TRANSCRIPT
You’re listening to Red River Radio News.
Good morning, I’m Jeff Ferrell.
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INTRO: (Updated)
House Speaker Mike Johnson returned home to Northwest Louisiana to deliver a legislative update to constituents on this Tuesday morning.
The Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce sponsored the event, hosted by LSU Shreveport, where about 100 business, civic and community leaders came to hear Johnson’s update inside the University Center Ballroom.
While Wednesday morning newscasts will include a full recap of the speaker’s visit, he did address the issue of soaring fuel prices.
According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline in Louisiana once again stands at $4.00, just as it did in May and June.
While the national average may be 47-cents higher that Louisiana’s average price, AAA spokesperson Don Redman says the price at the pump is not doing anyone any favors:
SOT:
“If I’m trying to budget what to, what to expect at the gas pump yeah, I’m thinking these prices are going to stay above $4.00 a gallon.”
TAG:
Meanwhile, AAA reports that the average price for a gallon of diesel fuel in Louisiana has now jumped $2.73 since this time last year and currently stands at $6.03.
That’s still well below the national average of diesel of $6.51 a gallon – a record high.
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INTRO:
In Texas, former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg blamed the spike in fuel prices on President Trump and the Current Congress.
He made the remarks during a campaign rally for two fellow Democrats running for Congress in Texas – Katy Padilla Stout and Johnny Garcia.
Buttigieg said the Republican-controlled Congress has not been a check on Trump:
SOT:
“They ought to be particularly embarrassed that the Texas family are spending an extra $800 on gas just since February. Because of a war that their president started and doesn't know how to end.”
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INTRO:
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry also blames Washington for allowing fuel prices to get so high.
In a CNBC interview, Landry said it’s everyday Americans who will be stuck with the consequence: higher prices on everything that gets shipped with diesel.
That’s why Landry is calling for a 90-day pause on diesel fuel exports:
SOT:
“Policies that allow the supply of our energy to go to those global markets and not have enough of that fuel on supply.” [edit] "Americans are subsidizing Europe's problems because of the war in Ukraine and the issues in Iran."
TAG:
Landry’s proposal is not supported by everyone.
The Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says pipelines for domestic diesel transportation are already at maximum capacity, and caution that halting exports is a strategy that may backfire.
That’s because it would force refineries to reduce production of both diesel and gasoline, actually causing prices to rise.
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INTRO:
In Arkansas, dog owners are being warned that upper respiratory viruses are spreading among dogs, as flu season fast approaches.
As Little Rock Public Radio reports, Arkansas veterinarian Gary Strickland says dog parents should be on the lookout for any changes in behavior:
SOT: “If they’re coughing just constantly, sneezing constantly, inappetence not wanting to eat, not wanting to have activity, just like us with the flu, you know, it can, have a fever.”
TAG:
Strickland says dogs should get vaccinated against the flu.
If they get sick, regularly clean their food and water bowls and their bedding to prevent spreading to other dogs.
He says younger and older dogs are at a higher risk of getting sick.
<**** FORECAST ****>
The National Weather Service in Shreveport is calling for:
- Sunny & hot conditions with a high today near 96, with the fall equinox occurring at 7:05 p.m. central time, marking roughly equal hours of day and night.
- Wednesday: more sun and a bit less heat with a high near 94.
- Then 92 Thursday and 93 Friday.
- A weak front will continue to shift deeper into the region today, slightly easing temperatures for areas along and north of I-30.
- Farther south, the front will slow its progression but is expected to eventually clear the region by tonight.
- Isolated storms, mainly south of I-20.
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