Charges against 23-year-old Aaron Hawkins of Baton Rouge have been upgraded to first-degree murder after the death of his five-year-old daughter. BRPD spokesperson Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says on Wednesday the victim was unresponsive and hospital staff found trauma and bruising on her body. McKneely says the coroner’s report confirmed her cause of death.

Cut 6  (05) “…first-degree murder.” 

Hawkins was being held on cruelty to a juvenile charge after confessing he often disciplined his daughter with a belt.

Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms. CSU Ph.D. candidate Alex DesRosiers (Dee-rose-ee-ay) says we are still currently in a weak La Nina pattern:

Cut 5 (06) “…an intensify.”
This is the third year in row forecasters have called for an “above average” season.

The LHSAA executive committee approved a positioning statement to allow high school student-athletes to profit from name, image, and likeness deals. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says NIL deals are already happening in Louisiana, one of the top girls’ basketball players in the country, Parkway’s Mikalah Williams is endorsing a local attorney…

Cut 15 (10)  “…that’s all it is.”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off today and organizers predict a record-breaking crowd head to Tangipahoa Parish this weekend. Festival spokesperson Donald Lanier says they haven’t been able to have the berry  festival for two years, so they are elated to be back…:

Cut 10 (09) “…everything going on.”
Visit LAstrawberryfestival.com to learn more.

Third judicial District Attorney John Belton says he’s moving forward with convening a special grand jury in Union Parish to prosecute those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he delayed prosecution at the request of the U-S Attorney, but now has been given permission to move forwards. Belton says he believes state and federal crimes were committed.

Colorado State University releases its predictions for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Researchers at Baton Rouge’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center identify a chemical compound that COULD be an anti-aging breakthrough. Pennington’s Christopher Axelrod says the recently discovered compound – called BAM15 – prevented age-related muscle loss in older lab mice, by actually making mitochondria in their bodies less efficient…:

Cut 7 (11) “…the mitochondria healthier.”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is back, and they are expecting records crowds for its 50^th anniversary. Spokesperson Donald Lanier says the last two years have been difficult without the strawberry festival not only for the nonprofits that depend on revenue from the event but for local businesses as well.

Cut  11 (06)  “…the year.”  

The festival begins today at noon and wraps up Sunday at 6 pm.

Colorado State University releases its predictions for the 2022 Atlantic hurricane season with 19 named storms. Jeff Palermo has more,

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Researchers in Baton Rouge discover a natural substance that COULD be an anti-aging breakthrough. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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After a two-year absence organizers are chomping at the berry for things to get underway at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Researchers at Colorado State University are predicting another active Atlantic hurricane season for 2022, with 19 named storms. CSU Ph.D. candidate Alex DesRosiers (Dee-rose-ee-ay) says they are forecasting that nine of those named storms will develop into hurricanes of which four could be major.

Cut 4 (10)  “…likes to see.”

DesRosiers says one reason they are predicting another above-average season is that we are still currently in a weak La Nina pattern which plays a factor with wind shear.

Cut 5 (06) “…an intensify.”

And DesRosiers says the chances that things will change to an El Nino pattern by hurricane season are exceedingly low.

Another similarity to last season, DeRosiers says is warm water temperatures in the Caribbean and also in the subtropical Atlantic. He says typically when you see warm waters in the subtropical Atlantic in April that leads to a warmer main development region in the peak season.

Cut 6 (08)  “…for you.”

Hurricane season runs from June 1^st to November 30th.

_______________________________________

Researchers at Baton Rouge’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center identify a chemical compound that COULD be an anti-aging breakthrough. Pennington Center’s Christopher Axelrod says the recently discovered compound – called BAM15 – prevented age-related muscle loss in older lab mice, by actually making mitochondria in their bodies less efficient…:

Cut 7 (11) “…the mitochondria healthier.”

Axelrod says BAM15 – which he calls a “mitochondrial uncoupler” – cannot actually reverse aging, but their research on geriatric mice indicates it could be useful in helping humans live better lives as they grow old…:

Cut 8 (08)  “…made them age healthier.”

Axelrod says, in human applications, BAM15 could prevent age-related obesity and/or age-related muscle loss and even reduce inflammation in older persons. He says the research continues, but the possibilities for improving the quality of life for seniors are significant…:

Cut 9 (09)  “…healthier, longer lives.”

________________________________________

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off at noon today, and after a two-year absence due to the pandemic organizers are chomping at the berry to get things underway. For the 50^th Anniversary, this year spokesperson Donald Lanier says everyone is excited to see this Louisiana staple return.

Cut 10 (09) “…everything going on.”

The festival returns as the state is also experiencing a bountiful strawberry crop this season.

Lanier says the last two years have been difficult without the strawberry festival not only for the nonprofits that depend on revenue from the festival but for local businesses as well.

Cut  11 (06)  “…the year.”  

