The House Transportation Committee has approved legislation once again to ban held-held cell phones while driving. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his legislation is intended to promote safe driving behavior and not for the police to issue a bunch of tickets…:

CUT 03(11)      “…pay for it.”

The Louisiana House approved Huval’s hand-held cell phone ban while driving last year, but it failed to pass the Senate by one vote.

New Orleans Police say a carjacking victim died today, after she was caught on her own car and dragged a long distance. NOPD says her arm was torn off, as she finally came loose. She was pronounced dead a short time later. Officers are seeking the gray Nissan Kicks and ask for witnesses to come forward.

During a visit to St. Landry Parish, Vice President Kamala Harris announced a $30-million dollar grant to assist those in Acadiana with broadband access. The VP says everyone, no matter where they began in life, has the ability to reach their goals and improved access to the internet is part of that…:

CUT 08(12)      “…potential.”

You’ll want to make sure you’re able to receive weather alerts as a major system will move into Louisiana later tonight and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it has the potential to bring tornados, high winds, hail, and even heavy rainfall. And while most of Louisiana is under enhanced risk, Keim says areas east of Alexandria are under a moderate…:

CUT 10(12)      “…moderate category.”

Keim says be prepared for a bumpy ride for the next 18 to 24 hours.

Vice President Harris announces a large investment to assist residents in Acadiana with high-speed internet access. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Cops in New Orleans are looking for a man they say stabbed a 12-year-old girl, and ran over a group of people right after stealing their car. NOPD says 51-year-old Anthony Moss broke into their home and stole the keys, but was confronted. The ensuing violence happened as he tried to get away. They hope a tip will help catch him.

The House Transportation Committee approves a bill to ban any use of a handheld cellphone while driving. StopDistractions.org CEO Jennifer Smith says 24 other states have such a law, because it works…:

CUT 04(12)      “…driving crashes.:

It passed unanimously and goes on for full House debate.

A $10.5-million grant program to help students attain good jobs in growing industry sectors goes online. The M.J. Foster Promise program is now open to all 21 years or older, and on a first-come, first-served basis. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance spokesperson Ebony Holmes says main requirements are income-based, so don’t worry if your grades aren’t so great…:

CUT 12(12)      “…poverty level.”

At the Capitol, the House Transportation Committee approves a bill to ban handheld use of a cellphone while driving. This measure nearly reached final passage last year. During discussion, Vachere Representative Ken Brass asks whether law officers will be able to enforce the ban…:

CUT 05  (11)        “…actually texting.”

Passing with zero “nay” votes, it now goes to the House floor for debate and vote.

Be wary of possible severe weather this afternoon and tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says a major system moving through has the potential for heavy rainfall, high winds, hail, and even tornados…:

CUT 09(12)      “…weather aware.”

Be prepared for high amounts of rain in a short period.

Vice President Kamala Harris is in Sunset where she’s announced a $30-million dollar grant to assist those in Acadiana with broadband access. That means access for about 22-thousand households in that area alone. Harris says having reliable access to the internet is essential to our everyday lives…:

CUT 07(09)      “…high-speed internet.”

She also announced that $40-million from the Infrastructure plan will be dedicated to help communities in our state become more flood resilient.

An employee at a Bourbon street bar was killed Sunday, when a stray bullet fired by someone outside hit him in the chest. 46-year-old Charles Spencer worked at the Cat’s Meow nightclub. A woman – 24-year-old Daphney Jackson was later arrested for firing the shot.

A Breaux Bridge couple have been arrested, after their one-year-old baby was brought to an ER unresponsive. Brooke Blanchard and Brady LeBlanc – both 23 – are charged with 2nd degree murder, while the investigation is underway.

The House Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would ban the use of a hand-held cell phone while driving. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

—

A major weather system is moving into Louisiana later tonight, with the potential to bring heavy rainfall along with high winds, hail, and possibly tornados. While most of the state is facing an enhanced risk, state climatologist Barry Keim says areas east of Alexandria will be in another category.

Cut 10 (12) “…moderate category.”

—

Vice President Kamala Harris is in Sunset where she’s announced a $30-million dollar grant to increase broadband access in Acadiana. The grant will impact 22-thousand households in the area. Harris says the funding is part of the bipartisan Infrastructure plan in an effort to help everyone have internet access.

Cut 6 (09) “…need both”

—

The MJ Foster Promise Program will provide financial aid for students to earn credentials that could land them jobs in high-demand areas. Ebony Holmes, Director of Public Information for the Office of Student Financial Assistance, points out that applicants must have lived in the state for at least 2 years and possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent to qualify. When the program is done, there are provisions in place to ensure the investment pays off for both the worker and the state.

Cut 14 (12) “…the workforce.”

The House Transportation Committee has approved legislation once again to ban hand-held cell phones while driving. Last year the House passed Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval’s ban, but it failed to get out of the Senate by just a single vote. CEO of Stop-distractions-dot-org, Jennifer Smith says 24 states plus Washington D-C have a hands-free law…

Cut 4 (12) “…driving crashes.”

