Forecasters say an above average hurricane season is on tap for 2018. Matt Doyle has the story.
Cut 1 (29) “I’m Matt Doyle”
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A bill that would force students who lose TOPS to repay the money is headed to the House floor. Jim Shannon has more.
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jim Shannon”
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Baton Rouge Representative Steve Carter has filed a bill on behalf of the governor’s office that’s designed to prevent hazing on college campuses. Carter says the legislation requires colleges and universities to provide hazing education and prevention during orientation…
Cut 3 (11) “on hazing”
After the meeting, the schools and students would be required to report they had taken the class. Carter says students need to understand the consequences of hazing…
Cut 4 (09) “serious business.”
Carter says the bill also mandates the reporting of hazing incidents and students found in violation of university hazing policies will be suspended or dismissed for at least that semester. All universities in Louisiana would be forced to comply with the new law…
Cut 5 (07) “governor proposed.”
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Colorado State Researchers predict above average activity for the upcoming hurricane season, but nothing like the historic 2017 season that devastated the Gulf. 14 named storms are predicted for this year, below the 17 named storms last year. Dr. Michael Bell says there’s a one in three chance the Gulf Coast gets hit this season.
Cut 6 (08) “thirty percent”
They’re projecting three major hurricanes this year, only half the number suffered in 2017.
Bell says the early predictions are based on a shift away from a particularly brutal La Nina.
Cut 7 (10) “potentially favorable”
There major hurricanes blasted the US last year, costing over 200 billion dollars and hundreds of lives. Bell says it’s highly unlikely we’ll be hit like that this year.
Cut 8 (10) “active season”
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A bill that expands illnesses that medical marijuana can be prescribed for clears a House Committee. State Representative Ted James bill adds Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, muscle spasms, and intractable pain to diagnoses that physicians will be able to prescribe medical marijuana for when it becomes available in Louisiana. James says this legislation will help many with pain and opioid issues…
Cut 9 (08) “save lives.”
The vote for the legislation was 8-to-4 and it now heads to the House floor.
Dr. Will Hall, with the Louisiana Baptist Coalition, warned the committee that not enough research has been done to determine the out-come of increasing the access to medical marijuana.
Cut 10 (:11) “etcetra.”
Hall also argues the pot industry hasn’t come together on a single plant strain they can monitor its effectiveness.
Cut 11 (10) “different intensities so”
James says his motivation is his constituents are leaving the state to go to other states to get medical marijuana, because they have tried the drug and it works.
Cut 12 (08) “will help.”
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A bill that would force students who lose TOPS to repay the value of the scholarship passed a house committee on an eight to five vote. The legislation by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo would charge students who drop out, or lose eligibility while in school. Garofalo says it gives TOPS longevity.
Cut 13 (09) “of time”
The bill would allow the board of regents to determine the repayment process, which could include interest.
New Orleans Representative Joseph Bouie says the bill targets working class students who often times lose eligibility after a few years when bills start piling up.
Cut 14 (11) “to school”
Garofalo says his bill isn’t mean spirited, it’s responsible.
Cut 15 (09) “that gift”
But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson says the bill just doubles down on misery students experience after having to leave school.
Cut 16 (11) “hardship” (2x)
The bill heads to House Appropriations.