A toddler drowned in north Caddo Parish on Monday morning. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Bia Roldan says the two-year-old’s mother found the little boy in Black Bayou Lake in the Hosston community after realizing the child had wandered away from his house. Rolan says Youth Services detectives and crime scene investigators are trying to determine what happened.

Cut 14 (09)  “…for there.”
In the House Commerce Committee this morning, lawmakers were set to consider a bill to would allow a pet’s remains to be buried alongside their owners in a cemetery. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen says he’s receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback about the legislation and even a stranger approached him at the capitol about the bill…

Cut 12 (06) “…way overdue.”

The bill was scheduled to be heard in House Commerce this morning however it was not.

The federal government launches a grant program; aimed at making schools and school buses cleaner and safer for kids…:

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 
Louisiana’s U.S. Senators will vote against the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. John Kennedy says he finds Judge Jackson smart, well-versed in the law, but failed to say anything of substance when it came to critical questions…:

CUT 26(07) “…judicial restraint.”
Senator Bill Cassidy says he is also a “no” vote for Jackson.

A bill to allow for your pet’s remains to be buried with you will be heard in House Commerce today. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, who is a retired veterinarian says the nexus of his bill is to make it not illegal to bury a pet in a human cemetery.

Cut 10 (10) “…buried yourself.”
McMahen says pets are considered one of the family and many individuals find comfort in having their four-legged best friend rest beside them.

Lake Charles Representative Eric Tarver wants to make sure the Calcasieu River Bridge project remains on the front burner when it comes to infrastructure projects. So, he’s proposed legislation that money is set aside over the next six years for the bridge with an estimated price tag to exceed $1-billion.

Cut 5 (11) “..a down payment.” 

Tragic news out of Caddo Parish after the death of a two-year-old. Bia Roland with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office says they received a call just before ten Monday morning that a toddler was found in Black Bayou Lake, just behind a neighbor’s home on Gator Hole Freeway in Hosston.

Cut 13 (11) “…they arrived”

This is an active investigation.

The federal government has launched a 500-million-dollar grant program that would allow schools to become more energy efficient. Money will also be available for local schools to invest in alternative fuel school buses. EPA Administrator Michael Regan (REE-gun) says studies have linked breathing in diesel fumes while riding in buses as a legitimate health threat…

Cut 9 (05)  “…later this spring.”

A bill to allow for your pet’s remains to be buried with you will be heard in House Commerce Tuesday. Minden Representative Wayne McMahen, who is a retired veterinarian says the nexus of his bill is to make it not illegal to bury a pet in a human cemetery.

Cut 10 (10) “…buried yourself.”

Present law defines a cemetery as a place for the burial of human remains. McMahan says a pet can not be euthanized without a medical condition in order to be buried at the same time of an owner.

Of all of the bills McMahen has presented for legislation he says he’s received to most feedback on HB 833 and it’s been overwhelmingly positive. He says even a stranger approached him at the capitol about the legislation.

Cut 12 (06) “…way overdue.”

House Commerce meets at 9:30 Tuesday morning.

As millions of dollars are being allocated for infrastructure projects throughout the state, Lake Charles Representative Eric Tarver wants to make sure the Calcasieu River Bridge project isn’t forgotten. On Tuesday, House Transportation will consider HB 761, which would set aside state money for the project over the next six years.

Cut 4 (11)  “…for the bridge.”

Tarver says the total price tag for construction of the bridge will likely exceed $1 billion but notes that the state has already allocated hundreds of millions to begin work.

Cut 5 (11) “,..a down payment.” 

The House Transportation Committee meets at 9:30 Tuesday morning.

Louisiana will see another round of severe weather tonight and during the overnight hours. Meteorologist John Wetherbee says strong storms will move into the Shreveport area after 7 PM and then the storms will work their way across the state during the night

Cut 3 (12) “…as well.”

The entire I-20 corridor, Alexandria, and north of Hammond is under an enhanced threat of severe weather.

Louisiana has nearly one million people living below the poverty line, and ULM president, Dr. Ron Berry says the university’s new strategic plan outlines how it can start changing that for the northeast region of our state.

