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.

The House Education Committee votes down a bill that would have removed the meningitis vaccine from the list of vaccines students 11 years old and older are required to receive. Baton Rouge pediatrician Doctor Mikki Bouquet (Boo-tay) told the committee about the benefits of the vaccine.

Cut 6 (10) “…very effective.”

That, and other testimony, was enough for eight of the 12 committee members to vote no on advancing the bill.

A shipyard in Belle Chasse will build four new tugboats for Woodside Energy, who is building a 17-billion-dollar LNG terminal in Calcasieu Parish. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this is what they want to see, a business operating in one part of the state, providing jobs and opportunity in another area of the state.

Cut 13 (09) “…supposed to work.”

New Orleans is scheduled to host a LIV Golf tournament in June, but the circuit is apparently on shaky ground. Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reportedly on the verge of cutting funding for LIV Golf, putting its eight remaining tournaments in 2026 in jeopardy. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the state has allocated seven-million dollars on the tournament and has spent three-million of it.

Cut 11 (08) “…to use that.”

LSU gymnastics will try to win its second national championship in three years tomorrow. Head coach Jay Clark says yesterday’s performance wasn’t the Tigers’ best, but the team plans to move on and refocus ahead of the national title meet.

Cut 7 (12) “…do the thing.”

Students enrolling in school in Louisiana will still be required to get the meningitis vaccine, after the House Education Committee votes down an attempt to remove it from the list of required shots. The CDC says meningococcal disease has increased sharply since 2001, and Baton Rouge pediatrician Dr. Mikki Bouquet (Boo-tay) says just last month there was a deadly outbreak in the U-K…

Cut 4 (11) “…kids died”

The bill’s author, Houma Republican Beryl Amedee, pressed Bouquet about possible side effects from receiving the meningitis vaccine.

Cut 5 (06) “…very effective.”

Meningococcal disease leads to meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain and spinal cord, and it can also produce blood infections. Up to 15-percent of the cases can be fatal.

New Orleans is scheduled to host LIV Golf in June – but rumors are swirling that 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. State Senate President Cameron Henry says the state has allocated seven-million dollars to the tournament.

Cut 10 (05) “…for the tournament.”

Henry says the worst-case scenario is that City Park gets a 2.2-million-dollar upgrade and the state goes after LIV Golf for the one-million dollars of the hosting fee it’s already paid.

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.”

We are one month away from the May 16th primary. Jeanne Burns spoke to a local political strategist about the U.S. Senate Republican primary.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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West Monroe Senator Jay Morris has a bill that would allow the legislature to pursue a civil lawsuit against an elected official it wants ousted because of malfeasance or gross misconduct. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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College-bound seniors statewide will start receiving emails giving them direction as to which in-state schools they should be applying to. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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We are a month away from the May 16th election, and the U.S. Senate Republican Party primary will continue to heat up with the three major candidates having millions of dollars to spend. Political strategist Mary-Patricia Wray says polling earlier this year showed a large group of undecided voters, but that’s starting to change.

Cut 4 (10) “…pick a candidate.”

Incumbent Bill Cassidy faces two tough opponents as he seeks a third term in office. Cassidy lost a lot of support from within the Republican Party when he voted to convict then-former President Trump during his second impeachment trial in 2021. Wray says despite Cassidy’s high negatives, there is good chance he makes the run-off.

Cut 5 (12) “…vote for him (2x).”

Julia Letlow and John Fleming are Cassidy’s two main challengers. Wray says the candidates will by vying for votes from Acadiana, north Louisiana and the Baton Rouge-Northshore suburbs. She says voter turnout is expected to be high in those areas due to a lot of Republican voters and competitive down-ballot races.

Cut 6 (10) “…next four weeks.”

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A bill heading to the Senate floor would set up a process for the Louisiana legislature to use the courts to remove a public official from office for malfeasance or gross misconduct. Under the bill by West Monroe Senator Jay Morris, it would take a two-thirds vote by either the House or Senate for a lawsuit to be filed.

Cut 7 (09) “…easier to prove.”

Senate Bill 425 passed on a four to three vote. Democrats oppose the measure; Baton Rouge Senator Larry Selders expressed concern that a politician could be ousted based solely on accusations of wrongdoing.

