At the State Capitol today, a proposal to double speeding fines on the 18-mile I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge received Senate committee approval today. Jeff Palermo reports cameras could be used to catch speeders…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says three tornados impacted Caddo & Bossier parishes during storms that blew through last night. SWEPCO says tens of thousands of homes and businesses lost power. They say it could take until late Friday night to restore power to everyone in the area.

A Lafayette teen is in critical condition and fighting for her life after being shot last night, and the suspected trigger man has – himself – been shot and killed by police. Lafayette PD spokesperson Sgt. Robin Green says a neighbor of the 13-year-old victim heard the gunshots…:

CUT 03(06)      “…called 9-1-1”

Police went to arrest 18-year-old Trevon Bonner for the crime, but he fired at them. They returned fire; killing him. State Police investigate all officer-involved shootings, and are doing so now.

The state House unanimously passes a bill requiring healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and screen women for post-partum depression. In support, Caddo Parish Representative Larry Bagley, who lost his own wife to post-partum depression…:

CUT 08(08)      “…that existence is.”

The bill moves over the Senate now, for committee review.

A 13-year-old Lafayette girl is clinging to life, after she was shot last night. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says they are investigating because the suspect in the case was shot dead by LPD officers just hours after the crime. Gossen says cops went to 18-year-old Trevon Bonner’s home to arrest him, but he fired on them…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…his injuries.”

At the Capitol, the Senate Transportation Committee approves a bill that would double the fine for a speeding ticket on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which means the penalty would be 350-dollars. Senate President Page Cortez says speeding is a major issue on the bridge that connects Lafayette and Baton Rouge..:

CUT 09(12)      “…standing still.”

The legislation would also double the fine for those who “camp out” in the left lane. It now goes to the House floor.

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says three tornados impacted Caddo & Bossier parishes during storms that blew through last night. On the opposite corner of the state, in St. Tammany Parish, the heavy storms and high winds caused the roof of a Covington restaurant to cave in. No one is reported seriously hurt.

Legislation to increase awareness and require screenings of postpartum depression passes in the Louisiana House. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner was killed after an exchange of gunfire with police. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says Bonner barricaded himself inside his residence. Green says a neighbor of a female victim heard the original gunshots.

Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”
She is listed in critical condition and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. Robin Gruenfeld with the New Orleans March of Dimes says House Bill 784 is about preventing infant and maternal mortality, and that postpartum depression is more common than you think.

Cut 7 (05) “…in five (x2).” 

It now heads to Senate Health and Welfare.

Two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients during natural disasters pass unanimously in Senate Health and Welfare. Senate Bill 33 requires all long-term care facilities to have adequate generator power. Mark Berger, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association says while most facilities have generators large enough to support their heating and cooling systems…

Cut 10 (07) “…their peers.”

Senate Bill 167 tasks the State Fire Marshal’s Office with the inspection of nursing home evacuation plans.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. wants to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly.

Cut 16 (11)  “…first for me.”
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt along with other members of Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it flutters to the Senate floor.

The New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the San Antonio Spurs last night, 113-103. CJ McCollum did his part, scoring a game-high 32 points for the Pels. Since his arrival, he has embraced his role as a veteran leader and has embraced the city of New Orleans. He told fans last night that this is just the beginning.

Cut 13 (12) “…in our future.”

The Pelicans travel to LA to face the Clippers on Friday, with the winner advancing to the Western Conference playoffs.

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Rob Nelson, CEO of Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer says due to some supply challenges, the company worked overtime to make and distribute its delicious wares. Even if the supply is a little light this Easter season, the demand has remained high.

Cut 8 (09)  “…our area here.”

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A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says House Bill 784 was written with input from a task force studying maternal mental health.

Cut 6 (10) “…our children.”

The bill now advances to Senate Health and Welfare.

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In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, was killed hours later after an exchange of gunfire with police at his home. State Police Trooper Thomas Gossen says LSP is overseeing the investigation of the use of force and reviewing body camera footage involving the SWAT team and the exchange of gunfire with Bonner.

Cut 5 (08) “…into the home.”

Lafayette Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them.

