Plans to build a new sports and entertainment arena on LSU’s campus can move forward after the East Baton Rouge Metro Council approved an ordinance that will limit live music events to no more than 3,500 attendees at the River Center. LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says they needed a commitment that if a new arena was constructed on LSU’s campus, it would not have to compete with the River Center for major concert events….
cut 4 (10) “….for LSU”
Worsham says there are developers interested in building the 350 to 400 million dollar entertainment and sports arena that would replace the PMAC.

A strong line of storms and heavy rainfall is moving over north Louisiana this morning. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 13 (06) “…southern half of the state”
There’s also a marginal risk for severe weather, large hail and damaging winds are possible.

The state’s tenth medical marijuana pharmacy has opened its doors in Kenner. Crescent City Therapeutics owner Lovie Rodgers says they offer drive-thru services….
cut 8 (06) “….your day”
In order to buy medical marijuana in Louisiana, you need a recommendation from a licensed doctor.

Crawfish prices keep falling. Laney King is the co-founder of the Crawfish App….
cut 12 (08) “…for a sack”
King says consumers can expect to pay an average of $6.99 a pound for crawfish already boiled.

While crawfish prices are falling, gas prices are rising. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has increased seven cents in the last week to $3.10. That’s up 17-cents from a month ago.

A vote by the East Baton Rouge Metro Council to limit live music events at the River Center to no more than 35-hundred attendees over the next 30 years means LSU can move forward with plans to build a new sports and entertainment arena on its campus. LSU’s Cody Worsham says taxpayer dollars or the Tiger Athletic Foundation will not pay for this facility. He says developers would pay for construction….
cut 5 (13) “….entertainment acts”
Worsham says blueprints could come out this summer.

A new medical marijuana pharmacy has opened in Jefferson Parish. Crescent City Therapeutics Owner Lovie Rodgers says the Kenner pharmacy will serve the state’s second most populated parish.
Cut 7 (10) “…Grand Isle.”
Rodgers says they offer free delivery for the greater New Orleans area.

Crawfish prices have dropped another a dollar a pound this week. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says consumers can expect to pay an average of $6.99 a pound as prices have been dropping since the start of March…
cut 11 (12) “…the supply”
King says if you’re looking for a sack of crawfish, it should cost you around 150-dollars.

If you have outdoor plans this St. Patrick’s Day weekend, be prepared to dodge rain drops. Some strong storms have been moving through north Louisiana this morning and heavy rainfall is in the forecast for south Louisiana today and Sunday. LSU climatologist Barry Keim says a severe storm is possible too…
cut 14 (10) “…weekend

The USA Today Network is reporting a Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone is coming to Richland Parish. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says it will attract new industry and jobs to produce renewable biofuel to power combustion engines. There’s enough woody biomass in the area to support at least one major refinery and other bio-based projects.

The passage of an ordinance by the East Baton Rouge Metro Council that limits live music events at River Center, means plans for a new arena on LSU’s campus can move forward…
cut 1 (33) “….I’m Collen Crain”

It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and a lucky one for mudbug fans as we’ve seen another dollar drop in the average price for a pound of crawfish. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says consumers can expect to pay an average of $6.99 a pound for boiled crawfish this weekend.
Cut 10 (11) “…some are lower.”
King says you can find live crawfish for as low as $3.75 a pound on The Crawfish App.

We’re seeing strong storms across north Louisiana this morning and heavy rainfall is also possible today and Sunday across south Louisiana. But LSU climatologist Barry Keim says Saturday does not look like a complete washout…
cut 15 (12) “….on Sunday”

Murder charges have been dropped against an 11-year-old girl from New Iberia. The girl has pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in the shooting death of Kameron Bedsole who died after he was shot in the head in November. Prosecutors say it was the 11-year-old girl’s brother who killed Bedsole, but the girl obstructed in the investigation. Judge Roger Hamilton handed down a seven-year sentence against the child, with three and a half years suspended.

A new medical marijuana pharmacy has opened in the state. It’s located in Kenner, the second one for Jefferson Parish. Crescent City Therapeutics owner Lovie Rodgers says they will provide their customers with a personalized experience…
cut 9 (12) “….their experience”
Crescent City Therapeutics gives the state ten medical marijuana pharmacies. Rodgers is the first Black Woman to have ownership stake.

