Julia Letlow, wife of Congressman-elect Luke Letlow who died of COVID last month, qualified today to run for the now vacant 5th Congressional District seat. Matt Doyle spoke to two of her challengers…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle.”

Five candidates have qualified for the second district, New Orleans Senators Troy Carter and Karen Carter Peterson. Baton Rouge activist Gary Chambers, who has been able to raise some money. Jenette Porter is another Democrat who has qualified, while Libertarian Mindy McConnell is also on the March 20th ballot.
Winnfield Representative Jack McFarland is looking forward to the legislative session in April and he’s pushing for an increase in gasoline taxes. McFarland says in the past he’s voted against a gas tax increase but as a businessman, he’s losing money in transportation costs…
Cut 15 (08)“…longer.”
McFarland’s proposed gas tax proposal would increase the state’s tax on gasoline by 10 cents in the first year and additional 12 cents until 2033.

The state’s strawberry crop for 2021 appears to be a good one and some producers began harvesting last month. LSU AgCenter Agent Mary Helen Ferguson says farmers in the Bayou State are very progressive by growing multiple varieties to extend the season…
cut 9 (11) “…production”