6:30 LRN Newscast March 11

The statewide average price for regular gasoline is up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15 a gallon. That daily increase is not as big as we’ve seen over the last couple of weeks. Triple-A says the statewide average for a gallon of diesel is now five dollars.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what’s next for lawmakers? Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The legislative session begins on Monday and Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue has a bill that would set up the legal framework for the establishment of offshore wind farms in state waters off the coast of Louisiana. Zeringue says he’s a supporter of the oil and gas industry, but wind energy can serve as a compliment…
cut 29 (09) “….workforce”
But Zeringue says we are still several years away before turbines are spinning in the Gulf of Mexico.

There’s a possibility of snow north of I-20 today…
cut 13 (08) “….by midnight”
That’s National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel who says there’s a winter weather advisory in effect until midnight for the northern parishes. A strong cold front hits the state today that will bring colder temperatures for the weekend.

LRN PM Newscall March 10

Former LSU basketball and Ukraine native Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh) gives an update on conditions in his country amid the Russian invasion. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Does crude oil prices over 100-dollars mean more money for the state’s coffers? Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

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In the week since Talk Louisiana host, Jim Engster spoke with former LSU basketball player Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh) and Ukraine native says he’s now back at his country home outside of the capital of, Kyiv, after traveling with other men to help women and children in their families evacuate safely.

Cut 3 (10) “…can help.”

As for media access, Rubchenko says he’s able to view media reports from all over about the invasion, and while the media in Russia is controlled by the government, he also points out that Ukrainian reports are not necessarily accurate with the number of civilian deaths.

Cut 4 (10) “…war effort.”

And while Russia has more weapons and manpower compared to Ukraine Rubchenko says his home country has something much more valuable when it comes to winning a war.

Cut 5 (08) “…everything right?”

Rubcheno has previously stated if given the opportunity he would punch Vladimir Putin in the face but as the conflict lingers, now he wants the Russian dictator to go on trial for his war crimes so those in the former Soviet nation can learn of his true character.

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According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.13. Gas prices have increased by 90-cents over the last month. Could they increase another 90-cents and eclipse five dollars a gallon? Professor Pierre Conner director of the Tulane Energy Institute says it’s a possibility…

 Cut 6  (10) “… higher prices” 

Conner says a ten-dollar a barrel increase in the price of crude oil, results in a 25 cent increase at the pump. He says the futures market shows crude oil prices falling, but if demand remains strong and the supply can’t keep up then gas prices will continue to rise…

Cut 7 (12) “…to 9 months.” 

The high oil prices are producing large profits for energy companies. Conner expects oil companies will use the extra dollars to try and increase production…

 Cut 8 (10) “  bit more.” 

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Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed the congressional redistricting map approved by the state legislature, saying it failed to include a district that would allow a second Black candidate the opportunity to serve as a member of Louisiana’s congressional delegation. Capitol bureau editor of The Advocate, Mark Ballard says the map offers little change to the status quo.

Cut 9 (11) “…the way it was.”

Republican legislative leaders now have to decide whether or not to pursue an override. 1991 was the last time the Legislature overrode a governor’s veto, so Ballard says the odds are long for the Republican-led legislature

Cut 10 (10)  “…in the house.”

Ballard says this is another example of partisan politics with elected officials attempting to solidify their power by taking care of their own voters while disregarding other constituent groups within their districts.

Cut 11 (09)  “…base is protected.”  

A veto override would require a two-thirds vote in both legislative chambers.

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Crude oil prices over 100-dollars a barrel means more money for the state’s general fund as Louisiana benefits from higher than expected revenues from severance taxes and royalties. But State Treasurer John Schroder says any increase in revenue from oil and gas production could be offset in a loss of sales tax revenues…

Cut 12 (10) “…tied in.”  

According to the January forecast from the Revenue Estimating Conference, the state will collect $525.5 million in total mineral revenues for the 2023 fiscal year.

But Schroder says for those who live on a fixed income, they will cut back on other spending so where the state might see more oil and gas revenues, for example, sales tax collections will most likely go down.

Cut 13 (09) “…in others”

And while Schroder says it’s a pretty safe bet that gas prices are not going to decrease anytime soon, he says because of that Louisianans will be changing their spending habits due to prices at the pump and elsewhere.

Cut 14 (11)  “…very far.”  

8:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed Congressional district map approved by the state Legislature because it does not have two majority-minority districts. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

It looks like Louisiana will not receive any additional dollars for hurricane recovery from hurricanes Laura and Delta. A federal spending plan unveiled yesterday does not include any more disaster relief. Congress appropriated 600-million dollars last year, but Governor Edwards says the state needed at least another 400-million dollars for southwest Louisiana.

The White House says the Biden Administration is not doing anything to hold down production of oil and gas in the United States and point the nine-thousand leases that are not in operation. But Senator Bill Cassidy says energy production is more than just drilling a well and the President has policies in place that make it difficult to ramp up production…
cut 6 (13) “….not being honest” (2x)

Congressman Troy Carter says the federal government is appropriating three million dollars to build a new athletic stadium in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Carter says the project would create a first-of-its-kind facility that would primarily serve public schools in eastern New Orleans..
Cut 11 (12) “…brand new stadium.”
Carter says there’s also another three million dollars to renovate Woldenberg Park.

7:30 LRN Newscast March 10

Gas prices rose another ten cents from yesterday setting a new record high of $4.13 a gallon for regular gasoline today. According to Triple-A, the price at the pump has jumped 90-cents in the last month.

Members of Louisiana’s Congressional delegation react to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s claim the President is doing nothing to hamper U.S. oil & gas production.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the Congressional district map approved by the Louisiana Legislature. Edwards says the map should include a second majority African American district because Black voters make up nearly a third of the state’s population. But the governor is allowing the new House and Senate district maps to become law without his approval. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…
cut 9 (05) “….to challenge”

With gas prices over four dollars a gallon and rising, there are some considering whether they should buy an electric vehicle the next time they are in the market to buy a car. Tyler Herrmann, co-coordinator at Louisiana Clean Fuels, says one of the major advantages of electric cars is that filling up the tank takes place at home…
cut 14 (11) “….isn’t quite as important”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The LSU men’s basketball team will face Missouri this afternoon in the SEC Tournament. Coach Will Wade’s team is looking to build momentum heading into next week’s NCAA Tournament and he believes the SEC has them battled-tested…
cut 17 (16) “…at the top”
ESPN’s Joe Lunardi has LSU as a five seed in the NCAA Tournament.

Louisiana Tech advanced in the Conference USA Tournament last night with a 77-67 victory over Marshall. Tech shot 62-percent from the field in the second half and Kenneth Lofton had a team-high 21 points and nine boards. The Bulldogs will face Western Kentucky tonight.

McNeese beat Northwestern State 80-67 in the Southland Tournament and the Cowboys will play UNO tonight at 6:30.

The LSU baseball team improved to 10-and-3 last night with a six to three win over McNeese. Gavin Dugas and Jacob Berry homered. Right-hander Will Hellmers got the win as he fired three shutout innings.

Louisiana Tech trounced Southeastern Louisiana 13 to 1. Wade Elliot drove in three runs and on the mound Jackson Lancaster tossed three shutout innings and struck out five.

ULM ended a nine-game losing streak with a six to two win over Northwestern State. Sophomore Landon Cato crushed a three-run homer.

Elsewhere, Nicholls shut out St. Thomas 10 to nothing, Grambling swept a doubleheader from Wiley and Houston topped Southern seven to four.

In the NBA, Brandon Ingram didn’t play again last night and the Pelicans lost again as Orlando dribbled past New Orleans 108 to 102. The Pels are 2 and 14 when Ingram doesn’t play and he’s out at least a week with a hamstring injury.

Today…Southern faces Grambling at 2 PM in the SWAC Tournament.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed congressional district map approved by the Louisiana Legislature. The map does not include a second majority-minority district. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards spoke with voting rights experts and came to this conclusion…
Cut 7 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”
Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt says she’s disappointed with the governor’s veto and looks forward to the debate on a veto override.

The White House says energy companies could do more to increase production of oil and gas and point to the nine-thousand oil and gas leases that oil companies are choosing not to explore. But Senator Bill Cassidy says the Biden administration’s policies are not resulting in more domestic production…
cut 5 (11) “….otherwise be refined”

With record-high gas prices, should more Louisianans consider electric vehicles? David Grubb has the story…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

###Updated LRN Am Newscall### Swapped out a story Now includes the governor’s veto of congressional map

Louisiana congressional delegates react to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s claim that the President is doing nothing to hamper U.S. oil & gas production. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed Congressional district map because it does not have two majority-minority districts. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern.” 

