Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has a plan to keep the rising cost of gas from sinking the state’s tourism industry. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

_____________________________________

A special committee to investigate the 2019 death of Ronald Greene while in police custody meets this afternoon at the capitol. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins is frustrated with hurricane recovery for southwest Louisiana, and he’s asking for federal assistance…again. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

____________________________________

The rapidly rising cost of gasoline is impacting commuters on a daily basis, but as we get into festival season and the summer months, how will it impact the state’s tourism industry? Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says step one is encouraging folks to be tourists at home.

Cut 4 (11)  “…set up for you.”

Nungesser says to support the more than 400 fairs and festivals about to kick off, targeted marketing will be key. That means an adjustment in strategy and in the use of resources to make sure visitors are aware of and excited about what’s to come.

Cut 5 (10) “…these events successful.”

With the successful return of Mardi Gras, the state was looking to follow a steady upward trend of welcoming back tourists. The fuel crisis has thrown uncertainty back into the mix. Nungesser says his office is going to stay as flexible as it can to get the message out that Louisiana is ready to extend its hospitality to everyone who’s ready to enjoy it.

Cut 6 (12)  “…here in Louisiana.”

_______________________________________

Members of a bipartisan special legislative committee to oversee the events surrounding the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, while in police custody, meet this afternoon. Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee says they want to find answers to the many questions that remain unanswered, for example why State Troopers who were involved had their phones wiped.

Cut 7 (12) “…bottom if it.”

Magee says today’s meeting will lay the groundwork for the committee including those they plan to call to testify before the committee.

Cut 8 (10)  “…that goes.”

Col Kevin Reeves served as head of State Police from 2017 until his retirement in October 2020. Reeves was named to replace Superintendent Mike Edmonson after he stepped down amid an investigation.

Magee says he hopes the committee finds those involved acted accordingly and followed procedure…

Cut 9 (12)  “…troubling.”

Magee says he expects the committee will meet weekly and they want all the questions answered for the sake of Greene’s family.

At 1:30 today the committee will adopt a name and rules, and also discuss committee objectives.

____________________________________________

Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins is asking U.S. House and Senate leaders to include more disaster relief funding for Louisiana, as they race to meet a federal budget deadline. Mr. Higgins says the damage done by Hurricanes Laura, Delta & Zeta in 2020 and then Ida this past fall was massive, and so…:

Cut 10 (08) “…gonna fall short.”

Higgins says Louisiana has received about $600-million in federal aid, and red tape – at both the federal and state levels – is slowing the speed with which is gets to those who need to rebuild their lives and businesses. In a letter sent Monday, he asks House & Senate leaders to find a way to get another $400-million for Louisiana’s recovery into a new omnibus funding bill…:

Cut  11 (13)  “…state that I serve.”  

Higgins is aware that many residents in District 3 have grown tired of waiting for substantial recovery funds to flow to “street level.” He says money is needed for homes, businesses, schools, infrastructure and future disaster mitigation, but the wheels of federal and state government grind slowly. He asks for patience…:

Cut 12 (12) “…required by law.”

____________________________________________

Covington Representative Paul Hollis wants to outlaw citations issued by traffic cameras in Louisiana. Hollis says the only studies that show cameras impact traffic safety are by the companies that operate them and keep a large portion of the fees they collect.

Cut 13 (12) “…what does.”

Hollis has filed two bills for the session that begins next week to eliminate traffic cameras.  One is House Bill 85 which if passed would allow the matter to be voted on by constitutional amendment in Louisiana and Hollis believes it would pass by a huge margin.

Cut 14 (07)  “…dust bin.”

The other is House Bill 181 which would prohibit the splitting of profits, fees, and commissions of traffic fines from a private entity or company.  Hollis says the traffic cameras are a money grab by municipalities and with the economy so dire their use needs to stop.

Cut 15 (09)  “…big government.”

_____________________________________________

LSU has added another piece to its offensive arsenal on the gridiron with the addition of former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels spent three seasons with the Sun Devils, passing for more than six thousand yards. LSU beat writer, Brody Miller of The Athletic, says adding Daniels just makes sense.

Cut 16 (14)  “…massive upside.”

One element that Daniels brings that LSU had been lacking is mobility at the quarterback position. In 2021, he rushed for more than 700 yards and has topped 13-hundred for his career with 16 touchdowns. Miller says with the talent that LSU has in the backfield and at the receiver spot if Daniels pans out it could be explosive.

Cut 17 (21) “ …in the pocket.” 

The player who could be impacted the most by the arrival of Jayden Daniels? Myles Brennan. Brennan flirted with transferring after last season and was convinced to return. With Garrett Nussmeier and Walker Howard waiting in the wings, if Brennan loses out on the starting job, Miller says Myles could be on the move again.

