12:30 LRN Newscast March 31

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today dropped below $4.00 to $3.99 a gallon. And while it’s barely below $4.00 Triple A fuel analyst Don Redman admits it has been a tough few weeks for consumers and the future is still unclear on prices.

Cut 10 (12)  “…the market.”

38-year-old Israel Williams of Alexandria is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says Williams also faces two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13. Carnline says multiple agencies are assisting with the ongoing investigation.

cut 4  (04) “…more arrests.”

Williams is being held on a $5.4 million bond.

A state law that sought to prevent the labeling of food products such as “tofu burgers” and “cauliflower rice,” is ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge in Baton Rouge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”