State Police are now investigating an officer-involved shooting death of a suspect who hours earlier was allegedly involved in the attempted murder of a 13-year-old female in Lafayette. Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police were trying to serve a high-risk arrest warrant to suspect 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, he barricaded himself inside his home.

Cut 4  (08) “…his injuries.”

The female victim is listed in critical condition at a local hospital.

After a 1-12 start and no Zion Williamson this season yet still, the New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the Spurs last night, 113-103. Brandon Ingram was riding high after the win…

Cut 12 (10) “…it’s a blessing.” 

The Pels play Friday in Los Angeles.

Be on the lookout for new political ads urging public support for getting a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge under construction.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer has been producing sweets for almost two centuries, but this year has presented some challenges while they ramped up for Easter, says CEO Rob Nelson.

Cut 7 (11) “…pecan egg supply.”

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner was killed after an exchange of gunfire with police. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says Bonner barricaded himself inside his residence. Green says a neighbor of a female victim heard the original gunshots.
Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”
She is listed in critical condition and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

Senate Health and Welfare has approved a bill that addresses what happened in Tangipahoa Parish when hundreds of nursing home residents were sent to a warehouse during Hurricane Ida. Covington Senator Patrick McMath on a measure that would require the State Fire Marshal to approve nursing home evacuation plans…
cut 12 (10) “…State Fire Marshal”
The bill is heading to the Senate floor.

There are many Easter baskets filled with Elmer’s Chocolate which is made in Ponchatoula. CEO Rob Nelson says a corn starch shortage limited production of the Heavenly Hash Eggs and there were also fewer pecans, so that affect their Pecan Eggs. Nelson says supply is a little light this year, but demand is high as the confectionary business has done well during the COVID pandemic….
cut 8 (09) “…our area here”

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey Junior has a bill to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the state butterfly….
cut 15 (06) “….studies butterflies”
Cathey says the Gulf Fritillary is the state’s only indigenous butterfly and filed the bill at the request of a constituent. The legislation is heading to the Senate floor.

After 850 nursing home residents were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida and 15 died as a result, the legislature is responding with two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients. St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills’ bill requires all long-term care facilities to have adequate generator power. Mills says failure to comply could result in the health department pulling certification.

Cut  11 (09)  “…that license.”  

And River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot’s bill tasks the State Fire Marshal’s Office with inspections of nursing home evacuation plans. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office supports the bill and they are ready to assist.

Cut 13 (04) “…a lot easier.”

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association also supports two bills. Both bills advance to the Senate.

West Baton Rouge Parish Senator Rick Ward has a new 30-second TV ad urging public support for funding a new I-10 Mississippi River bridge at Baton Rouge. The Port Allen Republican says the billion in one-time federal money is coming to the state from the Infrastructure Law. He says $500-million needs to be earmarked ONLY for the bridge, and other infrastructure projects. And if those who see the video agree…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…so we can get it done.”

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer has been producing sweets for nearly two centuries, and many Easter baskets will be filled with their creations with weekend. While you might have a favorite Elmer treat, CEO Rob Nelson says it always comes down to two staples.

Cut 9 (09)  “…popular pieces.”

Two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients during natural disasters pass unanimously in Senate Health and Welfare. Senate Bill 33 requires all long-term care facilities to have generator power. Mark Berger, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association says while most facilities have generators large enough to support their heating and cooling systems…
Cut 10 (07) “…their peers.”
Berger estimates about two dozen facilities do not meet the standards outlined in the bill. Also moving to the Senate floor is a bill that puts the State Fire Marshal in charge of approving nursing home evacuation plans.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. wants to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly.
Cut 16 (11) “…first for me”
Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it heads to the Senate floor.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward has released a 30-second campaign commercial. He’s not asking voters for their vote, but to call their local legislator and demand they approve a proposal to put 500-million dollars towards a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge…
cut 6 (08) “…projects”
But some lawmakers would like to use that 500-million dollars elsewhere.

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer Chocolate has been producing sweets since 1855, but the last year has presented some challenges in meeting the demand for Easter. CEO Rob Nelson…
Cut 7 (11) “…pecan egg supply.”
Nelson says supply is a little light this year, but demand is high as the confectionary business has done well during the COVID pandemic.