Legislation that would take the regulatory powers for the production of medical marijuana away from the state Ag Department and give it to the Louisiana Department of Health has advanced to the House floor. The bill is in response to the repeated delays that have taken place in making the product available to the public. During testimony, Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain defended his department’s actions by saying their number one concern is patient safety….
cut 9 (12) “….safety”
Strain says they’ve found a pesticide in a batch of medical marijuana grown by GB Sciences, but the biopharmaceutical research company says that pesticide must have come from the department of ag’s own lab.

Louisiana Tech ended its 12-game losing streak to LSU baseball by thumping the Tigers 12-1 at Alex Box Stadium last night.

The Council for a Strong America releases a report that says Louisiana loses one-point-one billion dollars each year because of a child care crisis. CEO of Committee of 100 Michael Olivier says there’s over five-thousand infants and toddlers who are on a waitlist for state funding, so they can go to child care…
cut 5 (09) “…child care”
House Republicans are pushing for more state funding to reduce the child care wait list.

Louisiana Tech athletics director Tommy McClelland says based on preliminary estimates the school’s baseball, softball and soccer stadiums must be completely rebuilt, because of last month’s EF-3 tornado.
cut 13 (08) “…today’s dollars”
McClelland says discussions are underway on how to pay for and where to build new baseball and softball stadiums.

A House committee advances legislation to change control of the state medical marijuana program from the Ag Dept to the Department of Health. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain surprised the committee by revealing they discovered a pesticide and mercury in GB’s crop, but GB Sciences President John Davis says they’ve independently tested the crop and there’s no mercury to be found. Davis says it’s another example of a deteriorating line of communication.

Cut 8 (07) “…meeting”

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month in Louisiana State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer wants to encourage those behind the wheel to be extra cautious on the roadways to keep an eye out of bikers on two wheels.

Cut 12 (08) “…see at times.”

Heavy rains are moving into the state prompting a flash flood watch for Northwest Louisiana until Thursday morning. The National Weather Service is predicting 2-4 inches in the next 24 hours. The area is also bracing for the potential of severe weather with a risk of tornados, damaging winds and hail today. The rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend in Northwest Louisiana and could reach up to six inches in total rainfall.

Not the best news for the Ruston area where three Louisiana Tech team’s fields appear to be totaled as a result of the EF-3 tornado that tore through the campus last month. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

A bill has advanced to the House floor that would transfer regulatory control of the state’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Ag to the Department of Health as frustration grows over the delays of getting the product to the public. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

And lawmakers have broaden the scope on a proposal to legalize the growth of industrial hemp and create a framework for the sale of CBD products. CBD products and sales are currently illegal in Louisiana. Language added to the bill would prohibit sales of alcohol or food containing CBD unless the FDA approves the substance. The measure was approved in the house and goes to the Senate.

Governor Edwards has deemed May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. With the weather more favorable for hitting the road on two wheels, State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says motorcycles are more present on the roadways, and LSP is offering a refresher course for riders.

Cut 10 (09) “…the advanced rider.”

To date this year 20 people have died and nearly 300 have been injured in motorcycle accidents on state roads

So far reports indicate that the Tornado that ripped through Ruston was an EF-3 and sports wise has Louisiana Tech scheduling in limbo for the upcoming baseball, softball and soccer seasons.

As they sort through the wreckage, the school is working to find out where the teams will be playing for their upcoming seasons. Athletic Director Tommy McClelland says they’re hoping to find a season long, single location solution for all three teams, but if not…

Cut 15 (09) “ideal.”

A House committee advances legislation that would move regulatory power of the state’s medical marijuana program out of the Ag Department and into the Department of Health. Making the product available to the public has faced repeated delays and grower GB Sciences President John Davis is tired of the wait.

Cut 7 (10) “…work.”

GB Sciences is partnered with the LSU AgCenter to grow part of the state’s medical marijuana crop.

Governor Edwards has deemed May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. So far 20 people have died this year in motorcycle accidents and nearly 300 injured. State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says the department offers a refresher course for riders

Cut 11 (08) “…around the state.”