Cut 8 (09) “…they’re not convicted.”

Morris did not provide any specific case of misconduct that led to him filing the bill. But he says there are mayors who have been involved in serious scandals, and nothing is done for a long time.

Cut 9 (09)  “…for good governance.”

New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says with Republicans holding a super majority in the House and the Senate, the G-O-P could use this method to get of Democratic officials it didn’t like.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Senate side.”

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High school seniors across the state considering which colleges to apply to will now get personalized emails steering them in the right direction. The Board of Regents is joining forces with public colleges and universities, higher education systems and college-access organizations in this venture. Tristan Denley, the deputy commissioner of academic affairs and innovation at the Board of Regents, says these are not form letters; these are prepared specifically for each recipient.

Cut 11 (11) “…to apply for.”

Denley says the goal is to take the confusion out of what is already a very daunting task.

Cut 12 (11) “…across the state.”

Denley says the emails are tailored to each student to let them know which schools he or she is best suited to apply for – and that goes for schools of all levels of selectiveness.

Cut 13 (13)  “…about those too.”

This venture builds on a pilot program that was launched in 2024; it now expands statewide.

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Fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon is one of the surprising stories at LSU’s spring practice. Bordelon has been a career backup at LSU; but with a new coaching staff, he’s moved to the top of the depth chart at left guard.

Cut 14 (11) “…just start new.”

His father, Ben Bordelon, was an All-SEC lineman for the Tigers in the 1990s, so for Bo Bordelon to be playing at LSU means a lot, and he didn’t think about transferring anywhere else.

Cut 15 (14) “…off for LSU.”

Media members who cover LSU football thought Ole Miss transfer and former Calvary Baptist star Devin Harper would be a starting guard; but so far, Bordelon is outplaying him.

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After winning two out of three against 10th ranked Southern Miss last weekend, the Cajuns are at Troy this weekend for a three-game series. At the halfway point of the Sun Belt Schedule, U-L Lafayette is 6-and-9 in conference play. Coach Matt Deggs believes his team is capable of making a move towards the top of the Sun Belt standings.

Cut 16 (15) “…think they’re close.”

Right-hander Cody Brasch will make his second career start on the mound this evening. Andrew Herrmann will start tomorrow’s game.

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The LSU Tigers are looking to play better baseball this weekend as they host 10th ranked Texas A-and-M. The Aggies are 28-7 overall and 9-5 in the SEC after failing to make the NCAA Tournament last season for the first time since 2021. Coach Jay Johnson says the Aggies have stayed away from the injuries this season.

Cut 17 (18)  “…they’re really good.”

In LSU’s recent wins, they’ve shown the ability to come from behind. but Johnson doesn’t want to rely on late inning rallies to win.

Cut 18 (15)  “…to be played.”

First pitch tonight is six p-m, and the game will be shown on ESPN.

The House approved a budget proposal before taking off for the weekend. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the 47-billion-dollar budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1st will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

The House’s budget proposal contains the funding Governor Landry is seeking for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. But Senate leaders oppose Landry’s proposal to double the funding for the program that provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.

Other highlights of the budget bill include 125-million dollars to Louisiana Economic Development for new projects and 50-million dollars to replenish a fund to face future emergencies, such as hurricanes.

A bill heading to the Senate floor would set up a process for the Louisiana Legislature to use the courts to remove a public official from office for malfeasance or gross misconduct. West Monroe Senator Jay Morris is proposing that the Legislature can file a civil lawsuit to oust an official and it would take a two-thirds vote by either the House or Senate for the lawsuit to be filed.

Cut 7 (09) “…easier to prove.”

Senate Bill 425 passed on a four to three vote. Democrats oppose the measure; New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says with Republicans holding a super majority in the House and the Senate, the G-O-P could use this method to get rid of Democratic officials they didn’t like.

Cut 10 (09) “…the Senate side.”

Before lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

In the race for the G-O-P nomination for U.S. Senate, Bill Cassidy has a huge lead with more than seven-million dollars cash on hand. Julia Letlow has more than 2.275-million, while John Fleming has more than 2.2-million after loaning himself 10-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Inmates preparing to be released from prison or jail will get health coverage through Medicaid under a new state policy. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these people are much less likely to go back to jail.

