A Vidalia man who was wanted for a murder last week in Washington Parish has been arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says investigators traveled to Harrison County to interview 51-year-old David Rester after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland. Deputy Haley says Rester is accused of killing Marl Smith, and it’s a good thing he’s been captured…:

CUT 11(12)      ….an end.”

As the cost of gasoline continues to rise, we all watch the Russia-Ukraine conflict and hope it will all end soon. LSU Center for Energy Studies director David Dismukes says production is the real problem; both abroad and here at home. He says oil and gas companies could ramp it back up, but the White House and Wall Street are making it difficult…:

CUT 08(08)      “…into the market.”

Gas is approaching $4  all over the state.

The 2022 legislative session begins a week from today and nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says there are a wide variety of topics for legislators to debate…:

CUT 03(11)      “…college campuses.”

Alford says lawmakers will also have to approve a budget and decide how to spend two billion dollars in surplus money, much of it coming from the federal government. Expect debate on social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, abortions and more.

The U.S. Department of Education announces it will give over $200-million to six Louisiana Historically Black Universities. The money will be divided up between Southern University, Grambling State, Southern in New Orleans, Xavier University, Dillard and Southern in Shreveport. The money is part of the president’s American Rescue Plan.

Gas prices continue to rise, but just how high will they go? David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

The president of the Lincoln Parish School Board seems about to be fired after his arrest Friday for obscenity and drug charges. Ruston Police say David Gullatt was cited for possession of meth and performing obscene acts in an I-10 Service Road parking lot. As of yesterday, his name was removed from the school board’s website. We expect a press release later today.

LSU President William Tate says no one at the university knew of any prior sexual misconduct allegations against running backs coach Frank Wilson. Former LSU associate athletic director Sharon Lewis claims Wilson exposed himself to her several years ago. The allegations are part of a federal lawsuit against the school. Tate was asked about the allegation today…:

CUT 15(11)      “…LSU officials.”

According to a court filing made by Lewis’ attorney last week, Wilson exposed himself to Lewis in 2015 and she reported the incident to LSU athletic administrators Miriam Segar and Verge Ausberry.

As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food and LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says there’s now a plant shortage since the pandemic inspired many to take up gardening as they sheltered in place…:

CUT 12(09)      “…right now.”

For gardening tips visit “LSUAGCenter.com”.

Shreveport Police make an arrest in the shooting death of 17-year-old Devin Myers, a basketball standout at the city’s Huntington High School. Myers was gunned down this week right in his own front yard. SPD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Wilhite says investigators talked with witnesses and obtained surveillance footage quickly after the Thursday shooting….:

CUT 06(11)      “…$350-thousand.”

Gasoline prices have jumped another 15-cents a gallon from yesterday; bringing the statewide average price of regular gas to $3.63-a-gallon. Diesel surpassed $4 many days ago, and state Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says that will certainly lead to higher grocery costs too…:

CUT 03(08)      “…from now.”

New Orleans lawmaker Matthew Willard wants Louisiana to address its past to improve its future. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Another New Orleans area legislator wants to ban single-use plastic shopping bags, like we are given at almost everywhere we shop. Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says they’re a huge part of our statewide litter problem. His bill would forbid them and place fines on retailers using them.

The rising price for gasoline will mean higher prices at the grocery store. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Today’s COVID numbers from the state Department of Health; just 332 new cases of coronavirus are reported by LDH today. 368 people are in the hospital with virus symptoms. Over 75-percent of them are not fully vaxxed. LDH also reports 48 new virus-related deaths.

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High basketball standout Devin Meyers. Myers was found shot to death in his own front yard. SPD spokesperson Sgt. Angie Wilhite says the public was very helpful in them making a fast arrest…:

CUT 08(07)      “…unspeakable.”

Pearson faces 2^nd-degree murder charges and is in the city jail.

A Marrero lawmaker files a bill to do away with plastic shopping bags. Senator Patrick Connick wants to impose fines of $100 to $500 for using them. He says we should use reusable bags instead. Connick says other states have done this successfully and it’s time for Louisiana to follow suit…:

CUT 14(08)      “…this litter.”

Connicks’s bill is one of hundreds lawmakers will consider when the legislature convenes its regular session, starting March 14^th.

New Orleans lawmaker Matthew Willard wants Louisiana to address its past to improve its future. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02   (34)      “…David Grubb.”

An alert fisherman on Whiskey Bay in Iberville Parish is credited with saving a man who fell over the side of Interstate 10; plummeting over 16 feet into the water below. The man had pulled over with car trouble and was checking it out when his vehicle was hit by a passing big rig. The collision tossed him over the railing. He was injured, but will be OK.

Gasoline prices shot up ANOTHER 15-cents-a-gallon yesterday; now at a statewide average of $3.63 for regular. Diesel fuel is already past $4. State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says higher fuel cost for trucks translates into higher prices for groceries. He expects many Louisiana families will be forced to make adjustments…:

CUT 05(10)      “…fuel prices.”

Strain says many may want to consider growing some of their own produce to help with food costs.

A Marrero state lawmaker wants to outlaw single use plastic bags at retail stores. Senator Patrick Connick says they make up a LOT of trash seen on highways and his bill would mandate stores no longer use them. He says reusable carryout bags are better…:

CUT 13(06)      “…in the state.”

His bill would impose fines of from $100 to $500 for offenders.

Can we be optimistic that the COVID pandemic is nearing an end? Mask mandates and attendance restrictions are being stopped all over the state, and today the Department of Health reports fewer than 400 people are in the hospital with virus symptoms statewide. Nevertheless, Tulane Epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig advises we not rush an end to precautions. She says health experts are watching a virus variant that is spreading around some parts of Europe…:

CUT 13(09)      “…wait and see.”

