The state legislature starts its yearly regular session Monday. Kevin Gallagher looks at some of what’s to come…:

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

State Police Colonel Lamar Davis says they’ve hired an outside consultant to conduct a $1.5 million review of the agency. Davis says they are owning it and fixing it as the agency has been plagued with numerous scandals and is under federal investigation for the 2019 death of Ronald Greene.

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.”

Studies show setting your clock forward and losing an hour of sleep can impact your health. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Cardiology Dr. Frank Smart says DayLight it takes two days for one’s hormone levels to stabilize in order to reduce the risk of a cardiac event.

Cut 5 (10) “…time frame.”

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Not only is the time change unpopular, but it can also impact your health. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The state legislature starts its yearly regular session Monday. Kevin Gallagher looks at some of what’s to come…:

Cut 2 (34)…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

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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 if you can try to adjust your schedule Saturday night, Sunday morning to keep yourself from losing an hour of sleep, by either going to bed earlier or sleeping in. Smart says you also might want to lay off the alcohol this weekend.

Cut 4 (12) “…more stressful.”

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

Cut 5 (10) “…time frame.”

Smart says emergency rooms tend to see a slight increase in cardiac patients surrounding the time change so if you have a heart condition do what you can to mitigate your chances of a heart attack.

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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.

Cassidy says he’s frustrated the amendment did not pass because there are hurricane victims who are desperate for money to rebuild…

Cut 7 (09) “…blighted neighborhoods” 

This could be the last chance for southwest Louisiana to receive disaster aid for Hurricanes Delta and Laura. Congress has appropriated 600-million in hurricane relief, but the money has yet to be released to the state. Cassidy says he’ll continue to do whatever he can to complete the process of recovery

 Cut 8 (11) “  less well off.” 

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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 (03) “…stamp right.”

Nutria is known to damage coastal marshes and some nutria feed on seedling bald cypress. Graves says he’s looking at any way to eradicate nutria…

Cut 10 (11)  “..the state.”

Graves says his legislation has bipartisan support…

Cut 11 (07)  “…be great.”  

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The Louisiana Legislature convenes its regular spring session this Monday, and lawmakers have around 1000 bills to consider; ranging from teacher pay to expanding medical marijuana. Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL) 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 there are bills filed to give public school teachers a pay raise of up to $2000 a year, but there are a good number of other educations bills on the schedule as well…:

Cut 13 (09) “…in high school.”

Erwin says look for second attempts to pass bills vetoed by the Governor last year; like “constitutional carry” of concealed weapons, a transgender athlete ban and others. Erwin says partisan squabbles are to be expected, as some lawmakers seek to lessen the executive branch’s emergency powers – due to dissatisfaction over the Governor’s pandemic response…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…politically charged session.”  

The legislative starts Monday afternoon, with an address by Governor Edwards, then lawmakers get to work in earnest Tuesday. The session must end by 6pm on Monday, June 6th.

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.

Former LSU basketball player and Ukraine native Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh) says while Russia has more weapons and manpower compared to Ukraine his home country has something much more valuable when it comes to winning a war.

Cut 5 (08) “…everything right?”

Rubchenko made the comments on Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster.

Last night, Governor Edwards vetoed the congressional redistricting map that was passed by the state legislature, saying it failed to include a second minority-majority district. A veto in Louisiana has only been overridden just twice in the state’s history, and the Advocate’s, Mark Ballard says the odds are long for the Republican-led legislature

Cut 10 (11)  “…in the house.”

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.13. Gas prices have increased by 90-cents over the last month. Professor Pierre Conner director of the Tulane Energy Institute says the futures market shows crude oil prices falling, but if demand remains strong and the supply can’t keep up then gas prices will continue going up…

Cut 7 (12) “…nine months.” 

Many say state revenues should be increasing due to higher crude oil prices but State Treasurer John Schroder says consumers will cut back on other spending so that the state might see more from oil and gas revenues, for example, sales tax collections will most likely go down.

Cut 13 (09) “…in others”

While appearing on Talk Louisiana host, former LSU basketball player and Ukraine native Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh) and says he’s able to view media reports from all over about the invasion, and while the media in Russia is controlled by the government, he also points out that Ukrainian reports are not necessarily accurate with the number of civilian deaths.

Cut 4 (00) “…war effort.”

While the state has the potential to see more income due to the rising price of gas, State Treasurer John Schroder says as for estimates on how much of a bump in revenue the state could see he says it’s not so simple to equate.

Cut 12 (10) “…tied in.”  

In Louisiana, the tax on gasoline or diesel is $.20. per gallon.

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed congressional district map approved by the Louisiana Legislature. The map does not include a second majority-minority district. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Edwards spoke with voting rights experts and came to this conclusion…

Cut 7 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”
Senate Governmental Affairs Chairwoman Sharon Hewitt says she’s disappointed with the governor’s veto and looks forward to the debate on a veto override.

With gas prices setting record highs some are considering making the switch to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Tyler Herrmann, co-coordinator at Louisiana Clean Fuels says even Louisiana is ramping up the installation of charging stations around the state, which should spur even more converts to charge up rather than gas up.

Cut 15 (12)  “…really quickly”

Louisiana’s congressional delegates react to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s claim that the President is doing nothing to hamper U.S. oil & gas production. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the congressional map that the legislature passed last month during the redistricting session. African American lawmakers say the map does not allow for a second majority-minority district, but Republicans say doing so would dilute the Black vote.

In the week since Talk Louisiana host, Jim Engster spoke with former LSU basketball player Roman Rubchenko (roob-CHENK-oh) and Ukraine native says he’s now back at his country home outside of the capital of, Kyiv, after traveling with other men to help women and children in their families evacuate safely.

Cut 3 (11) “…can help.”

U-S Congressman Troy Carter announced that his office has secured 17 and a half million dollars to fund seven projects in the Second District. He says three million will be used to renovate Woldenberg Park, which runs along the Mississippi River and the French Quarter. The park will receive upgrades to make it more accessible and modernize the venue that hosts a number of local festivals each year.

Cut 12 (8) “…all combined.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed congressional district map approved by the Louisiana Legislature because it does not include a second majority-minority district. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley expects the GOP led Legislature to attempt to override the veto…

Cut 8 (06)  “…Governor Edwards.”

African-American lawmakers say since 33-percent of the state’s population is Black, two of the state’s six Congressional districts should be majority-minority

U-S Congressman Troy Carter says his office has secured 17 and a half million dollars to fund seven projects in the Second District. Carter says the money, which is part of the 2022 Appropriations Bill, will help fund projects aimed at boosting the local economy and improving the quality of life for people in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (11) “…and excited about.”

Louisiana congressional delegates react to White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki’s claim the President is doing nothing to hamper U.S. oil & gas production. Psaki made the comment at Monday’s press conference; saying there are 9000 oil & gas leases offshore that oil companies are choosing NOT to explore. Congressman Garret Graves says it shows her ignorance of how exploration and leases work.

Cut 4 (10)  “…has blocked pipelines.”

With gas prices setting record highs on an almost daily basis, many drivers may consider making the switch to hybrid or fully electric vehicles. Tyler Herrmann, co-coordinator at Louisiana Clean Fuels, says the answer isn’t that simple.

Cut 13 (11) “…catches up.”

Herrmann says a major advantage of electric cars is “filling up the tank” takes place at home but your typical daily drive is limited.

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.”

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.