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.

A bill heading to the House floor would remove party affiliation from the ballot for judicial candidates. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 3 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

If you enjoy smoking your medical marijuana in the car you would face a fine of $100 if a bill that advanced in the House Wednesday ends up passing as law. Some lawmakers questioned Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel about how this would actually be enforced…:
Cut 16 (12) “…hold them accountable.”
The Senate will take this up next.

Testimony will begin today in the trial of a Baker man accused in the September 2018 slaying of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims. A jury was chosen Wednesday. 23-year-old Dyteon (Die-Tee-On) Simpson is charged with second degree murder and faces a mandatory life sentence if found guilty. Authorities say Simpson shot Sims in the face when Sims was trying to defend a friend at a frat party just off Southern University’s Campus.

Research continues to point to us blocking out memories of the pandemic and the stressful situation of the past couple of years. Head of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Rahn Bailey says they are working on ways to help folks who are struggling with some cognitive impairment…:
Cut 9 (10) “helpful”
You can call the Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-866-310-7977.

Republican lawmakers are trying again to ban transgender athletes in women’s sports. The measure is set to be heard in Senate Education today. It passed in both chambers last year but failed in a veto override attempt. LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says GOP majorities in both chambers are anxious to send the bill to the Governor’s desk:
Cut 5 (08) “for quite a while”
The bill seeks to assure female athletes do not have to face competition from athletes who were born men.

A House committee approves a bill that would remove the party affiliation of a judge on a voting ballot. The vote was 9-3 with a few GOP lawmakers opposing like Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…:
Cut 11 (07) “adheres to”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

Recent research points to memory loss being one of the side effects of the pandemic. Brooke Thorington has that report…:
CUT 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Police in Shreveport are investigating a Wednesday night shooting at a local gas station which left the clerk hospitalized after being hit 3 times. They say a customer called the cops after entering the Circle K to find the employee on the floor suffering gunshot wounds. The victim is at a local hospital with life threatening injuries, and no arrests have been made at this time. More on this as it develops.

A House Committee approves a bill that would remove from a voting ballot the party affiliation of a candidate running for judge. Marrero Representative Kyle Green:
Cut 10 (12) “on the ballot”
The bill was approved by the committee on a nine to three vote with some GOP members in opposition arguing voters deserve to know the politics of judges on a ballot.

A bill that would prohibit smoking weed while driving or riding in a car advances out of the House Wednesday. The measure is by Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel…:
CUT 15 (11) our roads safe”
The proposal passed the House 66-31 and now heads to the Senate.

A Senate committee is scheduled today to take up a second attempt to ban transgender athletes in women’s sports..:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

There’s growing evidence that one side effect of the pandemic is memory loss. That’s due to anxiety according to Head of Psychiatry at LSU Health New Orleans Dr. Rahn Bailey:
Cut 7 (10) “…forward with them”
If you need counseling, you can call the Keeping Calm Through COVID Hotline at 1-866-310-7977.