Venture Global announces an 18-billion-dollar expansion to its liquefied natural gas export facility in Plaquemines Parish.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Keischnick.”

Mamou’s Police Chief Pat Hall told the city council that he had concerns about the location of the Mardi Gras Zydeco event which ended abruptly on Tuesday when a gunman killed two people and injured 14 others. Hall recommended the event be moved to a more secure location. During a February city council meeting, the town’s attorney said more resources should be brought in.

In the upcoming legislative session, there will be an attempt to ban fluoride in drinking water throughout the state. One of the co-authors of the pre-field bill, Covington Senator Patrick McMath points to a study that found that fluoride concentration that exceeds 1.5 milligrams per liter can cause health issues.

Cut 8 (10) “…measures during childhood.”

And McMath says the study shows that it can also cause Alzheimer’s Disease in adults. But many health experts say fluoride in the drinking water reduce tooth decay, and protects people who don’t have regular dental care.

An LSU grad from Lafayette who owns an ice cream shop in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized as having the best Vegan Ice cream shop in the United States by Veg News. Kate Williams says it was a surprise and honor.

Cut 11 (06) “…very grateful”

Williams says all her ice cream is vegan, made with coconut milk, and all made in-house and she says many people can’t tell the difference between vegan ice cream and ice cream made with dairy milk.

A hearing is being held in federal court in Baton Rouge today aimed at halting the execution of Jessie Hoffman. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU Graduate and Lafayette native Kate Williams owner of Kate’s Ice Cream in Portland Oregon has won Best Vegan Ice Cream Shop in the US

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Venture Global announces an 18-billion-dollar expansion to its liquefied natural gas export facility in Plaquemines Parish. Kace Kieschnick has more…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kace Keischnick.”

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A hearing is happening in federal court in Baton Rouge today, aimed at delaying the execution of Jessie Hoffman. In 1996, Hoffman kidnapped a woman in New Orleans, raped her and killed her. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the Promise of Justice Initiative is trying to prove that using nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.

Cut 4 (13) “…the 8th Amendment.”

Ciolino says the group will cite an execution in Alabama, the only other state to use nitrogen hypoxia as a method of execution.

Cut 5 (08) “…during the procedure.”

Hoffman is scheduled to be executed March 18th. As such, Ciolino says he expects Chief Judge Shelly Dick to issue a ruling very quickly.

Cut 6 (09) “…the Fifth Circuit.”

The state has released its protocol for using nitrogen hypoxia. Among other things, a mask is placed on the inmate’s face, and the gas is administered for either 15 minutes or for five minutes after the heart flatlines on the EKG, whichever is longer. The air pressure is set to 500 pounds per square inch.

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Two Republican state senators will be introducing a bill in the upcoming legislative session that would ban the use of fluoride in drinking water throughout the state. It’s being introduced by Mike Fesi of Houma and Patrick McMath of Covington. McMath says with nearly every toothpaste on the market containing fluoride, there is no reason why it should be in drinking water.

Cut 7 (07) “…what this is.”

McMath points to a study that found that fluoride concentration that exceeds 1.5 milligrams per liter can cause health issues.

Cut 8 (10) “…measures during childhood.”

And McMath says the study shows that it can also cause Alzheimer’s Disease in adults. Felicia Rabito, a professor of epidemiology at Tulane University, says McMath’s reasoning doesn’t add up, pointing out that the current EPA standard is point-seven milligrams per liter.

Cut 9 (12)  “…adverse health outcomes.”

One of the reports McMath was alluding to was one done last August by the National Toxicology Program. Rabito says that report is problematic in its methodology.

Cut 10 (12) “…the methodologic flaws.”

Rabito says even if the report is accepted as fact, it’s irrelevant because it cites a fluoride concentration level that’s more than twice the EPA recommended level. A similar bill in Utah is now just a governor’s signature away from becoming law.

