AM Newscall April 13

The state has activated its crisis action team as another round of severe weather is expected to impact the state. Michael Farrar tells us about this latest storm system….

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Michael Farrar”

______________________________________

The largest free outdoor festival in Louisiana begins today. Kelley Ray on the 47th Annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival.

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kelley Ray.”

_______________________________________

The state House passes a bill that expands the list of conditions that a patient can legally be prescribed medical marijuana. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

____________________________________________

The proposed Federal Farm bill contains work requirements for able-bodied 18 to 59-year-olds who receive SNAP benefits. A beneficiary would have to work or  enrolled in a work training program at least 20 hours a week. Republican Congressman Ralph Abraham says the requiement will filter out persons who choose to take advantage of the welfare system…

Cut 4  (12) “to do.” 

Exemptions would be given to caretakers with children under six-years-old, pregnant women and those mentally or physically disabled. Abraham says the work requirement is not intended to harm individuals, the goal is to help break the cycle of poverty and help people climb the economic ladder…

Cut 5  (07)  “to employment.”

Abraham realizes there are some who can’t find work. He hopes this bill will provide recipients with the tools they need to become productive citizens in their communities…

Cut 6 (10) “their lifestyle.”

The Democratic National Committee is against the bill, saying Republicans are imposing unproven requirements limiting access to SNAP, forcing over five-million food-stamp recipients to stricter work requirements.

_________________________________________________

The northern half of the state is under a slight to enhanced risk of severe weather today and the risk for severe storms shifts to southeast Louisiana for tomorrow. State Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s a good chance we’ll see a few tornado warnings today…

Cut 7 (05)  “convective activity”

Keim says a strong cold front that will once again bring us chilly air for the weekend will begin firing off storms this weekend…

Cut 8 (07)  “definitely there”

Keim says this powerful system is capable of producing large hail, strong winds and twisters. He says flash flooding is also a concern

Cut 9 (10)  “rainfall amounts”

_________________________________________________________

The largest free outdoor festival in Louisiana, the 47th Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is expected to draw up to 300-thousand people this weekend. There will be food, music and rides for everyone to enjoy. Spokesperson Donald Lanier says the carnival style rides they have this year are grown up…

Cut 10 (10) “for them.”

Lanier says since there is no cover charge, it has led to a very successful outdoor festival year after year…

Cut 11 (10) “we’re at.”

So if you are bored and don’t know what to do, Lanier invites everyone to Ponchatoula for a full weekend of fun…

Cut 12 (10) “to sell.”

_________________________________________________________

Individuals suffering from Parkinson’s Disease, chronic pain, severe muscle spasms and P-T-S-D would be able to receive a prescription for medical marijuana under legislation that was approved by the full House. The bill is sponsored by Baton Rouge Representative Ted James…

Cut 13 (07)  “enjoyable”

 The measure still needs Senate approval. Leesville Representative James Armes says he hosted 17 wounded vets at Fort Polk recently and they said medical marijuana would be beneficial for the issues they face each day….

Cut 14 (11) “bill passed”

In 2016, the state legislature set up the framework for the legal dispensing of medical marijuana and 10 different conditions would be eligible for a prescription. James bill will add to that list and he hopes it will result in more people using medical pot, instead of  pain killers

Cut 15 (11) “right direction”

Its expected medical marijuana will be available to Louisiana patients later this year.

_______________________________________

The 19th ranked LSU Tigers begin an SEC series versus Tennessee tonight at Alex Box Stadium. Zach Hess will start on the mound tonight for LSU and freshman Ma’Khail Hilliard will get the ball on Saturday. Coach Paul Mainieri is not sure who will start on Sunday…

Cut 16 (15) “for Sunday”

Caleb Gilbert has been the weekend starter throughout the season, but he’ll be available out the bullpen today and tomorrow. Mainieri says Gilbert, Devin Fontenot or Nick Bush are potential options as a Sunday starter this weekend…

Cut 17 (16)  “talking about”

LSU is fifth in the SEC in batting average, but tied for 12th in the 14-team league in runs scored. Second baseman Austin Bain says guys have to hit better with runners on base…

Cut 18 (15)  “execute”

Bain is one of the top run producers on the team. The senior says he sometimes sings himself a song to calm his nerves during pressure at-bats…

 

_____________________________________________________________