It’s a day to be weather aware across Louisiana. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says a very strong line of storms is marching in from Texas…
Cut 10 (09) “…isolated tornadoes.”
A tornado watch is in effect until two o’clock PM, The watch box extends from Oak Grove to Lake Charles and it also covers Alexandria, Leesville, and Lafayette. The Shreveport-Bossier area is reporting several road closures because of high water.

At the state capitol today, a Senate committee will discuss a bill that would create the crime of theft of a catalytic converter. Thieves are stealing catalytic converters because they contain precious metals that have risen in price. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says the legislation is similar to the one that addresses copper theft in which the seller’s identification has to be recorded during a sale…
cut 8 (10) “….definitely help”
The meeting begins at 10 AM.

A great season for the LSU women’s basketball team came to an end last night as Ohio State eliminated the Lady Tigers 79-64 in the second round of the women’s basketball tournament.

Meanwhile, LSU has a new men’s basketball coach. David Grubb has more on the next coach to lead the Tigers on the hardwood…
cut 3 (30) “…I’m David Grubb”

Louisiana Tech needs a new head coach as Eric Konkol is leaving after seven seasons to be the new head coach at Tulsa. While Northwestern State has hired its new men’s basketball coach. Missouri State associate head coach Corey Gipson replaces Mike McConathy.

A strong storm system that spawned several tornadoes across central Texas is making its way towards Louisiana. Heavy rainfall has already fallen across northwest Louisiana, flooding streets. The greatest chance for severe weather stretches from Lake Charles to Alexandria, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, and Ferriday.

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.”

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 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.

A special season for the LSU Lady Tigers ended last night as they lost to Ohio State 79-64 in the second round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. But the men’s program has a new head coach. Matt McMahon comes to LSU after seven successful seasons as the head coach at Murray State. 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.

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.”

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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.”

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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”

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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.”