Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Kevin Gallagher has more on that…:
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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A bill that would charge a woman who has an abortion with murder is voluntarily pulled from the House calendar after an amendment removes criminal charges. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (44) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Governor John Bel Edwards continues to make his case that the time is now for funding a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. David Grubb has more…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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Chances are you’ve been seeing termite swarms in the evenings here in the Bayou State. LSU AgCenter urban entomologist Dr. Karen Sun says they are Formosan termites, and while you might not have an infestation in your home per se if you’re seeing them nearby, they are taking up residence in your neighborhood.
Sun says if you are concerned about an infestation call a pest control professional to inspect your home. Sun says termites usually nest underground and tunnel in the soil searching to feed off of cellulose-containing materials like wood and cardboard. If you’re bothered by the evening swarms turn off outdoor lights and dim indoor lights.
In the wild Sun says termites prefer to consume decayed wood but in more urban areas, they aren’t as finicky.
Cut 6 (10) “…hiding themselves.”
This time of year Sun says the swarming fully winged termites are out looking for mates and sites for new colonies.
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Louisiana’s chemical industry is looking at over $31-billion in new construction projects in the near future. Over 30-thousand people work in the state’s chemical industry and LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says this is great news for each one of them…:
Cut 7 (11) “…over in Lake Charles.”
Scott says many projects are for plant expansions to accommodate need. Others are re-tooling or re-furbishing existing facilities for increase performance. Most all should begin within the next two years. Dr. Scott says a huge number of jobs will be created…:
Cut 8 (11) “…Baton Rouge area.”
Scott says, because natural gas is a key element in most chemical manufacturing, the increased cost of gas is expected to affect product demand. However, he says U.S. gas is still far cheaper than gas from the Middle East or Eastern Europe, so we remain competitive. He says the investments will not only benefit the chemical industry…:
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A bill to charge a woman who has an abortion with murder in Louisiana meets a likely demise. After the capitol was evacuated due to a suspicious package, the bill was amended to remove the criminal charges against the mother. The bill was ultimately pulled from the calendar by bill author, Oil City Republican Representative Danny McCormick.
Cut 10 (12) “…explain it away.”
During debate on the floor, Houma Republican Tanner Magee asked fellow party member, Shreveport Representative Alan Seabaugh if the original bill could potentially criminalize any woman in the state that has already had an abortion.
Seabaugh then authored an amendment to remove criminal charges against the mother and also eliminated the possibility that the use of contraception and even in-vitro fertilization could potentially place a woman behind bars.
Seabaugh also apologized to fellow lawmakers for not amending the bill in committee beforehand. The amendment passed on a 65 to 26 vote. McCormick then thanked antiabortion activists and lawmakers who supported his original bill.
Cut 13 (11) “…objection (applause).”
Governor John Bel Edwards, a pro-life Democrat, stated if the bill passed in its original form he would veto the legislation.
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Building a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge has been one of the key pieces of Governor John Bel Edwards’s legislative agenda. However, it hasn’t been easy convincing lawmakers to get on board due to the potential cost of the project. Edwards says replacing the 54-year-old bridge is expensive but necessary.
Cut 14 (11) “…two billion dollars.”
Edwards says the time is right, considering the critical need for a new bridge and the rare availability of surplus funds in the budget. However, he says that every proposal he’s made to the legislature has been given a response that pushes the project further away from completion, particularly with regard to receiving federal grant monies to help reduce the cost for the state.
The Republican-led legislature has said that Edwards’ plan is shortsighted and lacks details, including the potential site for the new bridge. The governor says that there is a relatively tight window to apply for federal money and that without a real financial commitment from the state, getting that money becomes only more difficult.
Edwards encourages voters to contact their representatives and ask them to support his funding plan. The Senate is expected to begin its review of the budget next week.
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The New Orleans Saints have their 2022 schedule and one of the most notable changes from years past is the lack of primetime appearances for the Black and Gold. Ross Jackson, the host of Locked on Saints, says the league is taking a wait-and-see approach when it comes to the new-look Saints.
Cut 17 (17) “ …are being perceived.”
Jackson says that he likes the overall setup of the schedule, with the Saints playing six of their first nine games at home. However, if he could make just one change…
Cut 18 (16) “ …that London game.”
LSU baseball starts a big three-game series with Ole Miss tonight. Outside of the action on the field is the story of the Bianco family. Drew is a utility player for the Tigers while his dad, Mike, has been the head man for the Rebels for the past 22 seasons, and played his college ball in Baton Rouge. This weekend is likely the last time father faces son, but Drew will always remember hitting a home run off the first pitch he saw against Ole Miss as a freshman in 2019.
Cut 19 (19) _“…see you tomorrow.”
Both LSU and Ole Miss enter this weekend’s series with plenty of momentum on their sides. The Tigers have won 9 of 12 and the Rebels have won four in a row. Drew Bianco says his team is clear on what it wants to do and what it needs to do this weekend against a dangerous opponent.