The potential armed conflict between Russia and Ukraine has put oil and gas prices on a roller coaster. David Grubb has more on what that could mean for the United States…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m David Grubb.”
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Now that the redistricting session is over, the focus is on Governor John Bel Edwards to see if he’ll veto the maps approved by the Legislature. Erik Picolli has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Erik Picolli.”
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D-Day for LSU’s Kirby Smith Hall has been set, Brooke Thorington has more on when the 55-year-old building will be reduced to rubble.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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As the world keeps a watchful eye on the latest developments in the Russia-Ukraine crisis, Louisiana is paying close attention to the oil and gas markets, which have been incredibly volatile as tensions have escalated. Any invasion by Russia into Ukraine would have an immediate impact on the state says Eric Smith, associate director of the Tulane Energy Institute.
Cut 4 (13) “…to Europe.”
European markets rely heavily on Russian oil, and if there is an armed conflict, it would certainly disrupt those supplies at a time when demand continues to increase. China and Asia could be hurt too. Smith says Louisiana doesn’t export large amounts of oil, but price spikes would hurt access to needed materials like heavy solid crude.
Cut 5 (10) “…a pretty picture.”
With the U-S already at its limit for oil exports, government officials have been trying to find ways to help meet the increased demand, should it be needed. But Smith says that will be a difficult proposition with few allies ready to step up.
Cut 6 (12) “…in an emergency.”
A possible benefit for oil and gas producers is the potential for increased production. In January, more natural gas was shipped to Europe than the amount provided through Russian pipelines, a first for the U-S.
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Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s carefully examing the Congressional, legislative, PSC, and BESE maps the state Legislature approved. Edwards is concerned none of the maps reflect a growth in the African American population by adding more majority-minority districts. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says the governor can veto these maps…
Cut 7 (09) “…or not.”
The Legislative Black Caucus and House Democrats are urging the governor to veto the Congressional maps because it only has one majority-minority district. They believe that violates the Voting Rights Act. Stockley says Republican lawmakers could override the governor’s veto, but if Edwards doesn’t use his veto authority, he would disappoint his biggest supporters…
Cut 8 (08) “…actually happens”
Lawmakers held a historic veto session after last year’s regular session, but Edwards convinced enough lawmakers not to support overriding a controversial anti-transgender sports bill. Stockley says can the governor do that again if there’s another veto session…
Cut 9 (10) “…anymore.”
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In a matter of months now Kirby Smith Hall, which not only served as a dormitory for LSU students but also as transitional offices for two governors will soon be a memory. Executive Director of Residential Life Pete Trentacoste says the building is currently in deconstruction mode to remove asbestos before it’s imploded in June.
Cut 10 (09) “…to the ground.”
Governors Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards both used the building for their transitional offices before moving into the capitol.
Saturday, June 4th is set as demolition day for the 13-story building and Trentacoste says, of course, that’s weather permitting, but they plan to have a viewing area set up for those who want to see the first implosion on campus. There’s even an opportunity for you to purchase a brick from the former residence hall as a souvenir.
Cut 11 (09) “…procuring one.”
As for what will happen to the area that’s been home to Kirby Smith Hall since 1967 Trentacoste says plans right now are for a green space that will no longer impede the view of the city.
Cut 12 (07) “…happen to it.”
Former residents of Kirby Smith are asked to share photos and stories of their time in the dormitory. You can do so by searching for Kirby Smith Hall at lsu.edu.
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The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors has approved a request by Louisiana Tech to name its Biomedical Engineering Building for former university president Dr. Daniel Reneau. It was Reneau who led the push in 1972 for Tech to start one of the country’s first biomedical engineering programs. University spokesperson Tonya Oaks Smith says the honor is well deserved.
Cut 13 (11) “…for our students.”
Reneau first joined Louisiana Tech’s faculty in 1967 before becoming the longest-serving president in the university’s history and building a tremendous legacy along the way. Smith says his vision endures through generations of graduates.
Cut 14 (12) “…through engineering.”
Up until last year, it wasn’t legal to name buildings after living people. However, since the 81-year-old Reneau has been such an influential educator, not only at Louisiana Tech but also as former president of the U-L system, the university was successful by the unanimous vote of the board.
Cut 15 (8) “…in this way.”
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With four games left in the regular season, the LSU men’s basketball team is 7-and-7 in the SEC tied with three other teams for fifth place. The Fighting Tigers let one get away on Saturday as they fell to South Carolina 77-75, despite a 14 point lead in the first. Coach Will Wade says it was a tough loss…
Cut 16 (22) “…these out.”
Missed free throws cost the Tigers in Columbia as they were 13 of 22 from the charity stripe. Wade says making free throws has been an issue in February…
Cut 17 (16) “ …the season.”
Tari Eason had 21 points to lead the way for the Tigers, but he also had six turnovers, including a critical one with 1:43 left that led to a South Carolina dunk and a three-point Gamecocks lead…
Cut 18 (20) “ …fought hard.”
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After shooting 34-percent from the field in a loss Thursday to UTEP, Louisiana Tech rebounded to shoot 53-percent from the field on Saturday in a 95-71 win over UTSA. Bulldogs Coach Eric Konkol says his team responded well to Thursday’s loss…
Cut 19 (20)_“… playing with confidence”
Louisiana Tech is tied with UAB for second place in the West Division of Conference USA. The Bulldogs will visit division leader North Texas on Saturday, but Konkol says they first have to worry about the Rice on Thursday…
Cut 20 (18) “ …on Thursday”