There are many in the town of Arabi who suffered significant damage from a powerful tornado that ripped the through St. Bernard Parish community last night. Lifelong resident Tony Vitale says his home was demolished

Cut 5 (11) “…out the house.”

Vitale says thankfully he, his wife, and his nine-year-old son were not injured as the twister ripped his home to pieces.

The HUD announcement of $450 million for those recovering in southwest Louisiana from 2020’s Hurricane Laura is welcome news in Calcasieu Parish. Alberto Galan who’s overseeing Long Term Recovery for the parish says the funding will in large part finally help with those unmet housing needs.

Cut 11 (08)  “…the ground.”  

Galan encourages those in need to first fill out a survey with the state’s Office of Community Development.

River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot’s bills to increase penalties for carjacking and catalytic converter theft passed in committee and are on their way to the Senate. His legislation did receive opposition however from Attorney Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana who says the bills are repetitive and increasing the penalties is burdensome to the state.

Cut 12 (10) “…the books.”

LSU President William Tate told members of the House Ways and Means Committee the school’s library is on his list of improvements. Tate told lawmakers that the majority of funds will have to come from the state as private donations for libraries across the country have dwindled. If the library is a priority, it’s going to have to be one for all parties involved.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for libraries.”

A new library is estimated to cost $150 million.

First responders are out surveying damage from Tuesday’s tornado that ripped through the New Orleans area of Arabi shortly after sunset. St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis says he believes 40 to 50 homes are completely destroyed.

Cut 4 (11) “…recovery stuff.”

So far only one storm-related death has been reported.

More money for hurricane relief is coming to Louisiana. The announcement of the HUD Community Development Block Grants for housing was made Tuesday. $450 million is allocated for Hurricanes Laura and Delta recovery and $1.2 billion is dedicated for Hurricane Ida.  Governor John Bel Edwards says it will go a long way to help those in Ida’s path…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…was announced today.”

President William Tate has big plans for LSU, but one lawmaker wants to ensure a major project isn’t left out. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

New LSU men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon has received a seven-year deal that will pay him about three million dollars a year. McMahon will also reportedly get an extra season if the program is hit with a multi-year postseason ban or multiple scholarship reductions for at least three years. The school allegedly committed recruiting violations under former head coach Will Wade.

Former State Police Sergeant Albert Paxton tells state lawmakers he believes L-S-P officials tried to cover up important details surrounding the 2019 State Police custody death of Ronald Greene. Greene died after body camera shows he was beaten and tased by troopers. Paxton points to the bodycam footage of Lt. John Clary which didn’t emerge until nearly two years after the incident

Cut 13 (05) “…apologizing.”

Paxton testified before a House committee that’s trying to determine if there was a coverup involving the death of Greene. The former L-S-P sergeant says an official in the local district attorney’s office told him that Lt. Colonel Doug Cain got mad when he heard about possible charges against Clary for his role in Greene’s death

Cut 14 (12)  “…John Clary”

Legislation to increase penalties for the theft of catalytic converters and the use of a firearm in a carjacking advance from committee. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot, who authored both bills referred to a case in East Baton Rouge where catalytic converters were stolen from 15 school busses.

Cut 10 (08) “…huge problem.”

Businesses that purchase converters, like scrapyards would have to keep a record of who sold them the converters in an effort to discourage the illegal sale of the converters.

And to deter the crime of carjackings Talbot’s Senate Bill 161 will increase penalties when a firearm is involved in the car theft.

Cut  11 (12)  “…of sentence.”  

The two bills did receive opposition in committee, Attorney Sarah Whittington with the Justice and Accountability Center of Louisiana says the laws are repetitive burdensome to the Department of Corrections.

Four teenagers involved in the horrific New Orleans carjacking that claimed the life of a 73-year old Linda Frickey Monday have been arrested. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says two of the teen’s parents turned in their own children.

Cut 10 (09)  “…son in.”

The four are facing second-degree murder charges.

