Federal agents arrest a Shreveport man who they say possessed the firearm used to kill eight children Sunday. 56-year-old Charles Ford is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and making false statements.

The Justice Department says Ford eventually admitted that Shamar Elkins took the rifle and shot the kids with it. An examination of Elkins’ Facebook page shows that he had been having mental health issues. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the Louisiana office of behavioral health, says if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, call 988.

Cut 3 (09) “…care they need.”

Congressman Cleo Fields took to the House floor this week to express his condolences.

Cut 13 (07) “…this unimaginable grief.”

It is National Work Zone Awareness Week and this year’s theme is “Safe actions save lives.” Louisiana Department of Transportation Secretary Glenn Ledet says every driver has a responsibility to slow down, stay alert, and make safe decisions behind the wheel while driving through a construction zone…

Cut 9 (11)  “…work zones.”

A devastating blow to a teetering LSU baseball team as slugger Jake Brown is out for the year with a broken hamate bone. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Coach Jay Johnson may turn to Freshman William Patrick from Monroe.

Cut 7 (13) “…in the SEC.”

Louisiana’s U.S. House delegation expressed its collective sympathy to the families of the victims of Sunday’s mass murder in Shreveport. House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed the tragedy on the House floor with Cleo Fields, Clay Higgins and Steve Scalise by his side.

Cut 12 (10) “…senseless, unspeakable evil.”

A glimpse of the killer’s Facebook profile establishes that he was experiencing mental health issues prior to the killing spree. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the Louisiana office of behavioral health, says if you’re experiencing emotional issues, you need to reach out to a family member, a trusted friend or to Louisiana 988.

Cut 4 (12) “…and gets worse.”

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week and State Police are asking you to do your part to prevent crashes in work zones. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Police in Baton Rouge make two arrests in connection with the death of a toddler, who was hit by a stray bullet four years ago. 22-year-old Jaden Davis and a juvenile are each charged with first-degree murder. The two were allegedly engaged in a shootout back on April 12th, 2022, when one of the bullets went through a window and hit three-year-old Devin Page Jr. as he was sleeping in his crib.

An examination of the Facebook profile of the Shreveport man who killed his seven children and a nephew Sunday morning shows that he had been struggling with mental health. In light of that, the Louisiana Department of Health is urging you to prioritize your mental health by using Louisiana 988. Holly Howat, the interim assistant secretary of the office of behavioral health, says it’s not just for suicide prevention – it’s for all types of emotional distress.

Cut 3 (09) “…care they need.”

Governor Landry says he’s thinking of everyone affected by the tragedy.

Cut 5 (14) “…City of Shreveport.”

We’re in the midst of Love The Boot Week, during which volunteers take part in cleanup efforts throughout the state. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser mentioned a new law that allows people to anonymously report people who litter, and those litterbugs are then issued tickets. He says those citations are very effective in preventing repeat occurrences of littering.

Cut 9 (05)  “…likely to litter.” 

A devastating blow to an LSU baseball team that’s already teetering as right fielder Jake Brown is done for the season with a broken hamate bone. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says LSU’s offense is already struggling, and now LSU will play the rest of the season without one of its best players.

Cut 6 (10) “…national championship.”

As of right now, LSU isn’t even on the bubble to make the NCAA Tournament.

Out of unspeakable tragedy comes some good. Governor Landry has announced that the Love One Louisiana Foundation, which is led by his wife Sharon, will be paying for the funerals of all eight children killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting.

Cut 4 (14) “…in this world.”

This week is Love The Boot week. It actually got underway Saturday and runs through this Sunday. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says four years ago, he got the legislature to move Keep Louisiana Beautiful under his office.

Cut 7 (09) “…all 64 parishes.”

Throughout the week, more than 28-thousand volunteers will participate in over 12-hundred cleanup and beautification efforts throughout the state.

Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath and Governor Landry say it was a productive meeting as they discussed McMath’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Children and Family Services. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

It’s not far-fetched to say that it’s been a rough title defense for the LSU baseball team, and now the Tigers got a double dose of bad news with season-ending injuries to slugger Jake Brown and pitcher Cooper Moore. The draft-eligible Brown’s hand injury will likely end his career in Baton Rouge, while Moore will medically redshirt due to his arm injury.

Governor Landry makes a generous announcement in Shreveport in the wake of Sunday’s tragedy. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This week is the fifth annual Love The Boot week – the state’s largest litter cleanup and beautification effort. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath and Governor Landry say it was a productive meeting as they discussed McMath’s proposal to dismantle the Department of Children and Family Services. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Out of unspeakable tragedy comes some good. Governor Landry has announced that the Love One Louisiana Foundation, which is led by his wife Sharon, will be paying for the funerals of all eight children killed in Sunday morning’s mass shooting. In making the announcement in Shreveport, Governor Landry said he hopes the gesture will bring some comfort during a very trying time.

Cut 4 (14) “…in this world.”

The First Lady’s foundation also sprung into action following the terror attack on Bourbon Street early New Year’s Day last year. Landry says he’s thinking 0f everyone affected by Sunday’s tragedy, especially the two women who remain in critical condition after being during the rampage carried out by the father of seven of the eight children.

Cut 5 (14) “…City of Shreveport.”

In addition, the Community Foundation of North Louisiana has set up two funds. The CEO is Kristi Gustavson.

Cut 6 (10) “…prevent domestic violence.”

You can learn more or make a donation on the foundation’s website at cfnla-dot-org.

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This week is Love The Boot week. It actually got underway Saturday and runs through this Sunday. This is the fifth year for the initiative; Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says four years years ago, he got the legislature to move Keep Louisiana Beautiful under his office.

Cut 7 (09) “…all 64 parishes.”

Nungesser recalls when he went to a Chamber of Commerce announcement years ago when he was in private business, where he expected the president of Nissan to announce that he was going to build a plant in New Orleans East. What he said instead had a profound effect.

Cut 8 (08) “…employees living here.”

Nungesser mentioned a new law that allows people to anonymously report people who litter, and they’re issued tickets. He says those citations are very effective in preventing repeat occurrences of littering.

Cut 9 (05)  “…likely to litter.”

Throughout the week, more than 28-thousand volunteers will participate in over 12-hundred cleanup and beautification efforts throughout all 64 parishes.

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Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath has met with Governor Landry about revamping the state’s child welfare system. McMath introduced legislation last week that would dismantle the Department of Children and Family Services, moving most of its functions within the Louisiana Department of Health and having State Police run the child abuse hotline.

Cut 10 (06) “…doesn’t exist now.”

McMath is also proposing that the attorney general’s office would handle child support enforcement.

Cut 11 (10) “…abuse and neglect?”

McMath, Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow and other state lawmakers have been critical of DCFS for not taking the proper steps in preventing deaths of several toddlers, despite receiving calls from the public about their safety before they died.

Governor Landry expressed frustration last week about not being informed about McMath’s proposal before he presented it to the Senate Health and Welfare Committee. McMath says since then, he’s had a good meeting with Landry and DCFS Secretary Rebecca Harris, and the plan is to pass legislation that dramatically changes how the state handles child welfare problems.

Cut 12 (05) “…change is necessary.”

Senate Health and Welfare meets tomorrow, and it’s possible it will vote on McMath’s bill at that time, or it could wait until next week.

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If you drive a pickup truck in this state, this is the week when you will want to especially make sure that you’re wearing your seatbelt. That’s because this week is “Buckle Up In Your Truck Week,” which is an extension of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over initiative. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission says the name of the week-long enforcement period is self-explanatory.

Cut 13 (14)  “…numbers this week.”

Fischer says they’re taking a week to single out pickup trucks because the latest survey shows that almost one of every five pickup truck drivers in Louisiana do not wear their seatbelts.

