The Washington DC newspaper, The Hill, reports that Louisiana’s congressional “Clout Index” has fallen from 4th to 30th after Mary Landrieu’s departure from the Louisiana delegation. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says if US Senator David Vitter wins the governorship, it would negatively affect Louisiana’s influence in Washington even further…

cut 5 (07) “two sub-committees”

He says if not for Metarie Congressman Steve Scalise’s election to House Majority Whip, the ranking would have been worse.

Egg prices at the store continue to rise because of avian flu. State Agriculture Commissioner and Chair of the Louisiana Egg Commission Mike Strain says more than 48 million birds were infected and those that died have yet to be replaced.

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Strain says egg prices will remain high until farmers can properly sterilize their facilities to reintroduce hens.

Question nine in Louisiana Radio Network’s continuing Gubernatorial Q&A asks the candidates what steps they would take to reduce the murder rate here. Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle says he’ll make sure law enforcement has all the resources they need to tackle the war on crime. He also feels non-governmental organizations should be involved in working together to combat the problem within communities…:

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Complete candidate responses can be heard at louisianaradionetwork-dot-com.

State Department of Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallett says motorists traveling through the Baton Rouge area will have the opportunity to travel a little faster on I-10 and I-12. Today, the speed limit on I-10 from Essen to Siegen and on I-12 from Sherwood to Range increases to 65 miles per hour. Mallett says hopefully this will help improve congestion through these areas…

cut 8 (05) “safe speed”

He says crews will begin installing signage reflecting the speed limit change today.