House Bill 691, one of Secretary of State Nancy Landry’s election integrity bills advanced out of committee. It provides for the investigation of non-citizens found to be on the state’s voter rolls and Landry says a recent check of the state’s voter rolls through a federal database found hundreds of ineligible voters.

Cut 10 (13) “…many for me.”

The 20-year Master Plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport has been revealed. It includes the construction of a second terminal facility, as many as 15 additional gates, an additional parking garage and an improved roadway system. Walt Leger, the president of New Orleans and Company, says improving connectivity to other cities in the country and the world will have wide-ranging benefits.

Cut 4 (11) “…and retention standpoint.”

New Research out of LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Center finds that improving heart health might not be enough to protect against Alzheimer’s disease. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Speculation that Will Wade could return as the Tigers’ men’s basketball coach has gained steam after multiple reports say LSU is working to hire McNeese AD Heath Schroyer as a senior administrator. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau says that Wade’s familiarity with LSU President Wade Rousse, new LSU board chair Lee Mallett, and Schroyer — who all have ties to the Lake Charles area — could factor into a potential return to Baton Rouge.

Cut 13 (09)  “…sweetening the pot.”

Over the weekend, NOLA-dot-com published proposed plans for a major upgrade to the Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says adding more seats to the lower bowl is one of the more significant aspects of the plan.

Cut 13 (14)  “…sit up high.”

Diesel prices have reached an average of $5.00 per gallon in Louisiana, up from $3.25 a month ago. Regular gasoline is averaging $3.59 per gallon today up from $2.52 a month ago, according to AAA. Prices typically rise in the summer months but the situation in Iran has intensified the spike in prices. Some bargain shoppers are joining merchants’ discount clubs or using apps to find the lowest prices.

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 and under her bill, the only way the cameras can be turned off is by mutual agreement.

Cut 9 (07)  “…the cameras off.”

A bill that would name a planned new Mississippi River bridge south of Baton Rouge after President Trump is heading to the Senate after the House approved an amended version of the bill to say the bridge will only be named after President Trump if the federal government provides a substantial amount of funding for construction by January 20^th, 2029. 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.”

The full House approved a bill to the name a planned new Mississippi River bridge south of Baton Rouge after President Trump. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says he introduced the legislation to get the President’s attention that another bridge is needed in the Baton Rouge area, and it needs support from the federal government.

Cut 12 (06) “…for 30 years.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for more discussion.

Entergy Louisiana announces money saving programs. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service, says Entergy is giving rebates on up to two smart thermostats – and that’s not all.

Cut 5 (12) “…that as well.”

That EV charging credit is for charging your vehicle during off-peak hours. These programs are for Entergy Louisiana customers as Entergy New Orleans customers have separate programs.

Proposed upgrade plans for the Smoothie King Center aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards were released this weekend. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

A hit and run crash claimed the life of former Rapides Parish Sheriff William Earl Hilton yesterday. The crash occurred just before 1:00 PM and the suspect driver allegedly ran over Hilton who was transported to a hospital by helicopter but succumbed to his injuries.  Authorities say they used spike strips to finally stop the suspect, driving a blue Nissan Moreno at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The incident is still under investigation and Sheriff’s office asked for prayers for the former sheriff’s family, friends, and the RPSO family.

A proposed bill would live-stream East Baton Rouge Parish Family Court proceedings. Representative Kathy Edmonston says she’s proposing the bill to bring transparency to the court. Edmonston says she is aware of privacy concerns involving children and she will likely amend her bill to protect juveniles…

Cut 8 (12) “…the general public.”

The bill only applies to the Family Court for East Baton Rouge Parish, since it’s the only constitutionally mandated family court in the state.

The House approved a bill to name a new Mississippi River bridge after President Trump.  The state is looking at building a bridge south of Baton Rouge in Iberville Parish with a three-billion-dollar price tag. Livonia Representative Jeremy Lacombe says if naming the bridge after the President helps bring home the federal dollars to build it, he’s all for it.

Cut 10 (11) “…host of issues.”

If you’re an Entergy Louisiana customer, you will soon have three new ways to take a load off the power grid – and to save yourself some money. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Diesel prices have reached an average of $5.00 per gallon in Louisiana, up from $3.25 a month ago. Regular gasoline is averaging $3.59 per gallon today up from $2.52 a month ago, according to AAA. Prices typically rise in the summer months but the situation in Iran has intensified the spike in prices. Some bargain shoppers are joining merchants’ discount clubs or using apps to find the lowest prices.

Entergy Louisiana customers will soon have three new ways to save money. Nyka Scott, the vice president of customer service at Entergy Louisiana, says those who install smart thermostats can turn the temperature up by a degree or two during peak hours. She says by doing so, they can take a huge strain off the grid, creating a win-win situation.

Cut 4 (05) “…reliable as well.”

Scott says Entergy is giving rebates on up to two smart thermostats

Over the weekend, NOLA-dot-com published proposed plans for a major upgrade to the Smoothie King Center, the home of the New Orleans Pelicans, aimed at bringing the arena up to modern NBA standards. NOLA-dot-com’s Jeff Duncan says if approved, it would be the most extensive renovation to the Smoothie King Center since it opened in 1999. He expects the Pelicans to use the 400 to 500-million dollars they could receive from the two new NBA franchises to help pay for the renovations.

Cut 15 (07) “…Pelicans’ front office.”

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.”

