The U.S. Senate rejected an amendment from Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy that would have appropriated $2.5-billion in disaster aid to Louisiana for the hurricanes that hit the state in 2020 and 2021. Kennedy tried to attach the amendment to a $1.5- trillion government funding bill. Senator Cassidy says he’s frustrated the amendment did not pass, because there are hurricane victims who are desperate for money to rebuild…:

CUT 07(09)      “…blighted neighborhoods.”

Cassidy says he’ll continue to do whatever he can to aid in the recovery.

Daylight Saving Time returns this weekend and not everyone is happy about it. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Cardiology Dr. Frank Smart says the change can lead to stress on your body. He suggests going to bed earlier Saturday or sleeping in Sunday, and you also may also want to lay off the alcohol…:

CUT 04(12)      “…more stressful.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves wants to help Stamp Out nutria with help from the U-S Postal Service. Graves has introduced legislation that would create the “Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp” which would help produce funds to combat invasive species like nutria; known to damage coastal marshes and feed on seedling bald cypress…:

CUT 10(11)      “…across the state.”

The fire chief in the East Baton Rouge Parish city of Baker is accused of stealing over $22-thousand in public money via a payroll manipulation plot. State Police say 49-year-old Chief Chris Hunt claimed and was paid for over 370 hours of overtime that he never actually worked – at a rate of over $60 per hour. He was arrested by LSP earlier this week and he has resigned.

The Louisiana Legislature convenes its spring Regular Session Monday. Lawmakers will have about a thousand bills to consider; ranging from teacher pay to expanding medical marijuana. Council for a Better Louisiana president Barry Erwin says House & Senate members will have a lot of work to do – sorting through the various interests and initiatives proposed…:

CUT 12  (14)        transgender athletes

Erwin says we can expect a second attempt to pass constitutional carry, teacher pay raises, a ban on pornography of college campuses and more.

Grambling State University is the latest Louisiana college to lift its COVID 19 protocols; particularly the mask mandate. Students and faculty may still wear a mask if they choose, but it is no longer required.

Today, the state Health Department reports only 142 new cases of coronavirus, with 239 people in the hospital with virus symptoms.

Daylight Saving Time return this weekend. Not only is the time change unpopular, but it can also impact your health. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01  (34)        “…Thorington.”

…and now today’s markets …

The U-S Senate rejected an amendment from Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy that would have appropriated two-point-five billion dollars in disaster aid to Louisiana for the hurricanes that hit the state in 2020 and 2021. Before the vote, Kennedy explained where the money will go

 Cut 6  (13) “… Louisiana ports” 

Kennedy tried to attach the amendment to a one-point-five trillion-dollar government funding bill.

As motorists are trying to get the most out of a gallon of gas a possible with record prices at the pump. Triple AAA fuel analyst Don Redman has a tip for being more fuel efficient he says don’t let the gas light come on…and fill up that before you get below a quarter of a tank.

Cut 12 (12) “…tank is time.”

Triple-A says also says early morning and late afternoon are the best times to fill up, especially during the summer months.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves wants to help Stamp Out nutria with help from the U-S Postal Service. Graves has introduced legislation that would create the “Combating Invasive Species Semipostal Stamp” which would help produce funds to combat invasive species like nutria…

Cut 9 (04) “…stamp right.”

Nutria is known to damage coastal marshes

It’s that time again to move the clocks forward this weekend and not only is the time change not very popular it’s also proven to be a health issue. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Cardiology Dr. Frank Smart says DayLight Saving puts a significant amount of stress on your body.

Cut 3 (11) “…really important.”

Smart says studies show it take generally 24 to 48 hours after a time change for one’s hormone levels to stabilize thus reducing the risk of a cardiac event.

So, what happens next now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says Option One for lawmakers, drawing up a new map – is unlikely, because the matter is about voter numbers AND where they reside…:

Cut 5 (14) “…as an alternative.”

Option two is to override the veto.

Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue files legislation to set up the legal framework for offshore wind farms, and he says we already have a skilled workforce, offshore wind energy development makes just makes sense for Louisiana.

Cut 8 (10)  “…to do that.”

A new survey by Triple-A says since we’ve reached the tipping point with gas prices, and motorists are prepared to make some changes. Triple -A spokesman Don Redman says the trend of carpooling will return and if that isn’t an option, there are ways to get the most for your gallon.

Cut  11 (12)  “…fuel efficiency.”  

And while prices are up at the pump the temps will take a significant dip after rain moves through Louisiana. State climatologist Barry Keim says highs today will be in the low 60s in northern parishes and in the upper 70s as you move south and tonight the mercury will take a dip.

Cut 15 (11)  “…afternoon.”

Northwest and North central parishes could see up to an inch of snow today with the cold front.

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.

A new survey by Triple-A finds that 59-percent of Americans will make lifestyle changes with gas prices at a record high. David Grubb has more:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Temperatures are in the low 50s across north Louisiana this morning, but there’s the chance for a light snowfall later today across the state’s northern parishes. National Weather Service Meteorologist Armani Cassel says up to an inch of snow is possible…
cut 16 (10) “….the threat”
The rest of the state will see rain today and colder temperatures after the front moves through.

Will lawmakers attempt to override the veto by Governor John Bel Edwards of their Congressional District map, which has one majority-minority district? La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt is pushing for one…
cut 6 (12) “….in the Senate”
It will take a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate in order to override the governor’s veto.

With gas prices over 4-dollars a gallon, 59-percent of Americans say they will make lifestyle changes. That’s according to Triple-A. Spokesperson Don Redman …
cut 10 (08) “…carpooling”
Redman says 18 to 34 year-olds are almost three times as likely as those 35 and over to consider carpooling. Those 35 and older are more likely to reduce shopping or dining out.

After beating Missouri 76-68 in the SEC Tournament yesterday, Coach Will Wade was asked about the Notice of Allegations the school has received involving the men’s basketball program. Wade says they are focused on playing basketball…
cut 18 (14) “…with the investigation”
LSU faces Arkansas at 1:30 in the quarterfinals of the SEC Tourney.

Now that Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the U.S. House district map passed by the Legislature, what is the next step for lawmakers? Especially the Republican majority? “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says House & Senate members have two options: draw up a new map or override the Governor…:
Cut 4 (12) “…veto override vote.”
If a majority of both chambers vote for a veto override session, the regular session which starts on, Monday would likely be suspended in order to hold an override session.

A strong cold front moves through the state today bringing the state much-needed rain and the possibility of light snow in the northern parishes. State Climatologist Barry Keim…
cut 14 (08) “…folks”
High temperatures tomorrow will be in the 50s, morning lows on Sunday will get below freezing.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped up another two cents from yesterday to $4.15. That’s according to Triple-A. Fuel analyst Don Redman advises drivers not to let the gas light come on, so fill up before you get below a quarter of a tank…
cut 12 (12) “…tank time”
Redman says AAA’s latest survey has found that 59-percent of Americans will make lifestyle changes now that gas prices are above four dollars a gallon.

A bill filed for the legislative session that starts Monday would set up the legal framework to allow offshore wind leasing in state waters. The author of House Bill 165, Houma Representative Jerome Zeringue says wind energy in the Gulf of Mexico could have its advantages.
Cut 7 (10) “…to work.”
Zeringue sees wind energy in the gulf as a compliment to the oil and gas industry.

After a week of warm temps and sunny skies, prepare for a drastic change. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Also, don’t forget to change your clock when you go to bed on Saturday night. Daylight Saving Time Starts at 2 AM Sunday morning.

Sunday is also Selection Sunday, one of the biggest days of the year for college basketball. LSU men’s and women’s basketball will be in the NCAA Tournament, trying to join them, Louisiana Tech, UNO, Southeastern, Nicholls and Grambling.

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.