Cut 14 (09) “…for whatever reason.”

Fischer says that may explain the disproportionate percentage of unrestrained pickup truck drivers who die in crashes.

Cut 15 (13) “…wearing their belts.”

Pickup truck drivers pulled over for not wearing their seatbelts this week will be issued 50-dollar tickets.

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LSU baseball was swept for the second straight SEC series over the weekend, getting outscored 22-8 by Texas A&M. With the team’s recent struggles this season, head coach Jay Johnson says his philosophy will undergo some changes in the near future.

Cut 16 (20) “…a big way.”

LSU leads the SEC in wild pitches with 59 on the season, which is 21 more than the second-most in the conference. Johnson says both the pitchers and catchers have to do a better job of limiting them.

Cut 17 (12)  “…on a positive.”

The Tigers haven’t missed the postseason since 2011, but they now find themselves in real jeopardy of missing the NCAA Tournament, sitting at just 6-and-12 in SEC play. The typical mark to reach the postseason is around 13 conference wins, putting added pressure on LSU to pick up key victories down the stretch. Johnson still believes there’s a chance his team can turn things around.

Cut 18 (13)  “…and help guys.”

The Tigers look to get back on track against UNO tonight at 6:30 p.m.

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UL-Lafayette dropped two of three games to Troy over the weekend. Coach Matt Deggs says the outcome came down to a few missed opportunities, including a misplayed ball in the outfield that sparked a five-run sixth inning for the Trojans in Friday’s 7-6 loss.

Cut 19 (16) “…with the series.”

The Cajuns look to get back in the win column tonight when they host Grambling at 6 p.m.

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ULM baseball has now dropped its last three Sun Belt series. The Warhawks lost two of three games to Arkansas State over the weekend and managed just six runs across the entire series. Coach Ford Pemberton says his team needs to get back to being more disciplined at the plate.

Cut 20 (10) “…in some moments.”

ULM is at Northwestern State tonight. First pitch is set for six p.m.

Investigators say the man who shot eight kids, including seven of his own, to death was suffering from mental health issues, including PTSD. Shreveport Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says 31-year-old Shemar Elkins shot his wife inside one home, then went into another home and shot a woman and eight children. Bordelon says a ninth child was able to escape.

Cut 5 (05) “…to get away.”

Shreveport officers later shot Elkins to death following a chase that ended in Bossier City.

This tragedy is also shining a massive spotlight on domestic violence that continues to plague the entire country. State Senator Sam Jenkins, whose district includes the location where the shooting occurred, said there needs to be a proactive approach to ending the cycle of domestic violence.

Cut 23 (09) “…witnessed here today.”

The Louisiana House last week approved a budget proposal that doubles the funding of the LA GATOR scholarship program. That’s the state’s voucher program that mainly serves low-income families, providing state tax dollars for children to attend a private school. Senate President Cameron Henry continues to oppose doubling the size of LA GATOR.

Cut 13 (08)  “…year just because.”

But Governor Jeff Landry said on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana that one of his main objectives is to provide more options for parents who have children with disabilities.

Cut 16 (15) “…decide to do.”

The Senate will discuss the budget for the next several weeks; the legislature has until June 1st to get it onto Landry’s desk.

It’s the worst mass murder in the U.S. in more than two years. Eight children were shot to death in Shreveport early yesterday morning – seven were siblings, and an eighth was a cousin. Shreveport Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says 31-year-old Shemar Elkins first went into a home on Harrison Street and shot his wife inside. 

Cut 6 (08) “…will pull through.”

Then Elkins went into a home on West 79th Street a short distance away and shot another woman before shooting all eight children execution-style. Shreveport Police later shot Elkins dead following a chase that ended in Bossier City.

Caddo Parish Commissioner Ronald Cothran told a news conference yesterday that this tragedy is further proof that domestic violence remains a major problem across the country, and something needs to be done to break the cycle.

