The state House overwhelming approves a bill to expand the medical marijuana program. There are currently nine licensed medical marijuana pharmacies in Louisiana and Houma Representative Tanner Magee’s measure awards a tenth license and allows licensee holders to open multiple pharmacies…:
Cut 6 (10) “who are closer”
The bill heads to the Senate for more discussion.

A junior from Southern University Lab in Baton Rouge has received the honorable Gold Medal Congressional Award. Kelsie Tillage has a 4.29 GPA and is dually enrolled in Southern University, Honors and AP courses. She says she’s always enjoyed serving others…:
CUT 15 (10) “to do it”
The accolade is the highest honor a young person can achieve through the US Senate and House.

Congressman Garret Graves says he’s still fighting to bring down spiking flood insurance costs for Louisianans. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

According to Money Geek, Louisiana ranks second in the nation among states with the most distracted driving fatalities. Head of Data Analytics Doug Milens says they looked at stats from 2020 when fewer people were driving…:
CUT 5 (06) “it’s flat”

A measure that removes Robert E Lee and Confederate Memorial Day from the state’s official holidays gains approval in the House. David Grubb reports:
CUT 3 (31) “I’m David Grubb”

A bipartisan legislative committee investigating the deadly 2019 arrest of Ronald Greene says it plans to move to hold the former head of state police in contempt for refusing to turn over documents on the matter. The dispute is over a journey entry mentioning Governor John Bel Edwards. Kevin Reeves has been accused of covering up the initial investigation into Greene’s death. Reeves’ lawyer says his client is cooperating.

A bill that would require schools to provide feminine products for students advances out of House Education. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes co-authors the measure…:
CUT 9 (11) “her with”
The bill is slated to be heard next on the House Floor.

Even though people were driving less in 2020, a new analysis by MoneyGeek found Louisiana had the second highest distracted driving fatality rate in the nation. Head of Data Analytics Doug Milens says they compared those fatalities based on miles driven in each state…:
CUT 4 (11) “and Kansas”
Texting while driving is the most common distracted driving offense in Louisiana.

Legislation to require Louisiana schools to provide feminine products for students advances to the House floor…:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

According to Money Geek, Louisiana ranks second in the nation among states with the most distracted driving fatalities. Head of Data Analytics Doug Milens says that coupled with high auto-insurance only adds insult to injury for the state:
Cut 6 (08) “tougher”

Congressman Garret Graves says members of the Louisiana delegation are still working on a measure aimed at dealing with the rising cost of flood insurance that has yet to be approved. He says amendments have been drafted to provide temporary relief from the “Risk Rating 2.0”, but the Democrat majority in the U.S. House isn’t interested in fixing the problem…:
Cut 10 (07) “offering the amendment”
New plan rates are based on distance from water, elevation, construction type, flood history and rebuilding costs.

A student from Southern University Lab in Baton Rouge has received the honorable Gold Medal Congressional Award. The accolade awarded to Kelsie Tillage, who is in 11th grade, is the highest honor a young person can achieve through the US Senate and House. Tillage says she’s so grateful…:
CUT 13 (06) “community as well”
In addition to maintaining a 4.29-grade point average, Tillage is dually enrolled at Southern University, Honors and AP courses, is a published author.

Congressman Garret Graves says efforts are still underway to provide homeowners relief from new, greatly increased flood insurance premiums. The National Flood Insurance Program’s “Risk Rating 2.0” has gone into effect, and Graves says it’s an undue burden on many…:
Cut 11 (09) “these increased costs”
Graves says the ultimate solution is to build better storm and flood mitigation measures, so flood insurance is not a necessity.

The parents of a woman who died in her home after spending years rotting away on a couch have been indicted by a grand jury on second degree murder charges. Sheila and Clay Fletcher are accused of giving no care to their 36-year-old daughter and the East Feliciana Parish Coroner’s Office believes Lacey Fletcher could have been on the couch not moving in her own waste for almost 12 years. A trial date has not been set.

