The effort to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell falls woefully short as the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters says recall organizers collected 27-thousand valid signatures, 18-thousand signatures short of what was needed. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervnak says the petition contained 67-thousand signatures according to the governor’s office…
cut 15 (10) “….verified and certified”
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell says with the failed recall campaign officially done, the city must heal and recommit to making a better New Orleans.

The sports world is mourning the death of Lincoln Parish native Willis Reed, the former two time NBA champion of the New York Knicks…
cut 8 (08) “…world champion”
Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman Doug Ireland says Reed played basketball at Grambling State winning three SWAC titles and a NAIA national championship in 1961. Grambling retired his jersey in 2022.

According to an LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center study, regular physical activity can prevent a recurrence of colon cancer. Director of the Cancer Metabolism Program at Pennington, Dr. Justin Brown says they followed 1,600 patients with stage III colon cancer for five years and post-operative exercise increased their survival rate.
Cut 4 (10) “…health benefit.”

If you had damage from Hurricane Ida the Louisiana Office of Community Development is helping to rebuild, replace, or repair your home through the Restore Louisiana Program. Executive Director Pat Forbes says they are holding several outreach events to discuss the program.
Cut 10 (11) “…in shape.”
O-C-D staff members will be at the Matthews Government Complex in Lafourche Parish tomorrow from 4:30 to 6:30 PM.

The recall petition against New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has failed in its mission. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A New Orleans area lawmaker files a bill to give members of the legislature a nice pay raise; from $16,800 yearly to $60-k. Rep. Joe Marino says it’s a part-time job that not everyone can afford to do…:
CUT 29 (07) “…my concern.”
The bill will be debated in the upcoming legislative session.

The Louisiana Office of Community and Development is holding a public meeting tomorrow at the Matthews Government Complex from 4:30 to 6:30 PM for Hurricane Ida victims to register for the Restore Louisiana Program, which provides grant money to homeowners to rebuild their homes…
cut 12 (10) “….the storm”
O-C-D executive director Pat Forbes says they’ve already invited 6,000 homeowners to submit applications but they believe there are thousands more eligible for assistance.

Louisiana legend and NBA Hall of Famer Willis Reed – who led the New York Knicks franchise to their only two championships – passed away at the age of 80 yesterday. The Lincoln Parish native, was a seven-time NBA All-Star and earned two NBA Finals MVP awards. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Chairman, Doug Ireland, says beyond basketball Reed exemplified great character and leadership.
Cut 7 (12) “…a gentleman.”
Grambling State University retired his jersey in 2022.

The petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has fallen short of the required signatures. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says missing signatures, incorrect birthdates, or if the signee wasn’t a registered New Orleans voter can disqualify signatures. He says it was up to the NOLATOYA group to assure the names were legitimate.

Cut 15 (10)  “…verified and certified.”

State lawmakers grilled leaders of the Office of Motor Vehicles during a legislative hearing about customer service complaints. Legislators have heard allegations of staffers responding poorly to customers telling them they need to make an appointment. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 3 (09) “…want to.” 

Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay bump if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 for four decades. Marino says it’s not to line his own pockets because he’s eligible due to term limits. He says he’s doing it to encourage more qualified individuals to run for office.

Cut 8 (11)  “…do this job.” 

A new conservation funding initiative – known as the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program – providing matching resources to governmental agencies and municipalities is currently taking pre-applications. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton believes it will help preserve the state’s natural resources and increase the quality of life for Louisianans.

Cut 12 (08) “…the state.” 

Visit wlf.louisiana.gov for more information.

The petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has fallen short of the signatures needed to go to a citywide ballot. Governor John Bel Edwards’ office says there were only a bit over 27-thousand confirmed and certified voter signatures; far below the 45-thousand needed. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says he’s not surprised, because recall petition drives often fall short…:

CUT 14(09)      “…completely different.”

Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay raise if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 since 1980. Marino says when you compare salaries from 40 years ago, it would average more than $60 thousand today for the part-time position…:

CUT 07(08)      “…be a legislator.”

If passed the pay raise would go into effect in January 2024.

State lawmakers called the Office of Motor Vehicles to a meeting to address numerous constituent complaints of poor service, rude employees and other issues with the OMV. Pollock Representative Gage Firment says he’s hearing about it a lot…:

CUT 04(12)      “…okay.”

OMV Deputy Commissioner Staci Hoyt says they working on the issues. She says they are facing two issues, not enough workers and an outdated computer system…:

CUT 05(08)      “…that we have.”

Hoyt says they will work to improve their interaction with the public.

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for help in finding a runaway teen, Reagan Tomlin. She is 17, white, brown eyes and brown hair. She is 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 125 pounds. Reagan was last seen on March 20, 2023. Call the Rapides sheriff’s Office with any tips; 318-473-6700.

The petition to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has fallen short of the signatures needed to go to a citywide ballot. Governor John Bel Edwards’ office says there were only a bit over 27-thousand confirmed and legitimized signatures; far below the 45-thousand needed. UNO political science professor Ed Chervenak says the “NOLATOYA” effort ended quietly…:

CUT 13  (10)        “…that they needed”

Chervenak says he’s not surprised, because recall petition drives often fall short.

A New Orleans area lawmaker files a bill to give members of the legislature a nice pay raise; from $16,800 yearly to $60-k. Rep. Joe Marino says it’s a part-time job that not everyone can afford to do…:

CUT 09  (07)        “…my concern.”

The Legislature goes into session April 10^th.

