New Orleans Democrat Karen Carter Peterson has resigned from the state senate after a 23-years. She’s been public about her struggles with depression and gambling addiction, but the Advocate says she’s under federal investigation. Political analyst says Clancy Dubos says Peterson was the first woman to lead the state’s Democratic Party.

Cut 13 (13) “…domestic violence.”

In Pineville, Cleco Power will make a major economic announcement at noon today. They will be joined by Governor John Bel Edwards and Senator Bill Cassidy; the utility provider will share details on an innovative technology plan for carbon capture and sequestration. Cleco serves approximately 291,000 customers in the Bayou State.

Senate President Page Cortez is proposing to up the fine for speeding on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge to 875-dollars for first offenders. Cortez’s legislation also calls for eight sets of speed limit signs equally spaced on the basin bridge…

Cut 9 (08)  “…high fine.”
The proposal is awaiting a hearing in the Senate Transportation Committee.

A bill to create an Education Savings Accounts (ESA’s) to help parents with funding for school options other than public school heads to House. Louisiana School Superintendents Association executive director Michael Faulk says the state already has a school vouchers program, and this will mean less state funding for local school systems and ESA’s won’t be everything proponents promise…:

Cut 5 (08) “…for a full year.”

The second in command at State Police is on administrative leave as an internal investigation looks into why his cell phone was cleared of data as facts of the 2019 in-custody death of Ronald Greene began coming out. Kevin Gallagher has more from a special House committee looking into Greene’s death…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

The media released footage of Greene’s arrest two years later which shows LSP officers violently beating Greene while he was handcuffed. Greene’s family was originally told he died in a car crash.

New Orleans Democrat Karen Carter Peterson has resigned from the Louisiana Senate, ending a 23-year career in the legislature. Peterson says she needs to focus all of her energy on her struggles with depression and gambling addiction. On Thursday, she spoke about her recovery on the Senate Floor and hopes her battles with addition helps others.

Cut 12 (10) “…with the disease.”

But the Advocate newspaper reports Peterson’s abrupt resignation is because she’s under a federal investigation due to financial issues linked to her gambling.

Senate President Page Cortez files legislation in an effort to reduce wrecks on the 18-mile-long Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Cortez says he’s seen multiple 18-wheelers fail to drive in the righthand lane even though signs are posted, and other vehicles are traveling at high speeds.

Cut 8 (03)  “…do something.”
The bill will increase speeding penalties to up $2,500.

State Police place Lt. Doug Cain on administrative leave. Superintendent Col Lamar Davis issued a statement that Cain is on paid leave pending the ongoing administrative investigation of removing data from his cellphone. Cain is second in command at LSP, and Davis says this is in the best interest to eliminate any question of the integrity of the investigation. Cain was a high-ranking officer during the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and subsequent investigation.

A State Police officer faces charges after allegedly committing a hit-and-run in St. Tammany Parish and falsely reporting one in Orleans. LSP spokesman Sgt. Dustin Dwight says Lt. Chad Lacoste is charged with Malfeasance in Office and Injuring Public Records…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…St. Tammany Parish crash.”

Lacoste is on administrative leave.

A Baton Rouge man, arrested for child abuse, will now be charged with murder after the death of his own daughter. Police says 23-year-old Aaron Hawkins was being held on cruelty to a juvenile, after his 5-year-old child was brought to an ER unresponsive. The investigation is ongoing. BRPD spokesman L’Jean McKneely says it could have been prevented and asks that we all call law enforcement if we suspect abuse.

CUT 08  (10)        “to investigate.”

Marrero Senator Patrick Connick’s bill to put Louisiana in line with other states name, image, and likeness laws heads to the Senate Floor. When NIL legislation passed last year, they thought the NCAA would establish nationwide regulations, but that never happened. Connick says Louisiana needs to have its NIL laws match other SEC states…

Cut 14 (04)  “..same folks.”

State Police place Lt. Doug Cain on administrative leave. Superintendent Col Lamar Davis issued a statement that Cain is on paid leave pending the ongoing administrative investigation of removing data from his cellphone. Cain is second in command at LSP, and Davis says this is in the best interest to eliminate any question of the integrity of the investigation. Cain was a high-ranking officer during the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and subsequent investigation.

Charges against 23-year-old Aaron Hawkins of Baton Rouge have been upgraded to first-degree murder after the coroner ruled the death of his five-year-old daughter was consistent with bruising and trauma on her body.  BRPD Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the case remains under investigation.

