Legislation to ban drivers from handling their cell phone while behind the wheel advances from the Senate Transportation Committee. However, the bill would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but it has to be hands-free. Kenner resident Richard Brown opposed the bill. He says the conversation is what’s distracting…

Cut 5 (12) “…isn’t true.” 

LSU researchers have secured a $550,000 grant to work on creating an insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. This is the largest NSF PFI grant ever awarded to LSU. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the project involves the use of nootkatone and even at a five percent concentration, nootkatone outperforms DEET.

Cut 12 (12) “…DEET has.” 

If you’re planning on dyeing eggs this Easter Brooke Thorington has some egg-cellence news, and that’s no yolk.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help improve student achievement…
Cut 8 (09) “…the classroom.”
The measure heads to the Senate floor.

Also heading to the Senate floor, is a bill that would prohibit drivers from using a handheld cellphone while driving. Covington Senator Patrick McMath is the author of the bill and he received pushback from former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley…
Cut 6 (10) “..seat belt law.”
More debate is expected on the Senate floor.

The National Science Foundation has awarded a 550-thousand dollar grant to LSU researchers so they can come up with a way to develop Nootkatone so it’s more cost effective. Why is nootkatone important? LSU Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says notkatone is a compound that’s more effective than DEET in bug sprays…
cut 11 (12) “…Lyme Disease”
The LSU research team hopes to sell their synthesis process to a manufacturing company, who would then produce affordable nootkatone products.

The cost for a dozen eggs this Easter is below three-dollars. Last year it was above four-dollars because of the bird flu. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says keep in mind the farmer’s profit is small….
cut 15 (10) “…packaging”

The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from handling their phone when behind the wheel. AAA’s Angela Nelson told Senators if you want to reduce auto insurance rates, pass a law that makes it illegal to touch your cell phone when driving and crashes will go down…
Cut 4 (05) “…first place.”
The legislation would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but they can’t hold it to their ear, it has to be hands-free. The proposal heads to the Senate floor.

The cost of a dozen eggs is much cheaper than last Easter. Last year a dozen eggs cost more than four-dollars because of the deadly avian influenza outbreak. This year you can find find them less than three-dollars. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the effects of the Bird flu still linger…
cut 14 (11) “….two years ago”

LSU has been awarded a 550-thousand dollar grant from the National Science Foundation, to see if they can mass produce an organic compound that could lead to better bug spray. Brooke Thorington has more…
Cut 2 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A FedEx driver that police say was drunk and high crashed into a home in Houma. There were people inside the house, but thankfully no one was injured. Houma police say 31-year-old Michael Smith failed a sobriety test. Authorities say an open alcoholic beverage was found in the truck, along with marijuana and prescription drugs. Fedex says Smith has been fired.

The Senate Transportation Committee approves legislation that would prohibit using a handheld cellphone while driving. Colleen Crain has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Senate Education approves a measure that students must have their cell phones off and stowed away during instructional time. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says it’s not difficult to ask kids to put the phones away…
cut 9 (07) “…..that simple”

LSU researchers have secured a $550,000 grant to work on creating an insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the project involves the use of nootkatone, a natural deterrent for many insects, but it’s costly to buy to in its pure form, so can they figure out a way to bring the costs down…
Cut 10 (11) “…and sprays.”
Nootkatone is an FDA-approved organic compound found in grapefruit skin and Alaska yellow cedar trees.

Egg-cellence news if you’re dying Easter eggs this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the southern average for a dozen eggs was $4.17, but this year it’s $2.71.
Cut 13 (12) “…right now.”

The Senate Transportation Committee approves legislation that would prohibit using a handheld cellphone while driving. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU has been awarded a more than a half-million-dollar National Science Foundation grant, the largest ever for the school for an affordable and effective insect repellent to reduce disease spread by them

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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If you’re planning on dyeing eggs this Easter Brooke Thorington has some egg-cellence news, and that’s no yolk.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from handling their phone when behind the wheel. AAA’s Angela Nelson told Senators if you want to reduce auto insurance rates, pass a law that makes it illegal to touch your cell phone when driving and crashes will go down…

Cut 4 (05) “…first place.”

The legislation would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but they can’t hold it to their ear, it has to be hands-free. Kenner resident Richard Brown opposed the bill. He says whether you hold the phone to your ear or use Bluetooth to talk on the phone, the conversation is what’s distracting…

Cut 5 (12) “…isn’t true.” 

Covington Senator Patrick McMath is the author of the bill to prohibit handheld cell phone use while driving. He received pushback from former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley…

Cut 6 (10) “..seat belt law.”

McMath also heard from opponents that his bill is a government overreach. The Republican from St. Tammany Parish does not see it that way. He looks at his legislation as a way to keep people safe…

 Cut 7 (11) “…correct.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Bill author, Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help pull Louisiana schools up from the bottom of the list…

Cut 8 (09) “…the classroom.” 

Speaking to the Senate Education Committee, Mizell illustrated how the new law might be implemented saying students are already familiar with stowing their lunches and other objects they bring to school so implementing it should be simple…

Cut 9 (07)  “…that simple.”

Senate Bill 107 now heads to the full Senate.

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LSU Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences faculty has secured $550,000 in funding to create affordable insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. This is the largest NSF PFI grant ever awarded to LSU. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the goal is to streamline the cost associated with the production of nootkatone.