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.”

The House Transportation Committee voted 12-2 to approve a bill that would name a new proposed Mississippi River bridge after President Trump. Representative Michael Echols says, that would help get the federal government to fund the construction and possibly keep the bridge from requiring tolls. The bill is to be debated by the full house and Echols expects them to approve the legislation…

Cut 9 (10)  “…the Senate.”

A bill that would ban fluoride in public drinking water statewide will be debated in the legislature. Houma Senator Mike Fesi filed a similar bill last year that failed but, this time his bill gives local communities the option to opt back in and have fluoride added in their drinking water. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux objected to that process…

Cut 11 (13) “…can’t do it.”

An amended bill that would allow communities to keep the additive without having to opt back in and allow other communities to vote to add fluoride to their water will be debated on by the Senate.

The ten-parish economic development organization Louisiana Central is launching a regional strategic plan. CEO Chris Massingill says among four key pillars of Elevate 2030 is elevating and strengthening strategic partnerships, collaborations and initiatives.

Cut 5 (13) “…in central Louisiana.”

The LSU Lady Tigers are on their way to the Sweet 16 in Sacramento after breezing through the first two rounds of the NCAA Tournament. LSU will play Duke in the Sacramento 2 Region semifinals Friday night. Back on December 4th, the Lady Tigers beat the Blue Devils, 93-77. Head Coach Kim Mulkey says this time, things will be different.

Cut 16 (14) “…stuff for granted.”

As TSA agents work without pay, the White House is deploying ICE agents to airports across the country including Louis Armstrong New Orleans International. Getting through TSA is taking hours. The partial government shutdown caused by the Senate’s failure to pass funding for the Department of Homeland Security is now in its sixth week. Governor Landry says has said he would welcome the Louisiana National Guard to help the situation. In the meantime, Travelers are advised to arrive at least three hours before their flights.

Houma Senator Mike Fesi has again authored legislation to ban fluoride from Louisiana water supplies but this time giving local communities a path to opt back in to adding fluoride to their water. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux objected to that process and the bill was amended to allow voters in communities to vote to remove the additive or if they don’t have it, vote to add fluoride. Boudreaux on the compromise legislation…

Cut 12 (08) “…opt back in”

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.”

Louisiana Central, a ten-parish economic development organization, is launching the regional strategic plan Elevate2030. President and CEO Chris Massingill says there are four key pillars, including proactive marketing and communications.

Cut 6 (10) “…in legacy industries.”

The Department of Transportation is expected to choose a location south of Baton Rouge for a New Mississippi River bridge by the end of the year and the House is expected to debate a proposal to name it after President Trump today. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says the move would increase the chances the federal government will pay the three billion dollars for construction and he says this bridge is desperately needed…

Cut 8 (12) “…in place.”

Complete domination by the Lady Tigers Basketball Team yesterday – beating Texas Tech 101 to 47 in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Flau’Jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams each had 24 points. Williams credits her teammates for her high scoring output.

Cut 15 (07) “…down the shot.”

LSU plays Duke in the Sweet Sixteen in Sacramento Friday.

The debate over whether fluoride belongs in public drinking water systems is back before the state legislature again. After his bill failed in the House last year, Houma Senator Mike Fesi has again authored legislation to ban fluoride from all water supplies. Fesi says fluoride causes health issues and impacts a child’s brain…

Cut 10 (06) “…tests done.”

After objections, the bill has been amended and allow communities to vote to ban the additive but communities without fluoride in their water could call for a vote to add it.

The ten-parish economic development organization Louisiana Central is launching its regional strategic plan. Jeanne Burns reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

Legislation that would let communities decide whether they want fluoride in their drinking water or not is heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A bill that would name a proposed new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge after Donald Trump is expected on the House floor this afternoon. Many have strong feelings about the president, but 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 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.”

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.”

Higher Education Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed is asking lawmakers to provide at least an additional 119-million dollars in state funding for higher ed. She says higher ed is 869-million dollars short of being fully funded because of inflation, enrollment dips and Reed says institutions are also feeling the pressure because athletic expenses are increasing.

Cut 6 (11) “…of the institution.”

Louisiana is the third best state to practice medicine, says a Wallet Hub report.  19 metrics were used including annual salaries, quality of public hospital systems, number of hospitals per capita, and projected supply of physicians by 2032. Wallet Hub analyst, Chip Lupo says Louisiana is doing a good job in retaining young doctors who had just completed their residencies.

Cut 12 (11) “…tend to stay.”

Saints veteran defensive end Cameron Jordan made some notable comments regarding free agency on Terron Armstead’s “The Set” podcast on Monday. Jordan said that just because he loves the city of New Orleans doesn’t mean the city or the organization has to love him back. Matt Paras, who covers the Saints for The Baton Rouge Advocate, says Jordan sounds open to leaving the Saints.

Cut 16 (14) “…of it all.”

The U-L system’s lawsuit against Conference USA is stalled since the conference made a motion to move the suit to federal court. The lawsuit on behalf of Louisiana Tech was filed in Tech’s quest to join the Sun Belt for the 2026 season. Both conferences include Tech on their 2026 football schedules. Matt Bellinson, a reporter with the Ruston Daily Leader, says even before it had issued its press release last week announcing that it plans on playing the 2026 Sun Belt schedule, Tech made it perfectly clear which direction it had planned on going.

Cut 15 (08) “…the Sun Belt.”