A teacher and coach at East Beauregard High School has resigned after being accused of sexual contact with a student. 25-year-old Collin Corbett was arrested for prohibited sexual conduct between educator and student. He was released on $5-thousand bond.

Members of the House Transportation Committee let the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles know about complaints they are hearing from their constituents. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Palermo.”

“Divisive. Dishonest” Those are words the New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell Campaign used to describe the failed petition to recall her from office. Governor Edwards’ office says had just over 27-thousand legitimate signatures; well short of the 45-thousand needed.

A bill to give lawmakers a significant pay raise next year has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

State lawmakers grilled leaders of the state Office of Motor Vehicles during a legislative hearing about poor customer service complaints. Legislators have heard allegations of staffers responding poorly to customer questions and being told they need to make an appointment. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says some complaints about OMV shocked her…:

Cut 03  (09)      :…if you want to.”

O-M-V Deputy Commissioner Staci Hoyt says they’ll work to improve customer interaction and satisfaction.

A new conservation funding initiative – known as the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program – providing matching resources to governmental agencies and municipalities is currently taking pre-applications. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the program will help in conserving the “Sportsman’s Paradise”…:

CUT 10(11)      “…that match.”

The recall effort to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell failed to gather enough certified signatures. Governor Edwards announced the news after receiving only 27,000 certified signatures when 45,000 were needed from the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters Office today. Approximately 40,0000 of the signatures collected from a petition drive were deemed ineligible because there were not from qualified electors in the parish.

Gretna Representative Joseph Marino has filed a bill to increase lawmakers to $60,000 annually which is a $43,000 raise. He says it’s a part-time job that not everyone can fiscally perform due to the demands of the job and there aren’t many jobs out there that would let them leave for several months and return to work.

Cut 9 (07) “…my concern.”

If passed the pay raise would go into effect in January 2024.

State lawmakers told leaders of the state Office of Motor Vehicles about the complaints they are receiving from their districts about the department. Pollock Representative Gage Firment says he’s hearing from his constituents about the lack of customer service at his local office…

Cut 4 (12)  “…okay.” 

Among the complaints are that some offices still require appointments that went into effect during the pandemic even thought that policy has been cancelled.

A new conservation funding initiative – known as the Louisiana Outdoors Forever Program – providing matching resources to governmental agencies and municipalities is currently taking pre-applications. LDWF Undersecretary Bryan McClinton says the program will help in conserving the “Sportsman’s Paradise.”

Cut 10 (11) “…that match.” 

There are not enough certified signatures to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Governor Edwards issued a statement after receiving documents from the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters Office this morning. The petition only contained 27,000 certified signatures and 45,000 were needed to trigger the recall. Almost 40,000 of the collected signatures were not qualified electors in Orleans Parish.

Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay bump if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 for four decades. Marino says he’s not filing the legislation to line his own pockets because he wouldn’t even be eligible due to term limits. He says he’s doing it to encourage more qualified individuals to run for office.

Cut 8 (11)  “…do this job.” 

The state’s Secretary of Environmental Quality has resigned. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Signatures gathered to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell were delivered to the governor this morning, but it is still unknown if they’re enough certified signatures to trigger a recall. The governor’s office says they plan to issue a statement as soon as possible on the matter. It’s protocol to have them sent to the governor even if they’re not enough signatures.

Members of the House Transportation Committee let the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles know about complaints they are hearing from their constituents. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (33)  “….I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

Louisiana lawmakers would receive a $43,000 pay raise if Gretna Representative Joseph Marino’s bill passes. The current salary for legislators has been $16,800 since 1980. Marino says when you compare salaries from 40 years ago, it would average more than $60 thousand today for the part-time position.

Cut 7 (08)  “…be a legislator.” 

If passed the pay raise would go into effect next year.

Match Day figures reveal that 80-percent of the graduating LSU Health New Orleans medical students staying in-state and will enter an LSU Health residency program. Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine, Richard DiCarlo, says the ones who will do their residency out of state, they are going to prestigious places…

Cut 14 (11)  “…for practice.”

State lawmakers grilled leaders of the state Office of Motor Vehicles during a legislative hearing about poor customer service complaints. Legislators have heard allegations of staffers responding poorly to customer questions and being told they need to make an appointment. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton…

Cut 3 (09) “…want to.” 

The requirement to make an OMV appointment was put in place during the COVID era.

 Ochsner Health – New Orleans is leading the country in genomic testing for cancer drugs to better treat cancer patients. Ochsner Health System Director of Clinical Pharmacy Services, Catherine Oliver says providers can have results in about five days and costs are determined by an individual’s health plan.

Cut 6 (07)  “…minimal cost.” 

Pharmacogenomic testing is only needed once during a lifetime for most patients.

Department of Environmental Quality Secretary  – Chuck Brown is resigning at the end of the month. Brown has led LDEQ since 2016. Brown tells LRN he would rather not say he’s not resigning, but continuing his environmental endeavor in the private sector.

Cut 9 (08)  “…State of Louisiana.”

Assistant Secretary of LDEQ – Roger Gingles will serve as Interim Secretary.

LSU Health New Orleans Match Day numbers show nearly 80 percent of their graduating students are staying in Louisiana to complete their medical training. Richard DiCarlo, Interim Dean of LSU Health New Orleans School of Medicine says about 20 to 25 percent of their students will enter a number of specialty fields including psychiatry.

Cut 15 (10)  “…also important.”

Nearly 50 percent of LSU Health New Orleans medical grads will remain in Louisiana to complete their medical training.