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With record high gas prices, should more Louisianans consider electric vehicles? David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Louisiana congressional delegates react to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s claim that the President is doing nothing to hamper U.S. oil & gas production. Psaki made the comment during a Monday press conference; saying there are 9000 oil & gas leases offshore that oil companies are choosing NOT to explore. Congressman Garret Graves says Psaki shows her ignorance of how exploration and leases work..:

Cut 4 (10)  “…has blocked pipelines.”

Psaki told Fox news reporter Peter Doocy he should “ask the oil companies” why they’re not drilling. Senator Bill Cassidy says that remark made him laugh out loud. He says this administration has been very unfriendly to domestic oil & gas, and he cites the president’s early official act of cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline as a sign of what was to come…:

Cut 5 (11) “…otherwise be refined.”

Cassidy says Psaki’s comments were playing with words. He says the federal government has been dragging its feet on drilling permits ever since Mr. Biden took office…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…not being honest.” (2x)

Cassidy says the Biden White House has nominated a person to head the Federal Reserve who wants banks to stop lending for oil & gas exploration, and the administration has cancelled lease sales in the outer Continental Shelf.

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed congressional district map approved by the Louisiana Legislature. The map does not include a second majority-minority district. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards spoke with voting rights experts and came to this conclusion…

Cut 7 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

African-American lawmakers say since 33-percent of the state’s population is Black, two of the state’s six Congressional districts should be majority-minority. But Republicans say two majority minority districts would dilute the black vote in those two districts, not producing the desired results. Stockley expects the GOP led Legislature to attempt to override the veto…

Cut 8 (06)  “…Governor Edwards.”

Edwards has announced he signed the new maps for Public Service Commission and BESE, but he’s allowing re-drawn House and Senate district maps to become law without his signature. Stockley says the governor believes the Legislature should focus on the issues in the upcoming session and not be concerned about what their own districts will look like in 2023 elections…

Cut 9 (05)  “…to challenge”

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U-S Congressman Troy Carter announced that his office has secured 17 and a half million dollars to fund seven projects in the Second District. Carter says that the money, part of the 2022 Appropriations Bill, will fund projects to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for people in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (11) “…and excited about.”

Three million dollars will go towards the construction of a new athletic stadium in the historic Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Carter says the project would create a first-of-its-kind facility that would primarily serve public schools in eastern New Orleans and act as an economic catalyst for the community.

Cut  11 (12)  “…brand new stadium.”  

An additional three million will be used to renovate Woldenberg Park, which runs along the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. The park will receive upgrades to make it more accessible to people with disabilities, rejuvenate its green spaces, and replace benches to modernize the venue that hosts a number of local festivals each year.

Cut 12 (8) “…all combined.”

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With gas prices setting record highs on an almost daily basis, many drivers may consider making the switch to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Tyler Herrmann, co-coordinator at Louisiana Clean Fuels, says the answer isn’t that simple.

Cut 13 (11) “…catches up.”

Herrmann says that one of the major advantages of electric cars is that “filling up the tank” takes place at home, and your typical daily drive should be well within the vehicle’s limits.

Cut 14 (11)  “…isn’t quite as important.”

The market is getting better for drivers of electric vehicles, with more than 16 million now on the road worldwide and sales in the U-S have doubled in the past year. Herrmann says Louisiana is ramping up the installation of charging stations around the state, which should spur even more converts to charge up rather than gas up.

Cut 15 (12)  “…really quickly”

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Will Wade leads the fifth-seeded LSU Tigers to the SEC men’s tournament in Tampa looking to find some momentum after going 9-9 in conference play. The Tigers won two of three to close the regular season, and have some of the top individual talents in the league. Wade thinks his team is playing more like the team that started the season 15-1, rather than the one that scuffled through the SEC.

Cut 16 (13)  “…we’re in Tampa.”

The Tigers are still one of the darlings of the Net Rankings that the NCAA selection committee uses to place teams in the tournament, and the SEC has six teams among the top 30 meaning the conference should be well represented come this Sunday when seedings are announced. Wade says that’s a testament to just how strong the conference has become.

Cut 17 (16) “ …at the top.” 

LRN PM Newscall March 9

The average price for a gallon of gas in Louisiana finally exceeds $4 and sets a new record high of $4.04. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Some anniversaries are celebrated, others are commemorated. David Grubb has more as the state marks two years since the arrival of COVID.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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Despite pleas from Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, there is no further Louisiana disaster recovery funding in a government funding bill that the U-S House is set to approve today. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s disappointing

Cut 3 (12) “…other countries.”

