The state’s oil and gas industry is on a slow but steady climb back, after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

And while Governor Edwards proposal to put aside $500 million for a new Mississippi River Bridge garnered applause as his state of the state Monday, some House leaders have voiced opposition to allocating that much money into a project that’s five years away.

The regular session kicked off Monday and Governor John bel Edwards says he’s hopeful that positive bills, not divisive ones will eventually reach his desk.

Cut 12 (12) “…look forward”

The session is scheduled to end on June 6th.

After the U.S. Senate voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2023, one state lawmaker is saying “I told you so.” Haughton’s Dodie Horton passed a bill 2 years ago for Louisiana to end time changes should the feds give us the option…:

Cut 7 (12) “…they represent” 

The U.S. House must also pass the Senate bill before it becomes a reality. Daylight Saving Time currently runs from March until October.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional plea to the United States Congress today that his country needs more assistance from America to help fend off Russia’s assault on his nation. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the U.S. wants to help. President Biden announced plans to send an additional 800-million dollars in military aid to Ukraine. Kennedy says in an ironic twist it’s Russia who established the precedent when it comes to providing another country with anti-aircraft systems…:

CUT 14(11)      “…here they are.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator lowers the age requirement to become one of his deputies. The minimum age to apply is now 18. Prator says, if a person can join the military and fight a war at 18, they should be able to become law enforcement officers too. This announcement comes as the CPSO looks at an all-time high in job vacancies.

A great many of us HATE the twice annual time change, and a Bossier Parish lawmaker, who passed a bill to put Louisiana on one time year-round, says yesterday’s U.S. Senate vote to stay on Daylight Time starting next year is gratifying. Here’s Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…:

CUT 06(07)      “…energy cost saving.”

Her 2020 bill is contingent on federal approval, which came closer Tuesday as the U.S. Senate approved the measure – sending it to the House.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday.  Louisiana AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says it’s too soon to say if pump prices have peaked…:

CUT 03(11)      “…and Russia.”

Not that you’d notice, but gasoline prices went down just a TEENY bit this week, as oil traded Tuesday at below $100-a-barrel. The statewide average price of regular gas hit $4.15 last Friday. Today it’s 2-cents lower. Nevertheless, Louisiana AAA fuel expert Don Redman still advises we budget at least $4-a-gallon through May, and practice fuel economy…:

CUT 05(08)      “…into one trip.”

Redman says prices always go up quickly, but come back down really slow.

Requests for drilling permits in Louisiana and coastal waters are increasing too. State Department of Natural Resources spokesman Patrick Courreges…:

CUT 10(12)      “…in December.”

He says, more permits means more oil & gas and eventually lower fuel costs for consumers.

A West Monroe man is in jail; accused of setting his girlfriend on fire, because – as he told deputies – he wanted to “see what it was like.” 18-year-old Joshua White caused severe burns on the woman’s head & neck. She says she felt he would hurt her more if she reported the abuse. White is in the Ouachita Parish jail; charged with domestic abuse battery and severe injury by burning.

A state House member is pleased to see the U.S. Senate vote to make Daylight Saving Time permanent starting next year. Houghton Representative Dodie Horton passed a bill in 2020 for our state to stay on one time SHOULD the federal government ever give us that option. Staying on DST would mean winter sunrises later than 7 a.m., but Horton feels most of us would trade that for not having to go through the time change…:

CUT 08(09)      “…their life.”

The state’s oil and gas industry is on a slow but steady climb back, after struggling through the pandemic. David Grubb reports…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

A Ouachita Parish teen is in jail; accused of setting his girlfriend on fire. 18-year-old Joshua White was arrested for attack, which happened a week & a half ago. The victim suffered severe burns to the right side of her head and neck. White reportedly told deputies he wanted to “see what it was like.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made an emotional plea to the United States Congress today that his country needs more assistance from America to help fend off Russia’s assault on his nation. Louisiana Senator John Kennedy says the U.S. wants to help…:

CUT 12(14)      “…liberty and guts.”

President Biden announced plans to send an additional 800-million dollars in military aid to Ukraine.

After the U.S. Senate voted to make Daylight Saving Time permanent in 2023, one state lawmakers is saying “I told you so.” Haughton’s Dodie Horton passed a bill 2 years ago for Louisiana to end time changes should the feds give us the option…:

CUT 07(12)      “…people they represent.”

The U.S. House must also pass the Senate bill before it becomes a reality.

If you’re filling up your vehicle today, you might notice an ever so slight decrease in prices. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

—

The U-S Senate has unanimously approved a bill to make daylight saving time permanent. There are some downsides, including a very late sunrise in the winter, but State Representative Dodie Horton believes changing clocks twice a year is the bigger problem…

Cut 8 (09) “…their life”

—

According to the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, requests for drilling permits have been steadily climbing. Communications director Patrick Courreges says after seeing a wave of COVID closures in 2020, the oil and gas industry has bounced back here at home.

