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.

The White House says energy companies could do more to increase production of oil and gas and point to the nine-thousand oil and gas leases that oil companies are choosing not to explore. But Senator Bill Cassidy says the Biden administration’s policies are not resulting in more domestic production…
cut 5 (11) “….otherwise be refined”

With record-high gas prices, should more Louisianans consider electric vehicles? David Grubb has the story…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Louisiana 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.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards has vetoed the proposed Congressional district map because it does not have two majority-minority districts. Michelle Southern has more…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Michelle Southern.” 

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With record high gas prices, should more Louisianans consider electric vehicles? David Grubb has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Louisiana 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. Psaki made the comment during a Monday press conference; saying there are 9000 oil & gas leases offshore that oil companies are choosing NOT to explore. Congressman Garret Graves says Psaki shows her ignorance of how exploration and leases work..:

Cut 4 (10)  “…has blocked pipelines.”

Psaki told Fox news reporter Peter Doocy he should “ask the oil companies” why they’re not drilling. Senator Bill Cassidy says that remark made him laugh out loud. He says this administration has been very unfriendly to domestic oil & gas, and he cites the president’s early official act of cancelling the Keystone XL pipeline as a sign of what was to come…:

Cut 5 (11) “…otherwise be refined.”

Cassidy says Psaki’s comments were playing with words. He says the federal government has been dragging its feet on drilling permits ever since Mr. Biden took office…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…not being honest.” (2x)

Cassidy says the Biden White House has nominated a person to head the Federal Reserve who wants banks to stop lending for oil & gas exploration, and the administration has cancelled lease sales in the outer Continental Shelf.

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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.”

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. But Republicans say two majority minority districts would dilute the black vote in those two districts, not producing the desired results. Stockley expects the GOP led Legislature to attempt to override the veto…

Cut 8 (06)  “…Governor Edwards.”

Edwards has announced he signed the new maps for Public Service Commission and BESE, but he’s allowing re-drawn House and Senate district maps to become law without his signature. Stockley says the governor believes the Legislature should focus on the issues in the upcoming session and not be concerned about what their own districts will look like in 2023 elections…

Cut 9 (05)  “…to challenge”

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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. Carter says that the money, part of the 2022 Appropriations Bill, will fund projects to boost the local economy and improve the quality of life for people in southeast Louisiana.

Cut 10 (11) “…and excited about.”

Three million dollars will go towards the construction of a new athletic stadium in the historic Ninth Ward of New Orleans. Carter says the project would create a first-of-its-kind facility that would primarily serve public schools in eastern New Orleans and act as an economic catalyst for the community.

Cut  11 (12)  “…brand new stadium.”  

An additional 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 to people with disabilities, rejuvenate its green spaces, and replace benches to modernize the venue that hosts a number of local festivals each year.

Cut 12 (8) “…all combined.”

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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 that one of the major advantages of electric cars is that “filling up the tank” takes place at home, and your typical daily drive should be well within the vehicle’s limits.

Cut 14 (11)  “…isn’t quite as important.”

The market is getting better for drivers of electric vehicles, with more than 16 million now on the road worldwide and sales in the U-S have doubled in the past year. Herrmann says 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”

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Will Wade leads the fifth-seeded LSU Tigers to the SEC men’s tournament in Tampa looking to find some momentum after going 9-9 in conference play. The Tigers won two of three to close the regular season, and have some of the top individual talents in the league. Wade thinks his team is playing more like the team that started the season 15-1, rather than the one that scuffled through the SEC.

Cut 16 (13)  “…we’re in Tampa.”

The Tigers are still one of the darlings of the Net Rankings that the NCAA selection committee uses to place teams in the tournament, and the SEC has six teams among the top 30 meaning the conference should be well represented come this Sunday when seedings are announced. Wade says that’s a testament to just how strong the conference has become.

Cut 17 (16) “ …at the top.” 

The average price for a gallon of gas in Louisiana finally exceeds $4 and sets a new record high of $4.04. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Two years ago today, Louisiana confirmed its first positive COVID case. Since then there have been one-point-two million cases and nearly 17-thousand people in Louisiana have died from the virus. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says over the last two years, we have all made sacrifices large and small.

