The average price for a gallon of diesel in Louisiana today is $4.56 and Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says prices at the pump are also forcing those who depend on the trucking industry to reevaluate their business plan. Amar says typically fuel costs are just behind labor.

Cut 3 (05) “…their business.”

President Biden announced this morning a ban on Russian oil imports.

Because of rising gas prices, money is becoming tight for many families, which could hurt tourism in Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser hopes Louisiana residents consider traveling within the state and his office will also have to adjust its marketing plans…

cut 6 (12) “…here in Louisiana”

District Three Congressman Clay Higgins is urging House and Senate Appropriations to provide additional hurricane relief funding to Louisiana. Higgins says the damage done by Hurricanes Laura, Delta & Zeta in 2020 and then Ida in 2021 was massive, and so…:
Cut 10 (08) “…gonna fall short.”
So far the state has received 600-million dollars, but none of that money has been allocated yet. The state needs federal government approval on an action plan on how the money will be distributed.

Next week the legislative session begins, And Covington Representative Paul Hollis has authored a constitutional amendment that asks voters if they want the cameras that can issue tickets for speeding and running a red light…
cut 13 (12) “….what does”
Previous legislative attempts to rid the state of traffic cameras have not been successful.

Members of a bipartisan special legislative committee to oversee the events surrounding the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, while in police custody, meet this afternoon. Committee Chairman Representative Tanner Magee says today’s meeting will lay the groundwork for the committee including those they plan to call to testify before the committee.

Cut 8 (10)  “…that goes.”

As we get into festival season and the summer months, how will the rising cost of gas impact the state’s tourism industry? Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says step one is encouraging folks to be tourists at home.

Cut 4 (11)  “…set up for you.”

The statewide average for regular gas in Louisiana is $3.95 a gallon.

District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins is asking U.S. House and Senate leaders to include more disaster relief funding for Louisiana, as they race to meet the budget deadline. Higgins says money is needed for the district but the wheels of federal and state government grind slowly. He asks for patience…:

Cut 12 (12) “…required by law.”

Covington Representative Paul Hollis wants to outlaw citations issued by traffic cameras in Louisiana. House Bill 85 which if passed would allow the matter to be voted on by constitutional amendment in Louisiana and Hollis believes it would pass by a huge margin.

Cut 14 (07)  “…dust bin.”

Hollis is also proposing legislation that prohibits the splitting of profits, fees, and commissions of traffic fines from a private entity or company. Hollis says these traffic camera citations are a money grab by municipalities.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has a plan to keep the rising cost of gas from sinking the state’s tourism industry. David Grubb has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A special committee to investigate the 2019 death of Ronald Greene while in police custody meets this afternoon at the capitol. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins is frustrated with hurricane recovery for southwest Louisiana, and he’s asking for federal assistance…again. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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The rapidly rising cost of gasoline is impacting commuters on a daily basis, but as we get into festival season and the summer months, how will it impact the state’s tourism industry? Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says step one is encouraging folks to be tourists at home.

Cut 4 (11)  “…set up for you.”

Nungesser says to support the more than 400 fairs and festivals about to kick off, targeted marketing will be key. That means an adjustment in strategy and in the use of resources to make sure visitors are aware of and excited about what’s to come.

Cut 5 (10) “…these events successful.”

With the successful return of Mardi Gras, the state was looking to follow a steady upward trend of welcoming back tourists. The fuel crisis has thrown uncertainty back into the mix. Nungesser says his office is going to stay as flexible as it can to get the message out that Louisiana is ready to extend its hospitality to everyone who’s ready to enjoy it.

Cut 6 (12)  “…here in Louisiana.”

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Members of a bipartisan special legislative committee to oversee the events surrounding the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, while in police custody, meet this afternoon. Speaker Pro Tem Tanner Magee says they want to find answers to the many questions that remain unanswered, for example why State Troopers who were involved had their phones wiped.

Cut 7 (12) “…bottom if it.”

Magee says today’s meeting will lay the groundwork for the committee including those they plan to call to testify before the committee.

Cut 8 (10)  “…that goes.”

Col Kevin Reeves served as head of State Police from 2017 until his retirement in October 2020. Reeves was named to replace Superintendent Mike Edmonson after he stepped down amid an investigation.

Magee says he hopes the committee finds those involved acted accordingly and followed procedure…

Cut 9 (12)  “…troubling.”

Magee says he expects the committee will meet weekly and they want all the questions answered for the sake of Greene’s family.

At 1:30 today the committee will adopt a name and rules, and also discuss committee objectives.

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Louisiana District 3 Congressman Clay Higgins is asking U.S. House and Senate leaders to include more disaster relief funding for Louisiana, as they race to meet a federal budget deadline. Mr. Higgins says the damage done by Hurricanes Laura, Delta & Zeta in 2020 and then Ida this past fall was massive, and so…:

Cut 10 (08) “…gonna fall short.”

