3:30 LRN Newscast March 9

Gas and diesel fuel prices are now at all-time highs, and many are now calling for an increase in domestic oil production, but experts says it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports there are just over 600 crude oil and natural gas rigs operating. Louisiana Oil & Gas Association head Mike Moncla says getting dormant rigs working again – after they’ve been shut down -requires a large investment…:

CUT 13(12)      “…invest in it.”

Moncla says the President could take action to hasten domestic production, but so far he has not.

Meanwhile the statewide average price of regular gas is at $4.04-a-gallon; leaving many trying to budget for sky high fuel and everything else they need. Louisiana AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says there are thing you can do to improve your vehicle’s mileage…:

CUT 08(06)      “…properly inflated.”

 

Senator John Kennedy met today with White House Supreme Court nominee Katanji Brown Jackson. The two spent several minutes in one-on-one conversation. In a brief written statement, Kennedy says he is “thankful for the opportunity to meet with Judge Jackson” and that he looks forward to hearing more from at her Senate confirmation hearing.

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

CUT 02(31)      “…David Grubb.”

Former State Police head Kevin Reeves has agreed to testify to a panel of lawmakers looking into the roadside death of Ronald Greene in 2019 – when Reeves was in charge. His testimony could be as early as next week.

2:30 LRN Newscast March 9

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. 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 Garret Graves concurs…:

CUT 04(11)      “…it’s not OK. It’s not.”

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 06(10)      “…continue to climb.”

 

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)      “…that we’re using now.”

He says new rigs are coming online, but staffing them remains a challenge.

The Louisiana case of COVID 19 was reported 2 years ago today. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says the last 24 months have been hard on everyone; especially families who lost loved ones. Kanter credit 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.”

Overall there have been more than 1.2-million reported cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana, including over 16,800 deaths related to the virus.

1:30 LRN Newscast March 9

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

—

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 Louisiana doesn’t need additional assistance…

Cut 5 (09) “…surplus.” (2x)

—

Today marks two years since Louisiana reported its first positive COVID case. COVID is here to stay in one form or another, says State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter. He does believe that 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 16,813 deaths due to the virus.

—

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties for recruiting violations stemming from a 2017 federal corruption investigation where Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on an FBI wiretap discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart. In 2019, LSU suspended Wade for its postseason run to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Wade returned as head coach for the 2019-2020 season, but his contract was amended, allowing for him to be terminated, with cause, if LSU was even being investigated for major violations.

12:30 LRN Newscast March 8

Louisiana set a new record at the pump today with the statewide average of $4.04 for a gallon for regular gas. It was just last week when AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redman said motorists should budget for gas prices to exceed $4.00 a gallon and today, he says it’s too soon to predict how the ban on Russian oil will impact prices.

Cut 7 (09) “…for sure.” 

The previous record of $4.01 a gallon was in 2008.

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.”

Today the state reports 266 are in Louisiana hospitals with COVID and 19 additional fatalities.

Despite pleas from Louisiana’s Congressional delegation, there is no 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.

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties for recruiting violations. Multiple media outlets report LSU has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA. Glen Guilbeau with outkick-dot-com…

Cut 13 (10) “…kind of penalty.”

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.

10:30 LRN Newscast Mar 9

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.” 

Redman says it’s also too soon to predict how the ban on Russian oil will drive prices.

Next week the Special Legislative Committee investigating an alleged coverup after the 2019 death of Ronald Greene, is expected to hear testimony from former State Police Superintendent Kevin Reeves. There have been reports that phones of those involved were wiped thus removing any texts pertaining to the case.  Committee Chair Representative Tanner Magee says he’s curious about circumstances surrounding the wiping of phones.

Cut  11 (05)  “…as well.”  

If LSU men’s basketball is facing major violations Glen Guilbeau with outkick-dot-com says the clock is likely winding down on Will Wade’s time in Baton Rouge, despite his on-court success. Especially if athletic director Scott Woodward can mitigate the program’s punishment by cutting Wade loose.

Cut 15 (12)  “…their penalties”

LSU is seeking an extra 100-million dollar allocation from the state legislature so the university can enhance its research in the areas of agriculture, cancer, the state’s vanishing coastline, and cybersecurity…

Cut 5 (11) “…cyber soldiers.”
That’s LSU System President William Tate.

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.

8:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has set a record, surpassing the four-dollar mark for the first time since 2008. Triple-A says the statewide average is $4.04 today, ten cents higher than a week ago and 62-cents more than a month ago.

A House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Green, who died in State Police custody compiles a list of people they plan to question. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A New Orleans representative has proposed legislation that would impose term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry says the Governor, state legislators, and many local officials are subject to term limits, but sheriffs seem to be immune and entrenched…
Cut 7 (12) “…a really long time.”
Landry will also push a term limit bill for assessors in the legislative session that begins next week.

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties for recruiting violations. Multiple media outlets report LSU has received a Notice of Allegations from the NCAA.
cut 13 (10) “…of penalties’
Glenn Guilbeau with OutKick.com says we don’t know the exact allegations yet, but in 2017 Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on an FBI wiretap discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart.

7:30 LRN Newscast March 9

The former leader of State Police, Kevin Reeves, will testify before a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene and the alleged 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 is one of the lawmakers on this panel…
cut 12 (12) “…his death”
The committee plans to meet again on Tuesday.

LSU System President William Tate is seeking an additional 100-million dollars in state funding to enhance research in several areas, including coastal land loss…
cut 6 (12) “….evidence-based approach”
The funding would also help build a cancer center and educate more cybersecurity soldiers.

The statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline has broken a record that was nearly 14 years old. The statewide average is now $4.04 according to Triple-A. The price at the pump has jumped about 60-cents in the last week.

Should Louisiana sheriffs be subject to term limits? One state lawmaker says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

6:30 LRN Newscast March 9

A House committee investigating the fatal arrest of black motorist Ronald Greene will hear from Kevin Reeves who was in charge of State Police when Greene died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Greene will testify on Tuesday…
Cut 10 (09) “…in charge.”
Magee also expects Governor John Bel Edwards will appear at a future committee meeting and the lawmaker says this is not a witch hunt, they are only seeking the truth.

LSU is seeking an extra 100-million dollar allocation from the state legislature so the university can enhance its research in the areas of agriculture, cancer, the state’s vanishing coastline, and cybersecurity…
cut 5 (11) “….cyber soldiers”
That’s LSU System President William Tate.

Louisiana motorists have never paid this much for gas. According to Triple-A, the statewide average set a new record high this morning for regular gasoline at $4.04 a gallon, a ten-cent increase from yesterday.

A New Orleans representative would like to place term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry has proposed a constitutional amendment that would limit sheriffs to three four-year terms and assessors to three four-year terms as well…
cut 9 (12) “….a little worrisome”
Landry’s legislation will need two-thirds support from the Legislature and the support of voters.