The Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

This is our first Easter weekend without social restrictions since the pandemic started in 2020. LSU Chair of Religious studies Dr. Mike Pasquier…:

CUT 03  (07)        “…two years.”

State Police arrest a 60-year-old man for a terrible February crash on I-10 in Metairie that killed one and seriously injured another. Trooper Kate Stegall says Manuel Llorens was looking at his cellphone when he slammed into two vehicles already stopped due to a fender bender. Trooper Stegall says we should avoid using phones or ANY distractions while driving – even eating…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…the roadway.”

The crash took the life of 49-year-old Chad James of Thibodaux.

Look out for some possibly rough weather over the Easter weekend. Chances for showers and thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday are pretty good, so be prepared.

And speaking of prepared, have you prepared your 2021 federal income taxes? Because today is a Good Friday, the April 15^th deadline is pushed back to Monday, the 18^th, at midnight.

New Orleans Police say a carjacker is recovering from a gunshot, after his intended victim shot HIM in the neck. The 48-year-old man says, when the armed suspects approached him last night & demanded his car, he threw his keys, took cover and drew his own gun; firing one shot. The other suspect fled on foot.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

The full Senate passes a bill that would allow certified-but-retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage. Bossier City Republican Senator Barrow Peacock successfully amended the bill so that colleges can also re-hire retired nursing instructors with at least 30 years of service…:

CUT 11(09)      “…health care too.”

After being restricted by the COVID pandemic for two straight years, many folks are happy to get out and enjoy Easter Sunday church services again this year.  LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says the feeling of a return to normalcy is most welcome…:

CUT 05(11)      “…to a lot of people.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces five homeowner’s insurance providers now face fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars, based on their business practices in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…:

CUT 12(08)      “…improper activities.”

Donelon says the five companies so badly slow-walked claims that many customers had to hire a lawyer to get satisfaction. They are Union Property & Casualty, GeoVera, FedNat, Maison and Allied Trust.

A Jefferson Parish man is arrested for a February crash on I-10 in Metairie that killed one person and badly hurt another. State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says Manuel Llorens was fiddling with his phone at the time of the wreck, and is charged with negligent homicide. She says don’t ever do what he did…:

CUT 07(11)      “…your eyes closed.”

As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says he hopes the collection plate will be heavier than in years past, with more people in the pews…:

CUT 04(11)      “…and donations.”

The past two Easters saw cancelled services, virtual services and generally fewer people taking part, due to the pandemic.

LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal says he will pay for funeral expenses for the 3-year-old Baton Rouge child who was killed this week, when stray gunfire in the street penetrated his house. Little Devin Page Jr. was shot in the head. BRPD is investigating and asking for info from the public.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Lafayette Wednesday night. Spokesman Trooper Tom Gossen says Lafayette PD were seeking to arrest 18-year-old Travon Bonner for the shooting of a 13-year-old girl earlier that evening. When he fired upon them, they returned fire; killing him. Gossen says LSP is going over testimony and body cam footage of the incident…:

CUT 05  (08)        “…into the home.”

Bonner’s alleged victim is in critical condition in a Lafayette hospital.

A bill that would double speeding fines along the 18-mile I-10 Atchafalya Basin Bridge clears the Senate Transportation committee. The measure also allows using cameras to catch speeders. DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson is in support…:

CUT 10  (09)        “…it slows you down.”

The bill moves the Senate floor.

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

CUT 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The National Weather Service in Shreveport says at least three tornados impacted Bossier & Caddo parishes during fierce storms last night; all within 4 miles of one another. So far no one is reported seriously hurt, but SWEPCO says the storms killed power for tens of thousands of homes and businesses. It could be as late as Friday night before electricity is restored for all affected.

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 Baton Rouge, a three-year-old boy was killed while sleeping in his bed Tuesday night, after shots were fired outside his home; some penetrating the walls. BRPD Sgt L’Jean McKneely says little Devin Page Jr was killed around 11 last night…:

CUT 03(12)      “…the home.”

Police ask anyone with knowledge of who did the shooting to come forward.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy has raised $5-million in the first quarter of this year, for a total of over $14-million in his warchest. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says add to that national support from GOP members and out-of-state PACs and his campaign cash goes even further…:

CUT 12(11)      “…promoting himself.”