The average price for a pound of crawfish has dropped another dollar this week. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

If you are planning on boiling crawfish or doing any outdoor activity this weekend, heavy rainfall is in the forecast for today and Sunday. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 13 (06) “…southern half of the state”
There’s also a marginal risk for severe weather, large hail and damaging winds are possible.

The Metro Council passed an ordinance clearing the first hurdle for a new sports and entertainment arena at LSU with changes to the Raising Cane’s River Center.  Colleen Crain has more on what’s next…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The tenth and final medical marijuana pharmacy facility opens in Jefferson Parish. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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The average price for a pound of crawfish has dropped another dollar this week. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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 The sports and entertainment arena on LSU’s campus is a step closer after the Metro Council passed an ordinance that, with some exceptions, will limit entertainment seating at the Raising Cane’s River Center and make it more of a convention center when the new arena opens. LSU Chief Brand Officer Cody Worsham says the public-private project elevates Baton Rouge’s appeal as a world class destination…

Cut 4 (10) “…for LSU.”

The new arena with up to 13,000 to 15,000 or more seats will replace the 50-year-old PMAC for sporting events and attract large live entertainment acts. It’s expected to cost between 350 to 400 million dollars, but Worsham says developers will fund the project not taxpayers or the Tiger Athletic Foundation…

Cut 5 (13) “…entertainment acts.” 

Worsham says the Tiger Athletic Foundation is overseeing the project because of their experience with large capital projects and public-private ventures. He says privately owned arenas on campuses is the model that is working in places like U T in Austin, Florida State in Tallahassee, and Arizona State in Tempe…

Cut 6 (09) “…Baton Rouge.”

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The state’s 10^th and final licensed medical marijuana pharmacy opens in Jefferson Parish. Crescent City Therapeutics Owner Lovie Rodgers says the Kenner pharmacy will serve the state’s second most populated parish.

Cut 7 (10) “…Grand Isle.”

The permit for the pharmacy was the state’s most sought-after permit with 33 applications. Crescent City Therapeutics is the second licensed pharmacy in New Orleans Metropolitan area.

Rodgers says the state-of-the-art facility houses a veteran group of experts. The new facility offers walk-in services, free delivery, private consultation rooms…

Cut 8 (06) “…your day.” 

Rodgers says medical marijuana is another option for patients who don’t want to use opiates or other products that could cause harmful side effects. And the new location offers a personalized experience for individuals.

Cut 9 (12)  “…their experience.”

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It’s St. Patrick’s Day weekend and a lucky one for mudbug fans with another dollar drop in the average price for a pound of crawfish. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says consumers can expect to pay an average of $6.99 a pound for boiled crawfish this weekend.

Cut 10 (11) “…some are lower.”

King says you can find live crawfish for as low as $3.75 a pound on The Crawfish App.

Since the beginning of March, the average price for mudbugs has dropped two dollars a pound. King says prices are down because the supply has finally exceeded consumer demand.

Cut 11 (12) “…(x2) the supply.” 

King says it’s been a very tough year for the crawfish industry after last summer’s drought and extreme heat severely impacted the crop and prices this season are reflective of the limited supply.

Cut 12 (08) “…$140 to $150 for a sack.” 

In addition to downloading the Crawfish App on your phone, you can sign up for their weekly newsletter at TheCrawfishApp.com and follow them on Facebook.

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A cold front system bearing down on the state will bring rain to the Bayou State today through St. Patrick’s Day. Climatologist Barry Keim says the cold front will gradually move across the state and eventually stall in south Louisiana producing plenty of clouds and scattered showers.

Cut 13 (13)  “…half of the state.”

Keim says to keep that raincoat and umbrella handy because the entire state should see rainfall this weekend, but most of the precipitation will be in south Louisiana.

Cut 14 (11) “…weekend.”

Out of the three days, Keim says the chances of severe weather are greater today and Sunday, and Saturday is the best day out of the three if you have outdoor plans.

Cut 15 (12) “…on Sunday.”

On Sunday, Keim says the southern half of the state will have another round of rain.

