Governor Edwards is calling for three televised debates against his GOP gubernatorial rivals sometime after the 1st of September. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Democratic governor is clearly confident in his record, and isn’t planning on playing defense.

Cut 12 (09) “…candidates”

One challenger, Congressman Ralph Abraham, is calling for six, one in each Congressional District. The other, Eddie Rispone, says he likes the idea of three debates.

The Louisiana Public Service Commission will host a meeting tomorrow in Baton Rouge with telephone companies to talk about an influx in “robo-calls.” Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says some of these calls are fraudulent and want to steal information. He says anyone who gets these calls should contact the public service commission…

Cut 11 (09) “…stop it.”

In Ruston The Monroe Newstar is reporting that two people are dead after a tornado ripped thru the Louisiana Tech Campus early this morning. The two fatalities have not yet been identified and classes have been canceled for the day. Rushton Mayor Ronny Walker says most of the damage occurred along Tech Drive and the cypress Springs subdivision south of Interstate 20.

The LSU AgCenter will begin using zebrafish to research the effect different compounds derived from cannabis has on epileptic seizures. Matt Doyle talked to the AgCenter researcher who created the study…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

Two Tigers are expected to start their NFL careers tonight in the first round of the NFL draft. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The LSU AgCenter will begin using zebrafish to research the effect different compounds derived from canabis has on epileptic seizures. Matt Doyle talked to the AgCenter researcher who created the study…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Governor Edwards is calling for three televised debates with his opponents in the governor’s race.  Connor Ferrill has more.

Cut 3 (31) “I’m Connor Ferrill”

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The House Agriculture Committee will hear a bill today that would legalize, and regulate the growth of industrial hemp in Louisiana.  The product was OK’d by the USDA, but Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says it’s still off limits here.

Cut 4 (12) “…act.”

The plant is featured in 50,000 different products and can be turned into hypoallergenic fabrics, concrete, has nutritional value, and more.

Hemp is considered pest resistant, and can mature in 8-12 weeks, and proponents argue it is far less water needy, and has a mechanism that detoxifys soil. But it’s often confused for it’s cousin plant, pot. Strain says if legalized, they’ll be picking out seeds that won’t do anything if you smoke them.

Cut 5 (11) “percent.”

The first few drafts of the Declaration of Independence were thought to be written on hemp paper, which was commonly grown and used in colonial North America. It was also used in American paratroopers parachute webbing in WW2.

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The LSU AgCenter will begin studying to effects of cannabis based compounds on epileptic seizures, using the common zebrafish as a lab rat.
AgCenter researcher Chris Green developed the “zebrafish model”, and says the test starts by filming, and measuring the movements of the seizing fish…

Cut 6 (11) “…seizure.”

Then, he’ll introduce purified extracts of compounds found in marijuana and hemp into fish tanks to see how it reacts in the seizing fish.

When most people think of animal clinical trials, they think of the iconic white rat, a fellow mammal. But Green says even though we’re millions of years of evolution removed from the pet store staple, it’s still a valid test subject.

Cut 7 (11) “…we do.”

The funding for the research comes courtesy of a yearly 500,000 dollar cannabis research grant from the AgCenter’s medicinal pot partner GB Sciences to help further cannabis related research. Now that testing is legal, Green says scientists are looking forward to seeing what the plant has to offer.

Cut 8 (08) “…know.”

The AgCenter will also receive 10 percent of the gross revenue from medical pot sales, or 3.4 million dollars a year, whichever is greater, for five years as part of an agreement.

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The Louisiana Public Service Commission will host a meeting tomorrow in Baton Rouge with telephone companies to talk about an influx in “robo-calls.” Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he and the rest of Louisiana are tired of the phone calls…

Cut 9 (11) “…do anything.″

Campbell says the calls are a violation of Louisiana’s ‘Do Not Call’ law that prevents telemarketers from calling numbers that have signed up on a do not call registry. He says because these callers are breaking the law he wants them to receive severe fines…

Cut 10 (11) “…all for it.”

Campbell says some of these calls are fraudulent and want to steal information. He says anyone who gets these calls should contact the public service commission…

Cut 11 (09) “…stop it.”

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Governor Edwards calls for three televised debates against his GOP gubernatorial rivals sometime after the 1st of September. UL Lafayette Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the Democratic governor is clearly confident in his record, and isn’t planning on playing defense.

Cut 12 (09) “…candidates”

One challenger, Congressman Ralph Abraham, is calling for six, one in each Congressional District. The other, Eddie Rispone, says he likes the idea of three debates.

Many incumbents shy away from debating their opponents. Cross says it’s a strategy that certainly has a cold logic behind it.