Higgins says Louisiana has received about $600-million in federal aid, and red tape – at both the federal and state levels – is slowing the speed with which is gets to those who need to rebuild their lives and businesses. In a letter sent Monday, he asks House & Senate leaders to find a way to get another $400-million for Louisiana’s recovery into a new omnibus funding bill…:

Cut  11 (13)  “…state that I serve.”  

Higgins is aware that many residents in District 3 have grown tired of waiting for substantial recovery funds to flow to “street level.” He says money is needed for homes, businesses, schools, infrastructure and future disaster mitigation, but the wheels of federal and state government grind slowly. He asks for patience…:

Cut 12 (12) “…required by law.”

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Covington Representative Paul Hollis wants to outlaw citations issued by traffic cameras in Louisiana. Hollis says the only studies that show cameras impact traffic safety are by the companies that operate them and keep a large portion of the fees they collect.

Cut 13 (12) “…what does.”

Hollis has filed two bills for the session that begins next week to eliminate traffic cameras.  One is House Bill 85 which if passed would allow the matter to be voted on by constitutional amendment in Louisiana and Hollis believes it would pass by a huge margin.

Cut 14 (07)  “…dust bin.”

The other is House Bill 181 which would prohibit the splitting of profits, fees, and commissions of traffic fines from a private entity or company.  Hollis says the traffic cameras are a money grab by municipalities and with the economy so dire their use needs to stop.

Cut 15 (09)  “…big government.”

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LSU has added another piece to its offensive arsenal on the gridiron with the addition of former Arizona State quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels spent three seasons with the Sun Devils, passing for more than six thousand yards. LSU beat writer, Brody Miller of The Athletic, says adding Daniels just makes sense.

Cut 16 (14)  “…massive upside.”

One element that Daniels brings that LSU had been lacking is mobility at the quarterback position. In 2021, he rushed for more than 700 yards and has topped 13-hundred for his career with 16 touchdowns. Miller says with the talent that LSU has in the backfield and at the receiver spot if Daniels pans out it could be explosive.

Cut 17 (21) “ …in the pocket.” 

The player who could be impacted the most by the arrival of Jayden Daniels? Myles Brennan. Brennan flirted with transferring after last season and was convinced to return. With Garrett Nussmeier and Walker Howard waiting in the wings, if Brennan loses out on the starting job, Miller says Myles could be on the move again.

Cut 18 (18) “ ..on the table.” 

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12:30

The national average for a gallon of gas has surpassed $4 per gallon for the first time in more than a decade as the fallout from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine continues. David Dismukes, executive director for the LSU Center for Energy Studies says while prices may not go down soon, the costs can’t get much higher.

 Cut 6 (11) “…self-correcting.” 

51-year old David Rester, Jr. who’s wanted in connection with the March 3^rd murder of Marl Wayne Smith in Washington Parish has been arrested in Mississippi after a multi-state, parish, and county crime spree. Washington Parish Chief Deputy Mike Haley says investigators traveled to Harrison County to interview him after he was arrested for a bank robbery in Waveland.

Cut 9 (12) “…Pearl River.”

A week from today, lawmakers return to the state Capitol for the regular legislative session. Just last month they were in Baton Rouge for the redistricting session. La-politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says political maps will be discussed again as Black lawmakers continue to push for additional majority-minority districts…

Cut 5 (10) “..governor does”

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley wants to allow for more access to medical marijuana by increasing the number of licensed pharmacies that distribute cannabis from 10 to 20 in Louisiana.  Bagley says for example where he lives if he or one of his constituents needs medical cannabis, they would have to make a 90-minute trip legally to access it.

Cut 14 (12)  “…transportation.”

The regular session must end on June 6th.

The rising price for gasoline will mean higher prices at the grocery store. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A two -year was tragically killed Friday afternoon in Webster Parish after she entered the road. Authorities say Gracie Dean of Shongaloo was running on private property and entered into the roadway before 1 pm Friday. A 2014 Chevrolet struck the toddler as a family member tried to stop her before entering into traffic. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard files a bill for the next session to remove both Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays. Willard says he has other bills that focus on innovation, workforce development, and business recruitment, but this was something he could not ignore.

Cut 11 (11) “…economic development.”

A Marrero lawmaker files a bill to do away with plastic shopping bags. Senator Patrick Connick wants to impose fines of $100 to $500 for using them. He says we should use reusable bags instead. Connick says other states have done this successfully and it’s time for Louisiana to follow suit…:

CUT 14(08)      “…this litter.”

Connick’s bill is one of hundreds lawmakers will consider when the legislature convenes its regular session, starting March 14^th.

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson with second-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student Devin Meyers. Sgt. Angie Willhite says investigators talked with witnesses and obtained surveillance footage quickly after the Thursday shooting. As for a motive, Willhite says investigators say the two had an ongoing dispute.

Cut 7 (11) “…fleeing.” 

Meyers was known as a star athlete at Huntington and a starter for the boys’ basketball team who one last night to enter semifinal play.

