Signatures gathered to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell were delivered to the governor this morning, but it is still unknown if they’re enough certified signatures to trigger a recall. The governor’s office says they plan to issue a statement as soon as possible on the matter. It’s protocol to have them sent to the governor even if they’re not enough signatures.

Members of the House Transportation Committee let the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles know about complaints they are hearing from their constituents. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay raise if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 since 1980. Marino says when you compare salaries from 40 years ago, it would average more than $60 thousand today for the part-time position.

Cut 7 (08)  “…be a legislator.” 

If passed the pay raise would go into effect next year.

Match Day figures reveal that 80-percent of the graduating LSU Health New Orleans medical students staying in-state and will enter an LSU Health residency program. Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Richard DiCarlo, says the ones who will do their residency out of state, they are going to prestigious places…

Cut 14 (11)  “…for practice.”

Baton Rouge Police say 45-year-old Derrick Perkins has been charged with the improper disposal of the remains of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard. BRPD Sgt L’Jean McKneely says investigators believe Perkins was the last person to see Millard alive.

Cut 8 (05)  “…in now.” 

Toxicology results to determine Millard’s exact cause of death are pending.

A bill filed for the upcoming legislative session would require high school juniors and seniors to complete a Financial Literacy course to graduate from high school and qualify for TOPS. Bill author Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello says he’s been working with Superintendent of Education – Dr. Cade Brumley to educate students on being fiscally responsible.

Cut 4 (08)  “…currently getting.” 

Neuty the Nurtria will be able to remain with the Jefferson Parish family that’s kept his as a pet since 2020. Ed Pratt with LDWF says under state law it’s illegal to possess a wild animal but they are making an exception in this case.

Cut 11 (09)  “…all sides.”

Details of the permit have not been released.

The LSU women’s basketball program is headed to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 2014. Angel Reese was dominant as she had 25 points and 24 rebounds and the Lady Tigers held Michigan to a season-low for points in a 66-42 win in front of a raucous crowd at the PMAC. Reese on the team’s defensive performance…

Cut 12 (13) “…it was fun.” 

LSU will play Utah on Friday.

Baton Rouge Police say 45-year-old Derrick Perkins has been charged with the improper disposal of the remains of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard. BRPD Sgt L’Jean McKneely says last week they believe Millard’s actions in the early morning hours of February 23^rd resulted in his death.

Cut 7 (11)  “…his death.” 

Toxicology results for the exact cause of death remain pending.

After State Wildlife officials attempted to recover Neuty, a Jefferson Parish family’s pet nutria last week, an agreement has been reached for Neuty to remain in their custody. LWDF spokesperson Ed Pratt says the couple has applied for a permit that allows them to keep Neuty under certain conditions…

Cut 10 (12) “…the nutria” 

The 22-pound nutria went viral last week when news of the situation went public.

State lawmaker Nichols Muscarello wants Louisiana high school students to learn Money management. Teiko Foxx has more on his proposed legislation.

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Baton Rouge Police have charged 45-year-old Derrick Perkins for his involvement with the improper disposal of Georgia businessman Nathan Millard’s body. BRPD Sgt L’Jean McKneely says Perkins was already in custody on related charges of Access Device Fraud and investigators learned more about his involvement.

Cut 6 (08)  “…the information.” 

Perkins is also charged with Simple Criminal Damage to Property for burning the car he allegedly used that night and Failure to Seek Assistance in Millard’s death.

A bill filed for the upcoming legislative session would require high school juniors and seniors to complete a Financial Literacy course to graduate from high school and qualify for TOPS. Hammond Representative Nicholas Muscarello, who authored the bill says this has been on his radar for some time.

Cut 3 (08) “…two years.” 

