A Barksdale Airman is suing the federal government to block being discharged for refusing to get COVID shots. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is hoping his legislation to increase the penalties on carjackings and catalytic converter theft will discourage the crimes.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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LSU men’s basketball has turned the page quickly from the Will Wade era. David Grubb has more on the next head Tiger…

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A Louisiana public policy “think tank” is suing the U.S. Department of Defense on behalf of a Barksdale Airman who refuses to take the COVID vaccine. Pelican Institute Center for Justice attorney James Baehr (pronounced: BEAR) says Senior Airman Faith Crocker was denied a religious exemption she filed in good faith, and was told to get the shots or be discharged…:

Cut 4 (08)  “…should have to make.”

Airman Crocker is the daughter of a Baptist minister, and has deeply held beliefs about what to put in her body. She requested the right to say “no” to the shots. Baehr says the DoD has denied virtually ALL religious accommodation requests from military personnel in Louisiana and elsewhere. He says that hard-nosed policy is uncalled for, as the pandemic winds down…:

Cut 5 (09) “…no reason for this.”

Baehr says the lawsuit simply aims to block the DoD and the Air Force from dismissing Crocker for her conscientious objection to the shots. He says Crocker – and many others who requested a religious accommodation from the COVID shots – received their denial last month in a form letter. Baehr says that suggests the requests were never even considered…:

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

To read the lawsuit, go to “PelicanPolicy.org”

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River Ridge Senator and Chair of the Senate Judiciary C Committee Kirk Talbot is hoping to increase the penalties for the ever-growing crimes of carjacking and catalytic converter theft. Talbot says he’s working with law enforcement and district attorneys on the legislation and living in New Orleans he’s seen car jackings grow increasingly more violent.

Cut 7 (09) “…your face.”

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

Talbot’s legislation specifically highlighting catalytic converter theft, will make it more difficult for them to be resold, similar to legislation that addressed copper theft in which the seller’s identification has to be recorded during a sale.

Cut 8 (10)  “…definitely help.”

Talbot is hopeful his carjacking legislation will act as a deterrent and give the judicial system more leeway when punishing those who commit such violent crimes and also make it more difficult for suspects to post bond.

Cut 9 (06)  “…more severely.”

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It’s a day to be weather aware across Louisiana. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says strong to severe thunderstorms are marching in from Texas…

Cut 10 (09) “…isolated tornadoes.”

Wetherbee says there’s only a marginal threat for northwest Louisiana and the greatest potential for severe weather exists for portions of central and southeast Louisiana…

Cut  11 (07)  “…to Alexandria.”  

There’s the potential for four to six inches of rain and the Wetherbee says that’s because of a slow-moving squall line that could spawn tornadoes…

Cut 12 (08) “…across Louisiana.”

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Just two days after the LSU men’s basketball team was eliminated from the NCAA tournament, athletic director Scott Woodward has found the man to lead the program forward. Matt McMahon has been the head coach at Murray State for the last seven years, leading the Racers to four conference titles and three NCAA tournament bids. John Wright, sports editor at the Murray Ledger, says there’s a lot to like about McMahon.

Cut 13 (10) “…I believe.”

Murray State ranked in the top 10 in offensive efficiency and in the top 20 defensively this past season, the type of balance necessary to win big. But job one will be trying to bring some players to Baton Rouge after what should be a massive exodus. Wright says McMahon is a talented recruiter with a template for what he wants in a student-athlete.

Cut 14 (13)  “…into the system.”

McMahon has been highly sought after, with his name connected to just about every Power 5 job opening this offseason. Wright says that’s with good reason, and the fan base should embrace him pretty quickly.

Cut 15 (11)  “…to have him.”

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After missing out on targets like Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson, the Saints have reunited with Jameis Winston, agreeing to a two-year, $28-million contract with the quarterback. WWL-TV Saints reporter Ralph Malbrough likes the deal.

Cut 16 (11)  “…other solution.”

Malbrough says that along with the talent the Saints keep in-house with the deal to retain the former top overall pick, the team also made a smart financial decision.

Cut 17 (18) “ …piece of business.” 

