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.

A grand jury has declined to indict the Lafayette Police officers who fatally shot 31-year-old Trayford Pellerin as he attempted to enter a Circle K store. Video evidence appears to show Pellerin holding a knife as he ignored commands from the officers who were following him. District Attorney Don Landry says Pellerin threatened to stab officers earlier in the incident and the officers showed restraint by waiting as long as they did to shoot…
Cut 11 (11) “….hindsight.”
An attorney representing the Pellerin family say he didn’t deserve to die for failing to comply with officers.

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.

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services announces a second round of Pandemic E-B-T benefits are coming to eligible Louisiana children. Students are eligible if they would normally receive free or reduced-price meals at schools, but didn’t receive them because classes were not held at the school. Shavanna Howard says they expect the first round of cards will be mailed out to eligible families next month…
cut 5 (09) “….school year”
Schools will report to D-C-F-S which students meet the criteria, so no need to apply.

It’s that time of year again, termites begin to swarm especially in south Louisiana. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says you can turn off outside lights and clean and repair gutters on your home to prevent termites, but the most important prevention method might be…
Cut 15 (07)“…moisture.”

The state House has approved a bill that would decriminalize possession of a small amount of marijuana. 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 legislation that passed the House removes the possibility of jail time for possession of small amounts. The proposal still needs Senate approval.

A grand jury declines to indict the Lafayette Police officers who fatally shot Trayford Pellerin…
cut 3 (30) “…Matt Doyle”

The state Department of Children and Family Services receives approval to issue a second round of Pandemic EBT benefits to eligible families. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says distribution this time will be different than before.
Cut 4 (10)“…priced meals.”
Students are eligible to receive P-EBT if they would normally receive free or reduced priced meals, but haven’t because their school is fully virtual or on a hybrid learning schedule due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy says the C-D-C is dragging its feet when it comes to revising its masking and other COVID-19 guidance. He says changing the mask guidelines could encourage those who are vaccine-hesitant to get a shot, especially if they want to travel…
cut 9 (08) “….credibility”

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”
Body camera video shows Pellerin attempting to enter a gas station with a knife. He was repeatedly asked to drop the knife. Two officers also deployed tasers before he was fatally shot. Pellerin family attorney Ron Haley says Pellerin was experiencing a mental health crisis and likely fled from police because of where the country was at that point….
cut 13 (13) “….enforcement”

The Louisiana House has passed a bill that would decriminalize possession of marijuana. The vote was 67-25 in favor. If the Senate approves the bill, a person found with a small amount of marijuana would be charged with a misdemeanor, instead of a felony.

A second round of Pandemic EBT cards for students that receive free or reduced-priced meals normally at school will begin going out next month. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A second round of Pandemic EBT cards for students that receive free or reduced-priced meals normally at school will begin going out next month. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy encourages parents of children ages 12 and older to get their kids vaccinated. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

____________________________

A Lafayette grand jury decides against charging any of the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Trayford Pellerin last August. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

____________________________

The Department of Children and Family Services receives approval to issue a second round of Pandemic EBT benefits to eligible families. DCFS Assistant Secretary Shavana Howard says distribution this time will be different than before.

Cut 4 (10)“…priced meals.”

Eligible students in hybrid learning will receive $48 a month and those who had full virtual learning will receive $120 a month.

Howard says they expect the first round of cards will be mailed out to each eligible student in June.

Cut 5 (09)“…school year.”

If you fail to receive your P-EBT card in the mail, Howard says to contact your local school to check that you are on the list to receive benefits. Another difference besides not having to apply this time….

Cut 6 (09) “…eligible students.”

Howard says the P-EBT program is to assist with meals that recipients normally would have received if eligible students attended school in person.

__________________________________

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is now approved for use in children aged 12 and above and Senator Bill Cassidy strongly encourages parents to take advantage of this development.

Cassidy says most children do not suffer severe effects from COVID-19, but that’s no reason not to have your child immunized.

Cut 7 (09)  “…a grandparent..”

Cassidy says getting your kids vaccinated means they can safely see their grandparents again. He says many elderly residents haven’t seen their grandchildren in over a year…

Cut 8 (09) “…dinner.” 

Cassidy also had some criticism for the CDC. He says their outdated policies on masking and travel rob them of the credibility needed to encourage those who are vaccine-hesitant to get a shot.