Entergy says it has made the largest renewable power expansion request in state history as the company has filed a request with the PSC to add an additional three gigawatts of solar power to their portfolio. This is on top of the nearly 225 megawatts of solar power requested earlier this month. Entergy Louisiana president Phillip May says they are serious about protecting the state’s environment…

Cut 15 (11)  “…renewable portfolio.”
There appears to be a happy ending for Neuty the Nutria. Last week, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries attempted to take the wild animal away from a Jefferson Parish couple who had Neuty as a pet. But L-D-W-F spokesperson Ed Pratt says an agreement has been reached so that the nutria can remain with the family…

Cut 9 (08) “…about this.”

Lt Governor Billy Nungesser was among the elected officials who lobbied to free Nuety.

Longtime L-A-B-I official Jim Patterson is the interim president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. And among the legislation, they plan to support when lawmakers convene next month is carbon capturing. He says while some are opposed to the issue…

Cut 11 (11)  “… prevent a risk”

And he says they will also lobby against raising the minimum wage.

The newest member of the state Republican Party is the longest-serving member of the Louisiana legislature. Delhi Representative Francis Thompson was a lifelong Democrat and by joining the GOP both chambers are a Republican super majority. And for the first time, the 81-year-old will have an R beside his name on the ballot.

Cut 6 (09)  “…continue that.” 

With the federal approval of Canadian Pacific’s acquisition of Kansas City Southern, Baton Rouge Area Foundation Vice President John Spain says passenger rail service from the capital city to New Orleans is one step closer. Spain it’s a great solution for transportation infrastructure issues.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the train.”

A decision on funding to replace the bridge across the Bonne Carre Spillway is expected by the end of the year.

The LSU Lady Tigers are headed to the Sweet 16 as they defeated Michigan 66-42 in front of a loud crowd inside the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Angel Reese was outstanding for LSU as she had 25 points, 24 rebounds, and six blocked shots. Reese says she was hungry for a win…

Cut  16 (09)  “…their careers.” 

The lady Tigers will play Utah on Friday.

Calls to Louisiana 2-1-1 seeking food assistance have tripled after the announcement that SNAP benefits are returning to pre-pandemic amounts this month. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Terri Ricks says more than 471,000 households in Louisiana receive food stamps and DCFS cannot replace the loss of those extra benefits.

Cut 5 (08) “…not there.”

Ascension Parish businessman Brandon Trosclair officially announces his candidacy for Secretary of State this fall. Trosclair is a conservative Republican, who owns the 13-store chain of Ralph’s Markets here in Louisiana. He says the state’s elections system has been “tarnished by years of mismanagement and controversy”…:

Cut 9 (09) “…a broken system.”

Trosclair will challenge Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s bid for re-election. Also in the race, is District 4 Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are on the hunt to seize Neuty, a Jefferson Parish couple’s 22-pound pet nutria. The couple has treated him as a pet since 2020. Department spokesperson, Ed Pratt says the agency appreciates the owner’s affection for Neuty but the rodent can no longer live with them.

Cut 8 (07)  “…is safe.” 

The state plans to place Neuty at the Baron Rouge Zoo.

And for a third straight week the average price for crawfish have dropped, that’s according to Crawfish App co-founder Laney King. The average price for a pound of live mudbugs is $2.74.  And while demand for crawfish goes up with a holiday, this St. Patrick’s Day weekend you’ll get lucky with prices this year 22-percent less than last year. The Crawfish App compiles data for more than 16-hundred vendors in Louisiana.

District 4 Public Service Commission member Mike Francis says he will run for Secretary of State this fall: challenging incumbent Kyle Ardoin. Francis tells LRN several local clerks of court – who handle elections on the local level who feel Ardoin doesn’t communicate with them. The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system #6 of 50 states for integrity. Francis says if elected, he’ll work to further improve that rating.

Cut 12 (11)  “…elections are done.”

But Ardoin says it’s nothing more than campaign rhetoric from his fellow Republican challenger.

Cut 13 (09) “…Heritage Foundation.” 

Also running for Secretary of State is Republican Brandon Trosclair, an Ascension Parish businessman.