Cut 9 (12) “…they’re doing again.”

—

Former LSU star Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL. At 40 years of age, Whitworth was the oldest offensive lineman to ever start in the Super Bowl and a key component for 10 playoff teams. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot believes that Whitworth’s consistency will eventually lead him to another destination…Canton, Ohio.

Cut 15 (10) “…Hall of Fame.”

Over his career, Whitworth was selected to four Pro Bowls, and two All-Pro teams and this past season was recognized as the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year.

The average price for a gallon of regular gas in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 set on Friday. And while prices jumped quickly, they won’t necessarily fall at the same speed. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says that’s partly because when forecasters estimated crude oil prices could reach $200 a barrel many distributors locked in prices for example at $130 a barrel.

Cut 4 (07) “…month contract.”

The U-S Senate has approved legislation to make daylight saving time permanent. It was a unanimous vote in support on the Senate side, but still needs House approval and President Biden’s signature. State Representative Dodie Horton from Haughton is a supporter of Daylight-Saving Time year-round…

 Cut 6  (07) “…energy cost-saving” 

Daylight Saving Time runs from March to October.

The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The average price for a gallon of regular gasoline in Louisiana today is $4.13, down two cents from the record high of $4.15 last Friday. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says while a slight decrease is hopeful it’s too soon to say if prices at the pump have peaked.
Cut 3 (11) “…and Russia.”
Redman believes if peace negotiations are reached then gas savings will continue.

After 24 months, Governor John Bel Edwards’ COVID public health emergency order expires today as the state has seen a significant drop in cases and hospitalizations, plus there is a wide availability of vaccines. Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig is concerned because lifting the emergency order sends a message the crisis is over…
cut 9 (08) “….I’m concerned about”

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves tells a special House committee examining the May 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene that he did not take an active role in the investigation of the motorist’s death. The 30-year veteran of law enforcement says it was standard procedure to not get involved in such investigations…

Cut 4 (08)  “…the report (x2).”

Ronald Greene’s mother Mona Hardin also testified and voiced her disappointment and frustration with Reeve’s and his lack of involvement.

Governor John Bel Edwards discusses why he vetoed the congressional map the legislature approved in the redistricting session last month. He says the map does not increase majority-Black districts and a lawsuit has already been filed in federal court over the map. Edwards says it’s disappointing and unfortunate

Cut 13 (07) “…Voting Rights Act.”

The Governor’s COVID health emergency order expires today, but some medical experts say he may have acted too soon. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

18-year-old Joshua White Jr. of West Monroe is charged with domestic abuse battery-serious injury burning in connection with burning his former girlfriend. The victim told police White previously stated he wanted to know what it was like to set someone on fire and on the evening of March 5^th he poured a flammable liquid on her head and body and used a lighter. White also told the victim he would kill her if she reported it.

Former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves told members of the special House committee formed to look into the events surrounding Ronald Greene’s death says it’s procedure not to get involved in such investigations, but the mother of Ronald Greene, Mona Hardin expressed her disappointment in Reeves.
Cut 5 (10) “…directly answered.”
Lawmakers accused Reeves of being disengaged.

Governor John Bel Edwards’ health emergency orders for the COVID pandemic expire today, and some medical experts are worried he may have lifted the order too soon. Tulane University Medical School epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says she’s concerned because the virus isn’t “gone” yet…:

Cut 8 (13)  “…if we need to.”

A Vandebilt high school student faces hate crime charges. The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office says the student was arrested in connection with a racially motivated video filmed in the school’s cafeteria. The video was shared on social media and the 15-year old 9^th grader is charged with a hate crime and simple battery.

An LSU legend calls it a career. David Grubb has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

Lawmakers heard from Ronald Greene’s mother and even had tense exchanges with former state police Col Kevin Reeves during a special committee investigating Greene’s 2019 fatal arrest. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (45) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

For the first time in two years, Louisiana is not under a public health emergency order for COVID. Governor John Bel Edwards is allowing his latest order to expire today, as the state has seen a decrease in cases and hospitalizations. But Tulane epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says there’s still a possibility of another surge, so save your masks, get vaccinated and boosted if you are not and…
cut 10 (12) “…going forward”

Former LSU star and Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth has decided to go out on top after 16 seasons in the NFL as the West Monroe native has retired from professional football. Lifelong friend Rick Guillot says today is a day for celebrating
Cut 14 (12) “…better than that.”
Guillot expects Whitworth to remain involved in the game.