A Council for a Strong America report says the state needs to do more in making sure parents are able to find child care. CEO of the Committee of 100 Michael Olivier (Olivia) says the infant and child care crisis is costing the state $1.1 billion each year and that’s lost earnings and productivity

Cut 4 (10) “…they can afford.”

5,000 children are currently on a state waiting list for funding to pay for child care education

A new report indicates when parents can’t find affordable child care, it carries a heavy cost for Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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A bill has advanced to the House floor that would transfer regulatory control of the state’s medical marijuana program from the Department of Ag to the Department of Health as frustration grows over the delays of getting the product to the public. Matt Doyle has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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Three Louisiana Tech team’s fields appear to be totaled as a result of the EF-3 tornado that tore through Ruston last month. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 3 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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A Council for a Strong America report says the state needs to do more in making sure parents are able to find child care. CEO of the Committee of 100 Michael Olivier says the infant and child care crisis is costing the state $1.1 billion each year and that’s lost earnings and productivity

Cut 4 (10) “…they can afford.”

5,000 kids are currently on a state waiting list for funding to pay for child care education.  Olivier says hopes the legislature allocates $31 million in funding to eliminate the waiting list. But Governor Edwards is pushing for the state to spend more money on public education and his plan is to increase funding for early childhood education next year.

Olivier says it is not just parents who take on the financial burden of lost productivity when they are not able to find suitable childcare.

Cut 5 (08) “…this child care.”

Olivier says early childhood care and education is vital for helping build a better society and will offer a better payoff in preparation as children go into the later years of education.

Cut 6 (10) “…a better society.”
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A House committee advances legislation that would move regulatory power of the state’s medical marijuana program out of the Ag Department and into the Department of Health. Making the product available to the public has faced repeated delays and grower GB Sciences President John Davis is tired of the wait.

Cut 7 (10) “…work.”

GB Sciences is partnered with the LSU AgCenter to grow part of the state’s medical marijuana crop.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain surprised the committee by revealing they discovered a pesticide and mercury in GB’s crop, but Davis says they’ve independently tested every facet of their growing process, and there’s no mercury to be found. Davis says it’s another example of a deteriorating line of communication.

Cut 8 (07) “…meeting”

Strain says the amount of mercury was within safe levels.

Strain defended his department against accusations they have been responsible for the frequent delays. The Commissioner says they’ve followed every protocol necessary to ensure the plant is safe for consumption.

Cut 9 (12) “…safety″

The legislation is being brought by Opelousas Representative Dustin Miller.

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Governor Edwards has deemed May as Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month. With the weather more favorable for hitting the road on two wheels, State Police Sgt. Jared Sandifer says motorcycles are more present on the roadways, and LSP is offering a refresher course for riders.

Cut 10 (09) “…the advanced rider.”

So far in 2019, 20 people have died and nearly 300 have been injured in motorcycle accidents on stat roads. Sandifer says the popular courses are offered in many areas around Louisiana.

Cut 11 (08) “…around the state.”

Sandifer says in addition to the Motorcycle Safety, Awareness and Operator Training Program, law enforcement needs the help of those behind the wheel to be extra cautious on the roadways to keep an eye out of bikers.

Cut 12 (08) “…see at times.”

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Preliminary estimates show the devastating EF-3 tornado that ripped through Ruston likely destroyed Louisiana Tech’s softball, baseball, and soccer fields.

Athletic Director Tommy McClelland says the estimates aren’t final, but they do not expect at this time that the facilities are usuable

Cut 13 (12) “…mother”

Two people were killed in the deadly incident last month.

Between insurance and federal funds, McClelland expects to have some funds to work with to get those three program’s back up and running. But there’s a major question left to answer, do they rebuild on old ground, or pick new locations for the three fields?

Cut 14 (10) “…effective.”

While they sort through the wreckage, the school is working to find out where the teams will be playing for their upcoming seasons. McClelland says they’re hoping to find a season long, single location solution for all three teams, but if not…

Cut 15 (09) “ideal.”

