An interesting debate is expected on the House floor this afternoon over a bill that would name a proposed new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump.  It’s an idea polarizing people.  But Monroe Representative Michael Echols says naming the bridge after the president might increase the chances of having the federal government fund the three-billion-dollar project and alleviate the need for tolls.

Cut 7 (07) “…in Louisiana.”

Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. Registrants would pay a 250-dollar registration fee, with 100 dollars of that going to the governor’s office on women’s policy for domestic abuse intervention. Walters says…

Cut 14 (08) “…home with them.”

Houma Senator Mike Fesi has once again authored legislation to ban fluoride from all water supplies. Fesi describes fluoride as hazardous waste that causes health issues and impacts a child’s brain…

Cut 10 (06) “…tests done.”

The Louisiana Dental Association opposes Fesi’s efforts to remove fluoride from public drinking water systems. New Orleans dentist Suzanne Fournier says Fesi’s legislation would result in tooth decay and it’s also costly for the taxpayer…

Cut 13 (13)  “..astronomical.”

After an amendment, the legislation heading to the Senate floor now allows voters without fluoride in their drinking water to have a public vote to add it and communities with fluoride in their drinking water, can petition to have an election to remove it.

The ten-parish economic development organization Louisiana Central launches its regional strategic plan. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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Legislation is heading to the Senate floor that would give communities the opportunity to vote on whether they want or do not want fluoride in their public drinking water. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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After two dominant performances, the LSU Lady Tigers are headed back to the Sweet 16. Andrew Greenstein is at the P-MAC.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The ten-parish economic development organization Louisiana Central launches its regional strategic plan, dubbed Elevate 2030. President and CEO Chris Massingill says it comprises four key pillars, including building a higher level of organizational excellence.

Cut 4 (12) “…in our region.”

Massingill says another key pillar is elevating and strengthening strategic partnerships, collaborations and initiatives.

Cut 5 (13) “…in central Louisiana.”

Massingill says another pillar is proactive marketing and communications – making sure that central Louisianans tell the story of central Louisiana.

Cut 6 (10) “…in legacy industries.”

The fourth pillar is being bold and connected in economic development strategies – strengthening the core legacy industry sectors, while building on emerging industry sectors.

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An interesting debate is expected on the House floor this afternoon over a bill that would name a proposed new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge after Donald Trump, a President many Louisianans strongly support, while others detest. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says if the new bridge is named after the president that will increase the chances the federal government will pay for its construction and tolls will not be needed.…

Cut 7 (07) “…in Louisiana.”

The state department of transportation is expected to pick a location by the end of the year for the new proposed Mississippi River bridge. It would be located south of Baton Rouge, but still help alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city. Echols says anyone who lives in the Baton Rouge area knows this bridge is desperately needed…

Cut 8 (12) “…in place.”

The estimated price tag for a new bridge is three-billion dollars.

The House Transportation Committee voted for the measure on a 12-2 vote. Two Democrats voted for the bill, Lafayette Representative Tehmi Chassion and Plaquemine Representative Chasity Martinez. Both lawmakers have been criticized by fellow Democrats for voting for a bill that would name a bridge after President Trump.

Echols, who is also running for Congress, expects the lower chamber will approve the legislation…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the Senate.”

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The debate over whether fluoride belongs in public drinking water systems is back before the state legislature again. Houma Senator Mike Fesi has once again authored legislation to ban fluoride from all water supplies. Fesi describes fluoride as hazardous waste that causes health issues and impacts a child’s brain…

Cut 10 (06) “…tests done.”

Fesi’s bill to ban fluoride in all public water systems was approved by the Senate last year, but it died in a House committee. This year he filed a bill that would once again ban fluoride in public drinking water statewide, but if local residents wanted fluoride in their drinking water, they could petition to have a vote. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux objected to that process…

Cut 11 (13) “…can’t do it.”

Boudreaux’s objection helped amend the bill. The legislation heading to the Senate floor now allows voters  without fluoride in their drinking water to have a public vote to add fluoride in their drinking water and communities with fluoride in their drinking water, can petition to have an election to remove it. Boudreaux on the compromise legislation…

Cut 12 (08) “…opt back in.”

The Louisiana Dental Association opposes Fesi’s efforts to remove fluoride from public drinking water systems. The L-D-A says less than 40-percent of Louisiana residents live in areas where fluoride is in the drinking water. New Orleans dentist Suzanne Fournier says Fesi’s legislation would result in tooth decay and it’s also costly for the taxpayer…

Cut 13 (13)  “..astronomical.”

