If you think gasoline prices are high, get a load of diesel fuel prices! Some truck stops are selling diesel at more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says even if you don’t commute to and from work via semi truck, you will feel the effects.

Cut 3 (08) “…comes by truck.”

We’re one step closer to having a recreational alligator hunting season. The State Senate unanimously passed the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who filed it out of concern about alligator-human interactions as the gator population explodes.

Cut 8 (06) “..this bill.”

A nonverbal autistic, 12-year-old boy died near his New Orleans home after he was attacked by an alligator last August.

President Trump released a video today expressing his support for Julia Letlow in the U.S. Senate race. Trump calls Letlow a great congresswoman.

Cut 12 (10) “…ever before.”

Bill Cassidy remains confident he’ll win re-election, because he believes the race is not about an endorsement, but who has been more effective in delivering legislation and federal funds to help Louisiana.

The winningest coach in Northwestern State football history has died. Sam Goodwin, who coached the Demons for 17 seasons, died last Friday at the age of 82. Former Northwestern State Sports Information Director Doug Ireland says Goodwin was not just a great mentor on the field, but he was a great mentor off the field as well.

Cut 11 (09) “…coach of people.”

Legislation continues to move through the state capitol that would allow for the Louisiana Wildlife Commission to establish rules and regulations for a recreational alligator hunting season. The Louisiana Senate unanimously approved the bill by Franklin Senator Robert Allain, who says the alligator population has become too large.

Cut 6 (07) “…side of the road.”

Have you seen the price of diesel lately? Some truck stops have it at north of five dollars a gallon! Nearly all semis are powered by diesel engines. As such, Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says the more it takes to keep them fueled, the more the goods they transport will end up costing us.

Cut 5 (10) “…chain to us.”

Tragedy in Rapides Parish as a former sheriff is run over and killed. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The Lane Kiffin era is officially underway at LSU. Spring football began today in Baton Rouge, giving Kiffin his first opportunity to lead his team through drills. Kiffin joins the Tigers from SEC rival Ole Miss, where he spent the last six seasons. Kiffin, of course, isn’t the only new face in town, as the Tigers have several new players, including two high-profile transfer quarterbacks.

As fast as the price of gasoline is rising, the price of diesel is soaring as fast as an 18-wheeler speeding down a six-percent grade hill after losing its brakes. Some stations are selling diesel for more than five dollars a gallon. Dr. Walter Lane, the chairman of the Department of Economics, Finance and Accounting at UNO, says that’s going to make nearly everything you buy more expensive.

Cut 4 (09) “…comes by truck.”

Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Since family court almost always involves children in one way or another; there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says as such, she will likely be amending her bill accordingly.

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

The Louisiana House approves a bill to name a proposed new bridge in Baton Rouge after President Trump, but only if there’s a strong financial commitment from the federal government. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tragedy in Rapides Parish as former Sheriff William Hilton is killed in a hit-and-run. Hilton served as sheriff for 16 years, from 1992 until 2008. Deputies eventually had to use spike strips to stop the suspect vehicle and arrest the suspect. William Hilton was 80 years old.

The full House approves a bill that could lead to the naming of a new Baton Rouge bridge over the Mississippi River after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish and the cost could be three-billion dollars. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build the bridge, he’s all for it…

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

The author of the legislation, Monroe Representative Michael Echols, says a new bridge is needed to alleviate traffic congestion in the capital city…

Cut 11 (07) “…across that river.”

No one spoke out in opposition. The measure passed on a party-line vote, 68-26. It now advances to the Senate.

A bill that would require Louisiana driver’s licenses to display a symbol indicating one’s citizenship status clears a House committee and moves to the full House for further discussion. The bill by Haughton Representative Dodie Horton would require the OMV to place an image of an eagle in flight on the licenses of those who are confirmed to be U.S. citizens.

A Gonzales Republican is proposing that proceedings in the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish be live-streamed for remote public access. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court.

Cut 7 (07) “…bringing the bill.”

Family court almost always involves children in one way or another; and with that, there can be privacy issues. Edmonston says she is aware of those concerns and will likely be amending her bill as originally filed to address them. The Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish is the only constitutionally-mandated family court in the state.

Senator John Kennedy is seeking to pass a resolution that says senators’ would not get paid during government shutdowns. Kennedy brought the resolution up on the Senate floor on Sunday as Department of Homeland Security employees are currently not getting paid. Kennedy says it’s about shared sacrifice…

Cut 9 (14)  “…your experience.”

Yesterday’s win by LSU over Texas Tech marked the end of an era in Baton Rouge as it was the last home game ever for senior guard Flau’Jae Johnson. Mikaylah Williams said Flau’Jae is an institution and deserves to be immortalized.

Cut 13 (06) “…off the court.”

The Lady Tigers do have unfinished business – they face Duke Friday in the Sacramento 2 Region semifinals.

ICE agents are lending a helping hand to TSA at airports across the country, including New Orleans. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

The pilot of a small plane was killed when it went down in Rapides Parish. The Beechcraft BE20 went down at around 2:30 yesterday afternoon. First responders found it in a vegetative and swampy area near the edge of Lake Rodemacher near Sharp, which is west of Boyce. The pilot was the only one on board the aircraft at the time. The aircraft was registered to a person in California.

Radio talk show host Moon Griffon is planning a GOP Senate debate on his statewide radio show on April 28th. Griffon says it’s a chance for Bill Cassidy and his two main challengers to be in a room together at the same time and answer important questions.

Cut 7 (06) “…gotcha moment.”

While Julia Letlow and John Fleming have committed, Bill Cassidy has not as of yet, preferring a televised debate.

Senator John Kennedy is seeking to pass a resolution that says senators’ would not get paid during government shutdowns. His request for unanimous consent was blocked by Brian Schatz of Hawaii. Kennedy says he plans to bring this resolution up for a vote again; and if a Senator objects, they should explain their reasoning…

Cut 11 (11) “…American people.”

ICE agents are lending a helping hand to TSA at airports across the country, including New Orleans. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Yesterday’s blowout win by LSU over Texas Tech also marked the final home game ever for Flau’Jae Johnson. Head Coach Kim Mulkey said after the game that even though she could have left after last year, Flau’Jae chose to stay and finish what she started in Baton Rouge.

Cut 12 (06) “…even know about.”

ICE agents are assisting the TSA at airports across the country. This, as TSA agents are quitting or not showing up to work, since they’re not getting paid during the ongoing stalemate over funding. Kevin Dolliole, the director of aviation at Louis Armstrong International Airport in New Orleans, says ICE agents are helping with things like crowd control and directing passengers to open lines. But they cannot screen luggage.

Cut 3 (07) “…not screening functions.”

All this, as there’s no end in sight to the DHS shutdown. Senator John Kennedy is seeking to pass a resolution that says senators’ would not get paid during government shutdowns. Kennedy brought the resolution up on the Senate floor yesterday, saying it’s about shared sacrifice…

Cut 9 (14)  “…your experience.”

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 30 (12) “…in our region.”

The LSU Lady Tigers are on their way to Sacramento after breezing through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. LSU hammered Texas Tech yesterday, 101-47, in Flau’Jae Johnson’s final game in Baton Rouge. The senior guard from Savannah, Georgia, especially noted her team’s stifling defense.

Cut 14 (07) “…it was amazing.”

LSU takes on Duke in the Sacramento 2 regional semifinals Friday.

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.”