5:30 LRN Newscast March 16

The state’s oil and gas industry is on a slow but steady climb back, after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

And while Governor Edwards proposal to put aside $500 million for a new Mississippi River Bridge garnered applause as his state of the state Monday, some House leaders have voiced opposition to allocating that much money into a project that’s five years away.

The regular session kicked off Monday and Governor John bel Edwards says he’s hopeful that positive bills, not divisive ones will eventually reach his desk.

Cut 12 (12) “…look forward”

The session is scheduled to end on June 6th.

After the U.S. Senate voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2023, one state lawmaker is saying “I told you so.” Haughton’s Dodie Horton passed a bill 2 years ago for Louisiana to end time changes should the feds give us the option…:

Cut 7 (12) “…they represent” 

The U.S. House must also pass the Senate bill before it becomes a reality. Daylight Saving Time currently runs from March until October.

 

4:45 LRN Sportscast March 16

8th-seeded Nicholls State will take on top-seed SMU in the opening round of the NIT tonight. The Colonels enter the tourney 21-11 with the Mustangs at 23-8. This is the first postseason appearance for Nicholls since 1998.

Nicholls is in action on the diamond as well, as they visit Tulane…and the Ragin Cajuns pay a visit to McNeese.

LSU’s Tari Eason earned honorable mention in the voting for the Associated Press All-America Team. Eason is averaging 17 points and seven rebounds for the Tigers, who take on Iowa State in the opening round of the NCAA tournament on Friday.

After losing Marcus Williams to the Baltimore Ravens, the Saints have agreed to terms with former Jets safety Marcus Maye. The team has also reportedly reached agreement on an extension for cornerback Bradley Roby. Free-agent offensive lineman Terron Armstead is waiting to see if the Saints complete a trade for Deshaun Watson before picking his next team. Watson, a Georgia native, reportedly met with the Atlanta Falcons today and is expected to make a decision between the Falcons, Saints, and Panthers.

LSU overcame an early 2-0 deficit to defeat Tulane 7-5 for its fifth straight victory as the Tigers get ready for SEC play to start this weekend. Tre’ Morgan had the hot bat for LSU, driving in three runs and Eric Reyzelman struck out six in two and a third innings for the first win of his career. Tiger’s pitchers struck out 14 on the night as they improve to 14-3 heading into their series with Texas A&M.

Southeastern pulled off a major upset, shutting down top-ranked Ole Miss, 5-1 on Tuesday. It’s the third win over a ranked opponent this season for the Lions, and their second over a team ranked in the top five. Tyler Finke and Shea Thomas combined for six hits and three runs scored, with Adam Guth pitching five solid innings for the win. The Lions travel to Birmingham to take on Sanford this weekend.

Louisiana Tech doubled-up UL-M, beating the Warhawks 8-4 at Warhawk Field. The Bulldogs put up five in the first inning and held on from there. Walker Burchfield smacked a pair of solo home runs for Tech and Greg Martinez picked up the win, pitching four innings and allowing just one run.

4:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional plea to the United States Congress today that his country needs more assistance from America to help fend off Russia’s assault on his nation. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the U.S. wants to help. President Biden announced plans to send an additional 800-million dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Kennedy says in an ironic twist it’s Russia who established the precedent when it comes to providing another country with anti-aircraft systems…:

CUT 14(11)      “…here they are.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator lowers the age requirement to become one of his deputies. The minimum age to apply is now 18. Prator says, if a person can join the military and fight a war at 18, they should be able to become law enforcement officers too. This announcement comes as the CPSO looks at an all-time high in job vacancies.

 

A great many of us HATE the twice annual time change, and a Bossier Parish lawmaker, who passed a bill to put Louisiana on one time year-round, says yesterday’s U.S. Senate vote to stay on Daylight Time starting next year is gratifying. Here’s Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…:

CUT 06(07)      “…energy cost saving.”

Her 2020 bill is contingent on federal approval, which came closer Tuesday as the U.S. Senate approved the measure – sending it to the House.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday.  Louisiana AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s too soon to say if pump prices have peaked…:

CUT 03(11)      “…and Russia.”

3:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Not that you’d notice, but gasoline prices went down just a TEENY bit this week, as oil traded Tuesday at below $100-a-barrel. The statewide average price of regular gas hit $4.15 last Friday. Today it’s 2-cents lower. Nevertheless, Louisiana AAA fuel expert Don Redman still advises we budget at least $4-a-gallon through May, and practice fuel economy…:

CUT 05(08)      “…into one trip.”