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The LSU Lady Tigers are on their way to Sacramento after breezing through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. After doubling up Jacksonville Friday night, LSU kept it going yesterday, hammering Texas Tech, 101-47. The star of the show was Flau’Jae Johnson, who was playing in her final home game. The senior guard from Savannah, Georgia, had 24 points in her P-MAC farewell, but she especially noted her team’s stifling defense.

Cut 14 (07) “…it was amazing.”

Guard Mikaylah Williams also had 24 points, tying Flau’Jae for the game’s top scorer. She credits her teammates for her high scoring output.

Cut 15 (07) “…down the shot.”

Next up for LSU is Duke in the Sacramento 2 Region semifinals Friday night. Back on December 4th, LSU went into Cameron Indoor Stadium in Durham and walloped the Blue Devils, 93-77. Lady Tigers Head Coach Kim Mulkey says this time, things will be different.

Cut 16 (14) “…stuff for granted.”

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LSU baseball dropped its second consecutive SEC series to begin conference play, and the Tigers also lost one of their weekend starting pitchers to injury. Cooper Moore had to leave Friday’s loss to Oklahoma with an arm injury. Coach Jay Johnson says an MRI showed inflammation, and so they will let that calm down…

Cut 17 (24)  “…best case scenario.”

LSU only allowed nine runs in the series loss to Oklahoma, but still lost. Johnson has given Omar Serna and John Pearson more regular at-bats and it’s helping to some degree…

Cut 18 (21)  “…good plan.”

LSU had 19 hits during the three-game set against the Sooners and only five extra-base hits. The only two doubles they hit, came in Thursday’s series-opening win. Johnson would like to see his team hit more doubles…

Cut 19 (23) “…to do.”

LSU hosts Louisiana Tech tomorrow night.

It was a game that the Lady Tigers pretty much had in the bag from the moment they arrived at the P-MAC yesterday evening. LSU scored the first 14 points of the game dominated  Jacksonville throughout the opening round game of the NCAA Tournament, with a final score of 116-58. Mikaylah Williams scored 18 points and said it was great to return to game action after nearly two weeks.

Cut 6 (08) “…energy was immaculate.”

LSU plays Texas Tech tomorrow.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to participate in a debate with Bill Cassidy, but Cassidy does not like the setting. Letlow says she will participate in a debate on the Moon Griffon radio show on April 28th.  Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, says Griffon is an outspoken critic of Cassidy.

Cut 3 (09) “…Julia Letlow.”

The third major Republican in the race, John Fleming, says he will also take part in the Griffon debate.

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There’s yet another offender registry being proposed this legislative session. This time, Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. Walters says there would be two tiers of registration.

Cut 12 (12) “…there for lifetime.”

Mudbug lovers will be pleased to hear that crawfish prices dropped this week, with supply continuing to rise across South Louisiana. Live crawfish is currently averaging $3.71 a pound, while boiled crawfish is coming in at $6.37 a pound on average. Lacey King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says the price decrease was a significant one.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Easter weekend approaching.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to participate in a debate with Bill Cassidy ahed of the May 16^th primary, but Cassidy does not like the setting.  Cassidy has asked Letlow to participate in three televised debates, but Letlow has not agreed to participate in any one of them.  Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, says debates have become tactical.

Cut 4 (14) “…TV debates.”

The third major Republican in the race, John Fleming, has said he will take part in the Griffon debate.

Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing a Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. If the bill  becomes law, registrants would pay a 250-dollar registration fee, with 100 dollars of that going to the governor’s office on women’s policy for domestic abuse intervention. Walters says…

Cut 14 (08) “…home with them.”

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The LSU Lady Tigers are moving on to the second round of the NC-Double A tournament after trouncing Jacksonville 16-58 last night at the P-Mac.  Coach Kim Mulkey’s team will take on Texas Tech tomorrow afternoon at two.  Coach Mulkey says noticed a few empty seats yesterday and says she’d like to see every seat filled tomorrow for a certain senior who will be playing at home for the very last time.

Cut 8 (16) “…last name is.”

Crawfish supply is up this eek and prices are down.  That’s according to Crawfish App founder Lainey King.  But it’s not all good news.  King says this year’s prices are about a dollar higher than usual for this time of year.

Cut 11 (08) “…to last year.”