Cut 12 (12) “…DEET has.” 

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Egg-cellence news if you’re planning on dying Easter eggs this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the prices have dropped significantly. Last year the southern average for a dozen eggs was $4.17, but this year it’s $2.71.

Cut 13 (12)  “…right now.”

(This week because of demand you can expect to pay between $2.89 to $3.40 a dozen.)

But it’s not necessarily over-easy when you compare 2024 prices to the average two years ago of $1.50 to $2.00 a dozen. Davidson says the effects of the deadly avian influenza outbreak last year linger.

Cut 14 (11)  “…two years ago.”

While you may be paying between $2.89 to $3.40 for a dozen eggs this Easter, Davidson says to keep in mind the farmer’s profit is miniscule.

Cut 15 (10)  “…packaging.”

The average price for a dozen eggs in Louisiana reached its peak of almost $5.00 in January 2023.

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Malik Nabers has made his case to be the first wide receiver selected in next month’s NFL draft. At LSU pro day, the 20-year-old from Youngsville had a broad jump of nearly eleven feet, a vertical of 42-inches and ran the 40 in a blazing 4.3 seconds…

Cut 16 (16)  “…special today.” 

Nabers didn’t work out at the NFL combine and there was speculation his 40-time was 4.5. But after running a 4.3 he could be picked ahead of Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Junior. Nabers says he had a great dinner with the New York Giants. He’s telling all NFL teams he plays with a dog mentality…

Cut 17 (20) “…make plays.” 

Nabers describes himself as a humble person…

Cut 18 (20)  “…to be made.”  

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Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels also participated at LSU pro day. He went through a 58-play passing script, throwing passes to Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Greg Clayton, and current Tigers Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor. Daniels could be the number two overall pick. He’s anxious for his name to be called on draft night…

Cut 19 (15) “…as a player.”  

USC star Caleb Williams is expected to go number one to the Bears. Washington has the second pick, followed by New England. Daniels was scheduled to meet with both teams before they left Baton Rouge. He was asked about the new look Commanders organization…

Cut 20 (18) “…they take.”

A Senate committee approves a bill to give Louisiana police officers the ability to arrest people living in Louisiana that are not legal citizens.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Senate Transportation approves a bill to prohibit drivers from handling their phone when driving. AAA’s Angela Nelson told Senators if you want to reduce auto insurance rates, make it illegal to touch your phone when driving and crashes will go down…

Cut 4 (05) “..first place.”

A bill to make panhandling a state crime in Louisiana advances from House Criminal Justice. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says House Bill 97 is an effort to improve both motorist and pedestrian safety.

Cut 24 (05) “…in them.”

State law already prohibits panhandling on interstates, including off and on ramps and this bill expands the law to public streets, that local law enforcement police.

Advocacy director of the Justice Accountability Center of Louisiana, Sarah Whittington opposes the bill because it’s something that local municipalities already cite.

Cut 25 (12)  “…local level.”

Whittington says the law could be deemed unconstitutional and state overreach of public streets.

A Senate committee approves legislation to give Louisiana police officers the power to arrest people who are in the United States illegally. Denham Springs Senator Valarie Hodges says the federal government is doing a poor job of keeping migrants from coming over the southern border, and the U-S constitution gives states the ability to protect themselves…

Cut 6  (13) “…an invasion.” 

Huey Fischer Garcia, a staff attorney at the Southern Poverty Law Center, says this law would clog up the state’s legal system as state judges are not up to speed on immigration law.

Cut 8 (07) “…that system.” 

Texas passed similar legislation that’s being challenged in the courts.

After the horrific collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, many in Louisiana are concerned if it could happen here. State Transportation spokesperson Rodney Mallet says similar bridges here are protected by a fender system.

Cut 4 (12) “…the pier.” 

The fenders are designed to deflect boats from the piers, like a guardrail.

AccuWeather’s 2024 early hurricane season forecast is grim. They’re predicting between 20 and 25 named storms;8-12 hurricanes and 4 to 7 those major hurricanes. Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s due to above average sea surface temps and a transition to La Nina that means more rain and less wind shear to diminish the threat of hurricanes.

Cut 12 (11) “…form in.” 

A Senate committee has approved a bill that would give Louisiana police officers the ability to arrest a person living in Louisiana that’s an undocumented migrant. Susan Weishar, from the Jesuit Social Research Institute, warned this proposed law could lead to the deportation of hundreds migrant laborers, who would be separated from their children..
Cut 7 (07) “…get over it”
But supporters say illegal migrants are contributing to Louisiana’s crime problems.

Accuweather published its long range hurricane forecast today and they are calling for 20 to 25 named storms, 8 to 12 hurricanes and 4-to-7 major hurricanes. That’s well above normal. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says warm sea surface temperatures should lead to a very active season…
cut 11 (08) “…right there”

Video of a cargo ship crashing into the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore resulting in the collapse of the structure is scary to watch. Brooke Thorington looks at how Louisiana bridges are protected from ships hitting them…
cut 1 (34) “…..I’m Brooke Thorington”

A Mega Millions ticket sold in New Jersey is worth one-point-one billion dollars. The person who bought the ticket in Neptune, New Jersey, won last night’s drawing. Tonight’s Powerball jackpot is 865 million dollars.