Redman says prices always go up quickly, but come back down really slow.

Requests for drilling permits in Louisiana and coastal waters are increasing too. State Department of Natural Resources spokesman Patrick Courreges…:

CUT 10(12)      “…in December.”

He says, more permits means more oil & gas and eventually lower fuel costs for consumers.

 

A West Monroe man is in jail; accused of setting his girlfriend on fire, because – as he told deputies – he wanted to “see what it was like.” 18-year-old Joshua White caused severe burns on the woman’s head & neck. She says she felt he would hurt her more if she reported the abuse. White is in the Ouachita Parish jail; charged with domestic abuse battery and severe injury by burning.

A state House member is pleased to see the U.S. Senate vote to make Daylight Saving Time permanent starting next year. Houghton Representative Dodie Horton passed a bill in 2020 for our state to stay on one time SHOULD the federal government ever give us that option. Staying on DST would mean winter sunrises later than 7 a.m., but Horton feels most of us would trade that for not having to go through the time change…:

CUT 08(09)      “…their life.”

2:30 LRN Newscast March 16

The state’s oil and gas industry is on a slow but steady climb back, after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

A Ouachita Parish teen is in jail; accused of setting his girlfriend on fire. 18-year-old Joshua White was arrested for attack, which happened a week & a half ago. The victim suffered severe burns to the right side of her head and neck. White reportedly told deputies he wanted to “see what it was like.”

 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional plea to the United States Congress today that his country needs more assistance from America to help fend off Russia’s assault on his nation. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the U.S. wants to help…:

CUT 12(14)      “…liberty and guts.”

President Biden announced plans to send an additional 800-million dollars in military aid to Ukraine.

After the U.S. Senate voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2023, one state lawmakers is saying “I told you so.” Haughton’s Dodie Horton passed a bill 2 years ago for Louisiana to end time changes should the feds give us the option…:

CUT 07(12)      “…people they represent.”

The U.S. House must also pass the Senate bill before it becomes a reality.

LRN PM Newscall March 16

If you’re filling up your vehicle today, you might notice an ever so slight decrease in prices. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

The state’s oil and gas industry is on a steady climb back after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb has more.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m David Grubb.”  

______________________________________

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday.  Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s too soon to say if prices have peaked at the pump.

Cut 3 (11) “…and Russia.”

Redman believes if peace negotiations are reached then gas savings will continue. Another factor that’s dropped the price of crude oil is the possibility of another COVID lockdown in China which would reduce demand.

And while prices jumped quickly, they won’t necessarily fall at the same speed. Redman says that’s because when forecasters estimated crude oil prices could reach $200 a barrel many distributors locked-in prices for example at $130 a barrel.

Cut 4 (07) “…month contract.”

As for making any drastic budget changes in hopes that gas prices will continue to decline, Redman recommends budgeting for $4.00 a gallon at least until May and practice fuel efficiency.

Cut 5 (08) “…one trip.”

The average price for diesel in Louisiana today is $4.97 a gallon.

__________________________________________________

The U-S Senate has approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent. It was a unanimous vote in support on the Senate side, but still needs House approval and President Biden’s signature. State Representative Dodie Horton from Haughton is a supporter of Daylight Saving Time year-round…

 Cut 6  (07) “…energy cost saving” 

Horton authored legislation in 2020 that was signed into law that would allow Louisiana to adopt daylight saving time as the year-round standard if the federal government gave states the option to decide. Horton says she’s excited to see the Senate unanimously vote to make daylight saving time permanent…

Cut 7 (12) “…they represent” 

Daylight Saving time runs from March to October. During standard time, clocks are moved an up hour. If Daylight Saving time is year-round, the sun will not rise in January until well after 7 AM. But Horton believes changing clocks twice a year is a bigger problem for the public…

Cut 8 (09) “…their life” 

_______________________________________________________

According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, requests for drilling permits have been steadily climbing as gas prices continue to rise. Communications director Patrick Courreges says after seeing a wave of COVID closures in 2020, the oil and gas industry has bounced back as prices have stabilized.

Cut 9 (12) “…they’re doing again.”

Over the past year, DNS has seen a 28 percent increase in permits, and Courreges says that numbers continue to trend upward.

Cut 10 (12)  “…in December.”

In 2020 roughly 26 rigs were operating. This year, that number has nearly doubled with more coming down the proverbial pipeline. Courrages says companies are ready once again to make major investments in people and equipment.

