For the first time, the Board of Regents is requesting level-funding for the 22-23 fiscal year, that’s because TOPS enrollment is down. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

–

A two-vehicle crash last night in Acadia Parish has claimed the lives of two men.  20-year-olds Derrick Ceasar Jr. and Tywon Thorn, both of Crowley, were pronounced dead at the scene. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says their Buick Century crossed the center line and slammed head-on into a Ford Expedition…

Cut 6 (08) “…on the shoulder.”

–

Mardi Gras has been a welcome boost to the state, especially in the metro-New Orleans area but also in the Hub City, where President of the Lafayette Convention and Visitors Commission, Ben Berthelot says they’ve seen an influx of tourists, and hotel occupancy is up.

Cut 3 (11) “…Mardi Gras back.”

On Fat Tuesday, Berthelot says they’ll have three parades rolling with things kicking off at 10 am with King Gabriel and culminating with the Independent parade.

–

As the Russia-Ukraine crisis continues, so does the steady rise in fuel prices. According to Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst for gasbuddy.com, concerns about overseas oil production and increasing demand should keep prices up for a while.

Cut 12 (10) “…a gallon.”

With this conflict coming on the heels of the pandemic, the pace of production has not been able to keep up with demand as countries try to get back to normal. Louisiana currently averages $3.35 per gallon, up 97 cents from a year ago.

–