Louisiana has already received 600-million dollars in community block grant funding for the hurricanes that hit in 2020 and 2021, but Governor John Bel Edwards says the need is much greater, especially in southwest Louisiana. Congressman Graves concurs…:

Cut 4 (11) “..it’s not”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins informed the House and Senate Appropriations committee that there’s at least a 300-million shortfall in federal funding for housing needs. Senator Bill Cassidy says many of his colleagues believe Lousiana does not need additional federal assistance…

Cut 5 (09) “…surplus.” (2x)

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Louisiana set a new record at the pump today with the statewide average of $4.04 for a gallon of regular gas. AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman says he’s afraid this is just the beginning when it comes to breaking records for prices at the pump.

 Cut 6 (10) “…to climb.” 

It was just last week when Redman said motorists should budget for gas prices to exceed $4.00 a gallon. He says it’s also too soon to predict how the ban on Russian oil will impact prices.

Cut 7 (09) “…for sure.” 

In the meantime, though Redman recommends trying to minimize errands to save gas and check your tire pressure, so your vehicle is more fuel-efficient.

 Cut 8 (06) “…properly inflated.” 

Also, remove any dead weight from your vehicle, like golf clubs or anything else that’s adding weight to your car.

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Today marks two years since Louisiana reported its first positive COVID case. March 9, 2020 was the start of the pandemic here. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there have been tremendous challenges and losses over the past 24 months.

Cut 9 (11) “…people nationwide.”

Kanter says it’s important to keep those sacrifices in mind as we move past the worst of this.  He’s also been in awe of the resilience of medical professionals and the amazing work they’ve done to save lives and combat the virus.

Cut 10 (11)  “…we need to.”

COVID is here to stay in one form or another, says Kanter. But he believes as the science advances and more people are vaccinated, it can become less disruptive, more treatable, and most importantly, more preventable.

Cut 11 (10)  “…die from COVID.”  

Overall there have been more than 1.2 million reported cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including 16,832 deaths due to the virus.

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With gas prices at all-time highs, many are calling for an increase in oil production. Louisiana Oil and Gas Association President Mike Moncla says the U-S would need oil from both Mexico and Canada in order to become energy independent as a continent. But he says President Biden would need to make it happen.

Cut 12 (10) “…using now.”  

The U-S Energy Information Administration reports there are just over 600 crude oil and natural gas rigs operating. The highest it’s been since March 2020. Moncla says getting dormant rigs working again requires a large investment

Cut 13 (12) “…invest in it.”

Moncla says new wells are coming on, but staffing the rig is also a challenge…

Cut 14 (08)  “…right now”  

11:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The average price for a gallon of gas in Louisiana finally exceeds $4 and sets a new record high of $4.04. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two years ago today, Louisiana confirmed its first positive COVID case. Since then there have been one-point-two million cases and nearly 17-thousand people in Louisiana have died from the virus. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says over the last two years, we have all made sacrifices large and small.

The former leader of State Police, Kevin Reeves, will testify before a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and the alleged L-S-P cover-up. Reeves was in charge when Greene died after he was beaten and tased following a police chase that ended in Union Parish. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes…
cut 12 (12) “…his death”
The committee plans to meet again on Tuesday.

Multiple media outlets are reporting the LSU men’s basketball program has received Notice of Allegations. The exact allegations are unknown, but Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on tape discussing improper benefits for a recruit. Glen Guilbeau of outkick-dot-com says these possible violations could cost Wade his job…
cut 14 (11) “…level one or level two”
A resolution could still be months away.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The former head of State Police is expected to testify next week in front of a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Kevin Reeves was in charge when Troopers initially said Greene died from a car accident, but a reexamined autopsy determined a struggle with troopers led to his death.

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb”

LSU president William Tate is asking the state legislature for an additional $100-million in funding to enhance research in the areas of cancer, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, and coastal land loss. Cancer research is of special importance to Tate, as the university has partnered with Our Lady of the Lake and LCMC health to build an NCI-designated Cancer Center.
Cut 4 (12) “…designated institution.”

The legislative session begins next week and New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry has a proposal to place term limits on sheriffs. Landry says some sheriffs serve for decades, which she says is concerning…
cut 8 (12) “….in those two hands”
Landry’s legislation needs two-thirds support in the Legislature and voter approval.