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.

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.

Julia Letlow says she WILL debate Bill Cassidy – not on TV, but on the Moon Griffon radio show. Tyler Bridges, a political reporter for the Advocate and Nola.com, says the big question is – will Cassidy agree to it?

Cut 5 (09) “…candidates together.”

Cassidy challenged Letlow to three televised debates, but Letlow hasn’t agreed to any one of them. Griffon, meanwhile, is an outspoken critic of Cassidy, possibly giving Letlow an advantage there. The third major Republican in the race, John Fleming, said he’d debate either one of them anytime, anywhere.

A representative from Shreveport is proposing a registry for those convicted of domestic violence. Joy Walters says the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry would be a little different than that of the sex offender registry.

Cut 13 (10) “…well as children.”

Spring has sprung. The vernal equinox arrived at 9:46 this morning, marking the official start of spring, LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the overall spring forecast will be favorable to farmers throughout the state.

Cut 7 (10) “…these moisture deficits.”

And what better way to ring in spring than with a giant helping of some tiny tasty crustaceans? Right now, live crawfish is averaging $3.71 a pound, while boiled crawfish is averaging $6.37 a pound. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says while those prices are down about 50 cents from a week ago, which is significant, those averages are about a dollar higher than what they usually are at this point of the season.

Cut 11 (08) “…to last year.”

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.”

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We’re getting new information on a drone sighting that temporarily raised alarms at Barksdale Air Force Base. Andrew Greenstein has the update.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

Cassidy has asked Letlow to participate in three televised debates before the May 16th primary, but Letlow has not agreed to participate in any one of them. Bridges says debates have become tactical.

Cut 4 (14) “…TV debates.”

In a post on X, Letlow says Griffon reaches the heart of Louisiana’s conservative grassroots, and that is exactly the audience that should hear this debate. But Cassidy says the debates should be on TV for all of Louisiana to see. Bridges says it remains to be seen if Cassidy will participate in Griffon’s debate.

Cut 5 (09) “…candidates together.”

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

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Old Man Winter has officially been sent packing. The Vernal Equinox arrived at 9:46 Friday morning, marking the official start of spring. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s going to get off to a warm, dry start.

Cut 6 (07) “…of the spring.”

Keim says the overall spring forecast will be favorable to farmers throughout the state.

Cut 7 (10) “…these moisture deficits.”

As for this weekend, Keim says statewide, this will be the perfect weekend to get outside and do your favorite outdoor activity.

Cut 8 (14) “…the upper 80s.”

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Mudbug lovers will be pleased to hear that crawfish prices dropped this week, with supply continuing to rise across South Louisiana. Lacey King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says the decrease in price was a significant one.

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

King says recent rain in South Louisiana has boosted the crawfish supply, leading to the price drop.

Cut 10 (12) “…of the season.”

In a typical season, crawfish prices around Easter range from $2.50 to $2.75 per pound. King says this year’s prices are about a dollar higher than usual for this time of year.

Cut 11 (08) “…to last year.”

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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.”

Walters says implementation of this registry would be a little different than that of the sex offender registry, and she’s working with State Police and advocacy groups on that.

Cut 13 (10) “…well as children.”

Those required to register 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 programming and services. Walters says that money would help fulfill the ultimate goal of this registry.

Cut 14 (08) “…home with them.”

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. Lacey King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says the decrease in price was a significant one.

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

Still, you’re paying more than normal for this time of year. A pound of live crawfish is currently averaging $3.71 for live crawfish and about $6.37 for boiled crawfish, both of which are about a dollar higher than usual at this point in the season.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow agrees to participate in a Senate Republican primary debate on Moon Griffon’s statewide radio show. Jeff Palermo reports incumbent 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.

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. Lawmakers heard from Joseph Daniels, whose 13-year-old daughter’s likeness was used for a pornographic deepfake, causing her emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. It does not include the Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Governor Landry and CPRA Chairman Gordon Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and Dove says they’re moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion.”

McNeese’s run comes to an end after losing to Vanderbilt, 78-68, in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Senior guard D.J. Richards says while the loss stings, getting to the Big Dance three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history.

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. It would boost the budget from 30-million to 45-million dollars, and the program would be extended to eighth grade. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath notes that when it first launched, the legislature limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 active coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

Among those projects is a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deep fake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

A former state trooper with a history of domestic violence will spend the next ten years behind bars. 40-year-old Michael Satcher the Second of Alexandria was convicted of four felony charges stemming from a 2023 incident in which he took a woman from her home and assaulted her. It happened less than 90 days into a probation period stemming from a prior domestic violence incident.

A bill to significantly expand high-dosage tutoring advances in the Senate. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is backing a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on 143 projects across the state’s coast. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The House Criminal Justice Committee approves legislation that if you possess, produce or distribute deepfake images of nude minors, it could result in a one to five year prison sentence. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade. McMath notes that when the program first launched, they limited it to kindergarten through fifth grade.

Cut 5 (07) “…done this before.”

To say that the program is now proven is an understatement – McMath notes that Louisiana’s high-dosage tutoring program has helped the state lead the nation in learning loss recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cut 6 (05) “…what we’re doing.”

Some expressed concern to lawmakers that high-dosage tutoring could pull students from courses that are linked to increased attendance, such as art, band or choir.