LSU and the state’s largest ports announce a partnership that the university says will produce more cybersecurity grads and at the same time protect the states’ ports from cyber threats. LSU President William Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions…

Cut 5 (12) “…United States’s economy.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents are searching for Neuty, a 22-pound nutria that a Jefferson Parish couple treated as a pet. When located Neuty will be moved to the Baton Rouge Zoo to become a part of an educational exhibit. LDWF Spokesperson Ed Pratt…

Cut 6 (04)  “…your home.” 

The couple has had the nutria since 2020 and after stories circulated about Neuty the department decided to confiscate the rodent, but Nuety is reportedly with the couple’s son on a joyride.

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.

Cut 4 (10)  “…in real-time.”
Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

Louisiana Economic Development launches an online resource portal that allows small business owners to connect with others. Stephanie Hartman with LED says LouisianaBizHub.com also has an events calendar.

Cut 15 (07)  “…time it is.”

That’s LouisianaBizHub.com.

The number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will double by the year 2050 according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Delhi Representative Francis Thompson has switched parties which now gives Republicans the supermajority in both chambers. After nearly 50 years of elective service as a Democrat, 81-year Thompson is now a member of the GOP. He was among the last of the blue-dog Democrats.

LSU Cybersecurity students and state ports have joined forces to protect critical infrastructure. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The number of Americans diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will double by the year 2050 according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Teiko Foxx has the story.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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District Four Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis enters the race for Louisiana Secretary of State. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_____________________________________________

LSU and the state’s largest ports have formed an alliance to advance cyber talent and at the same time protect critical infrastructure. LSU President William Tate says the partnership allows students to receive training and research opportunities with six of the state’s largest ports.

Cut 4 (10)  “…in real-time.”

Students will also assist ports to find external funding to increase their security and engage in research that’s going to add value to the state.

Tate says it’s a historic memorandum of understanding between the school to develop talent and protect the state’s ports from cyber threats.  Tate says a vulnerable port can have major repercussions.

Cut 5 (12) “…United States’s economy.”

In modern warfare, the first thing an enemy does is launch a cyberattack. Tate says then once the infrastructure is under their control next come bombs and missiles.

Cut 6 (10)  “…the ports.” 

LSU’s Cybersecurity Program has the National Security Agency designation as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Operations.

_____________________________________________

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association shows more Americans will be diagnosed with the disease in the near future. LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center Professor, Dr. Owen Carmichael says there are several factors associated with those numbers.

Cut 7 (09) “…Alzheimer’s disease.”

There are approximately 7 million people currently suffering from Alzheimer’s in the country but that number is expected to double by 2050. Carmichael says a new drug treatment could possibly slow those numbers.

Cut 8 (09) “…first place.”

The national cost for caring for people with dementia-related problems rose to $345 billion in 2023, which is up $24 billion from 2022. Carmichael says developments in new treatments should accelerate over the next few years but people who are able to identify cognitive problems should visit their doctor.

Cut 9 (05)  “…you need.”

People who are interested in new treatments and approaches for preventing or treating Alzheimer’s should visit www.pbrc.edu.

_______________________________________________

District 4 Public Service Commission member Mike Francis says he will run for Secretary of State this fall; challenging incumbent Kyle Ardoin. Francis tells LRN he has spoken with local clerks of court – who handle elections on the local level – and many feel the Secretary doesn’t communicate with them. He says their thoughts on improving elections are tossed aside…:

Cut 10 (08)  “…for the most part.”

But Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says that’s little more than campaign rhetoric…:

Cut 11 (07)  “… there isn’t a rift.”

The Heritage Foundation currently ranks Louisiana’s election system #6 of 50 states for integrity. Francis – who has been a PSC member since 2016 – says if elected Secretary, he’ll listen to everyone and work to further improve that ranking..:

Cut 12 (11)  “…elections are done.”

Ardoin succeeded Tom Schedler in 2016 after the latter resigned amid a scandal. He was re-elected to a full term in 2019. He says he will seek re-election based on his record as Secretary of State…:

Cut 13 (09) “…Heritage Foundation.” 

