The full Senate has approved a bill that would allow certified teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, 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…

Cut 9 (12) “..department of education”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state is short about 25-hundred certified public-school teachers.

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. Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter.

Cut 3 (08) “…two years.”

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” shows many people are concerned about coastal land loss, but aren’t worried it will affect them personally.

In Northwest Louisiana, the National Weather Service confirms a third tornado touched down in Hosston Tuesday. The Hosston twister was rated an EF-0.  The first tornado, an EF-1 touched down in Benton and a second in Shreveport near the LSUS campus for a total of three twisters in a four-minute span.

The state police investigation of the officer-involved shooting in Lafayette finds the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner shot at officers first after barricading himself in his home as they tried to serve an attempted murder warrant. Trooper Thomas Gossen says this is based on interviews with officers on the scene and body camera footage.

Cut 15 (07)  “…the better.”

Bonner later died at a local hospital early Thursday.

New COVID cases are up about 10% across the country in the past week and the average number of hospitalized COVID patients nationwide has increased by a hundred. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says they are keeping an eye on how things progress over the next few weeks…

Cut 12 (06) “…and deaths.” 
He says closer to home cases remain relatively flat. Yesterday the state reported 504 new cases.

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” indicates two-thirds of respondents felt hurricanes hitting the Bayou State are stronger than ever. And while those storms often cause flooding, Manship School of Mass Communications research director Mike Henderson says only about 40-percent say flooding was worse in recent years…:

Cut 5 (11) “…in the past.”

The survey polled over 500 adult Louisianans.

Easter is a big weekend for crawfish boils and there are plenty of mudbugs to go around this season. And as the summer rains keep the ground wet, oxygen levels will rise, and crawfish will be even more active. LSU Ag Center professor Greg Lutz…

Cut 9 (09)  “…of the season.”

State Police release more details about the officer-involved shooting in Lafayette early Thursday morning.  Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police tried to serve a warrant to suspect 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, he barricaded himself inside his home. Officers then used an armored vehicle to breach the door to give Bonner a phone so he could communicate with officers.

Cut 13 (10) “…striking Bonner.”

Bonner later died at a local hospital.

As COVID cases are beginning to increase again in certain parts of the country closer to home, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says case numbers along with hospitalizations remain relatively unchanged.

Cut 10 (12) “…concerned about.”

On Thursday the state reported 504 new cases.

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” shows many people are concerned about coastal land loss but aren’t worried it will affect them personally. Manship School of Mass Communications research director Mike Henderson says 85-percent of people surveyed fear that land loss is a serious problem…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…to future generations.”

The survey polled over 500 adult Louisianans of various ages and races.

Easter weekend is traditionally a popular time to have a crawfish boil and LSU Ag Center professor Greg Lutz says after a slow start to the season, things have improved. The recent rainfall and temps have provided a nice boost for mudbugs, and he expects supply should remain high into the summer months.

Cut 8 (11)  “…some years.”

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 driver behavior needs to change wrecks, injuries, and deaths on the bridge have more than doubled during the past decade…

Cut 11 (06)  “…correct lane.”  

Under the proposed law, drivers would receive a couple of warnings before they are issued a speeding ticket.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward has released a 30-second campaign commercial. He’s asking folks 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) “…on Twitter.”
But some lawmakers would like to use that 500-million dollar elsewhere.

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.” 

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley shared with lawmakers how postpartum depression impacted his wife and that it eventually led to her suicide. He says postpartum depression impacts women from all walks of life.

Cut 8 (08) “…existence is.” 

The bill now advances to Senate Health and Welfare

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.

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.”

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.”

Failure to comply could result in loss of certification.

The second bill would task the State Fire Marshal with inspecting evacuation plans for nursing homes. The legislation was inspired after 15 patients died during a mass evacuation to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida. Covington Senator Patrick McMath applauds the bill.

Cut 12 (07) “…State Fire Marshal.”

Both bills advance to the Senate.

House Governmental Affairs approves legislation to give the Legislature the ability to end certain portions of a governor’s emergency executive order. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman’s bill is in response to the governor’s public health orders during the pandemic that placed restrictions on businesses…

PM Cut 13 (10) “…end those”

A similar bill was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards last year.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. fulfills a campaign promise made years ago by introducing legislation to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly. Cathey says the Gulf Fritillary is the only butterfly indigenous to the Bayou State.

Cut 14 first for me :10

Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt along with other members of Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it now advances to the Senate.

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

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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Senator John Kennedy’s re-election campaign reports the St. Tammany Parish Republican has raised five million dollars in the first quarter of 2022 and has 14-million in his war chest

Cut 2 (31)…I’m Brooke Thorington.”  

