Forecasters expect several inches of rain to fall over Louisiana over the next few days and there’s also a chance for severe weather today and tomorrow. Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service says damaging winds, large hail and isolated tornadoes are also possible for much of Louisiana over the next couple of days.
Cut 5 (08) “…into Thursday”
The House unanimously approves legislation that would legalize industrial hemp, and regulate the sale of hemp based CBD. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins says both of these products have created a new marketplace, and it’s time for Louisiana to jump in and compete.
Cut 11 (08) “…our state.”
he state government has indicated that sales of CBD oils and tablets are illegal in Louisiana.
________________________
A House approved constitutional amendment stating there is no legal right to an abortion in Louisiana heads to the Senate floor. New Orleans Abortion Fund Outreach Manager Steffani Bangel spoke in opposition…
Cut 13 (13) “…freedom”
If it gets two-thirds approval by the Senate, the measure would share an October ballot with the gubernatorial primary, a primary that’s got some new polling that indicates Congressman Ralph Abraham at 23% percent has a significant lead over Republican rival Eddie Rispone for Republican pole position in the governor’s race. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says it’s early, but Rispone’s 7 percent should send a message…
Cut 8 (06) “…to the voters.”
Edwards led the pack at 38%.

The House unanimously approves legislation that would legalize industrial hemp, and regulate the sale of hemp based CBD. Gonzales Representative Clay Shexnayder celebrated the passage.
Cut 10 (09)“…of it”
Hemp and CBD are not psychoactive.

A constitutional amendment stating there is no legal right to an abortion in Louisiana heads to the Senate floor. If passed by the Senate on a two thirds vote, the measure would share an October ballot with the gubernatorial primary. Monroe Representative Katrina Jackson…
Cut 12 (11) “…holistically.”
Opponents argue the wording of the measure does not cover cases of rape or incest.

New polling indicates the Governor Edwards is in favorable standing with just over 5 months left until the election. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (30) I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Forecasters expect several inches of rain to fall over Louisiana over the next few days. Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service says rainfall totals for the next 12 to 24 hours range from two to four inches for Shreveport, Homer and Ruston…
Cut 4 (06) “…as well.”

A statewide poll funded by Harris, Deville & Associates indicates that Governor Edwards leads the October primary with 38% voter support, followed by Congressman Ralph Abraham with 23%, and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone has 7%.  32% of respondents are undecided. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says the individual percentages that the two Republican candidates are receiving are not yet relevant.
Cut 7 (08) “…against Governor Edwards.”
The House unanimously approves legislation that would legalize industrial hemp, and regulate the sale of hemp based CBD. The state government has indicated that sales of CBD oils and tablets, a cannabinoid derivative that some claim has medicinal properties, are illegal in Louisiana. Gonzales Representative Clay Shexnayder says the bill legalizes those sales.

Cut 9 (08) “…products“.

Hemp CBD is not psychoactive.

Much of Louisiana will see several inches of rain over the next few days raising the concern for potential flooding. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Forecasters expect several inches of rain to fall over Louisiana over the next few days and there’s also a chance for severe weather today and tomorrow. Matt Hemingway with the National Weather Service says rainfall totals are the highest south of I-20 and north of I-10

Cut 3 (10) “…time frame.”

A poll funded by Harris, Deville & Associates indicates that Governor Edwards leads the trio on the ballot with 38% voter support, followed by Congressman Ralph Abraham with 23%, and Baton Rouge businessman Eddie Rispone has 7%.  32% of respondents were still undecided.  The research polled 650 people.  JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says results are favorable for Edwards.

Cut 6 (08) “…be a run-off.”

A bill has advanced to the House floor that would transfer regulatory control of the state’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Ag to the Department of Health as frustration grows over the delays of getting the product to the public. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

Governor John Bel Edwards will announce a major public-private partnership between the state’s higher education institutions and one of the world’s leading companies at 3 o’clock this afternoon at the State Capitol.

A new report indicates when parents can’t find affordable child care, it carries a heavy cost for Louisiana….
Voicer 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

Governor Edwards will hold a press conference today at 3 PM and according to his office, its to announce a major public-private partnership between higher ed institutions and one of the world’s leading companies.