Cut 13 (10) “work on.”

Only candidates who have received at least 5,000 donations, or poll at 10 percent or more will be invited to participate.

It’s reportedly the first time a gubernatorial incumbent has called for a peak election season debate since the early 1990s. Cross says while debates historically have not had much of an impact in a candidate’s election chances, previous candidates refusal to face their challengers has contributed to the public’s distrust of politicians.

Cut 14 (11) “…more debates”

The debates are expected to run one hour long.

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Tonight at 7PM it’s the NFL Draft and Two former Tigers are expected to go in the first round.  One of those is one of the most beloved players in LSU history, linebacker Devin White. In his three years, White was showered with All-American selections and national honors. NFL Draft analyst Mike Detillier says he enters as one of the best middle linebacker prospects in draft history.

Cut 15 (11) “ten”

White grabbed 183 tackles, 28.5 of them for a loss in his three years at LSU, and remains the only player in SEC history to be named defensive player of the week four weeks in one season.

Cornerback Greedy Williams is also  expected to be selected before the end of the night, but the ball hawk has had a sharp tumble down draftboards. Detillier says Williams may have to wait before hearing his name due to the glut of coveted defensive linemen that are expected to go ahead of him.

Cut 16  (08) “…will go” 

Williams nabbed eight picks in his two years at LSU, and was the first freshman defensive player to ever be named to an All-SEC first team.

While he will not get drafted tonight, tight end Foster Moreau has seen his stock rise significantly since declaring for the draft, and could go tomorrow. That might be a surprise to some, considering he only caught 52 passes in four collegiate years, but Detillier says NFL scouts have come to realize number 18 was seriously underutilized at LSU…

 cut 17 (11)   “.a drum” 

Moreau graded out as one of the most athletic tight ends at the NFL Draft Combine, running a 4.66 40 yard dash.

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The House Health and Welfare committee approves legislation to increase the legal age to smoke from 18 to 21-years-old. The measure also raises the legal age to vape to 21-years-old. That brought opposition from individuals who own vaping stores
Cut 14 (10) “ to decide”
Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley also couldn’t support raising the legislation, because he didn’t think it was right to prohibit an 18-to-21-year-old from smoking even though they can fight for our country.
But the measure passed on a 10-2 vote. Kenner Representative Joseph Stagni voted for the legislation, because he says many young adults who choose to smoke end up costing the state billions of dollars in health care costs…
Cut 16 (07) “…choice issues”
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A bill that removes professional wrestling from the State Boxing and Wrestling Commission’s overview is headed to the House after clearing the House Commerce Committee on a 14-2 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says regulation is not necessary for an event that is more theatrical than sport…
Cut 9 (12) “…laughter.”
The commission also requires viral testing for things like HIV and Hepatitis C.
Amedee says professional wrestling does not need to be regulated because what happens in the ring is choreographed and rehearsed. But the Chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Buddy Embanato says deregulation can create a health risk, and pro wrestling does involve physical contact…
Cut 10 (12) “…across the ring.”
The WWE hosted their super bowl, called WrestleMania, in New Orleans twice in the past four years.

The House Health and Welfare committee sends a proposal to raise the legal smoking age from 18 to 21 years old to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor John Bel Edwards wants three debates with his Republican challengers Ralph Abraham, and Eddie Rispone between September 2^nd and the October 12^th election. Rispone’s campaign spokesperson Anthony Ramirez agreed that three debates was an appropriate number. But Abraham responded on Twitter that there should be debates in each of the state’s six congressional districts.

54-year-old Jessie Guillory, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles after the nurse passed away a week after the assault.

Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says initially they were not certain Lynne Truxillo’s death was related to the attack, but…

Cut 3 (10) “…happened”

The House approved legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot has several provisions, one would extend the period of time a lawsuit can be filed after a car wreck from one to two years, in an effort to avoid a trial…

Cut 6 (09) “…work it out”

The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The House Health and Welfare Committee has approved legislation that would increase Louisiana’s legal smoking age from 18 to 21-years-old. It passed on a 10–2 vote, Stonewall Representative Larry Bagwell was one of two no votes, because he believes 18-year-olds are old enough to decide whether they should smoke…
cut 15 (11) “…do that here”
Supporters of the age change say it will save lives and reduce health care costs.

A House committee has decided the state boxing and wrestling commission should no longer regulate pro wrestling events in Louisiana. New Orleans resident Brett Landry says states like Texas and Florida have no pro wrestling regulation and house WWE training facilities. He says that could expand to the Big Easy…
Cut 11 (09) “…to broaden”
The House floor will have more discussion on this topic.

