A new poll shows incumbent Vance McAllister in a very competitive race for the 5th congressional district seat. Jeff Palermo has more.
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We’re inching closer to the $3.20 mark at the pump that analysts have been predicting. Statewide the average price for a gallon of regular is now $3.29 according to the American Automobile Association. That’s down 6 cents from last week and almost 20 cents from this time last month.

Crape myrtles in Louisiana are under attack from a new invasive species. Crape myrtle barkscales, the invasive bug, are infesting trees across north Louisiana, and feeding off of the popular summer flowering tree. LSU AgCenter horticulturist Allen Owings says the bug first arrived from overseas…:
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He says the bugs don’t pose an imminent threat to the life of the trees, but given time, could severely weaken their flowering output and vibrancy.

Top officials with Cleco are expected to appear today at the Public Service Commission meeting to answer questions regarding a possible sale of the utility company. Commissioner Eric Skrmetta says if Cleco is considering a sale, he just wants to be sure of two things…:
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Skrmetta says Cleco is a public utility and they can do whatever they want, but it has to be approved by the PSC.