The former leader of State Police, Kevin Reeves, will testify before a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and the alleged L-S-P cover-up. Reeves was in charge when Greene died after he was beaten and tased following a police chase that ended in Union Parish. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes…
cut 12 (12) “…his death”
The committee plans to meet again on Tuesday.

Multiple media outlets are reporting the LSU men’s basketball program has received Notice of Allegations. The exact allegations are unknown, but Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on tape discussing improper benefits for a recruit. Glen Guilbeau of outkick-dot-com says these possible violations could cost Wade his job…
cut 14 (11) “…level one or level two”
A resolution could still be months away.

The former head of State Police is expected to testify next week in front of a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Kevin Reeves was in charge when Troopers initially said Greene died from a car accident, but a reexamined autopsy determined a struggle with troopers led to his death.

The LSU men’s basketball program could soon be hit with NCAA penalties…
cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb”

LSU president William Tate is asking the state legislature for an additional $100-million in funding to enhance research in the areas of cancer, agriculture, cybersecurity, energy, and coastal land loss. Cancer research is of special importance to Tate, as the university has partnered with Our Lady of the Lake and LCMC health to build an NCI-designated Cancer Center.
Cut 4 (12) “…designated institution.”

The legislative session begins next week and New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry has a proposal to place term limits on sheriffs. Landry says some sheriffs serve for decades, which she says is concerning…
cut 8 (12) “….in those two hands”
Landry’s legislation needs two-thirds support in the Legislature and voter approval.

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline has set a record, surpassing the four-dollar mark for the first time since 2008. Triple-A says the statewide average is $4.04 today, ten cents higher than a week ago and 62-cents more than a month ago.

A House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Green, who died in State Police custody compiles a list of people they plan to question. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”

A New Orleans representative has proposed legislation that would impose term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry says the Governor, state legislators, and many local officials are subject to term limits, but sheriffs seem to be immune and entrenched…
Cut 7 (12) “…a really long time.”
Landry will also push a term limit bill for assessors in the legislative session that begins next week.

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.
cut 13 (10) “…of penalties’
Glenn Guilbeau with OutKick.com says we don’t know the exact allegations yet, but in 2017 Coach Will Wade was allegedly caught on an FBI wiretap discussing payments for then-recruit Javonte Smart.

The former leader of State Police, Kevin Reeves, will testify before a House committee investigating the 2019 fatal arrest of Black motorist Ronald Greene and the alleged cover-up. Reeves was in charge when Greene died after he was beaten and tased following a police chase that ended in Union Parish. New Orleans Representative Jason Hughes is one of the lawmakers on this panel…
cut 12 (12) “…his death”
The committee plans to meet again on Tuesday.

LSU System President William Tate is seeking an additional 100-million dollars in state funding to enhance research in several areas, including coastal land loss…
cut 6 (12) “….evidence-based approach”
The funding would also help build a cancer center and educate more cybersecurity soldiers.

The statewide average price for a regular gallon of gasoline has broken a record that was nearly 14 years old. The statewide average is now $4.04 according to Triple-A. The price at the pump has jumped about 60-cents in the last week.

Should Louisiana sheriffs be subject to term limits? One state lawmaker says “yes.” Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A House committee investigating the fatal arrest of black motorist Ronald Greene will hear from Kevin Reeves who was in charge of State Police when Greene died after he was beaten and tased by State Troopers. Houma Representative Tanner Magee says Greene will testify on Tuesday…
Cut 10 (09) “…in charge.”
Magee also expects Governor John Bel Edwards will appear at a future committee meeting and the lawmaker says this is not a witch hunt, they are only seeking the truth.

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.

Louisiana motorists have never paid this much for gas. According to Triple-A, the statewide average set a new record high this morning for regular gasoline at $4.04 a gallon, a ten-cent increase from yesterday.

A New Orleans representative would like to place term limits on sheriffs and tax assessors. Democrat Mandie Landry has proposed a constitutional amendment that would limit sheriffs to three four-year terms and assessors to three four-year terms as well…
cut 9 (12) “….a little worrisome”
Landry’s legislation will need two-thirds support from the Legislature and the support of voters.

