Louisiana Republican U-S Senator John Kennedy says President Donald Trump gave federal lawmakers a blueprint last night in his speech to a joint session of Congress. Kennedy says it’s now up to Congress to get rid of wasteful spending, renew tax cuts, rebuild the military and secure the border.
Several federal employees laid off by Elon Musk’s Doge unit were in the House Chamber for Trump’s address. Chante Powell an auditor at the USDA in New Orleans was Congressman Troy Carter’s guest. Powell says she was there to put a face to the effects of widespread layoffs by Trump and Musk. She says losing her job has turned her life upside down.
With Mardi Gras over, Christians in Louisiana and all over the world are celebrating Ash Wednesday today, the start of Lent. This year, the hearts of Christians are with Pope Francis as he continues to battle major health issues. Christian talk show host Teresa Tomeo (TOM-ee-oh) says this year is a reversal of sorts.
Tomeo says it’s a somber day at the Vatican not having Pope Francis lead prayers this Ash Wednesday.
Now that Mardi Gras is over, state lawmakers will begin to focus on the 2025 legislative session that begins next month. Auto insurance reform will be a hot topic. Plaquemine Representative and vice-chairman of the House Insurance Committee, Chad Brown, says lawmakers have listened to insurance companies on what needs to be changed but some suggestions don’t make sense.