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…
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The statewide average for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today dropped below $4.00 to $3.99 but will prices continue to drop? Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 2 (32)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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An Alexandria man is charged with 100 counts of first-degree rape. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tommy Carnline says law enforcement in Florida tipped off local authorities of 38-year-old Israel Williams’ possible sex trafficking of a juvenile who is connected to Alexandria. Carnline says Williams was arrested last Friday.
Cut 3 (11) “…sexual-related crimes.”
In addition to the 100 counts of first-degree rape, Williams also faces two counts of molestation of a juvenile under the age of 13. Carnline says multiple agencies are assisting with the on-going investigation.
Williams is being held on a $5.4 million bond at the Rapides Parish Detention Center and Carnline says they hope he remains behind bars until trial.
Cut 5 (09) “…types of charges.”
If you have any information in regard to the case you are asked to contact SVU detectives at the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office.
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A federal judge in Baton Rouge has ruled the state’s 2019 truth in labeling law as unconstitutional. The Louisiana Legislature passed the law in an effort to prevent food companies from labeling a veggie burger as a “tofu burger,” because it doesn’t contain meat or “cauliflower rice,” when it’s broccoli, not rice. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain disagrees with the ruling
Cut 6 (07) “..labels are accurate”
But Vice President of Policy at the Good Foods Institute Jessica Almy says consumers are not confusing veggie burgers for beef burgers…
Almy says the law was passed in an attempt to control what consumers buy…
Strain says the state plans to appeal the ruling…
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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.
The average price for regular gas in Louisiana a month ago was $3.37 and a year ago $2.68 a gallon in Louisiana. The national average for regular gas in the nation today is $4.23.
Even though the price dropped, Redman continues to encourage consumers to budget for gas at $4.00 a gallon. And despite the Biden Administrations’ announcement to tap oil reserves Redman feels it will only have a psychological impact on markets.
Cut 11 (08) “…no. Not that much.”
Redman says when gas averaged $4.16 a gallon crude oil prices were $130 a barrel.
With the markets still fuzzy, Redman says he believes the best predictor for any relief at the pump hangs on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
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Following more than three years of work, and at a cost of more than $28-million, the US 11 Bridge – connecting eastern Orleans Parish with St. Tammany – reopened this afternoon. Louisiana Department of Transportation spokesperson Chris Welty…
Cut 13 (11) “…Lake Pontchartrain.”
The bridge, which first opened in 1928, was like a number of other structures suffering from deferred maintenance. Welty discussed just how intensive the job was…
Cut 14 (12) “…two draw bridges.”
US 11 comes back online at an important time, says Welty. With hurricane season just ahead, it serves a major role in the state’s evacuation plans.
Cut 15 (12) “…and Orleans Parish.”
Some items still remain to be completed, but Welter says everything will be done to make sure further closures aren’t needed.