More Louisiana students are graduating high school than ever before. Education Superintendent John White says the graduation rate is up to 77 percent, which is a result of the state’s hard work to increase the number of graduates and the education levels of those grads.

Cut 8 (09) “in our system”

Over 35-hundred more students graduated this school year than in 2012.

The LSU AgCenter is one step closer to producing the state’s first medical marijuana, as the Board of Supervisors agrees to award the contract to GB Sciences. Head of the AgCenter, Dr. Bill Richardson, says they’re still working to finalize the contract.

Cut 3 (10) “30 days”

LSU and Southern are the only institutions allowed to grow cannabis in the state.

A former employee at the Secretary of State’s office has been arrested for possession of child pornography on his state issued computer. State Trooper Michael Reichardt says 79-year-old Bruce Barron of Farmerville has a $25-thousand bond.

Cut 13 (04) “of course”

Barron is charged with one count of possession of child pornography involving juveniles.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inducts 8 new members this Saturday night. President and CEO Ronnie Rantz says NFL and LSU star Eddie Kennison of Lake Charles will be honored along with Ed Reed, who had a 12 year NFL career.

Cut 11 (10) “famers”

127 people were nominated.

Multiple reports say Congressman Steve Scalise of Jefferson Parish is no longer in the ICU.

A 79-year-old former Secretary of State employee has been arrested for possession of child pornography on his state issued computer. Trooper Michael Reichardt with State Police says they were contacted by the Secretary of State’s Office reporting that Bruce Barron of Farmerville had suspicious activity on his work computer.
Cut 12 (07) “arrested”

LSU and Southern University are the only institutions allowed to grow cannabis in the state as the LSU board of supervisors awarded the medical marijuana to GB Sciences Inc out of Las Vegas. LSU Ag Center head Dr. Bill Richardson says they aren’t going to be just another weed grower. He says there is a great potential for research..
Cut 4 (10) “community”

State Education Superintendent John White says more Louisiana students are graduating than ever as 35-hundred more students graduate in 2016 than in 2012. He says we’re moving towards greater graduation rates and higher levels of education for kids who graduate from high school.
Cut 7 (09) “graduation rate”

Out of 127 individuals nominated, eight distinguished athletes will be inducted tomorrow at the 2017 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Hall of Fame CEO and President Ronnie Rantz says out of the 8, two time first team all American at LSU in 1988 and 89, David Toms of Monroe is one of the best golfers to come out of the state.
Cut 10 (10) “younger.”
Some other inductees include, DD Breaux and Ed Reed.

The LSU board of supervisors accepted a recommendation to award the medical marijuana project to Las Vegas-based GB Sciences Inc. Emelie Gunn reports…:

Cut 1 (29) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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State Education Superintendent John White announces Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is higher than ever at 77%. Halen Doughty has more…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

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The LSU board of supervisors accepted a recommendation to award the medical marijuana project to Las Vegas-based GB Sciences Inc. When finalized, LSU Ag Center head Dr. Bill Richardson says it could mean $3.4 million over five years, or 10% of gross receipts, whichever is higher. He says they are still working through some financial arrangements…:

Cut 3 (10) “in the next 30 days”

LSU and Southern University are the only institutions allowed to grow cannabis in the state. Richardson says they aren’t going to be just another weed grower. He says one of the most exciting things about this partnership is the research potential…:

Cut 4  (10) “medical community”

GB Sciences CEO John Poss says they are honored, excited, and humbled by this opportunity, especially for new research. He says GB Sciences is dedicated to the science of cannabis, and they are not a pot company..:

Cut 5  (10)  “those mysteries”

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At 77%, more Louisiana students are graduating high school than ever before. That’s according to state Education Superintendent John White, who says this year’s graduating class maintained record gains made by the class of 2015.

Cut 6 (11) “entered college”

White says more than 3,500 more students graduated in 2016 than in 2012. He says as a state we’re moving towards greater graduation rates and higher levels of education for students who graduate from high school.

Cut 7 (09)  “graduation rate”

White says 43 percent of the graduating class earned college credits or industry-based credentials, and 2,500 more graduates qualified for TOPS than the class of 2012. He says these gains are the result of the state’s work to increase the number of graduates and to increase the education levels of those grads.

Cut 8 (09) “in our system”

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Eight distinguished athletes will be honored Saturday night as they are inducted into the 2017 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Hall of Fame CEO and President Ronnie Rantz says this is a very diverse class. He says some remarkable people are being honored this weekend, one being LSU’s longtime gymnastics coach.