—

You’ll want to make sure you’re able to receive weather alerts as a major system will move into Louisiana later tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says much of the state is already under a flash flood watch with this system that could drop several inches of rain in a short time, so be prepared for a bumpy ride over the next day.

Cut 11 (09) “…heavy rainfall.”

—

The MJ Foster Promise Program is now online…providing $10.5 million annually for financial support for students to earn credentials that can help them gain employment in high-demand jobs in Louisiana’s growing industry sectors. Ebony Holmes, Director of Public Information for the Office of Student Financial Assistance, says the program provides multiple avenues for training.

Cut 12 (11) “…for that.”

Promise funds can be used over a period of three years to cover tuition and fees at all public two-year postsecondary institutions in Louisiana as well as those licensed by the state Board of Regents. The program officially launches on July 1, but applications are being accepted now.

You’ll want to make sure you’re able to receive weather alerts as a major system will move into Louisiana later tonight and State Climatologist Barry Keim says it has the potential to bring tornados, high winds, hail, and even heavy rainfall.

Cut 9 (12) “…weather aware.”

Much of the state is already under a flash flood watch with this system that could drop several inches of rain in a short time.

The House Transportation Committee approves legislation once again to ban held-held cell phones while driving. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says his legislation is intended to promote safe driving behavior and not for the police to issue a bunch of tickets…

Cut 3 (11) “…pay for it.”

Fifty students from the Southern University Law Center are in DC watching the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson, who could be the first Black woman to join the nation’s highest court. Third-year law-student Quiana-Joy (Key-ana) Ochiagha (Oh-chi-aga) sees the potential confirmation as a starting point for greater inclusion moving forward.

Cut  11 (12)  “…my new profession.”  

LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center opens a new Bariatric Institute on its Baton Rouge campus. Doctor Philip Schauer says the state-of-the-art facility is important to Louisiana as about 40-percent of its residents are obese costing the state 13-billion dollars annually in direct medical expenses and lost workdays…

Cut 14 (11)  “…effective obesity treatment.”

House Transportation is considering legislation to ban the handheld use of a cellphone when driving. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval is bringing the bill again this year after it failed final passage by a very slim margin last year…:

Cut 6 (13)  “…we’ve addressed it.”

Vice President Kamala Harris is in Sunset today touting the importance of broadband access for rural areas. Congressman Troy Carter is accompanying Harris on her trip and says on the flight he used the time to also discuss Louisiana needs like resources to help small businesses and restaurants recover from the pandemic and natural disasters…

Cut 9 (08)  “…previous storms.”

The new Metamor institute at the LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center to treat obesity and diabetes is now open. Director Dr. Philip Schauer says the institute provides counseling, surgery, and medication…

Cut 13 (10) “…that is obesity.”
The institute will also conduct studies and research for a better understanding of obesity and provide better treatments.

50 students from Southern University Law Center are in DC for the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Student Christopher Jordan is honored to be able to lend his support in any way that he can, even if it is from a distance.

Cut 12 (11) “…enough for me.”

New Orleans lifts its COVID-19 vaccine-or-test mandate for entrance into bars, restaurants, gyms and other public spaces

At the Capitol today, the House Transportation Committee meets at 9:30 to consider a bill to ban using a handheld cell phone while driving. Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Louisiana could experience a substantial severe weather event tomorrow to include tornadoes, damaging winds, heavy rainfall and possible hail. You’ll want to remain weather alert.

Vice President Kamala Harris is on her way to Sunset, Louisiana to highlight the allocation of federal dollars to expand rural broadband access. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter who also worked on legislation to expand broadband access in the state, says now as a Congressman, says he’s very excited about how the infrastructure bill will impact even more individuals.

Cut 8 (12)  “…state of Louisiana.”

Harris is announcing $30 million grant in Acadiana for broadband.

Fifty students from the Southern University Law Center are in DC to watch the Senate Confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Jackson would be the first Black woman to join the nation’s highest court, and third-year law-student Quiana-Joy (Key-ana) Ochiagha (Oh-chi-aga) is ready to witness history.

Cut 10 (12) “…Jackson.”

The Southern University Law Center has 50 of its best and brightest in the nation’s capital to witness history. David Grubb has more…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A worker at Cat’s Meow Karaoke Bar on Bourbon Street was fatally shot early Sunday morning. New Orleans Police say the victim was hit by a stray bullet. Authorities have arrested the suspected shooter, 24-year-old Daphney Jackson and he’s been charged with manslaughter.

Vice President Kamala Harris is expected in the Bayou State today to highlight the allocation of federal dollars to expand rural broadband access. Harris will be in Sunset announcing a $30-million grant for high-speed internet in Acadiana. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says limited access to broadband discourages business investors…
Cut 7 (11) “…a necessity.”
Governor Edwards is expected to be in Sunset today for the Vice President’s press conference.

Edwards was at the ribbon-cutting for the new Bariatric Institute that’s opened on the Pennington Biomedical Research Center campus in Baton Rouge. Doctor Philip Schauer says they are already treating over six-thousand patients from the Baton Rouge area for obesity…
cut 15 (12) “…obesity treatment”