Cut 18 (18) “ ..on the table.” 

____________________________________________

Nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed for the 2022 legislative session that begins next week. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

–

The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time since 2008. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says the U-S is producing roughly 2 million fewer barrels of oil per day since prior to the start of the pandemic. He said oil and gas companies could start pumping, but the White House and Wall Street are making it difficult.

Cut 8 (08) “…into the market.”

–

51-year old David Rester, Jr. of Vidalia, who’s wanted in connection with the March 3rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith 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 him after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland.

Cut 9 (12) “…Pearl River.”

–

As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food and LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says the most successful gardeners are ones who maintain their vegetables not the ones that plant them in the ground and walk away. She says gardening is also good for your mental health.

Cut 14 (10) “…piddle around.”

For gardening tips visit LSUAGCenter.com for more information.

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

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

Shreveport Police are investigating another homicide that happened around 2 this afternoon. Today a 19-year-old man was found shot five or more times in the city’s Anderson Island Park. They ask anyone with any knowledge of the crime to call Shreveport PD or contact Caddo Crimestoppers.

The president of LSU says no one in charge had any knowledge of sexual misconduct allegations made against running backs coach Frank Wilson. A former associate athletic director says Wilson exposed himself to her in 2015. William Tate says he’s never talked to Wilson about the allegations because this is the first time his office has known about them…:

CUT 16(10)      “…last year.”

The complaint was made by Sharon Lewis. Her lawyer says she did report the incident to two administrators with LSU sports.

As grocery prices continue to surge some consumers are looking at growing their own food. LSU Extension Agent Heather Kirk-Ballard says – if that is your plan – keep in mind access to pesticides and herbicides for your home garden could be a problem in the near future as they are expected to be scarce…:

CUT 13(07)      “…plants here.”

For gardening tips visit “LSUAGCenter.com”.

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”.

Nearly 12-hundred bills have been filed for the 2022 legislative session that begins a week from today. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

–

The Louisiana Department of Health reported that coronavirus cases increased by 535 over the weekend. COVID-related deaths also increased by 31. Since the start of the pandemic, there have been more than 1.2 million reported cases in Louisiana with 16,785 people ultimately losing their battle with the virus. LDH also reports that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated residents accounted for 61 percent of new cases and 56 percent of all death from Feb. 17 to Feb. 23.

–

Since last week the average cost per gallon of regular gasoline has risen by 40 cents and there’s a possibility that the U-S could break the record of $4.11 set in July of 2008. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says the Russian/Ukrainian conflict isn’t the only thing driving up prices.

Cut 7 (13) “…production targets.”

Louisiana currently averages $3.72 per gallon for regular gasoline.

–

David Rester, Jr. of Vidalia, who’s wanted in connection with the March 3rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith in Washington Parish has been arrested after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Rester is also wanted in St. Tammany for the physical and sexual assault of a convenience store clerk that took place during a robbery. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says prior to this rampage, Rester did not have a criminal record.

Cut 10 (07) “…that yet.”

12:30

The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time in more than a decade as the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says while prices may not go down soon, the costs can’t get much higher.

 Cut 6 (11) “…self-correcting.” 

51-year old David Rester, Jr. who’s wanted in connection with the March 3^rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith 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 him after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland.

Cut 9 (12) “…Pearl River.”

A week from today, lawmakers return to the state Capitol for the regular legislative session. Just last month they were in Baton Rouge for the redistricting session. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says political maps will be discussed again as Black lawmakers continue to push for additional majority-minority districts…

Cut 5 (10) “..governor does”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley wants to allow for more access to medical marijuana by increasing the number of licensed pharmacies that distribute cannabis from 10 to 20 in Louisiana.  Bagley says for example where he lives if he or one of his constituents needs medical cannabis, they would have to make a 90-minute trip legally to access it.

Cut 14 (12)  “…transportation.”

The regular session must end on June 6th.

State lawmakers return to the capitol a week from today to begin a three-month-long legislative session. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says passing a budget and spending two-point-eight billion dollars in federal Covid relief dollars and surplus money will be a major priority. But legislators will also debate social issues like critical race theory, transgender athletes, vaccines, and abortions…
cut 4 (09) “…for sure”
Last year, Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields passed a bill that mandated kindergarten. Fields has legislation this year that would require public school systems to provide pre-K education. But are there enough teachers???
cut 9 (08) “…national problem”

A new bill seeks to keep Louisiana college athletics competitive in the world of Name Image and Likeness. David Grubb has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”

LSU football has signed a quarterback out of the transfer portal. Former Arizona State Quarterback Jayden Daniels is coming to Baton Rouge after starting for three seasons with the Sun Devils. He’ll provide some major competition to Myles Brennan for starting Q-B next season.