Ag Commissioner Mike Strain addresses lawmakers’ questions about regulatory delays of products at the Medical Marijuana Commission meeting. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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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…:

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m 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.

Cut 4 (10) “…pharmacy. “

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…

Cut 5 (05) “…absolutely safe”

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.

Cut 6 (11) “..the consumer.”

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.

Cut 7 (07) “…high school campuses.”

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.

Cut 8 (09) “…others to follow.”

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.

Cut 10 (09)  “…on their situation.”

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 29^th.

Custer says FEMA has received well over a half-million registrations for federal assistance.

Cut 11 (05) “…539,000 registrations.”

Custer says the payout by FEMA to people impacted by the devastation caused by Cat 4 Ida keeps growing.

Cut 12 (06) “…one billion dollars.”

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 29^th.

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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…:

Cut 13 (11) “…that same opportunity.”

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 11^th ballot…:

Cut 14 (07)  “…St. Tammany Parish.”

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 11^th election starts November 27^th. 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…

Cut  16 (16) “..biggest thing”

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…

Cut 17 (19) “ comes off of it” 

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…

Cut 19 (14)  ” for it” 

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…

Cut 20 (20) “.right now.” 

Even though the March of Dimes gave Louisiana an F for its high preterm birth rate, health officials are hopeful things will improve soon. Brooke Thorington explains

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Governor John Bel Edwards reacts to the failure of one Constitutional Amendment and the success of another. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

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The Louisiana Department of Health is recommending residents in the state who are fully vaccinated and 18 or older get a COVID-19 booster shot. More from Dave Brannen.

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The Bayou State receives an F on the 2021 March of Dimes report card for a preterm birth rate of 13-percent. Medical Director of the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative Dr. Veronica Gillespie-Bell says while it’s always disappointing to get a poor grade…

Cut 4 (10) “…our babies. “

Gillespie-Bell says while the state received a poor grade however in some parishes the preterm birth rate has improved, for example, Calcasieu, East Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and Orleans Parishes. And says the state does have programs in place that the March of Dimes recommends in helping reduce preterm birth rates.

Cut 5 (09) “…committee”

In addition to those programs, another factor to aid in preterm births Gillespie-Bell says is the doula registry that was established in the 2021 legislative session, which requires services from midwives to be covered by health insurance. She believes it will make a difference.

Cut 6 (05) “..next year.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards reacts to the fates of two Constitutional amendments decided by voters last Saturday. Both proposals were part of significant tax reforms planned by the state legislature last spring. On his monthly radio program, “Ask the Governor”, Mr. Edwards says he strongly supported both amendments; One and Two…:

Cut 7 (09) “…that’s regrettable.”

Voters rejected Amendment One, to set up a single, central state sales tax collection agency rather than the 54 the state has currently. Amendment Two did pass with voters, which the Governor says is a big step in streamlining the state income tax code…:

Cut 8 (07) “…revenue neutral overall.”

Under amendment Two, state income tax brackets will go down, but taxpayers’ deduction of federal income taxes paid will go away. Edwards says this change will eventually mean fewer revenue shortfalls for the state…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…raise and lower taxes.”

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Today is the Great American Smokeout, an annual event to encourage smokers to kick the habit. Kenneth Saucier (So-cee-a)with the Office of Behavioral Health within the state health department, says you if need help quitting you might want to pick up the phone and call 1-800-QUIT -NOW.

Cut 10 (10)  “…that are free.”

The Great American Smokeout which began in 1977 is a day set aside to encourage smokers to not light up for at least one day. Saucier says because 9 out of 10 people diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers and COPD is linked with smoking…

Cut 11 (09) “…overall health.”

Saucier says unfortunately Louisiana has a high smoking rate compared to others and also suffers the consequences with 7,200 adults who die annually from smoking and about 9,800 children under the age of 18 who will ultimately die prematurely due to smoking.

Cut 12 (04) “…healthcare costs.”

You can also visit QuitWithUsLA.org for more smoking cessation resources.

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The holidays usually result in family gatherings and the Louisiana Department of Health is now recommending COVID-19 booster shots for everyone 18 and older who are fully vaccinated. Dr. Joe Kanter says cases of the virus are increasing in other parts of the nation.

Cut 13 (10) “…level of protection.”

Kanter says those eligible for booster shots may choose which vaccine they wish to receive.

Dr. Kanter outlines who is eligible and encouraged to get a booster shot.

Cut 14 (11)  “…two months ago.”

Kanter explains why it’s a good idea to get a COVID booster shot even if you are fully vaccinated against the virus.

Cut 15 (08)  “…bit with time.”

The booster shots are free of charge and can be obtained where you received your initial shots, other locations, and at no cost.

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For the fourth time, ULM will face LSU in football. It’s the first meeting between the two schools since 2014. Warhawks coach Terry Bowden says the Louisiana players on his team are looking forward to this one…

Cut  16 (20) “..I think”

The Tigers have won the three previous meetings between the two teams. In 2014, LSU shut out the Warhawks 31-0. ULM has made great strides after winless 2020 campaign. They are four and six this year and Bowden knows what it will take to take another step….

Cut 17 (20) “ same thing” 

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The Saints look to break a two-game losing streak when they visit Philadelphia on Sunday to take on the Eagles. Philly is coming off a nice road win as they defeated the Broncos in Denver 30-13. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts tossed two touchdown passes and also rushed for 55 yards as he’s showing signs of developing into a real good Q-B. Saints defensive end Cam Jordan says Hurts is not your typical running quarterback…

Cut 18 (20) “..as well”  

It’s rare for the Saints to have a multi-game losing streak. Quarterback Trevor Siemian says Coach Sean Payton sets the right tone in these situations…

Cut 19 (20)  ” this weekend” 

In three games this season, Siemian has not thrown an interception. He talked about the importance of not being reckless with the football..