Cut 11 (09)  “…getting out there.”  

__________________________________________

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional plea to the United States Congress today that his country needs more assistance from America to help fend off Russia’s assault on his nation. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the U-S wants to help

Cut 12 (14) “…liberty and guts.” 

Zelensky spoke to federal lawmakers via video from his office in Kyiv. Kennedy says Zelensky made it clear he’s not asking for American troops, but military aid to combat Russian warplanes…

Cut 13 (10) “…to him.”

After Zelensky’s address to Congress, President Biden announced plans to send an additional 800-million dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Kennedy says in an ironic twist it’s Russia who established the precedent when it comes to providing another country with anti-aircraft systems…

Cut 14 (11)  “…here they are”  

1:30 LRN Newscast March 16

If you’re filling up your vehicle today, you might notice an ever so slight decrease in prices. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The U-S Senate has unanimously approved a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. There are some downsides, including a very late sunrise in the winter, but State Representative Dodie Horton believes changing clocks twice a year is the bigger problem…

Cut 8 (09) “…their life”

According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, requests for drilling permits have been steadily climbing. Communications director Patrick Courreges says after seeing a wave of COVID closures in 2020, the oil and gas industry has bounced back here at home.

Cut 9 (12) “…they’re doing again.”

Former LSU star Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL. At 40 years of age, Whitworth was the oldest offensive lineman to ever start in the Super Bowl and a key component for 10 playoff teams. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot believes that Whitworth’s consistency will eventually lead him to another destination…Canton, Ohio.

Cut 15 (10) “…Hall of Fame.”

Over his career, Whitworth was selected to four Pro Bowls, and two All-Pro teams and this past season was recognized as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 16

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday. And while prices jumped quickly, they won’t necessarily fall at the same speed. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says that’s partly because when forecasters estimated crude oil prices could reach $200 a barrel many distributors locked in prices for example at $130 a barrel.

Cut 4 (07) “…month contract.”

The U-S Senate has approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent. It was a unanimous vote in support on the Senate side, but still needs House approval and President Biden’s signature. State Representative Dodie Horton from Haughton is a supporter of Daylight-Saving Time year-round…

 Cut 6  (07) “…energy cost-saving” 

Daylight Saving Time runs from March to October.

The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

 

11:40 LRN Sportscast March 16

LSU overcame an early 2-0 deficit to defeat Tulane 7-5 for its fifth straight victory as the Tigers get ready for SEC play to start this weekend. Tre’ Morgan had the hot bat for LSU, driving in three runs and Eric Reyzelman struck out six in two and a third innings for the first win of his career. Tiger’s pitchers struck out 14 on the night as they improve to 14-3 heading into their series with Texas A&M.

Southeastern pulled off a major upset, shutting down top-ranked Ole Miss, 5-1 on Tuesday. It’s the third win over a ranked opponent this season for the Lions, and their second over a team ranked in the top five. Tyler Finke and Shea Thomas combined for six hits and three runs scored, with Adam Guth pitching five solid innings for the win. The Lions travel to Birmingham to take on Sanford this weekend.

Louisiana Tech doubled-up UL-M, beating the Warhawks 8-4 at Warhawk Field. The Bulldogs put up five in the first inning and held on from there. Walker Burchfield smacked a pair of solo home runs for Tech and Greg Martinez picked up the win, pitching four innings and allowing just one run.

Former LSU star Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro had a storybook ending to his career after winning the Super Bowl with the Rams last month. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot says now is a time for celebration, not sadness.

Cut 14 (12) “…better than that.”

Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is expected to choose his next team today. Saints beat writer Rod Walker says if the team fails in its pursuit of Texans Watson, they could miss out on re-signing Jameis Winston who went 5-2 as a starter last season.

Cut 17 (12) “…after all.”

After losing Marcus Williams to the Baltimore Ravens, the Saints have agreed to terms with former Jets safety Marcus Maye.

11:30 LRN Newscast March 16

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 last Friday. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says while a slight decrease is hopeful it’s too soon to say if prices at the pump have peaked.
Cut 3 (11) “…and Russia.”
Redman believes if peace negotiations are reached then gas savings will continue.

After 24 months, Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID public health emergency order expires today as the state has seen a significant drop in cases and hospitalizations, plus there is a wide availability of vaccines. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig is concerned because lifting the emergency order sends a message the crisis is over…
cut 9 (08) “….I’m concerned about”