In a typical season, crawfish prices around Easter range from $2.50 to $2.75 per pound.

Julia Letlow agrees to participate in a debate — on Moon Griffon’s statewide radio show. Jeff Palermo reports Bill Cassidy may not appear.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

There’s another proposed offender registry on tap for this legislative session. Shreveport Representative Joy Walters wants to establish a Domestic Abuse Offender Registry.  Walters says she’s working with State Police and advocacy groups on how it would be implemented.

Cut 13 (10) “…well as children.”

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The LSU women’s basketball team scored the first 14 points and went on to easily beat Jacksonville 116 to 58 in the first round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. Flau’jae Johnson led the way with 20 points.  And  Even though LSU thoroughly dominated in all facets of the game, Johnson said it still wasn’t a complete performance by the Lady Tigers.

Cut 7 (06) “…to clean up.”

LSU will next play Texas Tech on Sunday.

Good news for crawfish lovers.  Supply is up this week and prices are down.  Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says recent rain in South Louisiana has boosted the crawfish supply, leading to the price drop.

Cut 10 (12) “…of the season.”

King says the average price for live crawfish right now is about $3.71 a pound, while boild crawfish will cost you around 6.37 per pound.

It was a game that the Lady Tigers pretty much had in the bag from the moment they arrived at the P-MAC yesterday evening. LSU scored the first 14 points of the game dominated  Jacksonville throughout the opening round game of the NCAA Tournament, with a final score of 116-58. Mikaylah Williams scored 18 points and said it was great to return to game action after nearly two weeks.

Cut 6 (08) “…energy was immaculate.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to participate in a debate with Bill Cassidy, but Cassidy does not like the setting. Letlow says she will participate in a debate on the Moon Griffon radio show on April 28th.  Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, says Griffon is an outspoken critic of Cassidy.

Cut 3 (09) “…Julia Letlow.”

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There’s yet another offender registry being proposed this legislative session. This time, Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. Walters says there would be two tiers of registration.

Cut 12 (12) “…there for lifetime.”

Mudbug lovers will be pleased to hear that crawfish prices dropped this week, with supply continuing to rise across South Louisiana. Live crawfish is currently averaging $3.71 a pound, while boiled crawfish is coming in at $6.37 a pound on average. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says the price decrease was a significant one.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Easter weekend approaching.”

Unauthorized drones were spotted over Barksdale Air Force Base earlier this month resulting in a shelter-in-place order. Andrew Greenstein has more

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

KTBS-TV in Shreveport is reporting State Police along with the Bossier and DeSoto Parish Sheriff offices are assisting with the federal investigation into drone activity at Barksdale. Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington says they will provide updates if additional information becomes available.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has agreed to participate in a Republican Senate Primary debate, but incumbent Bill Cassidy does not like the setting. Letlow says she will participate in a debate on the Moon Griffon radio show on April 28^th.  Political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, Tyler Bridges, says Griffon is an outspoken critic of Cassidy…

Cut 3 (09) “…Julia Letlow.”

Cassidy says the debates should be on TV for all of Louisiana to see.

Crawfish prices have dropped 50-cents per pound as the supply of mudbugs continues to go up. That’s according to the Crawfish App co-founder Laney King, who says recent rain and warmer temperatures have increased crawfish activity…

Cut 10 (08) “….of the season”

King says the average price for live crawfish is $3.71 per pound so she expects the price to keep dropping as usually we pay around $2.50 to $2.75  a pound for live crawfish when Easter arrives.

Old Man Winter has been kicked to the curb; spring is here! LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s getting off to a perfect start this weekend, so it’s a perfect time for you to put down that video game and get outside and do your favorite outdoor activity.

Cut 8 (14) “…the upper 80s.”

Or, you may want to fire up the grill and gather your friends for a good ol’ fashioned crawfish boil. After all, live crawfish will only set you back about $3.71 a pound on average. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says that’s down quite a bit from a week ago.

Cut 9 (07)  “…Easter weekend approaching.”

Boiled crawfish, on the other hand, is averaging $6.37 a pound.

Julia Letlow agrees to participate in a debate — on Moon Griffon’s statewide radio show. Jeff Palermo reports Bill Cassidy may not appear.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The drone sighting over Barksdale Air Force Base that led to a shelter-in-place order on March 9th was more extensive and possibly more dangerous than first reported. ABC News reports the unauthorized drone flights continued over the Air Force Base that houses long-range B-52 bombers for almost a week.