Mardi Gras Bead-Throwing Bill & Voting Machines Delay

Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram.You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for February 25, 2026. We break down a proposed Louisiana bill from State Representative Sylvia Taylor that would criminalize knowingly or negligently throwing objects from Mardi Gras parade floats if they could cause harm. Penalties include fines up to $1,000, six months in jail, or three years for serious injury. Existing laws already prohibit intentional assault or throwing dangerous objects, so this new measure could unnecessarily complicate a beloved cultural tradition like bead-throwing. Self-policing by krewes—kicking out members who cross lines—and plain common sense might address issues more effectively than expanding the criminal code.Major investment continues in Louisiana. Hut 8 is developing a $3 billion data center in West Feliciana Parish, covering all upgrades to water and electric infrastructure (including a $17 million substation) at no cost to ratepayers. The project will create 200 permanent jobs starting in October.Secretary of State Nancy Landry has obtained $75 million toward the $100 million required to replace 35-year-old voting machines. Legislative procurement rules have extended the timeline for touchscreen systems with voter-verifiable paper ballots and improved cybersecurity.State Representative Tammy Phelps has entered the Shreveport mayoral race, adding to the Democratic contenders. In Baton Rouge, a former top aide to Mayor Sharon Weston Broome faces indictment on corruption charges involving kickbacks and contract fraud.President Trump's recent State of the Union address emphasized economic progress and optimism, including the Ratepayer Protection Pledge to ensure data centers pay their own way on infrastructure. Louisiana now ranks in the top four states for election integrity per the latest Heritage Foundation report.Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!