Governor John Bel Edwards’ 30 billion dollar budget proposal is the first salvo in what’s expected to be a busy upcoming legislative session, and LaPolitics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says when you look at what areas are seeing funding increases, you realize this budget really is a campaign plank for the Governor who is up for reelection just six months after the session will likely end. In particular is Edwards’ promise of continuing to increase higher ed funding…
Cut 5 (05)“…bump.”

Alford says the budget is the largest in state history.
Gas prices have been on a noticeable rise throughout the state recently. In the last week, the average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has risen by seven cents. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says while the current prices may seem high, the average is still 20 cents cheaper than this time last year.
Cut 10 (07)“…gasoline prices.”

Redman says several contributing factors are to blame for the rise in prices, including the time of the year and supply and demand.
An Alexandria woman has been arrested accused trespassing in an abandoned home and selling furniture and appliances from the residence. Capt. Tommy Carnline says the Rapides Parish deputies responded after the homeowner went to the home to clean and found the woman, at which point she fled. Detectives began their investigation and identified 30-year-old Jerica Gros as the suspect. Carnline says she’s since been located and arrested.
Cut 7 (12) “…worthless check warrant.”

It’s a controversial pick but southeast Louisiana filmed Green Book took home the Oscar for Best Picture last night. The film is about a black musician, pianist Don Shirley and his white chauffer in 1962. It was shot in New Orleans, Hammond, and a few other spots in the state, and joins 12 Years a Slave as the second best picture winner shot in Louisiana in the last ten years. New Orleans designer Hannah Beachler won best production design for her work on Black Panther.