The four candidates for governor met Friday in a forum to discuss Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. To close, each candidate had a chance to say why they should be Louisiana’s next governor. Many political pundits have made remarks about the difficult budget scenario Louisiana’s next governor will be inheriting. Republican Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says he’s been asked why on earth he’d seek an office that is essentially in shambles…:
CUT 14 (12) “have right now”
The Louisiana gubernatorial election will take place on October 24.

Governor Bobby Jindal issued an Executive Order calling for the flags at all state buildings to be flown at half-staff in remembrance of the military members who lost their lives in the Black Hawk crash. The order is through next Friday at sunset on March 20th. The names of the 7 Marines killed have been released. The 4 Louisiana National Guard soldiers have yet to be identified.

The state Department of Agriculture and Forestry is taking precautionary measures against a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain, also known as bird flu, after cases have been confirmed in Arkansas. Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says this flu strain is H-5-N-2, not the type that humans normally get, which is H-5-N-1. He says a poultry quarantine will keep any live poultry products from entering the state from an area that’s been affected by this flu strain…:
CUT 7 (09) “of entry”
Avian influenza has also been found in Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oregon, and Washington.

Today was the deadline three doctors assigned to evaluate New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson’s mental capacity should have met with him and completed their interviews. Once they are done they will submit evaluations to the judge who will then make a determination as to whether Benson is competent to make his own decisions about his affairs.