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”

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”

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”

The house committee on administration of criminal justice advanced a bill yesterday creating the crime of coercing abortion. The new crime would carry a sentence of up to five years and a five thousand dollar fine if someone threatened violence toward a woman who did not get an abortion. The measure now goes to the full house.

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.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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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.

A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer.

Cut 12 (10)   “around it”

But the bill received opposition from people who were concerned about the constitutional ramifications of allowing a public official to lead a religious ceremony.

Southern University Constitutional Law Professor Michelle Ghetti opposed the legislation, posing a hypothetical where a group of students and teachers got permission to conduct a “Wican” ritual.

Cut 15 (14) “their god”

Legislation that would set up statewide rules for ride-sharing services and expand Uber and Lyft to rural areas has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

And those looking to get hitched quick are in luck, a bill is on its way to the governor’s desk for signature that would reduce the wait time for marriages from 72 to 24 hours, but under current law a judge or justice of the peace can waive the waiting period. The legislation by Carencro Representative Julie Emerson would go into effect August 1^st if signed.

The Pelicans want to keep their fairytale season alive tonight as they face playoff elimination against the Warriors in Oakland. It’s been a rough series for the Pels, who are down 3 to 1 with their only win coming at home. Anthony Davis, whose averaging 30 points and 13 rebounds in the playoffs, says they know what it’ll take to steal a game at home from a team that hasn’t lost a playoff game at Oracle Arena in their last 14 contests.

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And the Saints are losing running back Mark Ingram for the first four games of the season after he tested positive for PEDs. That means he’ll miss crucial divisional competitions against Tampa and Atlanta, and return to action in time for the game against Washington. Ingram combined with Alvin Kamara for over 3,000 yards last season.

Jerry Stovall’s number 21 will be retired by LSU this season. “Mr. Everything” is a college football hall of fame player who played both sides of the ball, and even punted during his time with the Tigers in the early 60s, and was the no.2 draft pick in the 1963 NFL draft.

After playing nine seasons in the league, Stovall returned to LSU, first as assistant, and then as head coach after Charlie McClendon’s plane disappeared over the Atlantic. Starting in 1980, he had two winning seasons and two losing seasons, winning SEC coach of the year for his 8-3-1 1982 season.

Stovall was fired by the school in 1983 after a disastrous 4-7 season where he went 0 and 6 in the SEC. Stovall would serve as athletic director for Louisiana Tech from 1990 to 1994. He now serves as the President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation.

Stovall joins Billy cannon, number 20, and Tommy Casanova, number 37, as the only other Tigers football players to have their numbers retired.

Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. Jim Shannon has more on how that affects the state and you. Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon” ______________________________________________ Legislation that would set up statewide rules for ride-sharing services and expand Uber and Lyft to rural areas has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Jeff Palermo has more. Cut 2 (31) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says they ask residents in affected areas to help reduce emissions Cut 3 (11) “to lunch” Aucoin says those with respiratory problems, whether chronic or acute should try to stay indoors for the duration of warning, as the outside air could be harder to breathe. Cut 4 (11) “expose yourself” Aucoin says if you’d like to stay on top ozone updates, drop by www.deq.louisiana.gov. Cut 5  (10) “your phone” _________________________________________________________ Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. But Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says the rise in crude prices is not jump starting an industry that’s been struggling.. Cut 6 (10)  “seen that” Briggs says numerous lawsuits filed by local governments in south Louisiana seeking money for coastal restoration has had a chilling effect on the industry. Briggs says it’s not all bad as non-direct jobs are on the increase since the prices began going up. Cut 7 (12)  “good thing” Historically, Louisiana oil and gas companies have benefited from higher oil prices. But Briggs says a recent wave of lawsuits by parishes accusing the industry of damaging the wetlands has slowed drilling activity… cut 8 (12) “south Louisiana land” Analyst say the rise in price is two-fold, A strong demand and production limits. _________________________________ A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Lyft Public Policy Manager Jonathan Buckner tried to reassure lawmakers that the service is safe, and offers multiple ways to ensure a trustworthy ride around town. .Cut 9 (11) “you up” The legislation would bring Louisiana in line with 45 other states. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny pushed back against the legislation. He says Uber and Lyft would be under much lighter regulations than cab companies, lacking the more extensive background check for drivers, a CDL license, and expanded insurance. Cut 10 (10) “have to” Martiny says rideshare companies should meet the same requirements as cabbies. Cut 11 (12) “regulating it” _____________________________________ A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer. Cut 12 (10)   “around it” But the bill received opposition from people who were concerned about the constitutional ramifications of allowing a public official to lead a religious ceremony. Baton Rouge Representative Rick Edmonds brought up a 1990 case from Nebraska, when contesting Gatti’s bill. Cut 13 (09) “of religion” Edmonds says the legislation has potential to undermine other religious liberty laws that Louisiana has passed. Cut 14 (10)  “already have” Southern University Constitutional Law Professor Michelle Ghetti opposed the legislation, posing a hypothetical where a group of students and teachers got permission to conduct a “Wican” ritual. Cut 15 (14) “their god” Reports say offering up a chicken is not common practice in mainstream Wicca.