Also running for Secretary of State is Republican Brandon Trosclair, an Ascension Parish businessman who says Louisiana elections are “tarnished by years of mismanagement and controversy.”

______________________________________________

Louisiana Economic Development launches an online resource portal that allows small business owners to connect with others like them and offers resources to help grow their businesses. Stephanie Hartman with LED says LouisianaBizHub.com offers a searchable-friendly database to find specific resources.

Cut 14 (10)  “…at that time.”

Another valuable feature of the Louisiana Business Hub is the calendar of events. Hartman says the calendar is a one-stop shop that brings together multiple workshops and training from their various partners like small business development centers, the Urban League of Louisiana, and more.

Cut 15 (07)  “…time it is.”

Hartman encourages the business population to visit the hub for valuable resources they can tap into…

Cut  16 (11)  “…resource tool.” 

__________________________________________________

The LSU women’s basketball team will begin their NCAA Tournament run this afternoon in the P-MAC. The Lady Tigers earned a three-seed in the tournament this year after a 28-2 season and second-place finish in the SEC. They came up short in the SEC tournament, blowing a 17-point lead to Tennessee, but will hope to bounce back against 14-seeded Hawaii. All-American forward Angel Reese has led the Tigers this season, and Coach Kim Mulkey says she’s elevated her game after the tough loss…

Cut 17 (19) “…right now.” 

LSU hosts a heavy three-point shooting Hawaii team that could provide some offensive mismatches with the size of LSU. The Rainbow Wahine have won their last five games and made the tournament thanks to a thrilling 61-59 comeback win over UC Santa Barbara in the Big West Conference Championship. Mulkey says she got a chance to watch the game live and knows not to underestimate this group…

Cut 18 (19) “…better be ready”

Tip-off is at 4:30

__________________________________________________

The LSU baseball team opens SEC play tonight in College station. The 11th-ranked Aggies are 13-4 on the year and have won their last 8 straight behind the 5th best pitching staff in the SEC. LSU comes into College Station on an 11 game win streak of their own, their longest since the 2017 Tigers won 17 in a row. The Tigers were the preseason favorites to win the SEC this year but Coach Jay Johnson says the league is far and away the toughest in college baseball…

Cut 19 (16) “…tournament teams”

Texas A&M will be the Tigers first ranked opponent of the season and toughest challenge yet. but Johnson is confident in his team’s ability to match up with anyone. Johnson says the margin for error in the SEC is slim, especially on the road, but the Tigers have experience playing in hostile environments…

Cut 20 (18)  “…draw from” 

First pitch is scheduled for 6:00

A Tangipahoa Parish man is sentenced to 35 years for raping a juvenile and will undergo chemical castration. Tangipahoa D.A. Scott Perilloux says 34-year-old Ryan Clark pleaded guilty earlier this month. Clark must serve at least 25 years of his sentence and undergo the procedure if or when he is released. The state law allowing chemical (and in some cases physical) castration has been around since 2008.

Crude oil dropped below $70 a barrel in trading Wednesday, for the first time in more than a year. So, what does that mean for consumers at the pump? AAA fuels analyst Don Redman says soil prices dropped to two bank collapses, and the ongoing Ukraine conflict…:

Cut 7 (10)  “…on politics.” 

He says the budget for gas at around $3.00 through the spring.

If you were told one of only 150 dental robots in the world was in Louisiana, the city of Pineville most likely wouldn’t be your first guess. Dr. Jonas Gauthier of Today’s Dental says since January they’ve performed dozens of dental implant surgeries with the Yomi Robotic Dental System, and it drastically reduces recovery time.

Cut 12 (12) “…for the patients”. 

And he says the robot helps them avoid, nerves, blood vessel and sinuses during surgery.

Northern Louisiana could get some rough weather this evening. Rain, thunderstorms and even hail. LRN Meteorologist John Wetherbee says all that will shift tomorrow to Southeast Louisiana…:

Cut 10 (09) “…Friday evening” 

And cooler temps will follow.