It was five years ago today that the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and rig explosion occurred. An estimated three to four million barrels of oil spewed into the Gulf for 87 days. Scientists have recorded an increase in deaths for dolphins and sea turtles but LSU department of environmental sciences professor Ed Overton says that began before the spill…:
CUT 15 (10) “build back”
The spill is considered the worst environmental disaster in the nation. Overton is impressed with how the Gulf has bounced back.

Gas prices have been steadily rising over the past week. According to the American Automobile Association the current statewide average for a gallon of gasoline is $2.24 which is up over 6 cents from last Monday. But this time last year the price was $3.49.

This week lawmakers will begin public hearings on how to deal with the state’s $1.6 billion budget deficit. Eric Gill reports…:
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First Lady Michelle Obama is in New Orleans today joining others to discuss the city’s success in the area of finding homes for veterans who were living on the streets. According to Mayor Mitch Landrieu’s office, New Orleans in December became the first city in the country to end veteran homelessness among those who were willing to get help.