The National Hurricane Center issues its final report on Hurricane Ida. The Category 4 storm packed 150 miles-an-hour winds. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it did over $18-billion in damage, but the loss of lives during and after was the real tragedy…:

CUT 11(12)      “…kind of numbers.”

The report confirms Ida as one of the worst storms to ever hit our state.

A bill to forbid charging tolls on any part of Louisiana’s Interstate system was voted down in a House committee today. Its sponsor is Sulphur Representative Les Farnum, who’s concerned the state will use tolls to pay for a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles…:

CUT 12(06)      “…could be next.”

But DOTD says tolls MAY be needed. The bill failed by a vote of 6 “yeas” to 9 “nays.

Legendary Bourbon Street performer Chris Owens has passed away. Owens opened her first club in 1957 and entertained audiences ever since. She was also known for leading the annual New Orleans Easter Parade and for her hourglass figure right up until the end. Chris Owens was 89.

After record crowds for Mardi Gras, followed by the Final Four, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is hopeful as festival season kicks off the tourism industry will rebound. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”