The festival at Memorial Park runs from noon until 10:30 Friday night and then things get underway on Saturday at 9 am with a parade at 9:30 and continue until 11 pm. Sunday things kick off with a church service at 9 am and the festival wraps at 6 pm. Lanier says they’ll have plenty of all types of music, food, rides, games, and crafts.

The Ponchatoula festival is one of the state’s largest free events, second only to Mardi Gras. In the past with festival would compete with French Quarter Festival in New Orleans but not this year. And after a two year-absence, Lanier says they are expecting record-breaking crowds this weekend, anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 people.

Cut 12 (04) “…out here.”

For more information visit LAstrawberryfestival.com.

___________________________________________________

The LHSAA executive committee approved a positioning statement to allow high school student-athletes to profit from name, image, and likeness deals. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says the association has also entered a partnership with Eccker sports to provide educational NIL services…

Cut 13 (10) “…learning tool”

Bonine says the LHSAA will not stand in the way of a student receiving endorsement money, but Eccker can help a student-athlete if they decide to negotiate an N-I-L deal

Cut 14 (07)  “…see the money.”

Bonine says NIL deals are already happening in Louisiana. He says one of the top girls’ basketball players in the country, Parkway’s Mikalah Williams is endorsing a local attorney…

Cut 15 (10)  “…that’s all it is.”

_____________________________________________

The 19th ranked LSU baseball team is in Starkville this weekend taking on the defending national champion Mississippi State Bulldogs. Both teams are 4-and-5 in SEC play, but the Dawgs are not ranked. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson still considers State one of the top teams in the country…

Cut 16 (22)  “…to be successful.”

The Tigers are coming off a 16-3 midweek win over Grambling. The Bayou Bengals had a season-high 18 hits and Johnson hopes the bats stay hot this weekend…

Cut 17 (18) “ …needed to do” 

LSU continues to struggle in the field with errors and leaving runners on base. Johnson says his team is constantly working to get better

Cut 18 (24) “ …improving.” 

 ###

Cut 19 (20) _“…how it goes.” 

Cut 20 (16) “ …those plays.” 

District Attorney John Belton told a special House Committee he’ll assemble a grand jury in Union Parish to see if criminal charges should be handed down against the state troopers involved in the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he believes state and federal crimes were committed…
cut 7 (07) “…above the law”
Belton held off on pursuing charges at the request of the U-S Attorney’s office which has given him permission to move forward.

Adults recruiting juveniles to commit carjackings would be illegal under legislation approved unanimously by the Louisiana House. The bill’s author, New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says he wants to hold adults accountable for a crime that’s creating fear in the city he loves…
Cut 3 (12) “..our parish”
The measure heads to the Senate.

The Senate Education Committee advances a bill that would ban persons born male from competing in women’s sports. Franklinton Republican Senator Beth Mizell brought the bill again after it was vetoed by Governor Edwards last year. Monroe Democrat Senator Katrina Jackson says she understands the bill’s intent to head off potential problems with unfairness for female athletes…:
Cut 12 (14) “…out of their ranking.”
Last month, the world saw transgender swimmer Lia Thomas win an NCAA title. Forum for Equality executive director Sarah Jane Guidry called the bill too far-reaching…
Cut 13 (12) “…to play sports.”
The measure heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Third judicial District attorney Ronald Belton tells state lawmakers he’s moving forward with convening a special grand jury in Union Parish to prosecute those involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he delayed prosecution at the request of the U-S Attorney, but he received clearance from federal prosecutors last week to pursue charges.

Cut 6  (07) “…appropriate charges” 

Lake Charles Police announce the arrest of 11 individuals for their role in the death of six-year-old Draya Guillory who was fatally shot as she watched TV in her home on March 20th. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell they found evidence of an ongoing argument via social media that led to the shooting in the 1400 block of Mill Street.

Cut 10 (03)  “…that residence.”

Bonds on some of those arrested are as high as $2.5 million and more arrests are anticipated.

Adults recruiting juveniles to commit carjackings would be illegal under legislation approved unanimously by the Louisiana House. Bill author New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes says violators would face sentencing between five and 20 years. But Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the recruitment of juveniles to commit carjackings is already illegal…

Cut 4  (09) “…do that”

On the House Floor Wednesday, Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel continued to make her case for HB 234, which would prohibit smoking or vaping marijuana while driving or riding in a motor vehicle on public highways…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…while it’s operating.”
The bill passed the House on a 66-31 vote and now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

The Louisiana House approves legislation that would prohibit the release of an arrestee’s mug shot before they are convicted. Bill author New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says mug shots are prejudicial, but Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews expressed concern the ban could have a negative impact on public safety…

Cut 4  (10) “…person.”

Louisiana is receiving $40 million in federal grant funding for flood mitigation. It’s part of the “Swift Current” initiative that’s funded by President Biden’s Infrastructure law that’s allocating $60 million to four states impacted by Hurricane Ida. FEMA spokesperson Melissa Wilkins says the money will assist disaster survivors whose homes flood repeatedly.