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An LSU grad from Lafayette who owns an ice cream shop in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized as having the best Vegan Ice cream shop in the United States by Veg News. Kate Williams says it was a surprise and honor.

Cut 11 (06) “…very grateful”

Williams says they have two stores and plan on hoping more to create places for all people to visit that want to taste delicious ice cream.

Cut 12 (11) “…supposed to taste like.”

Williams says all her ice cream is vegan, made with coconut milk, and all made in-house.  The big question is how does it taste?

Cut 13 (11)  “…all that flavor.”

Williams says if you’re ever visiting Portland come in and try her award-winning ice cream.

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Venture Global has announced it will invest an additional 18 billion dollars to expand its liquefied natural gas facility south of New Orleans in Plaquemines Parish. Venture CEO Mike Sabel says the LNG export facility will increase annual shipments from 27 million tons to over 45 million

Cut 14 (12) “…US balance of trade”

The facility was approved by President Donald Trump in 2019, along with the company’s first facility, Calcasieu Pass in Cameron Parish, which can process over 12 million metric tons of LNG every year. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright says the fastest growing source of energy is natural gas and Louisiana plays a major role…

Cut 15 (13) “…(cheering).”

Venture says the Plaquemines LNG expansion will continue to support hundreds of new, permanent Louisiana jobs and tens of thousands of indirect subcontractor, part-time and full-time jobs throughout the state and across the country. Wright says the expansion of this facility is a signal to the rest of the world that American energy dominance is back…

Cut 16 (11) “…all of you.”

Climate activists say LNG expansion will worsen emissions and the Biden Administration raised concerns that “unfettered” exports would raise domestic prices.

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The LSU women’s basketball team will play in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament tonight. The Lady Tigers will be without first-team All-SEC guard Flau’Jae Johnson as she battles shin inflammation. Lady Tigers color analyst Shaeeta Williams says coach Kim Mulkey won’t risk her star’s health for the conference tournament.

Cut 17 (19)  “…sleep about.”

Despite Mulkey’s disregard, Williams says LSU will likely need to win at least one tournament game to keep its projected spot as a two-seed in the NCAA tournament…

Cut 18 (13)  “…three seed.(x3)”

Tip-off is at 7:30

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The second-ranked LSU baseball team will start its weekend series against North Alabama tonight at 6:30. The Tigers will still be without junior reliever Gavin Guidry who’s been sidelined all season with a back/mid-body injury. Johnson says Guidry is close to returning but he’s careful not to rush him back…

Cut 19 (17) “…we’re gonna do.”

The Tigers’ pitching staff has performed very well in Guidry’s absence. Junior ace Kade Anderson is 2-and-0 with a 2.30 ERA, and redshirt sophomore Chase Shores is 3-and-0 with a 3.00 ERA while freshmen William Schmid and Casan Evans have wowed in their appearances. Johnson, though, says he misses Guidry’s experience…

Cut 20 (16) “…have all pitches.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Mardi Gras was another major success for the state this year. New Orleans Carnival brought its annual masses of out of state visitors and did so without any major incidents on the parade route even with last minute adjustments due to severe weather…

Cut 4 (07) “…a black eye”

Clocks spring forward an hour this weekend and State Fire Marshall spokesperson Ken Pastorick says it’s a great time to check smoke alarms too. Pastorick suggests testing your smoke alarm monthly and replacing them if they are older than ten years. He says if you don’t have a smoke alarm and can’t afford one then Operation Save-a-Life can help.

Cut 11 (10) “…smoke alarm installation.”

You can get more information and register for a smoke alarm at LASFM-dot-org.

St. Tammany Parish investigators need your help in identifying human remains found more than 40 years ago. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU announced the hiring of former Tigers defensive tackle Kyle Williams as the school’s new D-line coach. Williams won a national championship with LSU in 2003 and recently led Ruston High School to back-to-back state championship appearances as the Bearcats Defensive Coordinator. Williams returns to Baton Rouge to replace Bo Davis who left to become the Saints Defensive Line Coach.

