LRN PM Newscall July 31

US Senator Bill Cassidy is the latest Republican to back Jeff Landry in the governor’s race. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Gas prices are on the rise again with the average price for a gallon of regular gas statewide at $3.36 up by fifteen cents compared to last week. Teiko Foxx explains…

Cut 2 (32)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx.”  

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US Senator Bill Cassidy officially endorses Attorney General Jeff Landry for Governor. Landry is the perceived front-runner in the race and is one of five Republicans who’ve declared their intent to run. Cassidy issued his support this morning.

Cut 3 (08) “…of the state.” 

University of Louisiana Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross believes other Republicans will follow suit and begin to announce their support of Landry.

Cut 4 (12)  “…unchecked.” 

Cassidy says Landry, like himself, is fighting to make flood insurance more affordable.

Cut 5 (11)  “…paying jobs.”

And Cassidy says Landry also agrees the state must increase access to mental health services.

Cross says the momentum for Landry continues to grow he believes after the October 14th primary that Landry will be in a runoff against the lone Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson.

Cut 6 (09)  “…fundraising.” 

We’ll find out on August 10th if any of the seven formidable candidates drop out of the gubernatorial race. Qualifying is next week, August 8-10.

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Despite a decrease in demand, the cost of gasoline in the Bayou State jumped up fifteen cents since last week. Today’s statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is $3.36 according to AAA. Fuel analyst Don Redman says crude prices and other factors are pushing prices higher.

Cut 7 (11)  “…weakening supply.” 

Crude oil prices were down at 67 dollars a barrel last month. Redman says oil-producing countries recently agreed to hold back oil production on crude driving prices higher.

Cut 8 (11)  “…the market.” 

Redman says the current average is less than this time last year’s price at $3.89. He says scorching temperatures have forced refineries to slow down and motorists to travel less…

Cut 9 (12)  “…the heat.”

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The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for most of north and southeast Louisiana. The warning is in effect from 10:00 today to 7:00 this evening in southeast Louisiana and 11:00-8:00 in north Louisiana. Meteorologist Aaron Davis says residents within the warning area will experience downright oppressive temperatures…

Cut 10 (10)  “…some areas.”

The National Weather Service has not issued any warnings for the rest of the week but Davis says they’re evaluating whether one may be necessary tomorrow as well. It doesn’t look like relief will be coming anytime soon…

Cut 11 (08)  “…into the weekend.”

Louisiana has experienced an uncharacteristically dry summer and it looks like that trend will continue. Davis says North Louisiana and east Texas are already in severe drought conditions and rainfall isn’t expected…

Cut 12 (11) “…and thunderstorms” 

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The City of Minden will soon be without power as a citywide blackout is planned to repair damage to an Entergy substation due to an early morning fire Sunday. Mayor Nick Cox says there was major damage to the transformer that connects to the power grid…

Cut 13 (12) “…on fire.”

Entergy and AEP currently are working to plan a timeline for the controlled outage. Cox says the major issue right now is his concern for residents dealing with the heat. He disputes any current rumors on timelines and advises residents to look out for official communications through social media and local radio for updates…

Cut  14 (12)  “…to us.”

Officials are working with the Webster Parish Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness to establish relief for residents during the outage. Cox says preparation is underway for possible challenges that may come about during this time.

Cut 15 (09) “…we’re ready.”