In the battle to restrict speed cameras throughout the state, a major monkey wrench. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill that would ban fluoride in drinking water in a 10-5 vote. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is boosting its reward for information leading to the capture of the two remaining escapees from the Orleans Justice Center to 20-thousand dollars. That brings the overall reward per fugitive to 50-thousand dollars. President Darlene Cusanza says Crimestoppers has gotten so many tips that it had to increase staffing to handle the calls. And she says they have been very beneficial.
Cut 3 (11) “…within 30 minutes.”
Cusanza says each of those tipsters will be paid their reward money. Louisiana State Police Superintendent Colonel Robert Hodges stresses that anyone who helps either of the two remaining escapees will be held criminally responsible.
Cut 4 (11) “…potentially high bond.”
Colonel Hodges says he’s very confident that Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves will soon be back in custody.
Cut 5 (12) “…them in custody.”
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A major monkey wrench in the fight to restrict speed cameras throughout the state. As the legislature continues considering Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey’s bill to do away with the speed cameras, the House passed an amendment by a single vote to exempt Opelousas from any such rule. Cathey is clearly unhappy.
Cut 6 (14) “…of this amendment.”
It was proposed by Democrat Dustin Miller, who says Opelousas is short-staffed and doesn’t have enough manpower to conduct speed enforcement the traditional way. Cathey says the people of Opelousas should fight back.
Cut 7 (10) “…these speed cameras.”
Cathey says the Opelousas carveout creates a slippery slope – if Opelousas is exempt from these bills, Cathey fears other communities could seek the same exemptions. The overall bill passed in the House 72-to-23 and now goes back to the Senate to consider the House changes. Cathey says he’s completely unsure how to proceed, especially since he says he got 99-percent of what he wanted.
Cut 8 (08) “…one little fight.”
Cathey already agreed to exempt school zones – two hours in the morning and two hours during after school hours. He says without the school zone exemption, his bill likely would not have passed.
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On a 10-5 vote, the House Health and Welfare committee rejected a bill by Houma Sen. Mike Fesi that sought to ban fluoride in public drinking water systems. Dentist testified against the bill saying it would increase tooth decay, Fesi fought back against that argument.
Cut 9 (11) “…saving our teeth.”
Fesi says natural fluoride is different from the fluoride being put in the drinking water.
Cut 10 (11) “…poison in our water.”
Opponents, including 9-year-old Toby Ramen from Monroe, defended fluoride as safe, effective, and essential for public health as well as helping fight chronic diseases.
Ramen ended his testimony saying if fluoride is taken out of drinking water then every child should be able to see a dentist at no cost
Cut 12 (12) “…thank you (applause)”
The bill, which received Senate approval, would have allowed parishes to reintroduce fluoride only through a petition and special election.
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LSU-Shreveport won a record-tying 57th straight game last night, leaving them two more victories away from winning an NAIA national championship. The Pilots defeated Southeastern from Florida ten to nothing. LSU-S pitcher Isaac Rohde struck out ten and he benefited from his teammates scoring five runs in the first inning…
The 57 straight wins ties the all time college baseball record for longest winning streak. Howard College in Texas won 57 in a row in 2009. Senior shortstop Jose Sallorin drove in three runs last night and says they are not thinking about the winning streak…
LSU plays defending national champion Hope International out of California tonight.