She says there is no guarantee that the virus will weaken as it continues to mutate.

The State Police Crime Lab says a labor shortage has contributed to another backlog of DNA evidence awaiting testing. LSP Lt. Melissa Matey says about 2500 cases are languishing while the lab tries to play “catchup.” She says even cases put on the fast track are being delayed…:

CUT 10(10)      “…four months.”

How much did you pay for your last gasoline purchase? The statewide average price of regular gas is at $3.48-a-gallon today; up 7-cents from just yesterday. Louisiana AAA fuel expert Don Redman says when prices get this high, many of us will change our driving and spending behaviors…:

CUT 05(08)      “…stay as long.”

He says it would be wise to budget for gas at $4 through the summer.

The lineup for this year’s Essence Festival in New Orleans is out, and it’s once again packed with major stars. Janet Jackson and Kevin Hart are headliners, plus Nicki Minaj, New Edition, the Isley Brothers and more. The Essence Festival is one of several big festivals returning to the city after a two-year hiatus due to COVID precautions. It runs June 30^th through July 3^rd.

Gas prices rose another seven cents from yesterday. Jeff Palermo reports 4-dollar a gallon gasoline could be possible this summer…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

For commuters in the Monroe area, there is good news and bad news. First the good: DOTD says it will add a third lane in each direction to I-20 in West Monroe; alleviating traffic congestion. The bad news? It will take a couple years to complete, and when construction starts expect lane closures and delays. They hope to get the project underway early next year.

Jetsetters flying in and out of Alexandria will have fewer flight options beginning next month and even fewer in June. Executive director of the Alexandria International Airport, Sandra McQuain, says American Airlines will temporarily stop all Alexandria-Charlotte flights in April, and in June United will cut all service to AEX. She says a shortage of pilots in the problem. McQuain says while they hate to lose a carrier and/or routes to AEX it does create the opportunity to recruit new ones…:

CUT 08(09)      “…our markets.”

State Police arrest two Houston residents on I-10 near Baton Rouge, after finding more than two POUNDs of cocaine inside their vehicle during a routine traffic stop Wednesday. 35-year-old Marco Garcia and 20-year-old Maria Hernandez are each charged with possession with intent to distribute. They are now in the Iberville Parish jail.

The Louisiana State Police Crime Lab is dealing with a major backlog. David Grubb has more on how they’re tackling the problem…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

State Police in the Baton Rouge area are investigating the death of a pedestrian on Interstate 12 early this morning. Troopers say 44-year-old Ben Martel of Ponchatoula was walking IN the westbound left lane at around 3 a.m., when he was struck by a big rig. An investigation is underway as to why Martel was walking IN the roadway and not on the shoulder.

The number of new COVID cases continues to drop. The state Health Department reports just over 600 new cases today and statewide hospitalizations are now below 400. Many hope we are done with coronavirus, but Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says another surge in cases is still possible, though. She says not to count on the virus getting weaker as it mutates, because that doesn’t always happen…:

CUT 14(12)      “…get weaker.”

Gasoline prices have jumped 7-cents a gallon since yesterday. The statewide average price of regular is now at $3.48-a-gallon. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says the Russian invasion of Ukraine is aggravating an already volatile oil & gas market…:

CUT 03(08)      “…those prices upward.”

Redman suggest we all budget $4 a gallon for gas for the next several weeks, at least.

More pain at the gasoline pump. Louisiana AAA says the average cost of regular gas is up 7 cents since yesterday; now at $3.48. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says the state’s peak of $4.08-a-gallon was reached in the summer of 2008, but we could be back in that range soon…:

CUT 04  (08)        “…the coming weeks”

He says the Ukraine invasion has aggravated an already volatile energy picture worldwide.

There will soon be fewer flight available from Alexandria International Airport. Airport Director Sandra McQuain says a shortage of pilots is a big part of the problem that is impacting airports large and small across the country…:

CUT 07(07)      “…right now.”

United is cutting service to Alec. McQuain says she will seek another carrier to take their place.

Shreveport Police are investigating the shooting death of a 17-year-old boy this afternoon in the city’s Queensborough area. The teen was found dead from multiple gunshots right in his own front yard. They ask anyone who saw anything to come forward.

State troopers arrest two people from Houston after finding more than 2 pounds of cocaine in their car. The drugs were found during a traffic stop on I-10 in the Baton Rouge area. Booked with possession with intent to distribute, the pair are in the Iberville Parish jail.

The number of new COVID cases continues to drop. The Louisiana Health Department reported 607 new cases today and statewide hospitalizations fell by another 17 to 394. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says the pandemic is far from officially over…:

CUT 12(04)      “…going away.”

Hassig says there is no guaranty the COVID virus will get progressively weaker as it mutates.

Senator Bill Cassidy says sanctions imposed by the US and other countries are beginning to cripple Russia financially as they continue to invade Ukraine. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police say they – along with local LEO’s – seized 24 illegal guns and arrested 44 people during the five day “Mardi Gras Week” in New Orleans. Officials in the city proclaim 2022 Mardi Gras a success, despite the deaths of two tourists.

More reaction to Tuesday’s State of the Union speech from our people in Congress. Senator John Kennedy says the President offered no solution to the country’s wide-open southern border…:

CUT 13(11)      “…rage on.”

5th District Congresswoman Julia Letlow didn’t hear a good plan to counter the highest inflation rates in four decades…:

CUT 14(12)      “…excessive checks.”

But Democrat and New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says the President laid out a clear vision to lowering costs for American families.

The Governor’s Mansion will light up in blue and gold – the colors of Ukraine – tonight, to show solidarity for the embattled country. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards ask we all pray for Ukraine and its people.