Cut 9 (08)  “winner”

There were 127 individuals nominated. Rantz says former Southeastern Louisiana basketball star C.A. Core and former LSU and Nicholls State coach Ray Didier are being inducted posthumously. He adds two time first team All American at LSU in 1988 and 1989, David Toms of Monroe is one of the best golfers to come out of Louisiana and is also being inducted.

Cut 10 (10) “was younger”

Rantz says baseball star from Alexandra, Juan Pierre will be welcomed into the Hall of Fame after being a leadoff hitting outfield who played 14 seasons in the majors. He also says NFL and LSU star Eddie Kennison of Lake Charles will be honored along with Ed Reed, who had a 12 year NFL career…

Cut 11 (10) “famers”

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A 79-year-old former Secretary of State employee has been arrested for possession of child pornography on his state issued computer. Trooper Michael Reichardt with State Police says they were contacted by the Secretary of State’s Office reporting that Bruce Barron of Farmerville had suspicious activity on his work computer.

Cut 12 (07) “arrested”

Reichardt says Barron has been charged with one count of possession of child pornography involving juveniles. He says Barron’s bond was set at 25-thousand dollars.

Cut 13 (04) “of course”

Reichardt says Barron was booked into the Union Parish Correctional Center. He says the department also took immediate action against Barron…:

Cut 14 (05) “of state”

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State Education Superintendent John White announces Louisiana’s high school graduation rate is higher than ever. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”

State Police say a 79-year-old employee of the Secretary of State’s Department is under arrest for allegedly having child pornography on his state issued computer. They say Bruce Barron of Farmerville was reported, fired than later charged by investigators when they located the material on the hard drive. Bond is $25,000.

LSU is at this hour working to to move one step closer to the College World Series Finals as the Tigers are playing Oregon State. The Tigers must defeat The Beavers today and again on Saturday in order to advance to the CWS Finals. If Oregon State wins Friday’s game, LSU is eliminated from the CWS, and the Beavers advance to play in the final.

The LSU board of supervisors accepted a recommendation to award the medical marijuana project to Las Vegas-based GB Sciences Inc. When finalized, LSU Ag Center head Dr. Bill Richardson says it could mean $3.4 million over five years, or 10% of gross receipts, whichever is higher. GB Sciences CEO John Poss says they are dedicated to the science of cannabis, and they are not a pot company..:
Cut 5 (10) “those mysteries”
They hope to have a contract approved within 30 days.

The LSU board of supervisors accepted a recommendation to award the medical marijuana project to Las Vegas-based GB Sciences Inc. Emelie Gunn reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

More Louisiana students are graduating high school than ever before. That’s according to state Education Superintendent John White…:
Cut 6 (11) “entered college”

Eight distinguished athletes will be honored Saturday night as they are inducted into the 2017 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Hall of Fame CEO and President Ronnie Rantz says this is a very diverse class which includes LSU’s longtime gymnastics coach..:
Cut 9 (08) “winner”
He says David Toms of Monroe is one of the best golfers to come out of Louisiana. NFL and LSU star Eddie Kennison of Lake Charles will be honored along with Ed Reed, who had a 12 year NFL career. He says baseball star from Alexandra Juan Pierre will also be included. Former Southeastern Louisiana basketball star C.A. Core and former LSU and Nicholls State coach Ray Didier are being inducted posthumously.

The LSU board of supervisors accepted a recommendation to award the medical marijuana project to Las Vegas-based GB Sciences Inc. When finalized, LSU Ag Center head Dr. Bill Richardson says it could mean $3.4 million over five years, or 10% of gross receipts, whichever is higher. He says they are still working through some financial arrangements…:
Cut 3 (10) “in the next 30 days”
LSU and Southern University are the only institutions allowed to grow cannabis in the state.

With little discussion and no objections, the LSU board also approved an increase in student fees. The 5% hike would amount to about $270 per student, and the school hopes it would raise $14 million dollars to pay raises and cover other expenses. The TOPS program does not cover the fee increase which would go into effect in the fall.

Today at 2pm, LSU will take on No. 1 Oregon State in Omaha..and if the Tigers win they play an elimination game against The Beavers tomorrow. Alex Lange, a Chicago Cubs first-round draft pick is starting on the mound and hopes the Tigers can get off to a good start…:
Cut 15 (13) “for the pitcher”
The game can be seen on ESPN.

The 67th Annual Ruston Peach Festival begins today at noon. Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Judy Copeland says all food vendors are required to have a least one item on their menu with peaches…:
Cut 25 (06) “probably here”
Tonight the The Chee-Weez perform, tomorrow Uncle Kracker.