Cut 9 (10) “…Hurricane Ida.”

For more information go to grants.gov

Congresswoman Julia Letlow met with VA Secretary Denis McDonough Tuesday after a report recommended the closure of the Alexandria VA Medical Center in Pineville. Letlow says she will continue to meet with decision-makers about the hospital to keep the facility open.

Cut 8 (09) “…the region.” 

Nicholls State University says next fall they will have the state’s first pet-friendly dormitory for students. Pets will be limited to cats or dogs and there are no breed or weight restrictions. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says the response has been positive…
Cut 8 (10) “…another building.”
Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets at North Babington Hall and there are also plans to build a dog park near the residence hall.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris says he has a package of bills that he calls a Safer Louisiana Agenda. Kevin Gallagher has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher”

Senate President Page Cortez wants motorists to slow down, he’s filed legislation to toughen speeding penalties on the 18-mile Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Which includes fines five times the current amount. His bill also adds 28-speed limit signs to the bridge.

Law enforcement leaders like St. Charles Parish Sherriff Greg Champagne are urging legislators to invest $115 million annually in early education programs to reach kids, and hopefully, keep them in school and deter them from a life of crime. Champagne says the programs would target kids as soon as they begin pre-K…:

Cut  11 (11)  “…much more reduced.”  

He says 60-percent of young people convicted of crimes never graduated high school.

One week after a house fire destroyed their home in Amite, two of the four occupants, both in their 80s, have passed away. State Fire Marshall Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says two occupants made it out safely after being alerted by the home’s smoke detectors. Rodrigue says there’s a lesson to be learned through the tragedy.

Cut 14 (08)  “…home escape route.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris files a package of bills to address the increase in violent crime. He’s calling it a safer Louisiana Agenda; it includes legislation to address the issue of local prosecutors not acting on certain crimes…

Cut 6 (10)  “…local court.”

The agenda also includes legislation to limit the release of violent offenders.

Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement are urging legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans in an effort to keep kids away from a life of crime. St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne is a member of a group called “Fight Crime: Invest in Kids,” whose mission is to use a good education as a deterrent to the bad choices that lead to criminal activity…:

Cut 12 (11) “…look at the long term.”

One week after a house fire destroyed their home in Amite, two of the four occupants, both in their 80s, have passed away. State Fire Marshall Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue…

Cut 13 (10) “…the other yesterday.”

A 59-year old woman and a 10-year-old boy both made it out safely after the woman was alerted by the home’s smoke detectors.

This fall at Nicholls State the university will welcome pets to the state’s first pet-friendly residence hall. Director of Residential Living Alex Coad says they’ll have space for 32 pets for returning students and if all goes well, he believes the ability to bring your pet to college will attract new students.

Cut 9 (06)  “…this opportunity.”

Right now pets are limited to cats and dogs and there are also plans for a dog park in the future.

West Monroe Senator Jay Morris has a package of bills to address the increase in violent crime. He’s calling it a safer Louisiana Agenda. Morris says his bills, along with those from other legislators are the start of a multi-year effort to reverse the trend of letting violent offenders back on the streets

Cut 4 AM (10)  “…something about it.”

Leaders of Louisiana law enforcement joined forces Tuesday at a media event to urge legislators to invest millions yearly in early education plans aimed at keeping kids away from a life of crime. St. Landry Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne, says studies indicate it’s better to invest in young kids before they go wrong, than for the criminal justice system to deal with them…:

Cut 10 AM (07) “…a life of crime.”

At the Capitol Tuesday, the House Transportation committee put the brakes on a bill that sought to prohibit tolls from being charged on any existing interstate highway system. Sulphur Representative Les Farnum says it’s not the right way to fund a new I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles, but DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson says tolls may well be necessary…:

Cut 13 (06) “…additional revenue.”

The bill failed by a vote of 6 “yeas” to 9 “nays.”

A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill that enhances the penalties for those convicted of knowingly lacing drugs with fentanyl but marketing it as another substance. Lilly Harvey testified in support. She lost her 28-year-old daughter to a drug overdose and says last year Louisiana experienced a 53-percent increase in overdose deaths…

Cut 3 (10) “…a rise”

A Senate committee unanimously approves a bill that enhances the penalties for those convicted of knowingly lacing drugs with fentanyl but marketing it as another substance. Lilly Harvey testified in support. She lost her 28-year-old daughter to a drug overdose and says last year Louisiana experienced a 53-increase in overdose deaths…

Cut 3 (10) “…a rise”

It’s an exciting time of year in the Bayou State as festival season kicks off with someone 400 parish festivals on the calendar for 2022. After almost two years of cancellations, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says he’s hopeful the trend of large crowds from carnival and the Final Four continues.

Cut 6  (08) “…festival season.” 

Nungesser says festivals are vital to the state’s hospitality industry.

A Lake Charles lawmaker says the only thing in the way of a new Calcasieu River Bridge is a few hundred million dollars. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”