Kennedy has not – so far – drawn a well-funded Democrat opponent, with statewide name recognition.

Is legalized marijuana on the horizon for Louisiana? New poll results may surprise you. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 01(33)      “…David Grubb.”

Today marks one year since the Seacor Power lift boat disaster, in which 6 crewmen died. & 7 are still missing and presumed dead. The crew boat owned by Seacor Marine was hit by a sudden microburst storm packing 70-mile-an-hour winds that capsized the craft in the Gulf south of Port Fourchon.

A House committee approves a bill that would give the Legislature the ability to end certain portions of a governor’s emergency executive order.  The measure is in response to the governor’s public health orders during the COVID pandemic that placed restrictions on businesses. Many of them closed for good. Bill sponsor and Abita Springs Republican Larry Frieman says there needs to be checks and balances in state government…:

CUT 15(11)      “…checks and balances system.”

Opposition to the bill feel it would eliminate separation of powers.

Would lawmakers ever legalize recreational marijuana in the state? Public opinion has shifted on the subject; with almost 60-percent of a UNO survey saying they’d be OK with that, a 22-percent increase from just 54 years ago. A bill decriminalizing weed on a federal level is moving now through Congress.

Today marks one year since the Seacor Power lift boat disaster, in which 6 crewmen died. & 7 are still missing and presumed dead. The crew boat owned by Seacor Marine was hit by a sudden microburst storm packing 70-mile-an-hour winds that capsized the craft in the Gulf south of Port Fourchon.

Senator John Kennedy has raised over $5-million in the first three months of this year; bringing his total re-election funds to something just over $14-million. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Kennedy is heavily predicted to win another term this fall, but he is also smart enough to be prepared given the current political divide in DC…:

CUT 11(09)      “…millions of dollars.”

So far no Democrat with statewide name recognition has announced intent to challenge Kennedy this fall.

A tornado watch is in effect for parishes in northwestern Louisiana until 10 o’clock tonight. Be on alert for any further severe weather notices.

Police in Baton Rouge seek the person or persons who fired shots into a home Tuesday night; killing a three-year-old child as he slept in his bed. BRPD spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says little Devin Page Jr. was not the intended target, but lost his life nevertheless…:

CUT 04(11)      “…three-year-old.”

Police ask anyone with knowledge of who did it to contact them.

U.S. Senator John Kennedy has raised more than $5-million in the first quarter of this year, for a total of $14-million in his re-election campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the dollar signs are indicative of Kennedy’s ability to raise money…:

CUT 10(10)      “…he’s very popular with.”

So far Democrats Gary Chambers and Luke Mixon have announced their intent to run against Kennedy.

Is legalized marijuana in Louisiana’s future? Results of new public polling may surprise you. Here’s David Grubb…:

CUT 01(33)      “…David Grubb.”

More than 34-thousand homes & businesses in Shreveport-Bossier are without power after heavy storms hit the area. Here’s SWEPCO’s Carey Sullivan…:

CUT 05(12)      “…and dangerous.”

Most all of northwest Louisiana is under tornado WATCH until 5.

Is Louisiana headed in the “wrong direction?” A new LSU public opinion poll indicates two-thirds of us think, “yes.” Jeff Palermo reports…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Jeff Palermo.”

State Police say an Ascension Parish man was killed last night when – for reasons unknown – he stopped his car in the middle of westbound Interstate 10 and got out. 39-year-old Kyle Ripple was struck by two separate vehicles. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Why he stopped in the middle of a travel lane instead of pulling over is not yet known.

More than three years after the shooting death of LSU basketball player Wayde Sims, 23-year-old Dyteon Simpson of Baker has been convicted of second-degree murder. Video of the shooting was critical to the case, as jurors saw the fatal confrontation from multiple angles. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore applauded his prosecutors for their work and thanked the jury for reaching a guilty verdict…:

CUT 03(12)      “…actually was.”

Simpson faces a mandatory life sentence.

At the Capitol, a bill that would have forbidden grocers and other shops from bagging your goods in those familiar plastic bags was pulled from consideration, after the bill sponsor received a lot of pushback from committee members and citizens – like grocery store owner Brandon Trosclair, who feels the bill unfairly singles out grocers as a primary source of litter…:

CUT 07(09)      “…the place.”