AM NEWSCALL
Ag Commissioner Mike Strain addresses lawmakers’ questions about regulatory delays of products at the Medical Marijuana Commission meeting. Brooke Thorington has more.
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The Rapides Parish Schools is said to be laying the groundwork for growing the next generation of teachers in the state. More from Dave Brannen.
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Developers of a proposed casino resort and youth sports complex in Slidell need voter approval, and hope a former New Orleans Saint can help them get it. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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At the Medical Marijuana Commission meeting, lawmakers questioned Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain about timelines for the expansion of medical marijuana products. Kenner Representative Debbie Villio referred to highly detailed rules about testing and regulation and accused the agency of micromanaging.
Strain told Louisiana Radio Network that it’s the legislature that approved the very strict requirements for marijuana because it’s medical grade and is intended to be used by patients who are ill…
The most recent expansion by the legislature will allow medical marijuana to be sold in smokeable form beginning in January.
The commission heard from various parties with vested interests in medical marijuana and their frustrations about delays in the regulatory process. Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight acknowledged their concerns.
LSU, Southern University, and their private growing partners are the only approved entities that can legally grow and process marijuana for medical use in the state.
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The Rapides Parish Schools is the latest district to receive the “Models of Excellence” designation from the Louisiana Department of Education. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says Rapides’ Pre-Educator Pathway is a plus to creating teachers for the future in conjunction with LSU at Alexandria.
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Brumley says he’s proud of Rapides Parish’s commitment to growing “the next generation of Louisiana teachers.”
Dr. Brumley on why the “Models of Excellence” award recognizing benchmark programs was established.
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He says students can earn dual enrollment credit, graduating high school with enough credentials and microcredentials to immediately begin work as paraprofessionals
Dr. Brumley is hopeful the “Models of Excellence” award will work as an incentive for other schools in the state to work with students to interest them in becoming teachers.
Cut 9 (08) “…a worthy profession.”
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FEMA is reaching out to those who have registered for help from the agency but have yet to hear anything back. Nate Custer with FEMA says if you’re still waiting to get help from the agency be sure to check back on what might be holding things up.
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If you feel you’ve been forgotten somehow or need to provide new information call FEMA’s Disaster Helpline at 800-621-3362. The deadline for registering with FEMA for Ida assistance is November 29th.
Custer says FEMA has received well over a half-million registrations for federal assistance.
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Custer says the payout by FEMA to people impacted by the devastation caused by Cat 4 Ida keeps growing.
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Some of the money going for emergency home repairs and some of it for temporary housing. If you haven’t registered for FEMA Disaster Relief the deadline is Monday, November 29th.
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Voters in St. Tammany Parish will soon decide the future of the proposed Camellia Bay Casino, Resort and youth sports complex. Developers have brought in a heavy hitter to help win them over; former Saints quarterback Drew Brees. In a recorded message, Brees concentrates on the benefits of the youth sports part of the development…:
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The proposed $325-million complex, planned to be built in Slidell, would feature a gambling casino, resort hotel, events and concert venues and a massive complex for youth sports and activities. The planned complex would feature a so-called “Miracle League”; inclusive of children with mental and physical disabilities. In his message Brees urges voters to support Camellia Bay on the December 11th ballot…:
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St. Tammany voted in 1996 to ban gaming of any kind. A vote for Camellia Bay would reverse that, and potentially open the door for more gaming. Early Voting for the December 11th election starts November 27th. Developers hope that Brees’ endorsement will tip the scales in their favor…:
Cut 15 (05) “…’yes’ on December 11th.”
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The Saints rank second to last in pass offense heading into Sunday’s game at Philadelphia. Wide receiver Marquez Callaway says the receivers know they need to do a better job catching passes…
The Eagles are one of the best in the NFL when it comes to running the football. Miles Sanders is Philadelphia’s main running back, but Quarterback Jalen Hurts leads the team in rushing…
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When these two teams met last year, the Eagles rushed for 246 yards. Payton says they are even more committed to run the football this season…
Cut 18 (22) “..exceptionally well”
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Louisiana Tech hosts Southern Miss in the final home game of the season tonight. The Bulldogs snapped a five game losing streak with a 42-32 win over Charlotte. Sophomore Aaron Allen made his first start and threw for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Coach Skip Holtz says he was happy to see Allen play well…
Austin Kendall has started at quarterback for most of the season, but he has a lower back injury. Holtz would not say earlier this week if he would play tonight…