A bill to require public schools in Louisiana to carry free feminine products for students passes in House Education. Bill author New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says she learned that many students experience “Period Poverty…”
Cut 7 (10) “them back”
The bill passed unanimously in committee and is scheduled to be heard on the House floor Thursday.

Police are asking for the public’s help identifying an individual connected to a stabbing in a concession stand on LSU’s campus Saturday before the Garth Brooks concert. Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact authorities. The victim was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

It’s not what you wanted to hear today but Colorado State University is predicting yet another above average hurricane seasons this year. Ph.D. candidate Alex DesRosiers (Dee-rose-ee-ay) says in addition to La Nina conditions, the water is also warm in the Caribbean and subtropical Atlantic right now which typically leads to warmer main development region in the peak of the season…:
CUT 6 (08) “for you”
Hurricane season begins June 1st.

The man wanted for questioning in connection to the case of the missing woman from Lafayette Parish is now in custody in Rapides Parish. Ella Goodie has been missing since March 9th and Brandon Francisco is believed to be the last person to see her. Francisco was extradited from Missouri to Rapides on unrelated attempted murder charges and is only a person of interest right now in the Goodie case.

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 research continues, but the possibilities for improving the quality of life for seniors are significant…:
Cut 9 (09) “healthier, longer lives”
Axelrod says, in human applications, BAM15 could prevent age-related obesity and/or age-related muscle loss and even reduce inflammation in older persons.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival gets underway today and organizers say this could be the most well attended year in the 50-year history of the event. spokesperson Donald Lanier says they are expecting anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 people so come one, come all…:
Cut 12 (04) “out here”
Visit LAstrawberryfestival.com to learn more.

Another above-average hurricane season is in the forecast for 2022. Colorado State University Ph.D. candidate Alex DesRosiers (Dee-rose-ee-ay) says they predict at least 19 named storms and nine hurricanes – four of which could be major…:
Cut 4 (10) “likes to see”
Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th.

The LHSAA says it will allow student-athletes to receive NIL benefits. Executive Director Eddie Bonine says they’ve also entered a partnership with Eccker sports to provide educational NIL services, so everyone understands the name, image, likeness process…
CUT 14 (07) “see the money”
He says NIL deals are already happening in the state and the partnership with Eccker is just about explaining how it all works.

A truck driver from out of state was arrested after his big rig slammed into the back of another vehicle on I-12 Thursday morning, leaving an 18-month-old dead. The wreck happened near the Livingston/Tangipahoa parish line. State Police say 60-year-old Predrag Bisevac of Illinois failed to stop as he approached standstill traffic. He was booked on charges of negligent homicide and reckless operation.

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”

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”

The legislative committee looking into the death of motorist Ronald Greene was told Thursday to expect charges will be handed down soon to State Troopers involved in the deadly 2019 arrest of Greene. Union Parish District Attorney John Belton also hinted that federal indictments will also be forthcoming.

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 it cannot reverse aging, but their research on geriatric mice indicates it could be useful in helping us live better lives as we grow old…:
Cut 8 (08) “made them age healthier”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off today and organizers predict 2022 will see a record-breaking crowd head to Tangipahoa Parish this weekend. 32-year festival board member Donald Lanier says they haven’t been able to have the berry big festival for two years, so they are elated to be back…:
Cut 10 (09) “everything going on”
Visit LAstrawberryfestival.com to learn more.

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 we are still currently in a weak La Nina pattern:
Cut 5 (06) “and intensify”
This is the third year in a 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 the association has also entered a partnership with Eccker sports to provide educational NIL services…:
Cut 13 (10) “learning tool”
He says these NIL deals are already happening this approval is all about making sure folks are educated on the process.

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”

Police in Slidell have arrested a headmaster at a local Christian School for allegedly taping three students’ mouths shut last month. 60 year old Pastor John Raymond is charged with three counts of child cruelty.

Most of the state is under a red flag warning which means weather conditions are ripe for small fires to be easily spread so it’s a good idea to avoid outdoor burning today.