Triple-A reports another large jump in gas prices as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up a dime to $3.73. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says not only is the price at the pump skyrocketing so is the cost of fertilizer because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Cut 4 (09) “…challenging times”

New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard was shocked to find out the state still had two officially recognized holidays honoring the Confederacy on the books. So he has introduced a bill for the next session to remove both Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays.

Cut 9 (11) “…to remove those.”

If Marrero Senator Patrick Connick has his way, single-use plastic bags at retailers will no longer be allowed in Louisiana in an effort to reduce the ever-growing trash problem. Connick says he’s tired of seeing plastic bags on the side of roads and he’s introduced legislation.

Cut 12 (10) “…if possible”  

Senate Bill 155 would impose a $100 penalty for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for the third and any subsequent violations

Triple-A reports another large jump in gas prices as the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline shot up a dime overnight $3.73 a gallon. The price for a gallon of diesel gasoline has surpassed four dollars. State Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the rising price for fuel will head to higher prices for groceries…

Cut 3 (08) “..from now”

Strain says not only is the price at the pump skyrocketing so is the cost of fertilizer because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Shreveport Police have charged 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson with second-degree murder in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student Devin Meyers. Sgt. Angie Willhite says investigators talked with witnesses and obtained surveillance footage quickly after the Thursday shooting.

 Cut 6 (11) “…at $350-thousand.” 

The Huntington High basketball team, where Meyers was a star player, won and go on semifinal play.

New Orleans lawmaker Matthew Willard wants Louisiana to address its past to improve its future.

Cut 2 (34)…I’m David Grubb.”  

A single-vehicle crash in Webster Parish killed a two-year-old, after authorities say the child, Gracie Dean of Shongaloo was running on private property and entered into the roadway before 1 pm Friday. A 2014 Chevrolet struck the toddler as a family member tried to stop her before running into traffic. She was pronounced dead on the scene.

Shreveport Police have arrested 18-year-old Shamichael Pearson in connection to the shooting death of 17-year-old Huntington High Student Devin Meyers. As for a motive Shreveport Police Sgt Angie Willhite says investigators say the two had an ongoing dispute.

Cut 7 (12) “…fleeing.” 

Bond for Pearson is set at $350-thousand.

New Orleans State Representative Matthew Willard was shocked to find out the state still had two officially recognized holidays honoring the Confederacy on the books. Now he is introducing a bill at the next session to remove both Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Day as legal holidays.

Cut 9 (11) “…to remove those.”

The rising price for gasoline will mean higher prices at the grocery store. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The state reports another decline is COVID hospitalizations today, 368 are battling COVID in Louisiana hospitals that’s a decline of 26 from the previous day.

In Shreveport, police have arrested 18-year old Shamichael Pearson in connection with the shooting death of 17-year old Huntington High student, Devin Myers. Police say Myers was found on the 3500 block of Lillian Street Wednesday afternoon with five gunshot wounds and pronounced dead on the scene. Pearson’s bond is set at $350-thousand.

The family of a UNO student who died after an Uber ride is demanding answers on what led to her death.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Many are wearing blue today for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Shreveport Gastroenterologist Dr. James Hobley (pronounced: HOBB-lee) says research shows colon cancers are increasing in the U.S.; especially among Blacks and Hispanics under age 40. Dr. Hobley cites the sad story of the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who starred as Marvel’s Black Panther…:

Cut 8 (11)  “…wasn’t caught in time.”

Ages 45 and up should be routinely screened.

A shortage of pilots has forced United will halt service out of Alexandria International beginning in June and next month American Airlines will stop service to Charlotte from AEX. Airport Executive Director Sandra McQuain says they are working with England Airpark and LSU-Alexandria to train new airline pilots…:

Cut  11 (09)  “…pilot’s license.”  

In June Delta flights to Atlanta and American to Dallas will be available at AEX.

State Police arrest 69-year old Jerry Williams of Homer for second-degree murder, in connection with the death of 64-year old Johnny Gilbert. Authorities say the two were involved in an altercation at Gilbert’s Oil Miss Street residence in Homer that resulted in his death. Williams is in the Claiborne Parish Jail.

More than 600 Angola prisoners are about to be on the move. David Grubb tells us why…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

The mother of a UNO student who died after an Uber ride is demanding answers. During the early morning hours of February 19th, 21-year-old Ciaya (Kigh-ha) Whetstone called for an Uber after attending a Mardi Gras party, a few hours later, the driver brought her to a hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her mother, Miranda Ferrannd, at a press conference on UNO’s campus…

Cut 5 (11) “..bury her.”

Ferrannd’s attorney says the police nor Uber are giving them any information.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and Shreveport Gastroenterologist Dr. James Hobley (pronounced: HOBB-lee) says – it is especially crucial for Louisianans to stay ahead of potential problems…:

Cut 7 (11) “…quite a few of.”

Ages 45 old should be routinely screened.