The US Department of Housing and Urban Development has approved the state’s plan for spending the first $438 million approved for Louisiana flood recovery. The governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff Julie Baxter Payer says the next step is for HUD to do grant agreements and open a line of credit for the state.

Cut 3 (12) “going on”

Payer adds they are ready to submit the plan for the additional $1.2 billion Congress approved.

Ahead of his second expulsion hearing on Monday, Napoleonville Senator Troy Brown resigned from the Senate. He says for as long as he could remember, he desired to serve his district and the people of Louisiana.

Cut 14 (08) “Louisiana Senate”

The resignation comes amid hearings to expel Brown following his second domestic abuse conviction.

LSU’s new head football coach Ed Orgeron is being honored in his hometown today, as it’s Coach O Day in Lafourche Parish. Organizer Larry Weidel says the biggest takeaway is the development of a non-profit organization that will donate all the money collected to charities in Lafourche Parish.

Cut 10 (08) “back home”

The event will be held tonight in Orgeron’s hometown of Larose.

For the third time in 9 years, New Orleans is once again hosting the NBA All-star game. President and CEO of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Jay Cicero says the big game takes place on Sunday in the Smoothie King Center, but there will be plenty of festivities all weekend.

Cut 12 (11) “their superstars”

Cicero says there’s also the three-point and dunk contests on Saturday night.