And there’s a flash flood watch in effect for today for northwest and north central Louisiana.

A House committee advances legislation that would move regulatory power of the state’s medical marijuana program from the Ag Department and into the Department of Health. Making the product available to the public has faced repeated delays and grower GB Sciences President John Davis says the current process is broken…
Cut 7 (10) “…work.”
The Ag Department says they found pesticides in the medical marijuana grown by GB Sciences, but Davis the pesticides must have come from the ag department’s lab.

La Tech Athletics Director Tommy McClelland says their baseball, softball and soccer stadiums were all destroyed by last month’s twister and they are weighing options when it comes to rebuilding on their old grounds or picking new locations…
cut 14 (09) “….effective”
McClelland says they also have to figure out where softball and baseball will play their home games next season.

Legislation that would take the regulatory powers for the production of medical marijuana away from the state Ag Department and give it to the Louisiana Department of Health has advanced to the House floor. The bill is in response to the repeated delays that have taken place in making the product available to the public. During testimony, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain defended his department’s actions by saying their number one concern is patient safety….
cut 9 (12) “….safety”
Strain says they’ve found a pesticide in a batch of medical marijuana grown by GB Sciences, but the biopharmaceutical research company says that pesticide must have come from the department of ag’s own lab.

Louisiana Tech ended its 12-game losing streak to LSU baseball by thumping the Tigers 12-1 at Alex Box Stadium last night.

The Council for a Strong America releases a report that says Louisiana loses one-point-one billion dollars each year because of a child care crisis. CEO of Committee of 100 Michael Olivier says there’s over five-thousand infants and toddlers who are on a waitlist for state funding, so they can go to child care…
cut 5 (09) “…child care”
House Republicans are pushing for more state funding to reduce the child care wait list.

Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland says based on preliminary estimates the school’s baseball, softball and soccer stadiums must be completely rebuilt, because of last month’s EF-3 tornado.
cut 13 (08) “…today’s dollars”
McClelland says discussions are underway on how to pay for and where to build new baseball and softball stadiums.

A House committee advances legislation to change control of the state medical marijuana program from the Ag Dept to the Department of Health. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain surprised the committee by revealing they discovered a pesticide and mercury in GB’s crop, but GB Sciences President John Davis says they’ve independently tested the crop and there’s no mercury to be found. Davis says it’s another example of a deteriorating line of communication.

Cut 8 (07) “…meeting”

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Louisiana State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer wants to encourage those behind the wheel to be extra cautious on the roadways to keep an eye out of bikers on two wheels.

Cut 12 (08) “…see at times.”

Heavy rains are moving into the state prompting a flash flood watch for Northwest Louisiana until Thursday morning. The National Weather Service is predicting 2-4 inches in the next 24 hours. The area is also bracing for the potential of severe weather with a risk of tornados, damaging winds and hail today. The rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend in Northwest Louisiana and could reach up to six inches in total rainfall.

Not the best news for the Ruston area where three Louisiana Tech team’s fields appear to be totaled as a result of the EF-3 tornado that tore through the campus last month. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A bill has advanced to the House floor that would transfer regulatory control of the state’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Ag to the Department of Health as frustration grows over the delays of getting the product to the public. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

And lawmakers have broaden the scope on a proposal to legalize the growth of industrial hemp and create a framework for the sale of CBD products. CBD products and sales are currently illegal in Louisiana. Language added to the bill would prohibit sales of alcohol or food containing CBD unless the FDA approves the substance. The measure was approved in the house and goes to the Senate.

Governor Edwards has deemed May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. With the weather more favorable for hitting the road on two wheels, State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says motorcycles are more present on the roadways, and LSP is offering a refresher course for riders.

Cut 10 (09) “…the advanced rider.”

To date this year 20 people have died and nearly 300 have been injured in motorcycle accidents on state roads

So far reports indicate that the Tornado that ripped through Ruston was an EF-3 and sports wise has Louisiana Tech scheduling in limbo for the upcoming baseball, softball and soccer seasons.

As they sort through the wreckage, the school is working to find out where the teams will be playing for their upcoming seasons. Athletic Director Tommy McClelland says they’re hoping to find a season long, single location solution for all three teams, but if not…

Cut 15 (09) “ideal.”