Legislation that would allow an increase in the number of hours a minor can work without receiving a break stalled out on the House floor after a heated debate. Matt Doyle has sound from both sides…

cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”  

A proposal backed by vaccine critics that would require providers to give patients a list of information about vaccines prior to administering them was rejected by a House Health and Welfare Committee on a 9-4 vote.

One day after the Senate rejected legislation to abolish the death penalty, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a bill that would allow the state to keep it a secret on where they purchase lethal drugs to carry out an execution.Louisiana has not carried out an execution since 2010 and a major stumbling block is the state’s inability to acquire the drugs needed to perform a lethal injection, because pharmaceutical companies do not want to be associated with it. Covington Representative Mark Wright is in favor of the secrecy bill, because he says the death penalty can be used to deter crime

Cut 13 (12) “…rampage”

A House committee advances legislation on a 6-4 vote that would move regulatory responsibilities for medical marijuana out of the Ag Department and into the Department of Health.

The product has faced repeated delays over the years, and grower GB Sciences’ Executive Vice President John Davis is tired of the wait.

Cut 7 (10) “…work.”

President Trump is scheduled to visit Louisiana next Tuesday to highlight job growth of the energy sector in Cameron Parish as he’ll tour Sempra Energy’s 10-billion dollar liquefied natural gas export facility. Cameron Parish Assistant Administrator Darrell Williams says they are elated for the visit.

Cut 3 (06) “…places to visit.”

A bill that would up the amount of time a minor has to work before getting a break from five hours to eight hours has stalled in the House after a heated argument on the lower chamber floor. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the legislation would endanger teen’s education, and it’s unfair to push them to work seven and a half hours straight while paying them 7.25 an hour. Bill writer, Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews countered saying teenagers have not proven their worth yet, leading to this confrontation…

Cut 8 (12) “…which one”

One day after the Senate rejected legislation to abolish the death penalty, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a bill that would allow the state to keep it a secret on where they purchase lethal drugs to carry out an execution. Alison McCrary, a nun for the Sisters for Christian Community spoke in opposition

Cut 12 (09) “…human being.”

Louisiana has not carried out an execution since 2010 and a major stumbling block is the state’s inability to acquire the drugs needed to perform a lethal injection, because pharmaceutical companies do not want to be associated with it. After a lengthy discussion, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton was ready to send the bill to the House floor

Cut 15 (12) “…bill favorably.”

It passed on an 8-2 vote. It now faces more discussion on the House floor. It’s also been approved by House Criminal Justice.

A bill that would up the amount of time a minor has to work before getting a break from five hours to eight hours has stalled in the House after a heated argument on the lower chamber floor. Tensions built up from other labor bills spilled over into this debate, as the premise shocked lawmakers like New Orleans Representative Gary Carter.
Cut 6 (10) “…break”
Supporters of the bill say it would increase teen employment opportunities.
CenLA Law enforcement believe there are women out there who was held captive by a man identified as 56-year-old Justin Walters of Colfax. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says says the suspect used social media to start a relationship with his victims…
Cut 10 (11) “…victims”
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One day after the Senate rejected legislation to abolish the death penalty, the House Governmental Affairs Committee approved a bill that would allow the state to keep it a secret on where they purchase lethal drugs to carry out an execution. Opponents argue it’s wrong for the state to keep drugs used in a lethal injection a secret. Scott Sternberg with the Louisiana Press Association says this issue demands transparency.
Cut 14 (06) “…constitution”
Louisiana has not carried out an execution since 2010 and a major stumbling block is the state’s inability to acquire the drugs needed to perform a lethal injection, because pharmaceutical companies do not want to be associated with it. After a lengthy discussion, Haughton Representative Dodie Horton was ready to send the bill to the House floor.
Cut 15 (12) “…bill favorably.”
It passed on an 8-2 vote. It now faces more discussion on the House floor. It’s also been approved by House Criminal Justice.