Cut 9 (06)  “…expect different results.”

The state legislature is working to create a pilot program, so veterans and others dealing with PTSD, chronic depression or substance abuse can take advantage of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

On the heels of the success of the Artemis Two mission will come an Artemis Three mission next year – and once again, New Orleans will have something to do with it. Today, NASA rolls out the largest section of the rocket that will launch the mission’s astronauts to the moon – and, once again, that rocket is being built at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.

Tragedy in Shreveport over the weekend as eight children are shot to death in the country’s worst mass murder in more than two years. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (51) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state legislature is working to create a pilot program, so veterans and others dealing with PTSD, chronic depression or substance abuse can take advantage of psychedelic-assisted therapy. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Now that the House has sent the budget to the Senate, the debate over funding for the LA GATOR scholarship program will intensify. Jeanne Burns has the story.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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It’s the worst mass murder in the U.S. in more than two years. Eight children were shot to death in Shreveport early yesterday morning – seven were siblings, and an eighth was a cousin. Shreveport Police Corporal Christopher Bordelon says the three boys and five girls range in age from three to 11 years old.

Cut 4 (08) “…is Shamar Elkins.”

(The shooter has been identified as 31-year-old Shamar Elkins.) Bordelon says a ninth child was able to escape.

Cut 5 (05) “…to get away.”

Bordelon says Elkins first went into a home on Harrison Street and shot his wife inside.

Cut 6 (08) “…will pull through.”

Then Elkins went into a home on West 79th Street a short distance away and shot another woman before shooting all eight children execution-style.

While the investigation is in the early stages, we’re learning that this stemmed from an argument related to the separation Elkins had been going through with his wife; in fact, the two were scheduled to have a court hearing today. Shreveport Police officers chased Elkins to a neighborhood in Bossier City following a carjacking, where officers shot and killed him.

The Caddo Parish coroner’s office says all eight victims were identified by their mothers:

• Jayla Elkins, 3
• Shayla Elkins, 5
• Kayla Pugh, 6
• Layla Pugh, 7
• Markaydon Pugh, 10
• Braylon Snow, 5
• Khedarrion Snow, 6
• Sariahh Snow, 11

The tragedy has shaken the entire Shreveport community to the core. Shreveport Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor was especially emotional.

Cut 7 (13) “…and I’m sorry.”

State Representative Tammy Phelps, whose district includes the location where this incident occurred, says this tragedy is gut-wrenching for the entire community, especially those who were called to the scene.

Cut 8 (16) “…mentally as well.”

Caddo Parish Commissioner Ronald Cothran says this is further proof that domestic violence remains a major problem in Shreveport, in Louisiana and all across the country, and something needs to be done to break the cycle.

Cut 9 (06)  “…expect different results.”

Shreveport Police will be holding a news conference later today to give an update on the investigation into this tragedy.

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The Louisiana Senate has approved legislation that could allow veterans and others suffering from PTSD and chronic depression to have access to psychedelic-assisted therapy. Mandeville Senator Patrick McMath’s legislation would provide opioid settlement dollars to academic health centers to conduct clinical studies to determine if alternative treatments such as psilocybin (sigh-lo-SIGH-bin) and ibogaine (ib-OH-guh-een) work.

Cut 10 (10) “…is also treatment.”

Ibogaine and psilocybin are classified as Schedule One drugs, so they are federally illegal. But McMath says these psychedelics are used in other countries, and there is an over 90-percent success rate when it comes to treating PTSD, chronic depression, and heroin and alcohol dependency.

Cut 11 (09) “…is a cleansing.”

Major General Glenn Curtis, the former leader of the Louisiana National Guard, traveled to Tijuana, Mexico, along with his son, who suffered two head injuries during his military service, and he couldn’t believe the results after taking ibogaine.

Cut 12 (09) “…lease on life.”