Cut 20 (20) “.so litte’.” 

Named for a Confederate general, Fort Polk – in Vernon Parish – will soon get a new moniker. Kevin Gallagher reports on the selection process…:

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It’s Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week and Louisiana Workforce Commission is celebrating with job fairs. Brooke Thorington has more.

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The state Department of Health is launching what it’s calling “Just Check”, a campaign targeting the rising number of syphilis cases in north and central Louisiana. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Dave Brannen.” 

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Louisiana’s Fort Polk, in Vernon Parish, could have a new name soon. Fort Polk spokesman Kavanaugh Breazeale (bruh-ZELL) says this comes after Congress agreed to rename military installations and vessels named for members of the Confederacy. He says they are inviting community leaders to engage in the discussion at an event Thursday on base…:

Cut 4 (07) “…for Fort Polk. “

The fort, near Leesville, is named for Confederate General and Episcopal Bishop Leonidas Polk. Military complexes nationwide will be renamed to help quell ill feelings still being felt over the Civil War and slavery. Breazeale says the public may suggest a new name online at www.theNamingCommission.gov…:

Cut 5 (13) “…Congress will go from there”

The announcement of Fort Polk’s new name is not expected for almost a year, but it may come sooner. Breazeale says a Thursday meeting at the Army base will have state and civic leaders in attendance to talk it over…:

Cut 6 (09) “..for Fort Polk.”

Due to limited space and COVID precautions, the meeting is not open to the public.

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It’s Apprenticeship Appreciation and Awareness Week and Louisiana Workforce Commission spokesperson Chris Fiore says they are celebrating by offering an apprenticeship fair today connecting job seekers with opportunities, and a virtual fair for students….

Cut 7 (09) “…our Facebook page.”

Apprenticeship programs allow students to learn on-the-job skills, earn a wage, and also earn education credits. Fiore says the program is a perfect opportunity for Louisianans who are interested in transitioning from one career to another.

Cut 8 (11) “…State of Louisiana.”

The apprenticeship program encompasses a variety of occupations, for example, plumbers, electricians, and one that’s especially in demand now healthcare. Fiore says they are also holding a special event at the end of the month dedicated to healthcare apprenticeships.

Cut 9 (08)  “…those jobs.”

LWC says on average those who complete an apprenticeship earn an annual salary of $50,000 and for every dollar employers spend they get an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity.

https://laworks.easyvirtualfair.com/

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Senator Bill Cassidy is boasting of the 65-billion dollars contained in the just signed trillion-dollar infrastructure bill to address improving broadband service, especially in rural areas of Louisiana.

Cut 10 (06) “…currently have broadband.”  

He says expanding broadband service in the state will have a positive impact in a wide number of areas, including education, all for the betterment of Louisiana.

Cassidy notes that an expansion of broadband will mean improvements for the state’s workforce.

Cut 11 (12) “…place of work.”

Cassidy says the expansion of broadband service in Louisiana could lead to distribution centers being able to locate in parts of the state once not considered by companies.

Cut 12 (12) “…those businesses there.”

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Houma police are still searching for a woman that was involved in an altercation at Joni B’s Bar shortly after midnight Friday. Lt. Travis Theriot says Houma Police were called to the scene to break up a fight among a group of women and for one officer it’s a call he won’t soon forget.

Cut 13 (09) “…portion of his ear.”

Theriot says 36-year-old Michelle Smith will be charged with second-degree battery once she’s apprehended and they are asking for the public’s help in locating her. Tipsters’ calls via Crimestoppers could even receive a $1,000 reward. As for the officer who was injured…

Cut 14 (08)  “…we’re hopeful.”

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The “Just Check” campaign is being launched by the Louisiana Department of Health in an effort to address the rising number of syphilis cases in the state.  Chaquetta Johnson is the Deputy Director of Operations for the Louisiana STD/HIV Hepatitis Program:

Cut 15 (10)  “…and north Louisiana.”

Johnson notes that syphilis is a highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that had been on the decline, but has been increasing in the northeast part of the state.

Johnson says the “Just Check” campaign was prompted by the fact that one in three new syphilis cases in Louisiana are being found in the north and central parts of the state.

Cut  16 (11) “..in the community”

Johnson says the “Just Check” campaign urges those concerned about possibly having syphilis to get checked and educated about syphilis, with the LDH noting that a majority of cases involve men who are otherwise healthy under the age of 40.

Cut 17 (09) “ …north Louisiana, yes” 

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Many are wondering what is the motivation level for the LSU Tigers as for the second straight regular-season they will not finish with a winning record.  The Tigers host ULM on Saturday night before wrapping up the regular season by hosting Texas A-and-M. LSU linebacker Damone Clark on his motivation…

Cut 18 (19) “..you are”  

The Tigers are looking to snap a three-game losing streak and LSU is a 29-point favorite to beat ULM on Saturday. Center Liam Shanahan…

Cut 19 (20)  ” this weekend” 

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Southeastern Louisiana can claim at least a share of the Southland Conference Championship with a win over Nicholls tomorrow night in the River Bell Classic. A win for S-L-U could also result in a home playoff game in the FCS playoffs. The Lions outscored the Colonels 58-48 on October ninth, but Southeastern Coach Frank Scelfo says the matchup is different this time around…

Cut 20 (23) “..last time.”