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says if you’d like to stay on top ozone updates, drop by www.deq.louisiana.gov.

Cut 5  (10) “your phone”

A Senate-approved bill to allow teachers to pray with students during the school day is close to final passage after clearing the House Education Committee. Bossier City Senator, Ryan Gatti, says the legislation would require that all students present have a signed form from their parents before the teachers can participate in the student initiated prayer.

Cut 12 (10)   “around it”

A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. The legislation would bring Louisiana in line with 45 other states. But Metairie Senator Danny Martiny pushed back against the legislation. He says Uber and Lyft would be under much lighter regulations than cab companies, lacking the more extensive background check for drivers, a CDL license, and expanded insurance.

Cut 10 (10) “have to”

Tangipahoa Parish authorities arrest a 25-year-old Hammond man, who is accused of killing a five-year-old child in a hit and run. Deputies say Davonta Abron’s vehicle struck a child at an intersection in Hammond and then fled the scene. He was taken into custody early this morning.

Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, and the New Orleans area are under ozone warnings due to unseasonably warm weather that could temporarily lead to more polluted air. DEQ Environmental Sciences Manager Vivian Aucoin says those with respiratory problems, whether chronic or acute should try to stay indoors for the duration of warning, as the outside air could be harder to breathe.

Cut 4 (11) “expose yourself”

Oil prices in the U.S. have climbed over the 70 dollar mark for the first time since 2014. But Gifford Briggs, president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says numerous lawsuits filed by local governments in south Louisiana seeking money for coastal restoration has had a chilling effect on the industry. Briggs says it’s not all bad as non-direct jobs are on the increase since the prices began going up.

Cut 7 (12)  “good thing”

A bill setting up statewide rules and expanding service to rural parishes for Uber and Lyft has died in a Senate committee for a second straight year. Lyft Public Policy Manager Jonathan Buckner tried to reassure lawmakers that the service is safe, and offers multiple ways to ensure a trustworthy ride around town.

.Cut 9 (11) “you up”

The legislation would bring the state in line with 44 other states rideshare laws.

We are 15 months away from qualifying for the 2019 Louisiana Governor’s race. Speculation is that Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy will challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Pollster John Couvillon says the big challenge for Governor Edwards is that there are 41,600 fewer Democrats registered to vote now compared to when he was elected….

Cut 12 (08) “two and a half years”

State Treasurer John Schroder is trying do more to get unclaimed property back in the hands of the rightful owners. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

A bill that would slap pet owners with a 75 dollar fine if they tie their animals up outside during “extreme weather conditions” in a designated emergency area is awaiting the governor’s signature after flying through the Senate unopposed and passing the House with a comfortable 67 to 25 margin. The bill by New Orleans Senator Troy Carter, if signed, would go into law August 1^st, just in time for peak hurricane season.

Letters are set to go out on Thursday to 37-thousand Medicaid recipients informing them they could lose their benefits, because of a lack of state funding. About 20-thousand of those live in nursing homes. Louisiana Department of Health Deputy Secretary Michelle Alletto says anyone who receives the letter needs to apply for other programs…

cut 13 (11) “….do so

A House approved budget does not fund four Medicaid programs for the disabled and elderly.

Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser has an interesting idea to fix up the French Quarter: turn it into a state park. Under the plan, the Vieux Carre would be designated state park land, which would allow lawmakers to allocate additional resources to clean its streets, and increase security. Nungesser says if the idea pans out, it could have a lot perks.

Cut 4  (10) “its safer” 

The Lt. Governor has an idea for cleaning up the streets, and crime in the French Quarter: designate the area a state park. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Don Molino”

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State Treasurer John Schroder is trying do more to get unclaimed property back in the hands of the rightful owners. Matt Doyle has the story…

Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

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37,000 eviction notices will be sent this week to Louisiana medicaid recipients in nursing homes, because of potential budget cuts. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser has an interesting idea to fix up the French Quarter: turn it into a state park. Under the plan, the Vieux Carre would be designated state park land, which would allow lawmakers to allocate additional resources to clean its streets, and increase security. Nungesser says if the idea pans out, it could have a lot perks.

Cut 4  (10) “its safer” 

Nungesser says the escalating crime problem in New Orleans is dampening enthusiasm for visiting one of Louisiana’s most iconic landmarks, and it’s a problem that goes back decades.

Cut 5  (09)  “tourism numbers”

The Lt. Governor says he is still bouncing the idea around, and nothing is set in stone, but its the kind of creative thinking the state could use.

Cut 6 (11) “Louisiana better”

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78.5 million dollars in unclaimed property has been deposited to its rightful owners this year by the Louisiana Treasury Department. The success is the result of the department’s effort to upload 100,000 new names to the database that finds the heirs to property and other assets held by the state. Treasurer John Schroder says the big publicity push is paying dividends.

Cut 7 (12)  “recently done”

Louisiana ranks 32^nd in the nation for unclaimed property returns. Schroder hopes next year they can rank higher.

Cut 8 (06)  “give out”

Ultimately, Schroder says they have a civic duty to get as much of the money back to citizens as possible.

Cut 9 (09)  “government takes”

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We are 15 months away from qualifying for the 2019 Louisiana Governor’s race. Speculation is that Republican U.S. Senator John Kennedy will challenge Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards. Pollster John Couvillon says Kennedy was elected as a Senator in 2016 and Edwards re-election campaign will likely attack the Republican from St. Tammany Parish about running for another statewide office

Cut 10 (12) “loves him”

Another potential candidate is Republican U.S. Representative Ralph Abraham from Richland Parish. Couvillon says Abraham’s biggest weakness is that he’s from north Louisiana….

Cut 11 (11) “not enough”

Couvillon says the big challenge for Governor Edwards is that there are 41,600 fewer Democrats registered to vote now compared to when he was elected….

Cut 12 (08) “two and a half years”

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The Louisiana Department of Health will begin mailing eviction notices to 37,000 mostly elderly residents of nursing homes who may lose Medicaid coverage under a House passed budget. The House backed spending plan slashes hundreds of millions in healthcare spending. LDH Deputy Secretary Michelle Alletto says anyone who receives the letter needs to act fast and apply for other programs.

Cut 13 (11)  “do so” 

But Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says the letters are likely to create a panic.

The Senate Finance Committee heard testimony today from disability advocates who are raising the alarm over the House passed budget that would place deep cuts in healthcare starting July 1st, including the slashing of programs for the disabled. Ville Platte Senator Eric LaFluer says the cuts would eliminate services for over 45 thousand developmentally disabled patients.

Cut 3 (11) “81 percent”

Emotional testimony was presented on behalf of the disabled, this man said it was a life or death situation.

Cut 5  (08) “I survive”

The Senate Finance Committee is expected to approve a budget later this week, but approving additional funding will have to wait until a special session.

The Louisiana Department of Health will begin mailing eviction notices to 37,000 mostly elderly residents of nursing homes who may lose Medicaid coverage under a House passed budget. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says the letters are likely to create a panic.

Cut 14 (09) “live here”

Louisiana is now on a six year run of record breaking tourism numbers as the state saw 500,000 more visitors in 2017 than it saw in 2016, for a total of 46.7 million visitors. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser says a lot of these great results come down to a big push to bring in more folks from outside the U-S…

Cut 10 (09) “more money”

Tourism also brought in 1.8 billion dollars in local and state tax revenue in 2017, a 4.5 percent increase over 2016.