Cut 7 (11) “…additional arrests.” 

Louisiana is under a “red flag warning” today for fire conditions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says that means conditions are ideal for small fires to get out of control. Keim says our current weather conditions have produced an increased risk of fire danger

Cut 3 (12) “.higher gusts”

Keim says advises against outdoor burning today due to the low humidity and windy conditions.

The 50^th Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is underway. After a two-year absence because of COVID organizers are expecting record-breaking crowds.

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.

Third judicial District Attorney John Belton says he’s moving forward with convening a special grand jury in Union Parish to prosecute those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he delayed prosecution at the request of the U-S Attorney, but now has been given permission to move forwards. Belton says he believes state and federal crimes were committed.

Colorado State University releases its predictions for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Researchers at Baton Rouge’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center identify a chemical compound that COULD be an anti-aging breakthrough. Pennington’s Christopher Axelrod says the recently discovered compound – called BAM15 – prevented age-related muscle loss in older lab mice, by actually making mitochondria in their bodies less efficient…:

Cut 7 (11) “…the mitochondria healthier.”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is back, and they are expecting records crowds for its 50^th anniversary. Spokesperson Donald Lanier says the last two years have been difficult without the strawberry festival not only for the nonprofits that depend on revenue from the event but for local businesses as well.

Cut  11 (06)  “…the year.”  

The festival begins today at noon and wraps up Sunday at 6 pm.

Colorado State University releases its predictions for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms. Jeff Palermo has more,

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

____________________________________

Researchers in Baton Rouge discover a natural substance that COULD be an anti-aging breakthrough. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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After a two-year absence organizers are chomping at the berry for things to get underway at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________

Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season for 2022, with 19 named storms. CSU Ph.D. candidate Alex DesRosiers (Dee-rose-ee-ay) says they are forecasting that nine of those named storms will develop into hurricanes of which four could be major.

Cut 4 (10)  “…likes to see.”

DesRosiers says one reason they are predicting another above-average season is that we are still currently in a weak La Nina pattern which plays a factor with wind shear.

Cut 5 (06) “…an intensify.”

And DesRosiers says the chances that things will change to an El Nino pattern by hurricane season are exceedingly low.

Another similarity to last season, DeRosiers says is warm water temperatures in the Caribbean and also in the subtropical Atlantic. He says typically when you see warm waters in the subtropical Atlantic in April that leads to a warmer main development region in the peak season.

Cut 6 (08)  “…for you.”

Hurricane season runs from June 1^st to November 30th.

_______________________________________

Researchers at Baton Rouge’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center identify a chemical compound that COULD be an anti-aging breakthrough. Pennington Center’s Christopher Axelrod says the recently discovered compound – called BAM15 – prevented age-related muscle loss in older lab mice, by actually making mitochondria in their bodies less efficient…:

Cut 7 (11) “…the mitochondria healthier.”

Axelrod says BAM15 – which he calls a “mitochondrial uncoupler” – cannot actually reverse aging, but their research on geriatric mice indicates it could be useful in helping humans live better lives as they grow old…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…made them age healthier.”

Axelrod says, in human applications, BAM15 could prevent age-related obesity and/or age-related muscle loss and even reduce inflammation in older persons. He says the research continues, but the possibilities for improving the quality of life for seniors are significant…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…healthier, longer lives.”

________________________________________

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off at noon today, and after a two-year absence due to the pandemic organizers are chomping at the berry to get things underway. For the 50^th Anniversary, this year spokesperson Donald Lanier says everyone is excited to see this Louisiana staple return.

Cut 10 (09) “…everything going on.”

The festival returns as the state is also experiencing a bountiful strawberry crop this season.

Lanier says the last two years have been difficult without the strawberry festival not only for the nonprofits that depend on revenue from the festival but for local businesses as well.

Cut  11 (06)  “…the year.”  

The festival at Memorial Park runs from noon until 10:30 Friday night and then things get underway on Saturday at 9 am with a parade at 9:30 and continue until 11 pm. Sunday things kick off with a church service at 9 am and the festival wraps at 6 pm. Lanier says they’ll have plenty of all types of music, food, rides, games, and crafts.

The Ponchatoula festival is one of the state’s largest free events, second only to Mardi Gras. In the past with festival would compete with French Quarter Festival in New Orleans but not this year. And after a two year-absence, Lanier says they are expecting record-breaking crowds this weekend, anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 people.