The LSU baseball team left no doubt last night in a 13-to-3 victory over North Dakota St. After allowing the Bison to gain a 7-to-1 lead in the first game of the series Tuesday, the Tigers came out swinging with a seven run first inning last night. First baseman Jared Jones had two home runs on the night, and LSU will host North Alabama this weekend.

The Louisiana Tech Diamond Dogs shared a similar dominance in a 10-to-0 win over Nicholls. The Bulldogs completed the midweek sweep of the Colonels with back-to-back seven inning run rule shutouts. Starting pitcher Luke Nichols allowed just two hits and one walk through five innings of work and posted a pair of strikeouts. The Bulldogs will host South Alabama in a home series this weekend.

UL-Lafayette squeaked out a 6-to-5 win over U-N-C Wilmington last night despite being outhit 12 to 5 by the Seahawks. The Cajuns scored three runs off a pair of errors in the sixth, and sophomore lefty Riley Marcotte earned his first career save by holding off the Seahawks’ ninth inning effort. ULL will have the tough task of hosting No. 21 Dallas Baptist in a three-game series this weekend.

The Louisiana Tech men’s basketball team will look to build on their 90-to-66 win over Sam Houston as they host New Mexico St tonight. Coach Talvin Hester says they’re looking to peek at the right time…

Cut 28 (14) “…best ball.”

Tip off in the TAC is at 6:30

UL-Lafayette’s men’s basketball season came to an end las night after a 67-to-49 loss to Old Dominion in the Sun Belt Conference tournament. Interim Head Coach Derrick Zimmerman led ULL to a 9-and-12 record with a conference tournament win over ULM. Zimmerman says he’s proud of what his team accomplished and thankful for the opportunity…

Cut 29 (15) “…home and coach.”

A hearing is being held in federal court in Baton Rouge Friday aimed at halting the execution of Jessie Hoffman. The Promise of Justice Initiative says using the nitrogen hypoxia method to execute inmates amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. Loyola University New Orleans Law Professor Dane Ciolino says with Hoffman’s execution slated for March 18^th, he expects Chief Judge Shelly Dick to issue a ruling very quickly, which will undoubtedly be appealed to the fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Cut 23 (07)”…States Supreme Court.”

A man whose remains were discovered back in 1984 is still unidentified, and the coroner in St. Tammany Parish needs your help. Hunters found the remains below the I-59 bridge on the bank of the West Pearl River near the Mississippi State Line. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says exactly when the man died is unclear.

Cut 6 (09) “…your family history.”

Venture Global has announced it will invest an additional 18 billion dollars to expand its liquefied natural gas facility south of New Orleans in Plaquemines Parish. Venture CEO Mike Sabel says the LNG export facility will increase annual shipments from 27 million tons to over 45 million

Cut 14 (12) “…US balance of trade”

Clocks spring forward an hour this weekend and it’s a great time to check smoke alarms too, that’s according to State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ken Pastorick who says smoke alarms are proven to save lives and that’s what happened last Saturday in Hammond.

Cut 9 (13)  “…minimal damage.”

The two teenagers killed in Tuesday’s mass shooting at a Mardi Gras celebration in Mamou have been identified. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

When you set your clocks up this weekend the State Fire Marshall’s office reminds you to change the batteries in your smoke alarms. Spokesperson Ken Pastorick says smoke alarms are proven to save lives and suggests testing your smoke alarm monthly if you can’t afford one, Operation Save-a-Life can help.

Cut 11 (10) “…smoke alarm installation.”

You can get more information and register for a smoke alarm at LASFM-dot-org.

The identity of a man whose remains were discovered in 1984 is still unknown. St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape says Hunters found the skeletal remains near the Mississippi State Line but the circumstances surrounding the man’s demise are unclear. At the time of his death, he could have been between 18 and 40 years old and his death could have occurred anytime between the late 1960’s to the early 80’s

Cut 8 (06) “…who just disappeared.”

