PM Newscall LRN

The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association is addressing the energy industry’s challenges and opportunities at its annual meeting in Lake Charles. Matt Doyle has the story.

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New Orleans Police say a suspected stolen vehicle slammed into a hair salon, causing a massive fire and killing two people inside the vehicle. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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The Louisiana Oil and Gas Association meets today for it’s annual gathering in Lake Charles with the industry showing some signs of life in the Gulf of Mexico and Haynesville Shale. President Gifford Briggs says rig activity in the Gulf has doubled since the 2016 downturn, which should help improve quality of life in south Louisiana.

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While the rig count increases in the south, In the northwest, the Hayesville Shale is beginning to see more action as a series of mergers and acquisitions have increased profitability, and led to rig counts back in the 30s and 40s. Briggs says new tech is helping bring jobs back to the area.

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But Briggs says one threat is suppressing investment in Louisiana’s energy industry, and that’s coastal erosion lawsuits. A number of coastal towns have filed suit against oil and gas for it’s role in coastal erosion after the Edwards administration began permitting the action. Briggs says that’s scaring off investors.

Cut 5 (11)  “payday.”

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Two people were killed, four others injured, when a car that was apparently stolen slammed into a beauty salon in New Orleans. Last night’s crash sparked a major fire in the Broadmoor neighborhood. New Orleans Fire Chief Tim McConnell says first responders acted quickly…

Cut 6 (12) “…through the window.”

New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says the two deceased individuals were in the vehicle. Ferguson says the car had just accelerated away from a patrol vehicle that had attempted to conduct a traffic stop…

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Authorities originally reported three people were killed. But changed the number of deceased to two, after learning an adult female pulled from the burning building is still alive, but suffering from serious burns. Mayor LaToya Cantrell says it’s a tragic incident as this hair salon has been a pillar in the community for years…

Cut 8 (06) “…real friendship.”

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Spring is in the air and with that comes spring cleaning and home improvement projects, but the State Fire Marshal’s office is warning the public of the dangers of the chemicals they may be using could be a fire risk.  Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says those chemicals including oil-based paints, stains, and varnishes could result in spontaneous combustion from discarded rags.

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Rodrigue says there are steps to take to reduce the risk of spontaneous combustion.

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Roderigue says even after supplies have dried, it is still not recommended to store discarded materials indoors.

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LSU moves on to the second round of the NCAA tournament after beating Yale 79-74. The Tigers had a dominate first half, but were outscored 45-34 in the second, although they managed to avoid the upset with a near flawless performance at the line to end the game. Interim head coach Tony Benford is pleased…

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Guard Skylar Mays led the team in scoring with 19 points, and forward Naz Reid notched a 14 and 10 double double.

Unfortunately the Bayou Bengal’s second half woes continued, and the Purple and Gold has now been outscored in the half half by a combined 24 points over their last two games. The Bulldogs nearly caught up behind a barrage of threes in the last few minutes, and Benford says the Yalelies composure was impressive.

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LSU did not cover the seven and a half point spread.

Big man Kavell Bigby-Williams also managed a double double on the day, but set the tone for the Tiger’s 16 point first half lead with three blocks in the first five and a half minutes of play. Guard Tremont Waters says Bigby-Williams massive presence threw the well-oiled Yale offense into an early funk.

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LSU plays their next game Saturday against either Maryland or Belmont, depending on the result of the ongoing game.