AM Newscall May 9

One of the marijuana industry’s biggest conferences of the year begins today in New Orleans. Jeff Palermo has the story,…

Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

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No other LSU football player will wear the number 21 jersey. Instead it will be hung in Tiger Stadium in a place of honor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (29) I’m Jeff Palermo”

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State Farm insurance rates are on their way down for the first time in years. Matt Doyle has more.

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It’s high times in New Orleans this week as the annual MJBiz conference kicks off today. 70 experts and 275 companies will be represented in the marijuana industry conference that’s in it’s 7th year. Cassandra Farrington is the CEO of Marijuana biznews daily which reports on the cannibus industry. She says these conventions are fostering the boom that is the weed industry.

Cut 4  (09) “That growth” 

She says the opportunities are endless for professionals from all walks of business.

Cut 5  (09)  “the past”

Louisiana is expected to begin offering medical marijuana to patients later this year. The state has licensed nine dispensaries and LSU and Southern universities are in charge of growing medicinal cannibas that will be given to patients in an oil or pill. Farrington says they will discuss Louisiana’s role in the marijuana industry.

Cut 6 (08) “to do”

In Louisiana, medical  marijuana is limited to cancer, HIV, Epilepsy, Muscular dystrophy and Crohn’s disease patients. But there’s legislation pending that will open it up to other conditions.

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Jerry Stovall’s number 21  jersey will be retired this fall as the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame committee unanimously approved the move. Stovall joins two other LSU legends as members of the retired jersey club, Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova. Stovall says he wasn’t the best player on the 1962 squad, when he finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Cut 7 (08)  “very expansive”

The ever humble Stovall was a unanimous All-American in 1962 and was drafted in the first round by the St. Louis Cardinals where he would play for 9 years. At LSU, he was known as “Mr. Everything,” playing halfback, defensive back, kick returner and also handled punting duties. He did it with great determination…

Cut 8 (:11)  “better athlete”

Stovall, a native of West Monroe, credits his fellow teammates for helping him achieve such a high honor.

Cut 9 (09)  “names on it.”

He was also LSU football coach for 3 years and led the Tigers to the Orange Bowl in 1982.

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State Farm auto insurance customers will see a three percent decrease in their rates this summer, despite soaring numbers of distracted driving accidents that helped the nation set a record number of road deaths. That number works out to about 43 dollars a customer a year. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it could be a sign that insurance rates will be on their way down for the next few years.

Cut 10 (11) “years now”

Donelon says the savings are not really the result of federal tax reform, but a better than expected series of results for insurance companies.

Cut 11 (12) “years before”

There’s been interest during the regular session in cutting back on the deadly epidemic of distracted driving, including a bill that bans the use of handheld electronics while driving. Donelon says legislation like that could help continue to push down rates.

Cut 12 (11) “insurance costs”

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Saints running back Mark Ingram has been suspended for the first four games of the season after testing positive for PEDs, leaving a gaping hole in a Black and Gold offense. Ingram and Alvin Kamara combined for over 3000 yards from scrimmage last year. Saints analyst Mike Detillier says his production is impossible to replace.

Cut 13 (09)  “Mark Ingram” 

Detillier says besides an increased roll for offensive rookie of the year Alvin Kamara, there’s two young guns who are going to need to step up for the Saints offense to keep scoring at their unstoppable 2017 rate.

Cut 14 (13) “running back”

Detillier says the suspension couldn’t come at a worse time for Ingram, who’s entering a contract year and has shown signs of playing hardball with the Saints.

Cut 15 (09) “suspension”

Ingram will miss crucial early season divisional matchups against Tampa and Atlanta, returning in time for the Washington game.

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