With Winston taking up a much smaller portion of the salary cap than a lot of starters in the NFL, the Saints can turn their attention to other areas of concern on the roster, something they couldn’t do a week ago.

Cut 18 (16) “ ..be aggressive.” 

It’s been a long wait, but LSU women’s basketball is back in the spotlight. David Grubb has more.

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Louisiana staple Tony Chachere’s has spiced up meals for 50 years now. Brooke Thorington has more on how they’re celebrating the milestone.

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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Production costs for farmers in the Bayou State could go up as much as 40-percent this year, depending on the crop. LSU AgCenter Economist Mike Deliberto, says the market volatility is due to a number of issues, like supply chain disruptions and the availability of herbicides…

Cut 3 (09) “…fuel markets.”

He says both of those markets follow the price of crude oil and natural gas.

And while the Russian invasion of Ukraine is impacting consumers at the gas pump, Deliberto says farmers are also facing sticker shock and the expenditure of fertilizer makes up a large portion of their expenses which is being affected by trade sanctions.

Cut 4 (10) “…will us.”

And as consumers are paying higher prices for groceries, Deliberto says only 12-cents from every dollar on retail food sales comes back to the individual farmer and the increase at the grocery store is paying for transportation, advertising, and marketing.

Cut 5 (08) “…store shelves.”

As for Louisiana farmers, Deliberto is hopeful higher commodity prices and sound marketing strategies will help offset the price increases of fertilizer, pesticides and herbicides.

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It was 50 years ago when then 65-year old Tony Chachere published his now legendry Cajun Country Cookbook that included his Original Creole Seasoning. Director of Marketing and Tony’s Chachere’s granddaughter, Celeste Chachere says they’re celebrating the golden anniversary with a commemorative can of their Original Seasoning.

 Cut 6  (07) “…from the 70s” 

The commemorative can is rolling out in stores now.

The business venture started as a retirement hobby for Tony Chachere, as he sold his cookbook out of the back of his station wagon. Celeste Chachere says he had no idea the company would evolve to what it is today.

Cut 7 (09) “…about it.” 

As for the next 50 years, Celeste Chachere says new products are in the works and they continue to pay homage to her grandfather’s love of Cajun cooking.

Cut 8 (11) “…blend or two.” 

In addition to the commemorative can of Original Creole Seasoning, they plan to launch have even more merchandise with the retro label that will be available online at tonychachere.com

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With the start of LSU’s first-round matchup against Jackson State less than 24 hours away, the status of guard Alexis Morris is still in question. She’s missed the Tigers’ last three games after being injured early in LSU’s 58-50 win over Alabama on February 24. Morris, who averaged 16 points per game this season, is back at practice and Kim Mulkey says there’s still time before a decision has to be made.

Cut 9 (12) “…she’ll play.”

LSU will be taking on SWAC champion Jackson State. The “other” Tigers come to Baton Rouge riding a 21-game winning streak. Mulkey saw JSU up close and personal last season, beating the Tigers in the opening round while still at Baylor. She knows better than to take the 15^th-seed lightly.

Cut 10 (11)  “…grabs your attention.”

The Tigers haven’t played in nearly 15 days, their longest layoff of the season. Rest versus rust is always a debate, though Kim Mulkey isn’t going to participate.

Cut 11 (07)  “…to go play.”  

Game time is set for 4 pm at the P-MAC and will be broadcast on ESPNU.

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Washington-based Greenberry Industrial is ready to set up shop in Jefferson Davis Parish. The company is taking over the former Gulf Islands Shipyards facility near Jennings. Fabrication Manager Aaron Reeves says the site offers everything that Greenberry was looking for.

Cut 12 (11) “…bare floor up.” 

Reeves said the capable and readily-available workforce in the area was another key factor for Greenberry. Over the next four to six months, the company expects to create 100 new direct jobs with an average salary of $62-thousand, with 144 indirect positions as well.

Cut 13 (07) “…people reaching out.”

Greenberry expects to have the new facility up and running by mid-to-late April, with hiring to ramp up throughout the year. Reeves encourages those looking for work to visit the company’s site in Sulphur in person.

Cut 14 (12)  “…for those jobs.”