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.”

Radio talk show host Moon Griffon is planning a Senate Republican Primary debate on his show on April 28^th.  Bill Cassidy’s main challengers, John Fleming and Julia Letlow have committed, but Cassidy has said he prefers a televised debate. Griffon is also an outspoken critic of Cassidy, but Griffon says his feelings about Cassidy will not spill over to this debate…

Cut 6 (06) “…the questioning”

Monroe Representative Michael Echols will receive questions today on the House floor about his bill that would name a proposed new Mississippi River Bridge after President Donald Trump. Echols believes naming the bridge after the current president will help land the federal dollars to build the bridge…

Cut 8 (12) “…in place”

The estimated price tag for a new bridge is three billion dollars.

ICE agents have been deployed to Louis Armstrong International Airport in Kenner to alleviate the long lines to get through security, because of the TSA worker shortage. Kevin Dolliole, the director of aviation at MSY, says this morning, it seemed to have worked.

Cut 4 (10) “…through the morning”

Dolliole ICE agents are helping with things like crowd control and directing passengers to open lines. But they cannot screen luggage.

Senator John Kennedy believes US Senators should not get paid during partial government shutdowns when essential workers like TSA agents are not getting paid. Kennedy tried to pass unanimous consent resolution yesterday, but his effort was stopped when Democratic Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz objected and immediately left the chamber, which stunned Kennedy…

Cut 10 (13) “…he ill.”

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.

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.”

The Louisiana Dental Association opposes Fesi’s efforts to remove fluoride from public drinking water systems. 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.”

After an amendment, the legislation heading to the Senate floor now allows voters without fluoride in their drinking water to have a public vote to add it and communities with fluoride in their drinking water, can petition to have an election to remove it.

Debate on 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 estimated price tag for a new bridge is between two and three billion dollars.

Complete domination by the LSU women’s basketball team yesterday as the Lady Tigers trounced Texas Tech 101 to 47. LSU shot 56-percent from the field against a team that statistically has one of the best defenses in the nation. Flau’jae Johnson and Mikaylah Williams each had 24 points. Williams gives credit to her teammates…

Cut 15 (07) “…down the shot”

LSU will play Duke on Friday night in Sacramento in the Sweet 16.

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.”

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 President Trump.  It’s an idea polarizing people.  But Monroe Representative Michael Echols says naming the bridge after the president might increase the chances of having the federal government fund the three-billion-dollar project and alleviate the need for tolls.

Cut 7 (07) “…in Louisiana.”

Shreveport Representative Joy Walters is proposing the Domestic Abuse Offender Registry for those convicted of any one of seven crimes related to domestic violence. Registrants 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. Walters says…

Cut 14 (08) “…home with them.”

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.”

The Louisiana Dental Association opposes Fesi’s efforts to remove fluoride from public drinking water systems. 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.”

After an amendment, the legislation heading to the Senate floor now allows voters without fluoride in their drinking water to have a public vote to add it and communities with fluoride in their drinking water, can petition to have an election to remove it.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

____________________________________________

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.”

____________________________________________

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.”

______________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.”

________________________________________________________

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.