The special House committee looking into the 2019 fatal arrest of motorist Ronald Greene tried to figure out today why three high-ranking State Police officers wiped their phones of information in 2020. State Police staffer Triet Le sanitized the phones of Kevin Reeves, Doug Cain, and Mike Noel and told state Representative Denise Marcelle says he did it because that’s what he was asked to do…

Cut 12 (11) “…for that.” 

LSU’s storybook season came to a sudden end Monday night, but Kim Mulkey and the Tigers have laid a foundation for the future.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

The federal government has just announced that Louisiana will receive nearly $1.3 billion in hurricane funding. HUD is allocating the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds for the 2020 and 2021 hurricanes.

All four minors involved in the horrific carjacking that claimed the life of a 73-year woman in New Orleans Monday have been arrested. The victim was dragged to her death and died after her arm was severed. Police Superintendent says a 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old girl, and two 15-year old girls have been arrested. He expects they will be charged as adults.

Cut 9 (12) “…accountable.”

Ferguson says two of the teen’s parents turned in their children involved in the carjacking.

The special House committee looking into the 2019 fatal arrest of motorist Ronald Greene tried to figure out today why three high-ranking State Police officers wiped their phones of information in 2020. State Police staffer Triet Le sanitized the phones of Kevin Reeves, Doug Cain, and Mike Noel and told state Representative Denise Marcelle says he did it because that’s what he was asked to do.

The LSU Lady Tigers were defeated by Ohio State, 79-64 in the second round of the NCAA women’s basketball tournament Monday. LSU finished 26-6 and the crowds at the PMAC grew tremendously over the season In her first season at LSU Coach Kim Mulkey says excitement has returned to the program.

Cut 4 (09) “…in one year.”

Disgraced nursing home owner Bob Dean reportedly shot off his thumb during an incident in Thomaston, Georgia at a local car dealership on March 4^th. New Orleans Attorney Madro (Mod-drow) Bandaris who’s representing a nursing home patient in one of many lawsuits against Dean, says he was told Dean’s wife called police to their Georgia property.

Cut 7 (09) “… everything else.” 

Dean also refused medical care he faces several charges and has yet to be arrested.

It’s a day to be weather aware across Louisiana. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says strong to severe thunderstorms are marching in from Texas and while there’s only a marginal threat for northwest Louisiana, the greatest potential for severe weather exists for portions of central and southeast Louisiana…

Cut  11 (07)  “…to Alexandria.”  

River Ridge Senator and Chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee Kirk Talbot is hoping to increase the penalties for the ever-growing crime of carjacking. Talbot wants to increase penalties when a gun is used in a carjacking and give the judicial system more leeway.

Cut 9 (06)  “…more severely.”

In New Orleans, a 73-year-old woman was dragged in a carjacking and died after being severed from her arm Monday. Police say three of the four suspects, reportedly juveniles have been arrested.

Barksdale Airman Faith Crocker files a federal lawsuit claiming the Biden administration COVID vaccine mandate for military members violates her religious freedom. Attorney James Baehr the Pelican Institute for Public Policy, who’s representing Crocker says she filed a religious accommodation, and her request was never considered…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…those requests en masse.”

Matt McMahon has been named the new head basketball coach for LSU, after the university terminated coach Will Wade. After leading Murray State for the last seven years, John Wright, sports editor at the Murray Ledger, says there’s a lot to like about McMahon.

Cut 13 (10) “…I believe.”

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.”

Legislation to address catalytic converter theft will be heard in committee Tuesday.  The bill’s author River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the legislation is similar to that which addressed the copper theft by setting up regulations for their resell.

Chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee Senator Kirk Talbot is hoping to increase the penalties for the ever-growing crime of carjacking. He says living in New Orleans he’s seen them become increasingly more violent.

Cut 7 (09) “…your face.”

Monday afternoon police say an elderly woman was killed in a New Orleans carjacking when she was dragged for several blocks, and her arm was severed from her body.

The MJ Foster Promise Program is now online… providing $10.5 million annually for financial support for students to earn credentials to gain employment in high-demand jobs. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance spokesperson Ebony Holmes says the program provides multiple options.

Cut 12 (11) “…for that.” 

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.”