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A three-year-old was killed while sleeping in his bed Tuesday night after shots were fired outside his home. Baton Rouge Police Sgt L’Jean McKneely says the victim Devin Page Junior was killed around 11 PM in the 5100 block of Fairfields Ave.

Cut 3 (12) “…the home.”

McKneely says the toddler was pronounced dead on the scene and the home where he was sleeping was not the intended target.

Cut 4  (11) “…three-year-old.”

Police are asking for anyone with information to assist with their investigation.

_______________________________________________

Many residents in Northwest Louisiana are without power after storms swept through the area Tuesday.  SWEPCO spokesperson Carey Sullivan says more than 34,000 customers in the Shreveport-Bossier area are without power.

Cut 5  (12) “…and dangerous.”

Sullivan says over 700 linemen and additional crew worked overnight to speed restoration efforts.

Weather-wise however another round of storms is in the forecast today which Sullivan says could hinder restoration efforts.

Cut 6  (10) “…come through.” 

Sullivan says you can visit their website at SWEPCO.com and view their outage map and also sign up to receive text messages with updates on when your power will be restored.

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There’s a shift happening in Louisiana…at least when it comes to supporting the legalization of recreational marijuana. According to results of polling done by the University of New Orleans Survey Research Center, almost 60 percent of registered voters in the state support making cannabis legal. Dr. Ed Chervenak says that’s a 22 percent increase from just four years ago.

Cut 7 (11) “…of doing that.” 

Chervenak says Louisiana’s results mirror what’s happening around the nation as attitudes have evolved based on a number of factors…

Cut 8 (15) “…of tax revenue.” 

A proposal to decriminalize marijuana has moved to the U-S Senate, but what does that mean for Louisiana? Last year House Bill 524 would have done the same; it advanced out of committee before dying on the House floor. Chervenak says the governor has not been a proponent in the past, but now…

Cut 9 (07) “…final decision.”

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Louisiana Senator John Kennedy raised more than $5 million in the first quarter of 2022 for a total of $14 million for his re-election campaign. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the dollar signs are indicative of Kennedy’s ability to raise money.

Cut 10 (10)  “…popular with.”

Pinsonat says while Kennedy is heavily predicted to win re-election the state’s junior senator knows all too well to be extremely prepared given the current stanch political divide in DC.

Cut 11 (09)  “…millions of dollars (x2).”  

And because Kennedy will receive national support from Republicans and out-of-state political action committees, Pinsonat says that means his more than $14 million will go even farther.

Cut 12 (11) “…himself.” 

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

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A House committee approves legislation that would give the Legislature the ability to end certain portions of a governor’s emergency executive order. Abita Springs Representative Larry Frieman’s measure is in response to the governor’s public health orders during the pandemic that placed restrictions on businesses…

Cut 13 (10) “…end those”

A similar bill was vetoed by Governor John Bel Edwards last year, but today the House  Governmental Affairs approved Frieman’s proposal that would allow a majority vote from the House and Senate to overturn a governor’s emergency order.

New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis voted no because he believes in a separation of powers in state government…

Cut 14 (10)  “…to do that”

But Frieman says there also should be checks and balances in state government…

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

________________________________________________

Cut  16 (07)  “….judicial restraint“

A three-year-old was killed while sleeping in his bed Tuesday night after shots were fired outside his home. Baton Rouge Sgt L’Jean McKneely says the victim Devin Page was killed around 11 PM in the 5100 block of Fairfields Ave.

Cut 3 (12) “…a call.”

McKneely says the Page’s home was not the intended target.

A University of New Orleans Survey shows roughly a third of voters polled approve of the jobs Senator Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy are doing, but also a third disapprove, and about a third don’t know what to think.  Research director Dr. Ed Chervenak says the “don’t knows” can be vexing for public opinion researchers…:

Cut 13 (10) “…the next election.”

Stonewall Republican Larry Bagley’s resolution to remove COVID vaccines from the state’s immunization schedule passed on a 10 to 6 vote in House Health and Welfare. New Orleans Democrat Representative Jason Hughes asked Bagley why House Resolution 3 is even necessary.

Cut 4 (08)  “…need this?”

Bagley says it’s a matter of principle and that some schools have not allowed parents to opt-out. He even quoted fellow Republican Representative Troy Romero who said the COVID vaccine doesn’t even stop the virus.

Cut 5 (06) “…your children.”

The resolution along with Shreveport Republican Thomas Pressly’s bill to prohibit the government from issuing vaccine mandates, head to the House floor.