There was no evidence of injuries before death. There was a pocket watch and a bell with the body, and the skull had an extra tooth.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser looked back at this Carnival in New Orleans and said it was good to see the severe weather on Tuesday did not damper the spirits though some parades times and routes were altered.

Cut 3 (12) “…get home safely”

When clocks change to Daylight Saving Time this weekend, it’s a good time to change the batteries in your smoke alarm and the State Fire Marshal’s office wants to remind Louisianans that smoke alarms save lives. Spokesperson Ken Pastorick says last year 73 people died in residential fires in Louisiana, and only three cases had working smoke alarms.

Cut 10 (13) “…save your life.”

Every year more out-of-state visitors are going to cities outside of New Orleans to experience Mardi Gras, says Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Unfortunately, this Carnival season there were violent incidents in Franklinton and Mamou but in New Orleans Nungesser says there were a few incidents in the city but fortunately no major incidents along the parade routes.

Cut 4 (07) “…a black eye”

St. Tammany Parish investigators need your help in identifying human remains found more than 40 years ago. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Louisiana’s small business owners are urging legislators to address rising insurance costs through legal reforms in the legislative session that starts next month. According to NFIB State Director Long, lawsuit abuse is a major factor driving up insurance rates, and common-sense reforms are necessary to stabilize the market and create a fair legal system.

Cut 7 (11) “…2025 session.”

Another Carnival season has come and gone in Louisiana. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says it was good to see that the severe weather on Tuesday did not damper the spirits across south Louisiana, even though parade times were moved up and two major parades in New Orleans were shortened.

Cut 3 (12) “…get home safely” 

A man whose remains were discovered back in 1984 is still unidentified, and the coroner in St. Tammany Parish needs your help. Hunters found the remains below the I-59 bridge on the bank of the West Pearl River near the Mississippi state line. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says even though only the bones remained, through genetic genealogy, investigators were able to establish some characteristics.

Cut 7 (06) “…when he died.”

It’s unclear how long the remains were there before the hunters found them more than 40 years ago.

Clocks spring forward an hour this weekend, and it’s a great time to check smoke alarms too. Ken Pastorick with the Louisiana Office of the State Fire Marshal says smoke alarms are proven to save lives and that’s what happened last Saturday in Hammond.

Cut 9 (13)  “…minimal damage.”

DOTD is working to implement its strategic improvement plan. Secretary Joe Donahue says the department identified a few deficiencies in its operation – among them is the lack of consistency in the department’s messaging.

Cut 15 (08) “…get different answers.”

Donahue says another deficiency identified is the inability to deliver projects on schedule, saying in recent years, a small percentage of them were actually in the Highway Priority Program’s pipeline

Small Business owners are urging lawmakers to focus on tax reform in the upcoming legislative session. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Pearl Harbor survivor from Louisiana has died at the age of 102. Jessie Alton Mahaffey of Many was stationed on the battleship USS Oklahoma when on December 7^th 1941 when it was attacked by Japanese bombers. Mahaffey was born in Florien and joined the United States Army right out of high school in 1941. Funeral services are this Saturday in Many.

A man whose remains were discovered back in 1984 is still unidentified, and the coroner in St. Tammany Parish needs your help. Hunters found the remains below the I-59 bridge on the bank of the West Pearl River near the Mississippi state line. Coroner Dr. Christopher Tape says exactly when the man died is unclear.

Cut 6 (09) “…your family history.”

Dr. Tape says even though only the bones remained, through genetic genealogy, investigators were able to establish some characteristics. They believe he’s mixed race, but he was anywhere from 18 to 40 when he died.

It’s a reacquaintance of sorts – Cleo Fields is back on Capitol Hill as a congressman for the first time in 28 years. If Congress seems much more polarized to you now compared to back then, Fields says you’re exactly right.

Cut 12 (08) “…to come back.”