Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help improve student achievement…
Cut 8 (09) “…the classroom.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor.

Also heading to the Senate floor, is a bill that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cellphone while driving. Covington Senator Patrick McMath is the author of the bill and he received pushback from former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley…
Cut 6 (10) “..seat belt law.”
More debate is expected on the Senate floor.

The National Science Foundation has awarded a 550-thousand dollar grant to LSU researchers so they can come up with a way to develop Nootkatone so it’s more cost effective. Why is nootkatone important? LSU Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says notkatone is a compound that’s more effective than DEET in bug sprays…
cut 11 (12) “…Lyme Disease”
The LSU research team hopes to sell their synthesis process to a manufacturing company, who would then produce affordable nootkatone products.

The cost for a dozen eggs this Easter is below three-dollars. Last year it was above four-dollars because of the bird flu. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says keep in mind the farmer’s profit is small….
cut 15 (10) “…packaging”