The Louisiana House has approved legislation that would increase the amount the state compensates the families of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty from 250-thousand to 404-thousand dollars. State Representative Jeff Wiley of Ascension Parish is the author of the bill.
Five law enforcement officers and two firefighters lost their lives while on duty last year, and Wiley says the family members left behind deserve adequate financial support from the state.
Getting the fuel gauge to “full” continues leaving many bank accounts “empty.” Regular unleaded gasoline is now averaging $3.73 a gallon – an increase of five cents overnight. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says the average price of diesel, meanwhile, remains just above five-dollars a gallon.
Cut 8 (11) “…into the summer.”
People gathered at the Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge yesterday evening for a candlelight vigil in memory of Martha Odom. She’s the 17-year-old Lafayette girl who was killed when she was caught in the crossfire of a shooting at the food court last Thursday. East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Sid Edwards told those gathered that last week’s incident has deeply affected the entire city.
Those of you in north Louisiana, you’ll want to be weather aware today, as a tornado watch is in effect for Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, Union and Webster parishes until seven this evening. National Weather Service Meteorologist Gary Chatelain says along with damaging winds, large hail and heavy downpours are possible.