Cut 12 (04) “…out here.”

For more information visit LAstrawberryfestival.com.

___________________________________________________

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 the association has also entered a partnership with Eccker sports to provide educational NIL services…

Cut 13 (10) “…learning tool”

Bonine says the LHSAA will not stand in the way of a student receiving endorsement money, but Eccker can help a student-athlete if they decide to negotiate an N-I-L deal

Cut 14 (07)  “…see the money.”

Bonine says NIL deals are already happening in Louisiana. He says 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 19th ranked LSU baseball team is in Starkville this weekend taking on the defending national champion Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams are 4-and-5 in SEC play, but the Dawgs are not ranked. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson still considers State one of the top teams in the country…

Cut 16 (22)  “…to be successful.”

The Tigers are coming off a 16-3 midweek win over Grambling. The Bayou Bengals had a season-high 18 hits and Johnson hopes the bats stay hot this weekend…

Cut 17 (18) “ …needed to do” 

LSU continues to struggle in the field with errors and leaving runners on base. Johnson says his team is constantly working to get better

Cut 18 (24) “ …improving.” 

 ###

Cut 19 (20) _“…how it goes.” 

Cut 20 (16) “ …those plays.” 

District Attorney John Belton told a special House Committee he’ll assemble a grand jury in Union Parish to see if criminal charges should be handed down against the state troopers involved in the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he believes state and federal crimes were committed…
cut 7 (07) “…above the law”
Belton held off on pursuing charges at the request of the U-S Attorney’s office which has given him permission to move forward.

Adults recruiting juveniles to commit carjackings would be illegal under legislation approved unanimously by the Louisiana House. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says he wants to hold adults accountable for a crime that’s creating fear in the city he loves…
Cut 3 (12) “..our parish”
The measure heads to the Senate.

The Senate Education Committee advances a bill that would ban persons born male from competing in women’s sports. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell brought the bill again after it was vetoed by Governor Edwards last year. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson says she understands the bill’s intent to head off potential problems with unfairness for female athletes…:
Cut 12 (14) “…out of their ranking.”
Last month, the world saw transgender swimmer Lia Thomas win an NCAA title. Forum for Equality executive director Sarah Jane Guidry called the bill too far-reaching…
Cut 13 (12) “…to play sports.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Third judicial District attorney Ronald Belton tells state lawmakers he’s moving forward with convening a special grand jury in Union Parish to prosecute those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he delayed prosecution at the request of the U-S Attorney, but he received clearance from federal prosecutors last week to pursue charges.

Cut 6  (07) “…appropriate charges” 

Lake Charles Police announce the arrest of 11 individuals for their role in the death of six-year-old Draya Guillory who was fatally shot as she watched TV in her home on March 20th. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell they found evidence of an ongoing argument via social media that led to the shooting in the 1400 block of Mill Street.

Cut 10 (03)  “…that residence.”

Bonds on some of those arrested are as high as $2.5 million and more arrests are anticipated.

Adults recruiting juveniles to commit carjackings would be illegal under legislation approved unanimously by the Louisiana House. Bill author New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says violators would face sentencing between five and 20 years. But Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the recruitment of juveniles to commit carjackings is already illegal…

Cut 4  (09) “…do that”

On the House Floor Wednesday, Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel continued to make her case for HB 234, which would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana while driving or riding in a motor vehicle on public highways…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…while it’s operating.”
The bill passed the House on a 66-31 vote and now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. Bill author New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial, but Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews expressed concern the ban could have a negative impact on public safety…

Cut 4  (10) “…person.”

Louisiana is receiving $40 million in federal grant funding for flood mitigation. It’s part of the “Swift Current” initiative that’s funded by President Biden’s Infrastructure law that’s allocating $60 million to four states impacted by Hurricane Ida. FEMA spokesperson Melissa Wilkins says the money will assist disaster survivors whose homes flood repeatedly.

Cut 9 (10) “…Hurricane Ida.”

For more information go to grants.gov

Congresswoman Julia Letlow met with VA Secretary Denis McDonough Tuesday after a report recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville. Letlow says she will continue to meet with decision-makers about the hospital to keep the facility open.

Cut 8 (09) “…the region.” 

Nicholls State University says next fall they will have the state’s first pet-friendly dormitory for students. Pets will be limited to cats or dogs and there are no breed or weight restrictions. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says the response has been positive…
Cut 8 (10) “…another building.”
Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall and there are also plans to build a dog park near the residence hall.