Cut 12 (11) “…human development.” 

In Terrebonne Parish state police say 77-year-old Joseph Sias of New Orleans was killed early Sunday morning in a fatal crash involving a vehicle driven by Katelynn Scott of Houma was driving in the wrong direction.  Trooper Ross Brennan says Sias was pronounced dead on the scene and the passenger his vehicle sustained severe injuries and was transferred to an out-of-area hospital. Scott faces vehicular homicide charges.

Cut 10 (09)  “…the influence.”

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in St. John the Baptist Parish after sheriff’s deputies responded to a partially submerged vehicle Sunday morning in Laplace. Trooper Kate Stegall says the passenger 20-year-old Jacoby Williams was shot by a deputy and is listed in critical condition. State Police also recovered weapons at the scene.

Cut 8 (05) “…9mm handgun.” 

The incident remains under investigation.

In Terrebonne Parish 77-year-old Joseph Sias of New Orleans was killed early Sunday morning in a fatal crash involving another vehicle going in the wrong direction. Trooper Ross Brennan says Katelynn Scott of Houma was deemed impaired at the crash on US Highway 90 just west of state highway 316.

Cut 9 (12) “…dead at the scene.”

Scott faces vehicular homicide charges.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in St. John the Baptist Parish after sheriff’s deputies responded to a partially submerged vehicle Sunday morning at the Interstate-10 west on-ramp at US-51 in Laplace. Trooper Kate Stegall the passenger 20-year-old Jacoby Williams was shot by a deputy and is listed in critical condition.

Cut 7 (05) “…that driver.” 

The driver 19-year-old Kendell Prembrook was not injured.

The U.S. House passes a bill decriminalizing marijuana. What may this mean for Louisiana’s fledgling legal marijuana industry? Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

U-S Senator Bill Cassidy released a statement that he will vote against Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Cassidy praised her personally but says she’s not a strict constructionist and has the support of those who prefer an activist judge.  Senator John Kennedy has not stated how he plans to vote.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in St. John the Baptist Parish after sheriff’s deputies responded to a partially submerged vehicle Sunday morning at the Interstate-10 west on-ramp at US-51 in Laplace. Trooper Kate Stegall says two men were in the vehicle that traveled off the roadway into the marsh area.

 Cut 6  (11) “…critical condition.” 

The passenger is 20-year-old Jacoby Williams of Gramercy, and 19-year-old Kendell Prembrook of Laplace was driving the vehicle.

As thousands are in New Orleans for the Final Four NCAA Basketball Tournament, First Lady Donna Edwards is using the opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking. She’s trafficking is all too REAL.

Cut 4 (10)  “…StopTraffickingLA.com.”

The next big legislative battle will be over a Senate bill that prohibits transgender athletes from competing in girls’ sports in Louisiana. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she’s more determined to pass her bill after Penn swimmer Lia Thomas became the first trans woman to win an NCAA swimming title…

Cut 13 (13) “.athletes from”

Governor Edwards vetoed the legislation last year, calling it mean-spirited.

New research from Tulane University shows that COVID-19 infections can impact the brain, even among those who only experience mild symptoms. Dr. Tracy Fisher is the lead investigator on the first comprehensive assessment of coronavirus and neuropathology…

Cut 7 (13) “…cell deaths.”

In Caddo Parish two juveniles have been arrested after threats against C.E. Byrd High School. Deputies say a 16-year-old from another high school in Shreveport threatened a school shooting on Byrd’s campus and another social media post by a 17-year-old from Byrd High School also threatened to blow up the school. Both teens were booked into the Caddo Parish Detention Center.

It’s believed 83-year-old Marvin Stephens of Prairieville who confessed to shooting and killing his 75-year-old wife Patricia Wednesday may have dementia. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says they are not sure what motivated the shooting and it’s a tragic situation for everyone involved.

Cut 5 (10) “…for them.”

Stephens was released on an $85-thousand bond.

As thousands are in New Orleans for the Final Four NCAA Basketball Tournament, First Lady Donna Edwards is using the opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking. She’s hoping by raising awareness more individuals trapped in the coercion of commercial sex and/or labor will be saved. She stays human trafficking is all too REAL.