Cut 9 (08) “…credibility.”

______________________________

A Lafayette grand jury declines to indict the officers who fatally shot Trayford Pellerin last August.

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.”

Extended video of the incident was released by Landry. It shows Pellerin walking into a gas station, standing around, and staring blankly for over ten minutes. Eventually, he appears to go looking for someone who isn’t there, begins shouting, tosses a drink, draws a knife, and exits the store. As he walks down the street with a knife he’s confronted by officers, shouts at the officers and threatens them while retreating, and is eventually shot multiple times as he attempts to enter another gas station.

Landry says Pellerin threatened to stab officers earlier in the incident and those officers showed restraint by waiting as long as they did to shoot him.

Cut 11 (11) “….hindsight.”

Pellerin Family Attorney Ronald Haley says Pellerin had committed no crime other than failing to comply before he was shot to death. He calls the decision extremely disappointing.

Cut 12 (08) “…this country.”

Haley says Pellerin was clearly experiencing a mental health crisis and likely fled from police in part because of where the country was at that point.

Cut 13 (13) “…enforcement.”

_____________________________________

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 says you can turn off outside lights and clean and repair gutters on your home to prevent termites, but the most important prevention method might be…

Cut 15 (07)“…moisture.”

In addition to eliminating moisture, Strain says taking care of wood around your house is also key in termite prevention.

Cut 16 (10) “…your home.”

Strain also stresses the importance of getting your house tested by a licensed professional.

The House approves a tax and fee structure for sports betting. The legislation calls for a ten-percent tax on the net proceeds of an operator for on-premise sports wagering and an 18-percent tax on net proceeds from mobile betting. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill also allows the Louisiana Lottery to oversee sports betting at bars and restaurants, where alcohol is served

Cut 9 (10) “…kiosk”

Stefanski says most of the tax money from bets placed at kiosks run by the Louisiana Lottery will go towards education…

Cut 10 (09) “.in children 

Voters in 55 of the state’s 64 parishes approved sports betting.

The House approves legislation that would roll back the use of non-compete clauses for doctors.

An effort to end the use of nearly unpaid involuntary servitude in Louisiana prisons was defeated in committee. Bill author Brusly Representative Edmond Jordan contended the current practice is tantamount to slavery, and cited the fact it’s only allowed under the state’s “slavery exception” for convicted criminals. The effort failed 9-5 with some opponents arguing that because the 13^th Amendment also includes the prison work exception the legislation would have no effect.

The National Federation of Independent Businesses is calling on lawmakers to roll back federally enhanced unemployment benefits as state businesses begin reopening only to find a critical lack of workers.  Louisiana NFIB Director Dawn McVea says labor shortages are impeding economic recovery.

Cut 7 (09)  “…usually is.”

Opponents argue if businesses are having troubling hiring right now it’s because their pay is too low. (5-11-2021 AM)

New Orleans Democrat Troy Carter was sworn in this after as the state’s newest Congressman. Carter will represent New Orleans in the U-S House, along with portions of the River Parishes and the Baton Rouge area. He says his district has a lot of needs…COVID recovery, economic development, infrastructure investment, criminal justice reform, education, and environmental justice.

Cut 13 (10)“…being addressed”

Gas prices will most likely increase nationwide after a cyber-attack shut down the Colonial Pipeline, one of the nation’s largest fuel veins. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says Louisiana likely won’t be as impacted as other states due to our local production but to the east of us…

Cut 6 (11) “…gallon.”

The pipeline carries fuel from Texas up to the East Coast.

The Louisiana House has passed legislation that puts in place the fee and tax structure for sports betting. Crowley Representative John Stefanski’s bill also allows the Louisiana Lottery to oversee sports betting at bars and restaurants, where alcohol is served.

Cut 9 (10) “…kiosk”

A bill to allow Louisiana consumers to have their favorite wine shipped directly from the manufacturer passes in the House. Larose Representative Joseph Orgeron says due to the current law wineries can’t ship directly to consumers because of an agreement with wholesalers and retailers hinders them from shipping most of their product to Louisiana.

Cut 5  (11)  “…ship to Louisiana.”

Opponents say it will hurt local retailers. The measure passed 53-40 and now heads to the Senate.