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The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend 1.5-billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (12) “…ten years ago.”

The plan does not include Mid-Barataria or Mid-Breton sediment diversions, which were cancelled last July. Coastal advocates had said those two projects were critical in the state’s fight against coastal restoration. Governor Landry and Dove said the diversion projects were too expensive, and they are moving forward with projects that are more cost effective.

Cut 8 (07) “…of the diversion”

Dove believes once construction is completed on these projects that will receive funding, the tide will have turned in the state’s battle against coastal land loss.

Cut 9 (07)  “…on hurricane protection.”

The state legislature must also approve the plan, and it will be a straight up or down vote — no changes can be made.

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McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. The loss marks the end of the road for fifth year guard Javohn Garcia, who spent the last three years in Lake Charles.

Cut 10 (05) “…last three years.”

It’s also the end for senior guard D.J. Richards Jr., who says while the loss stings, getting to the NCAA Tournament three years in a row is something to be incredibly proud of.

Cut 11 (07) “…that we accomplished.”

The first two years of this three-year run were done with Will Wade at the helm. This year, Bill Armstrong led the team after Wade took over as head coach at NC State. Armstrong says for McNeese, the best is yet to come.

Cut 12 (13) “…our fourth straight”

McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.

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Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “…next be targeted.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee. Daniels told the panel his daughter’s likeness was used for pornographic deep fake, and the damage from it cannot be repaired.

Cut 14 (11) “…it seriously enough.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony.

Cut 15 (11) “…you for that.”

If the legislation becomes law, it will be known as the Ivy Daniels Act.

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The second-seeded LSU women’s basketball team begins its national title run tonight as the Lady Tigers face 15th-seeded Jacksonville at 5 p.m. Tonight marks the first NCAA Tournament appearance for four LSU freshmen. Senior Flau’jae Johnson, who is competing in her fourth and final NCAA Tournament, says she’s offering as much advice as possible to the younger players.

Cut 16 (10) “…task at hand.”

In each of LSU’s last four deep NCAA Tournament runs, the Tigers received consistent production from their post players. While this year’s team may not have an Angel Reese or an Aneesah Morrow, Johnson says the bigs are embracing the challenge of elevating their play in the postseason.

Cut 17 (15)  “…can do this.”

If LSU beats Jacksonville tonight, it will face the winner of Texas Tech and Villanova on Sunday. The game would also mark the final time Flau’jae Johnson plays in Baton Rouge. Head coach Kim Mulkey says it will be an emotional night and is encouraging LSU fans to show their appreciation for everything Johnson has meant to the program.

Cut 18 (14)  “…be just packed.”

Legislation that would result in at least one year of prison time for possessing, selling and distributing artificial intelligence-produced nudity of a minor heads to the House floor. The measure increases the penalty for doing so from a misdemeanor to a felony. Joseph Daniels says when his daughter was 13, she was the victim of a pornographic deepfake.

Cut 13 (11)  “..be targeted.”

Daniels said what happened to his daughter caused emotional distress, embarrassment and fear. House Criminal Justice Committee member Dodie Horton was moved by Daniels’ testimony…

Cut 15 (12) “…for that.”

The measure received unanimous support from the House Criminal Justice Committee.

A plan to expand high-dosage tutoring moved to the full Senate after unanimously passing in the Senate Education Committee. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath says his plan boosts the budget for high-dosage tutoring by 50-percent.

Cut 4 (09) “…very well spent.”

Furthermore, it expands high-dosage tutoring to eighth grade.

The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority has approved a plan to spend one-point-five billion dollars on coastal projects next fiscal year. CPRA chair Gordon Dove says the money will cover 143 active projects, including a levee protecting the central portion of Louisiana’s coast.

Cut 7 (13) “…ten years ago.”

Some tense moments for about 250 people in Winn Parish yesterday, as they had to be evacuated due to a wildfire. Fire District Three Chief Dustin Parker says the fire started along Highway 34 in Dodson shortly after noon yesterday and spread from there.

Cut 6 (08) “…some evacuations there.”

Last month’s oil spill from a terminal operated by the Louisiana Offshore Oil Port is threatening the state’s oyster industry. A leak in a cargo transfer hose sent 31-thousand gallons into Terrebonne Bay. Mitch Jurisich, the chairman of the Louisiana Oyster Task Force, says this has the potential to be evocative of a certain devastating oil spill from 16 years ago.

Cut 11 (11) “…BP oil spill.”

Three Ochsner hospitals are listed among the 250 top hospitals in the country by “Newsweek” magazine. Regional Medical Director Dr. Quentin Alleva says Ochsner’s success is based on the fact that it’s a one-stop shop for all of a patient’s medical needs.

Cut 4 (07) “…they may need.”

The three are Ochsner Medical Center New Orleans, Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center and Ochsner Medical Center Baton Rouge.

McNeese’s incredible season has come to an end. The South Region’s 12th seed led Vanderbilt by as much as 11 points in the first half, but they couldn’t hold on, as the fifth-seeded Commodores beat the Cowboys, 78-68. McNeese couldn’t repeat the magic of last season, when they upset Clemson in the first round for their first NCAA Tournament win in school history. McNeese ends the season with an overall record of 28-and-6.