Today is the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, one of the darkest days in Louisiana history. Bob Mann was the communications director for Governor Kathleen Blanco; and at first, they thought Katrina only produced wind damage. But then, reports came in of rising water.
Katrina produced catastrophic flooding, not only in New Orleans, but also in Jefferson, Plaquemines and St. Bernard parishes.
The federal response was slow to get here as desperate people began looting stores. One of the lasting images of the Katrina response, Lieutenant General Russel Honore telling police officers to put their weapons down. Honoré says those officers were acting on orders from Governor Kathleen Blanco to shoot anyone they found looting. Honoré said he told Blanco to rescind that order.
A three-star general, Honoré retired from the Army in 2008 and continues to serve as a consultant on disaster preparedness.
The new Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women opens in St. Gabriel. Warden Kristen Thomas says it has the capacity to house almost one-thousand inmates and consists of 15 buildings which go far beyond the two main housing units.
Cut 6 (11) “…an intake center.”
One unique feature of this prison is the academic and career technical educational center. The prison has partnered with Ashland University and Tulane University to offer degree programs.
Fifth year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leads LSU into the other Death Valley tomorrow night as the ninth ranked Tigers take on fourth ranked Clemson. Coach Brian Kelly says they are counting on Nussmeier’s experience, and they are asking him to limit mistakes…
Cut 12 (11) “…of the game”
Kick off is at 6:30.