Cut 8 (08) “…once they leave.”

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

The House approved a budget proposal before taking off for the weekend. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the 47-billion-dollar budget proposal will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

According to first quarter campaign finance reports, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand in the G-O-P U.S. Senate race with more than seven-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, with Cassidy being an incumbent.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million.

Louisiana launches a plan to provide soon-to-be-released inmates with health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Landry says this initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for those with mental health and substance use disorders.

Cut 7 (07) “…a normal life.”

Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail.

Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird after agents found the whooping crane on a crawfish farm near Highway 106.

Cut 10 (08) “…shot the bird.”

Updated campaign finance totals are out for the major candidates in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Andrew Greenstein has the analysis.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Inmates released from prison will have Medicaid as part of a plan the state and the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working to put in place. Joe Gallinaro has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The first quarter campaign finance reports are released; and in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Louisiana, Bill Cassidy has by far the most cash on hand with more than seven-million dollars in his war chest. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says that’s not surprising, given the fact that Cassidy is an incumbent running for re-election.

Cut 3 (10) “…is still unclear.”

Julia Letlow’s campaign reports more than 2.275-million dollars cash on hand, while John Fleming’s campaign reports just under 2.2-million. Fleming’s total, however, is exceeded by more than 3.6-million in debts still owed, after Fleming loaned his own campaign more than ten-million dollars. Cross says self-funding his campaign may be part of his strategy.

Cut 4 (10) “…more a contender.”

Cross says no one is in danger of running out of money between now and May 16th, after which date things will heat up ahead of the June 27th runoff.

Cut 5 (12) “…are right now.”

While Cassidy has almost twice as much cash on hand than Fleming and Letlow combined, polls indicate that it’s unclear which of the three will end up being the odd one out after May 16th,

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Louisiana is partnering with the U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services on a program that would allow soon-to-be released inmates to receive health insurance through Medicaid. Governor Jeff Landry says this proactive approach helps offenders successfully transition back into their communities and rebuild their lives.

Cut 6 (09) “…member of society.”

Under this new policy, inmates would be approved for Medicaid up to 90 days before they are released from prison or jail. Landry says the initiative gives inmates a continuity of care, particularly for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

Cut 7 (07) “…a normal life.”

Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says by beginning medical services for substance abuse treatment and mental health disorders while in prison and providing a 30-day supply of prescription drugs, these people are much less likely to go back to jail after they’re released.

Cut 8 (08) “…once they leave.”

Officials are aiming to have the program operating in the summer.

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Another whooping crane is shot to death in Evangeline Parish. Biologists reported a lost signal on the whooping crane’s collar on March 19th, and Wildlife and Fisheries agents found the dead bird the next day. LDWF Corporal Tib Guillory says 49-year-old Michael Alaniz of Chicago admitted to killing the bird.

Cut 9 (08)  “…harvesting the bird.”

Corporal Guillory says agents found the whooping crane on a crawfish farm near Highway 106.

Cut 10 (08) “…shot the bird.”

Whooping cranes are an endangered species; and, as such, Guillory says it is illegal to shoot one.

Cut 11 (09) “…population going forward.”

Alaniz is charged with violating the migratory bird treaty act and faces a fine of up to 950 dollars and up to 120 days in jail. He will also be assessed civil restitution of up to 15-thousand dollars for the replacement value of the bird.

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Before Louisiana lawmakers left for the weekend, the state House approved a 47-billion-dollar budget proposal. House Appropriations Chair Jack McFarland says the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins July 1st makes critical investments in public school classrooms and workforce training.

Cut 12 (11) “…high-impact jobs program.”

The House’s budget proposal contains the funding Governor Landry is seeking for the LA GATOR Scholarship program. But Senate leaders oppose Landry’s proposal to double the funding for the program that provides taxpayer dollars to pay for private school tuition and other education expenses.

McFarland says this budget proposal will not raise taxes and speeds up investments in better classrooms and more high-paying jobs.

Cut 13 (11) “…for our citizens.”

McFarland says for the first time since 2009, there is an increase in per-student funding for school districts.

Cut 14 (11) “…local school districts.”

The expenses include fuel, insurance, utilities and retirement costs.

The Senate will put together its own budget proposal, and that will take several weeks to do.