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team begins SEC play tonight as they visit the Mississippi State Bulldogs for a three-game set in Starkville. The Tigers are 16-and-2 and the strength has been their starting pitching. Tiger pitching has compiled 234 strikeouts and that leads the nation. Coach Jay Johnson expects his guys to keep throwing strikes

Cut 16 (16) “…that’s awesome.” 

LSU’s starter tonight, Luke Holeman, is tied for fifth in the country with 40 strikeouts in four starts.

The Tigers have yet to hit their stride at the plate. They are sixth in the SEC in hitting with a team average of .304. Johnson knew there would be a drop-off at the plate after losing Golden Spikes Award winner Dylan Crews

Cut 17 (21) “…to me.” 

Mississippi State enters SEC play with a 13-5 record. The Bulldogs have only hit 15 home runs, but nine of those blasts have come Dakota Jordan, who is the reigning SEC Co-Player of the Week. Johnson says they’ll have to be careful with him…

Cut 18 (18)  “…good test” 

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New Saints linebacker Willie Gay met with the media today. Gay is known for his speed and playmaking ability. In his four seasons in Kansas City, Gay had 218 tackles, four interceptions, four fumble recoveries and 19 passes defended. Gay is anxious to showcase his abilities in New Orleans…

Cut 19 (18) “…do it all man.” 

Gay is looking forward to playing with starting linebackers Demario Davis and Pete Werner…

Cut 20 (10) “…for sure.”

Two bills related to mental health on school campuses advance from Senate Education. Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. He says in the two states that do allow chaplains…

Cut 9 (07) “…are zero.” 

Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill promotes awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 9-8-8. Schools would be required to post the 24/7 free counseling number on their website and school ID cards. Barrow quoted concerning suicide statistics from 2021…

Cut 11 (12) “…to me.”

In 2021, there were 689 suicides in Louisiana.

The House Transportation Committee passed legislation on Wednesday to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law which has been in place since 2004. The bill passed on a 10-3 vote. Hornbeck Representative Rodney Shamerhorn says wearing a helmet should be a personal choice.

AM Cut 4 (09) “…vegetable state.”

Under the current law, both riders and passengers are required to wear safety helmets regardless of age.

Monroe Representative Pat Moore, who worked for an insurance company for 27 years, opposes the bill. She says riding a motorcycle without a helmet is like playing Russian Roulette. And questions the effect it will have on the state’s already skyrocketing insurance crisis.

AM Cut 6 (09) “…of it.”

The bill heads to the full House for more debate.

Senate Education advanced a bill promoting awareness of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 9-8-8. Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow’s bill would require schools post the 24/7 free counseling number on their website and school ID cards. Barrow quoted concerning suicide statistics from 2021…

Cut 11 (12) “…to me.”

If you’re planning on traveling over the Easter weekend, plan to budget around $3.15 for a gallon of regular gas. Triple A Fuel Analyst Don Redman says gas prices will keep rising into the summer as demand will also be up…

Cut 8 (07) “…a gallon.” 

The McNeese men’s basketball team is headed to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2002. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

For years cars have had a 60 mph speed limit over the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge and trucks were limited to 55 but DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says phase 2 of the basin safety corridor will raise trucks to 60 mph.

Cut 14 (10) “…speed limit.”

Sign replacement and camera placement begins Monday night with overnight lane closures through March.

One of Two bills related to mental health on school campuses that advanced out of Senate Education is Lake Charles Senator Mark Abraham’s bill allows public schools to employ or allow a volunteer chaplain to provide support services for students and teachers. Abraham says fifteen other states are currently considering such laws.

Cut 10 (09) “…these schools.”

McNeese is headed to its third ever NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament appearance. Shahada Wells earned most valuable player honors for the tournament as he had 27 points and six assists in the win over Nicholls.

Cut 5 (08)  “…make a run.”

The Bayou Bandits will learn of their NCAA Tournament destination on Selection Sunday at 5 PM.

The Speed limit for trucks crossing the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge is being raised to 60 so the maximum speed will be the same for all vehicles. Phase 2 of the Safety Corridor starts Monday night…

Cut 29

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 16 cents since last month. Today’s statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.07. Triple-A Fuel analyst Don Redman says higher crude oil prices is raising the price at the pump…

Cut 6  (09) “…a barrel.”