Charges against 23-year-old Aaron Hawkins of Baton Rouge have been upgraded to first-degree murder after the death of his five-year-old daughter. BRPD spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says on Wednesday the victim was unresponsive and hospital staff found trauma and bruising on her body. McKneely says the coroner’s report confirmed her cause of death.

Cut 6  (05) “…first-degree murder.” 

Hawkins was being held on cruelty to a juvenile charge after confessing he often disciplined his daughter with a belt.

Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms. CSU Ph.D. candidate Alex DesRosiers (Dee-rose-ee-ay) says we are still currently in a weak La Nina pattern:

Cut 5 (06) “…an intensify.”
This is the third year in row forecasters have called for an “above average” season.

The LHSAA executive committee approved a positioning statement to allow high school student-athletes to profit from name, image, and likeness deals. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says NIL deals are already happening in Louisiana, one of the top girls’ basketball players in the country, Parkway’s Mikalah Williams is endorsing a local attorney…

Cut 15 (10)  “…that’s all it is.”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off today and organizers predict a record-breaking crowd head to Tangipahoa Parish this weekend. Festival spokesperson Donald Lanier says they haven’t been able to have the berry  festival for two years, so they are elated to be back…:

Cut 10 (09) “…everything going on.”
Visit LAstrawberryfestival.com to learn more.