccine”

Officials with Ochsner Health say they are ready to begin vaccinating the new age group within 24 hours of the Louisiana Department of Health guidance.

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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” 

The bill passed by one vote and heads to the Senate.

House Republican Caucus Chairman Blake Miguez opposes the bill. He says passage would make it more difficult to recruit law enforcement officers.

Cut 13 (12)“…good actors”

The legislation is the result of a police reform task force that was formed after last year’s George Floyd Protests. The task force included community, legislative, and law enforcement leaders.

Baton Rouge Representative Ted James took issue with some of his colleagues’ accusations that this bill would lead to frivolous lawsuits against officers.

Cut 14 (09) “..it is” 

The bill was amended to include language requiring anyone who loses a qualified immunity lawsuit against an office to pay all court costs and attorney fees. Bill supporters call it a poison pill and will attempt to remove it in the Senate.