The House approves legislation aimed at addressing the factors that result in the state’s high auto insurance rates. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot says his bill lowers the jury threshold from 50-thousand to five-thousand dollars, which Talbot says would lead to more cases settled out of court and lower costs for insurance companies. But LaPlace Representative Randal Gaines is skeptical…
Cut 7 (05) “…either side.”
Additional debate on the bill will take place in the Senate.

54-year-old Jessie Guillory of Lake Charles, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been booked for manslaugher after the nurse he allegedly attacked died from her injuries. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says their investigation has determined the victim, Lynne Truxillo, was trying to help a fellow nurse…
Cut 4 (11) “ struck”
Guillory allegedly slammed Truxillo’s head into a desk and she also injured her leg trying to get away from him.

The House Health and Welfare committee approves legislation to increase the legal age to smoke from 18 to 21-years-old. West Monroe Representative Frank Hoffman believes this proposal will result in fewer people choosing to smoke, resulting in a healthier Louisiana…
cut 13 (08) “…for many”
The measure also raises the legal age to vape to 21-years-old. That brought opposition from individuals who own vaping stores…
cut 14 (10) “….to decide”
Despite the opposition, the committee approved the bill to raise the legal smoking age to 21 in Louisiana and it heads to the House floor for more discussion.

A bill heading to the House floor would remove professional wrestling from the State Boxing and Wresting Commission’s oversight. Supporters of the legislation say it will bring more pro wrestling events to Louisiana, but the chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Buddy Embanato says they’ve already reduced the promoter’s fee to help bring more matches to the state…
cut 12 (12) “…the industry”
Supporters of the bill say since pro wrestling is choreographed, there’s no reason to regulate it, like boxing.

A Lake Charles man has been charged with manslaughter in the beating death of a Baton Rouge nurse. Authorities say 54-year-old Jessie Guillory attacked Lynne Truxillo at a nurses station inside Baton Rouge General Mid City on April fourth and she died from her injuries days later. Baton Rouge Sergeant L’ Jean McKneely says after Truxillo died….
cut 5 (05) “…that incident”
McKneely says the coroner’s report shows Guillory’s beating contributed to Truxillo’s death.

A mental health patient who attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles and charged with manslaughter after the nurse passed away from her injuries. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

Officials are investigating a shooting that left a 14-year-old dead early Wednesday morning in Plaquemine. Police believe bullets went through the walls of the victim’s home striking and killing him.

Investigators say the boy was standing in his bathroom when someone fired shots across the street in an unrelated incident and the shooter fled the scene. The victim’s name has not been released.

The House approved legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. There’s a concern among opponents that this legislation will restrict a car crash victims’ access to the courts and lower settlements. Despite those criticisms, the bill passed 69-30. Shreveport Representative Barbara Norton was one of the legislators who voted against it….

Cut 8 (07) “…we represent”

A bill that removes professional wrestling from the State Boxing and Wrestling Commissions overview is headed to the House after clearing the House Commerce Committee on a 14-2 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says professional wrestling does not need to be regulated because what happens in the ring is choreographed and rehearsed. But the Chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Buddy Embanato says deregulation can create a health risk, and pro wrestling does involve physical contact…

Cut 10 (12) “…across the ring.”

54-year-old Jessie Guillory, who allegedly attacked a nurse at a Baton Rouge hospital has been arrested in Lake Charles after the nurse passed away a week after the assault. Baton Rouge Police Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says the investigation discovered that Truxillo was attempting to save a fellow nurse…
Cut 4 (11) “ struck”
Truxillo was allegedly grabbed by Guillory, who slammed her head into a desk.
The House approve legislation that supporters say addresses the factors that result in high auto insurance rates in Louisiana. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot’s bill also lowers the jury threshold from 50-thousand dollars to five-thousand dollars, which Talbot says would lead to more cases settled out of court and lower costs for insurance companies. But LaPlace Representative Randal Gaines is skeptical Talbot’s legislation will lower premiums…
Cut 7 (05) “…either side.”
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A bill that removes professional wrestling from the State Boxing and Wrestling Commissions overview is headed to the House after clearing the House Commerce Committee on a 14-2 vote. Houma Representative Beryl Amedee says regulation is not necessary for an event that is more theatrical than sport…
Cut 9 (12) “…laughter.”
Amedee says professional wrestling does not need to be regulated because what happens in the ring is choreographed and rehearsed. But the Chairman of the Boxing and Wrestling Commission Buddy Embanato says deregulation can create a health risk, and pro wrestling does involve physical contact.