On Thursday, we reported on a reduction in flights in and out of Alexandria International Airport, due to a shortage of pilots. What is to be done about the problem? AEX executive director Sandra McQuain says there IS a plan underway to get more people into the cockpit.

Cut 10 (13) “…Education Initiative.”

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The state will transfer more than 600 people currently serving time at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola to the Allen Correctional Center in Kinder due to a major staffing shortage. In all, 602 inmates, or about 12 percent of Angola’s current population of 5100, will be moved. Department of Corrections Undersecretary Thomas Bickham said efforts to attract staff have failed to yield results.

Cut 13 (10) “…we had anticipated.”

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Triple-A reports another large jump in gas prices as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up 15-cents from yesterday to $3.63. The price for a gallon of diesel gasoline has surpassed four dollars. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the rising price for fuel will lead to higher prices for groceries as well.

Cut 3 (08) “..from now”

Strain also expects more family gardens in an effort to save a few bucks at the grocery store.

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Shreveport Police have arrested 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student Devin Meyers. Shreveport Police Sgt Angie Willhite says investigators were able to talk with witnesses and obtain surveillance footage quickly after the Wednesday shooting.

Cut 6 (11) “…a $350-thousand.”

In Shreveport, police have arrested 18-year old Shamichael Pearson in connection with the shooting death of 17-year old Huntington High student, Devin Myers. Police say Myers was found on the 3500 block of Lillian Street Wednesday afternoon with five gunshot wounds and pronounced dead on the scene. Pearson’s bond is set at $350-thousand.

The family of a UNO student who died after an Uber ride is demanding answers on what led to her death.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Many are wearing blue today for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Shreveport Gastroenterologist Dr. James Hobley (pronounced: HOBB-lee) says research shows colon cancers are increasing in the U.S.; especially among Blacks and Hispanics under age 40. Dr. Hobley cites the sad story of the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who starred as Marvel’s Black Panther…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…wasn’t caught in time.”

Ages 45 and up should be routinely screened.

A shortage of pilots has forced United will halt service out of Alexandria International beginning in June and next month American Airlines will stop service to Charlotte from AEX. Airport Executive Director Sandra McQuain says they are working with England Airpark and LSU-Alexandria to train new airline pilots…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…pilot’s license.”  

In June Delta flights to Atlanta and American to Dallas will be available at AEX.

State Police arrest 69-year old Jerry Williams of Homer for second-degree murder, in connection with the death of 64-year old Johnny Gilbert. Authorities say the two were involved in an altercation at Gilbert’s Oil Miss Street residence in Homer that resulted in his death. Williams is in the Claiborne Parish Jail.

More than 600 Angola prisoners are about to be on the move. David Grubb tells us why…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

The mother of a UNO student who died after an Uber ride is demanding answers. During the early morning hours of February 19th, 21-year-old Ciaya (Kigh-ha) Whetstone called for an Uber after attending a Mardi Gras party, a few hours later, the driver brought her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her mother, Miranda Ferrannd, at a press conference on UNO’s campus…

Cut 5 (11) “..bury her.”

Ferrannd’s attorney says the police nor Uber are giving them any information.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Shreveport Gastroenterologist Dr. James Hobley (pronounced: HOBB-lee) says – it is especially crucial for Louisianans to stay ahead of potential problems…:

Cut 7 (11) “…quite a few of.”

Ages 45 old should be routinely screened.

The mother of a UNO student who died after an Uber ride is demanding answers. During the early morning hours of February 19th, 21-year-old Ciaya Whetstone called for an Uber after attending a Mardi Gras party, a few hours later, the driver brought her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Attorney Chris Stewart says Miranda Ferrand has zero information…
Cut 4 (10) “…this driver.”
Stewart says they do not know if she was drugged or sexually assaulted, which adds more emotional pain to the family.

Because of staffing issues at the State Prison at Angola, the state Department of Corrections is moving 600 inmates to the Allen Correctional Center in Kinder. D-O-C Undersecretary Thomas Bickham says there are enough employees at Allen to handle the influx…
cut 14 (09) “…and keeping them”
The state expects to hire at least 60 new staff members at Allen this month.

Several commercial airlines have been impacted by a pilot shortage resulting in delayed and canceled flights and for smaller airports, like Alexandria, the suspension of service. United Airlines will no longer use A-E-X effective on June 2nd. A-E-X executive director Sandra McQuain says LSU-A and England Airpark has an aviation program trying to address the shortage of pilots…
cut 12 (07) “…back in the air”

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Shreveport gastroenterologist Doctor James Hobley advises getting a colonoscopy every few years, to seek out polyps and prevent cancers from forming…
cut 9 (14) “….and we remove them”
Doctors say regular colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 45.

The family of a UNO student who died after an Uber ride say they still don’t know what led to the death of 21-year-old Ciaya Whetstone. Whetstone left a Mardi Gras party on February 19th, called for an Uber and several hours later was dropped off at the hospital, where she was pronounced dead. A state representative from South Carolina, Justin Bamburg, was with the family in New Orleans yesterday as they took Ciaya’s body home to South Carolina and says the police, the hospital, and Uber are not providing any information…
cut 6 (12) “….private party’

Because of staffing issues at the Angola Penitentiary, the state department of corrections will move 600 inmates to the Allen Correctional Center in Kinder. D-O-C Undersecretary Thomas Bickham says the transfers will take place in stages…
cut 15 (12) “….third in June

A state trooper has been demoted after L-S-P learned Thomas Noto crossed the line with inappropriate behavior with college students as he accompanied the LSU band on a trip to Mississippi. A state police spokesperson says Noto was a sergeant in the patrol division, but he’s been demoted to trooper.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Do you have an idea on how things are with YOU down there? More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The family of a UNO student who died after a Uber ride is demanding answers on what led to her death. Kevin Gallagher has the story…
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Former President Donald Trump will be in New Orleans this weekend as he’ll appear at a Republican National Committee event. Minority Whip and Jefferson Parish Republican Steve Scalise and Louisiana Congresswoman Julia Letlow will also be there. No public events have been announced.

The state will transfer over 600 people currently serving time at the State Penitentiary in Angola to the Allen Correctional Center in Kinder due to a major staffing shortage. In all, 602 inmates, or about 12 percent of Angola’s current population of 5100, will be moved. Department of Corrections Undersecretary Thomas Bickham says efforts to attract staff have failed to yield results to their prison in West Feliciana Parish.
Cut 13 (10) “…we had anticipated.”
DOC officials believe the area surrounding the Allen Correctional Center is better suited to recruit employees than Angola,

Alexandria International Airport is part of an initiative to train more commercial airline pilots. AEX Executive director Sandra McQuain…:
Cut 10 (13) “…Education Initiative.”
American Airlines and United Airlines are two major airliners that have been hampered by a shortage of pilots.

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.