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.