Cut 4 StopTraffickingLA.Com :10

You can learn more about the campaign and how to help at that website.

The National Weather Service confirms a massive tornado tore through Madison Parish on Wednesday. NWS meteorologist Alan Campbell says the tornado strengthened as it struck Tallulah Academy, tearing apart the school in several areas from the main building to its ballpark and fencing.

Cut 13 (13) “…of the building.”

Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says Patricia Stephens of Prairieville died Wednesday night due to injuries from a gunshot wound at the hands of her 83-year old husband Marvin, who confessed to the shooting.

Cut 4 (08) “…Parish jail.”

Marvin Stephens was released from the Ascension Parish Jail on an $85,000 bond and the family reports he has dementia.

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit from a death row inmate challenging the constitutionality of Louisiana’s execution methods. Judge Shelly Dick ruled that since Louisiana is not able to obtain the drugs needed to carry out an execution, there was nothing to settle. Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry is glad the death penalty litigation was dismissed

 Cut 6  (09) “..move forward” 

LSU’s Kim Mulkey collected her third Associated Press Coach of the Year honor on Thursday, after leading the Tigers to a 26-6 record, second place in the SEC, and earning LSU’s first NCAA tournament win in eight years. The typically brash Mulkey was humbled…

Cut 9 (12) “…believed in me.”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a massive tornado tore through Madison Parish on Wednesday, causing tremendous damage in Tallulah along the way. NWS meteorologist Alan Campbell says the danger may not be over, with another system moving into the area next week, and advises everyone to continue to monitor the situation throughout the weekend.

Cut 14 (11) “…some severe weather.”

Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry wants to see the state carry out death sentences.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The vehicle belonging to Ella Goodie of Lafayette has been located in St. Joseph, Missouri. 32-year old Goodie has been missing since March 9^th.  State Police and the FBI are asking anyone with information about her possible whereabouts to contact them. Brandon Francisco who was scheduled to appear in court in Rapides Parish was the last person to have come in contact with her, he was arrested March 25^th in Missouri for outstanding warrants.

It’s believed 83-year-old Marvin Stephens of Prairieville who confessed to shooting and killing his 75-year-old wife Wednesday may have dementia. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says the case is under investigation and medical experts will be consulted.

Cut 3 (09) “…rough for him.”

The National Weather Service has confirmed that a massive tornado tore through Madison Parish on Wednesday. Moving at 115 miles per hour and at an estimated 300 feet wide, NWS meteorologist Alan Campbell says the south side of Tallulah took most of the damage.

Cut 12 (12) “…shingle loss.” 

And another storm system is forecasted to enter the state Monday night into Tuesday.

It’s believed 83-year-old Marvin Stephens of Prairieville who confessed to killing his 75-year-old wife Wednesday may have dementia. Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Donovan Jackson says when authorities arrived on the scene Patricia Stephens was suffering from a gunshot wound. She was taken by helicopter to a local hospital where she later died.

Cut 4  (08) “…Parish jail.”

The case is under investigation and medical experts will be consulted.

A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit from a death row inmate challenging the constitutionality of Louisiana’s execution methods. The judge ruled there was nothing to settle because Louisiana is not able to obtain the drugs needed to carry out an execution. Attorney General Jeff Landry says if the state is having trouble getting the drugs, they can protect the identity of the drug maker…

Cut 7 (10) “…their execution.” 

LSU’s Kim Mulkey collected her third Associated Press Coach of the Year honor on Thursday, after leading the Tigers to a 26-6 record, second place in the SEC, and earning LSU’s first NCAA tournament win in eight years. The typically brash Mulkey was humbled…

Cut 9 (12) “…believed in me.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s first bill to pass in the house is one that’s personal. The COIVD-19 American History Project Act would task the Library of Congress to record stories of those, like herself, that lost a loved one to COVID. Letlow says the act also allows those on the front lines to participate too.

Cut 13 (11) “…gratitude.”

Letlow lost her husband to COVID, the legislation now heads to the Senate.