The Trump administration has taken notice, as the President signed an executive order to review ibogaine and other psychedelics. McMath’s bill is waiting to be heard in the House.

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The Louisiana House has approved a budget proposal that doubles the funding of the LA GATOR scholarship program. It is the state’s voucher program that mainly serves low-income families, providing state tax dollars for children to attend a private school. Senate President Cameron Henry continues to oppose doubling the size of LA GATOR.

Cut 13 (08)  “…year just because.”

But Governor Jeff Landry said on WRKF’s Talk Louisiana that the public wants to see the program expand, because it will give more parents, more options…

Cut 14 (07) “…a ZIP code.”

Henry says LA GATOR is only a year old, and the state should see whether the students in the program are improving academically and whether the state is receiving what it’s spending on the vendors who run the program.

Cut 15 (07) “…done by odyessy.”

Landry says one of his main objectives is to provide more options for parents who have children with disabilities.

Cut 16 (15) “…decide to do.”

The Senate will spend the next several weeks discussing the budget.

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The LSU Tigers were swept for a second consecutive time in SEC play for the first time since 2021 as Texas A&M dominated the Bayou Bengals, outscoring them 22-8. Ole Miss swept LSU the weekend before in Oxford, and Coach Jay Johnson knew this part of the schedule would be difficult.

Cut 17 (17)  “…that storm coming.”

On Sunday, LSU lost five to two as the Tiger hitters were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, and Zac Cowan gave up four runs in two and two-thirds innings. LSU is now 6-and-12 in SEC play, but Johnson is not giving up on the season and expects the players to keep fighting.

Cut 18 (12)  “…that to them.”

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This is the final week of spring practice for LSU, and one of the more notable performers has been running back Dilin Jones, who has moved to the top of the depth chart.  Jones was Wisconsin’s starting running back last season before his year was cut short by turf toe. He says his decision to come to LSU, despite the Tigers already having a crowded running back room, came down to the coaching staff.

Cut 19 (16) “…why not LSU?”

Jones says he brings a variety of skills to the Tigers’ offense and running back room.

Cut 20 (14) “…is there too.”

A shipyard in Belle Chasse will build four new tugboats for Woodside Energy, which is building a 17-billion-dollar LNG terminal in Calcasieu Parish. Green Tug Towing will build the tugboats at C-and-C Marine and Repair in Plaquemines Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Governor Landry encourages Louisiana businesses to do business with other Louisiana companies.

Cut 14 (06) “…and workforce.”

New Orleans is slated to host LIV Golf in June, but there’s a chance the circuit might not survive until then. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly on the verge of cutting funding for LIV Golf, putting its future in jeopardy. Senate President Cameron Henry says the state has allocated seven-million dollars towards the event and has already given LIV Golf one-million of its five-million-dollar hosting fee.

Cut 12 (06) “…chase it down.”

The House Education Committee votes down a bill that would have removed the requirement that students receive the meningitis vaccine. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

In a unanimous decision, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that lawsuits filed by coastal governments against the oil and gas industry for coastal erosion must be heard in federal court. Chevron had appealed a verdict in state court ordering it to pay 740-million dollars to clean up damage to the coastline.

The House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove the meningitis vaccine from the list of shots a student 11 years or older is required to receive. Houma Republican Beryl Amedee authored the legislation and says parents should have the final say on whether their child receives this vaccine…

Cut 3 (12) “…mandate”

After finishing second in yesterday’s NCAA Semifinals, LSU gymnastics will look to capture its second national championship in three seasons tomorrow. Sophomore Kaliya Lincoln says the Tigers must continue to rely on what they’ve done all season.

Cut 9 (10)  “…no matter what.”

Woodside Energy has contracted with a Louisiana company that will design and construct four new tugboats at a shipyard in Belle Chasse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU-Ole Miss exchange program is alive and well. The latest to move from one to the other is former Lady Tiger Jada Richard. The guard started 34 games for LSU this past season, averaging nine and a half points per game.