The head of the state Department of Corrections tells the Senate Finance Committee staffing prisons is their top challenge. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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For the sixth consecutive year, a Crawfish is pardoned to celebrate the mudbug eating season. Brooke Thorington explains

Cut 2 (33)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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The average price for a gallon of diesel in Louisiana today is $4.56 and Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association says prices at the pump are also forcing those who depend on the trucking industry to reevaluate their business plan. Amar says typically fuel costs are just behind labor.

Cut 3 (05) “…their business.”

As for increasing methods on how to best utilize fuel, Amar says the trucking industry is extremely sophisticated logistics-wise and already incorporates such measures.

Cut 4 (10) “..properly.”

Amar says during the pandemic when more individuals stayed home, there were high demands on the trucking industry, and she doesn’t see that changing anytime soon. And Amar says get ready to pay more for goods due to the rising cost of getting them to you.

Cut 5 (11) “…charge today.”

The cost of diesel typically runs 25 to 50 cents higher a gallon than regular gas prices.

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The state’s most well-known, or notorious, prison is dealing with a staffing crisis that has shown no signs of ending. Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc says there are more than 300 guard positions currently unfilled at Angola state penitentiary, a facility that houses more than 5000 inmates.

 Cut 6 (08) “…our top challenge.” 

A starting salary of just over $15 an hour for guards is just one of the obstacles in attracting employees says LeBlanc. Extreme heat, aging buildings, policy and procedural issues, and the prison’s location in rural West Feliciana are all factors.

Cut 7 (14) “…help recruit people.” 

The Department of Corrections is asking the legislature for $2 million in order to help with the transfer of 600 prisoners to the Allen Correctional Center and with ongoing capital improvements to Angola, including adding air conditioning to a number of the prisons aging buildings.

 Cut 8 (06) “…next year.” 

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A lucky crawfish was officially pardoned by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser in Baton Rouge this morning. For the last six years on the first Tuesday after Mardi Gras, the state officially pardons one crustacean to celebrate the mudbug season. Nungesser says the pardoned crawfish will enjoy the rest of his days at Tickfaw State Park.

Cut 9 (08) “…good deal.”

The Annual Pardoning of a Crawfish also puts Louisiana in the national spotlight and highlights the industry’s importance to the state. Nungesser fondly remembers attending a campaign event in which former Vice President Mike Pence bragged about the ability to pardon a turkey for Thanksgiving.

Cut 10 (12)  “…pardoning a turkey.”

This year’s pardoned crawfish is named Arrigeaux in honor of retiring Visit Baton Rouge President Paul Arrigo, (Aay-reego). Nungesser says Arrigo and his team have done so much to help the tourism industry and he hopes Arrigo can enjoy his retirement and plenty of crawfish in the near future.

Cut 11 (09)  “…going to go.”  

This year’s most fortunate crawfish was chosen by Barry Toups, the owner of Crawfish Haven and Mrs. Rose’s Bed and Breakfast in Kaplan.

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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy says it’s time to get U.S. oil & gas production rolling again, and he’s about to propose a new energy policy. Cassidy says this is the best way to send Russia a message; by competing with them for energy exports. He says Republicans on Capitol Hill are working on that; not just for Americans’ benefit, but to shop out to other countries…:

Cut 12 (12) “…that benefits Louisiana.”  

Tomorrow Cassidy will propose new policies to help cut red tape with permitting of domestic & foreign exports and explorations, and more. He  says ramping up energy production,  refining and exports will be beneficial to Louisiana in terms of revenue and jobs…:

Cut 13 (05) “…LNG export terminals.”

Regular gas is at a statewide average of $3.95-a-gallon. The price run-up had been slow over the past year, but spiked sharply with the Russian Invasion of Ukraine. Cassidy says Russia has the majority of oil & gas exports to European nations, and losing a piece of that business would make a strong point. He says there is bipartisan support for restarting U.S. oil & gas production to send the message, and what the U.S. HAS been doing isn’t working…:

Cut 14 (08)  “…allies in Europe.”