LSU and No.1 Oregon State play today in the College World Series. With a win, the Tigers will force an elimination game against the Beavers on Saturday. With a loss, the 2017 LSU baseball season will come to an end. The Tigers will start All-SEC pitcher Alex Lange, who says he’s ready to go.

Cut 13 (10) “gonna be fun”

First pitch is at 2 p.m.

After spending 36 years in Angola, John Floyd is finally free. Deputy Director of the Innocence Project New Orleans, Richard Davis, says Floyd was wrongfully convicted of murder after he confessed. He says Floyd has a severe mental impairment.

Cut 12 (07) “property”

Davis says Floyd was set free after new forensic evidence was found in the case.

Five people from Ascension Parish are behind bars after a man was found beaten and locked in the trunk of his car. Authorities say last week one of the suspects lured the victim to a residence, where he was beaten, robbed, and locked in the trunk of his car. The suspects then allegedly drove the vehicle to Convent and abandoned it on Highway 70. All five suspects face a slew of charges.

The 67^th Annual Peach Festival in Ruston is underway. Jeff Palermo has more on what it has to offer…

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

John Floyd, an Angola inmate, is now free after 36 years in prison. Emelie Gunn has more…:
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

LSU seeks to move one step closer to the College World Series Finals when the Tigers face Oregon State at 2 today. The Tigers must defeat The Beavers today and again on Saturday in order to advance to the CWS Finals. If Oregon State wins Friday’s game, LSU is eliminated from the CWS, and the Beavers advance to play in the final beginning on Monday against either Florida or TCU.

Do you know if your vehicle has a recall? According to the National Safety Council, Louisiana has the third highest rate of open recalls in the country, and they’ve launched a way you can find out. President and CEO Deborah Hersman says recalls are not to be taken likely and it’s very easy to check online at CheckToProtect.org…:
Cut 8 (10) “your door”
She says Louisiana has the third highest rate of open recalls in the country.

Festival lovers from all over the state will be flocking to Ruston this weekend for the ever popular Peach Festival. Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Judy Copeland says folks come for the food and great entertainment, but other events that take place outside the festival bring in a big crowd…:
Cut 6 (08) “as well”
Copeland says about 23-thousand people come to the festival each year.

The LSU Board of Supervisors voted to increase student fees, which aren’t covered by TOPS, beginning this fall. It would raise about $14 million dollars annually, they said. Members also took a step Thursday that would get the LSU AgCenter closer to hiring a Nevada-based company to run the state’s medical marijuana program.

Today’s LSU baseball game in the College World Series is another win or go home as the Tigers take on No. 1 Oregon State. LSU hopes starting pitcher Alex Lange can go deep today as they are running low on starters in Omaha with injured Eric Walker out. Lange says he knows the bull pen needs to step it up…:
Cut 14 (11) “deep in the game”
If LSU wins they’ll play the Beavers again tomorrow, but the season is over if they lose. First pitch is 2pm.

The Check to Protect Campaign is underway as the National Safety Council hopes to get motorists to check for open recalls. Halen Doughty has more:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Halen Doughty”

The 67th Annual Ruston Peach Festival begins today at noon. Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Judy Copeland says all food vendors are required to have a least one item on their menu with peaches…:
Cut 4 (06) “probably here”
Tonight the The Chee-Weez perform, tomorrow Uncle Kracker.

A man imprisoned for 36 years is free again after a federal judge threw out his murder conviction and life sentence for a murder in New Orleans. Attorney for the Innocence Project in New Orleans, Richard Davis, says John Floyd plans to spend his days of freedom working on a farm in the Lafayette area with a businessman he met during his time at Angola..:
Cut 11 (08) “5th circuit”
He says Floyd’s trial was not constitutional at the time.

Today at 2pm, LSU will take on No. 1 Oregon State in Omaha..and if the Tigers win they play an elimination game against The Beavers tomorrow. Alex Lange, a Chicago Cubs first-round draft pick is starting on the mound and hopes the Tigers can get off to a good start…:
Cut 15 (13) “for the pitcher”
The game can be seen on ESPN.

The National Safety Council has launched a vehicle recall campaign to allow motorists to enter in their VIN number to determine if a there has been a manufacturer recall on the vehicle. President and CEO Deborah Hersman says Louisiana has the third highest rate of open recalls in the country…:
Cut 7 (10) “open recalls”
She says one in four vehicles on the road in Louisiana have an open recall.

The 67th Annual Ruston Peach Festival begins today at noon. Ruston Lincoln Chamber of Commerce President Judy Copeland says a favorite for festival-goers, aside from all the yummy peach dishes, is the great live music on Friday and Saturday nights…:
Cut 5 (09) “at 10”
Uncle Kracker is the headliner for Saturday night.