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.

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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.”

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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.

A proposed law making it a crime to recruit a minor to commit a carjacking wins passage in the state House. More from Michelle Southern…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Michelle Southern.”

Despite “nay” votes from Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, the U.S. Senate has confirmed federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the next Supreme Court Justice. The vote was 53 for and 47 against. Jackson will take her seat when Justice Stephen Breyer retires this summer. She is the first woman of color to ever be on the High Court.

Third judicial District Attorney John 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 06(07)      “…appropriate charges.”

State Police body camera video showed several troopers beating and tasing Greene after a lengthy police chase. Greene died a short time later. His family was originally told he died in a car crash.

Make that TWELVE people arrested in Lake Charles in connection with a gang dispute with gunfire that led to the death of a 6-year-old girl; innocently watching TV inside her home. LC Police Chief Shawn Caldwell says detectives found evidence of a gang-related ongoing beef via social media posts that started the shooting outside little Draya Guillory’s house…:

CUT 10(03)      “…at that residence.”

Lake Charlese Mayor Nic Hunter calls the girl’s death senseless and tragic.

Police in Lake Charles arrest 11 people they say are connected to wild gunfire on March 20^th that led to the shooting death of a little girl – inside her home, as she watched TV.  Police Chief Shawn Caldwell hopes these arrests give the family of little 6-year-old Draya Guillory a sense of closure….:

CUT 09(12)      “…Northside Babies.”

Investigators found evidence of an ongoing argument via social media posts that led to the shooting. They say more arrests are coming.

Adults recruiting juveniles to commit carjackings would be illegal under legislation approved unanimously by the Louisiana House. Some members opposed the bill; saying there are already laws to punish those who lead kids into crime, but New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman supports the measure, calling it a serious problem for her city…:

CUT 05(11)      “grandchild in the car.”

The bill now heads over to the Senate.

The Senate Education Committee advances a bill that would ban persons born male from competing in women’s sports. The measure would define in statutes that boys’ teams are made of biological males, girls’ teams are made of biological females and prohibits person born one gender from competing with the other. Dubbed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”, sponsor Beth Mizell says the bill is to protect that for which women have worked for generations…:

CUT 14(10)      “…with biological females.”

Opposing the bill SarahJane Guidry, with the Forum for Equality, who says the bill is (as Governor Edwards called it last year at his veto) a solution looking for a problem…:

CUT 15(11)      “…providing lip service.”

The committee passed the bill without objection, and it goes to the Senate floor for debate. Last year, lawmakers sought to override the governor’s veto of the same bill, but the override fell short of votes in the House.

The Louisiana House unanimously approved legislation making it a crime to recruit a juvenile to commit a carjacking. Michelle Southern has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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Passed last year, but vetoed by the Governor, a Senate bill called a “trans athlete ban” clears its first legislative hurdle. Jeff Palermo has that…:

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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Adults recruiting juveniles to commit car jackings 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 proposed law says violators would face a sentencing between five and 20 years. But Gretna Representative Joe Marino says the recruitment of juveniles to commit a car jackings is already illegal…

Cut 4  (09) “…do that”

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman  expressed her support for the measure, calling it a serious problem for her city

Cut 5  (11) “…grand child in the car”

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Third judicial District Attorney John 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” 

State Police body camera video showed several troopers beating and tasing Greene after a lengthy police chase. Greene died a short time later.  Belton says he believes state and federal crimes were committed…

Cut 7 (07) “…above the law.” 

Belton says the feds are still investigating but will share their files and investigators to help his prosecution. The Associated Press has reported six troopers were involved in the encounter, but Belton couldn’t give specifics to a House committee looking into Greene’s death who could possibly face criminal charges…

Cut 8 (07) “…about it.” 

Belton says former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves, who was in charge when Greene died and current L-S-P leader Lamar Davis are not under investigation.

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Lake Charles Police announce the arrest of 11 individuals for their role in the death of a six-year-old girl who was fatally shot as she watched TV in her home on March 20th. Police Chief Shawn Caldwell hopes these arrests give the family of Draya Guillory a sense of closure.

Cut 9 (12) “…(NawfSideBabies) Northside Babies.”

Caldwell says bonds on some of those arrested are as high as $2.5 million and they expect to make more arrests.  Investigators found evidence of an ongoing argument via social media posts that led to the March 20th shooting at the home in the 1400 block of Mill Street.

Cut 10 (03)  “…that residence.”

Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter praised the police department for their dedication and the swift arrest of nearly a dozen individuals. Hunter implored parents to show their teens a photo of six-year-old Draya and talk to them about this senseless and tragic crime.

Cut 11 (11)  “…gun violence.”  

One individual, 19-year-old Michael Carter remains at large.

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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 bill would define in statutes that boys’ teams are made of biological males, girls’ teams are made of biological females and prohibits a person born of one gender from competing with the other. Dubbed the “Fairness in Women’s Sports Act”, sponsor Beth Mizell says the bill is to protect that for which women have worked for generations…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…with biological females.”

But Guidry says the bill is (as Governor Edwards called it last year at his veto) a solution looking for a problem…:

Cut 15 (11) “…providing lip service.” 

The committee passed the bill without objection, and it goes to the Senate floor for debate. Last year, lawmakers sought to override the governor’s veto of the same bill, but the override fell short of votes in the House.

Passed last year, but vetoed by the Governor, a Senate bill called a “trans athlete ban” clears its first legislative hurdle for this year. Jeff Palermo has that…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Police report a child died this morning in a crash on Interstate 12 in Tangipahoa Parish. Troopers say – at around 9 AM – a big rig lost control and jackknifed, causing a multi-car pileup. The child’s death is confirmed, but we have no other information on fatalities or injuries as yet.

Third Judicial District DA John Belton says he’ll convene a grand jury in Union Parish to look at charges against law officers in the 2019 death of Ronald Greene. The Associated Press reports six State Troopers were involved in the encounter, but Belton told a House investigative committee looking into Greene’s death he’s not a liberty to name names…:

CUT 08(07)      “…that’s about it.”

Belton does confirm both the former and current heads of State Police are NOT under investigation.

Cops in Lake Charles arrest 11 people in connection with the shooting death of a 6-year-old girl last month. Draya Guillory was shot through the wall of her home as she watched TV on March 20th. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says parent should show their kids a picture of Draya, and talk with them about the senseless tragedy…:

CUT 11(11)      “…gun violence.”

More arrests are expected.

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 has held off on pursuing charges at the request of the U-S Attorney’s office which has given him permission to move forward.

The Louisiana House unanimously approved legislation making it a crime to recruit a juvenile to commit a carjacking. Michelle Southern has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern”

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.