The House Education Committee approves legislation that prohibits teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in K-through-12 public classrooms. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes these topics should discussed at home, not in the classroom…

Cut 10 (08) “…for this.”

A former substitute teacher who lives in Mandeville traveled to Baton Rouge to voice her opposition to the legislation. She describes herself as a heterosexual who sees this type of legislation as mean-spirited…

Cut 11 (12) “…this state.”

Despite the opposition, Horton’s bill was approved on a nine to three vote.

Legislation to require all public-school classrooms including colleges to display the Ten Commandments in Louisiana passed 82-19 to in the House. Bill author Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says all laws are based on God’s law. The bill will likely be referred to Senate Education.

The Louisiana Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would stop a plan to issue hefty speeding fines on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

A likely tornado injured several people and caused extensive damage in Slidell this morning. Slidell police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau says the worst hit area appears to be Pontchartrain Drive near Kostmayer Avenue…

Cut 7 (07) “…leaning power poles ”  

He gave the update on Facebook and described the injuries as minor to moderate and they are asking individuals to avoid the area.

The aftermath of the severe weather continues to impact the state. DOTD is reminding Louisianans to travel only if necessary. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet says road conditions remain dangerous.

Cut  14 (10) “…some areas.” 

DOTD crews are working to remove fallen trees, and other debris, and post warning signs.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry testified in the congressional map trial in Shreveport. The Democrat says she told the court there were two reasons why lawmakers were pressured to pass the map in January; the timeline from Judge Shelley Dick and that Governor Landry wanted to alter Congressman Garret Graves’s district. She believes it was because Graves backed another candidate in the governor’s race…

Cut 4 (05) “…last year.” 

A ruling on the map is expected in a matter of days.

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis is gearing up for his second term after easily winning his reelection bid in March with 64 percent of the vote. Among the top priorities is passenger rail service along I-20 corridor.

Cut 9 (11) “…our community.” 

Ellis will be sworn-in for his second term in June.

There was emotional testimony in the House over expanding the school voucher program. House Bill 745 will eventually allow all families to apply for state grants for private school tuition regardless of financial need. New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes surprised Republican lawmakers with his support of the bill.

Cut 6  (12) “…hardly read.” 

Alexandria Democrat Representative Ed Larvadain spoke against the bill saying it would jeopardize funding for public schools, which are already having problems recruiting and retaining teachers.

Cut 7 (10) “…public education.”  

The House passed the bill 71-32 vote and now heads to the higher chamber.

A Shreveport native gives emotional testimony at the state capitol, after her husband poisoned her with an abortion-inducing drug and a Texas judge sent him to jail for only 180 days. Catherine Herring is the sister of Senator Thomas Pressly who’s authored a bill to increase the penalties for such crimes in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12) “…her father.”

The crime of coerced criminalized abortion would be punishable by no less than five, nor more than 10 years.

The Senate unanimously approves Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell’s bill to prohibit students having their cellphones in class.

cut 4 (13) “…or not’
The measure heads to the House for more discussion.

There was emotional testimony in the House over expanding the school voucher program. House Bill 745 will eventually allow all families to apply for state grants for private school tuition regardless of financial need. New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes surprised Republican lawmakers with his support of the bill.

Cut 6  (12) “…hardly read.” 

Alexandria Democrat Representative Ed Larvadain spoke against the bill saying it would jeopardize funding for public schools, which are already having problems recruiting and retaining teachers.

Cut 7 (10) “…public education.”  

The House passed the bill 71-32 vote and now heads to the higher chamber.

The brakes have been put on removing the requirement of the brake tags in Louisiana. In House Appropriations Monday Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voluntarily pulled his immensely popular bill at the request of State Police. A portion of the cost of the vehicle inspections goes towards their budget.

Cut 11 (10) “…about so.”

Bagley says he promised State Police to work with their budget and the bill could still be brought before lawmakers before the current session ends.

The House Civil Law Committee approves legislation that would prohibit a transgender individual from using a public bathroom that aligns with their gender identity. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (41) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

You’ll want to remain weather-aware today. Shreveport has already received several inches of rain and the northern half of the state is under a flash flood watch until tomorrow.

38-year-old Rodney Guillote Jr. of Pineville faces first-degree murder after he allegedly physically abused his infant daughter resulting in multiple injuries and bleeding on the brain. Rapides Parish Sheriff’s spokesperson Tommy Carnline says the case prompts a call to safeguard the most innocent and vulnerable among us. He says programs and agencies statewide are on standby to help parents struggling with infant situations.

Cut 6 (06) “…was senseless.”

The brakes have been put on removing the requirement of the brake tags in Louisiana. In House Appropriations Monday Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voluntarily pulled his immensely popular bill at the request of State Police.

Cut 12 (10) “…do that.” 

A portion of the cost of the vehicle inspections goes towards their budget.

House Civil Law approves legislation to prohibit transgender individuals from using a public bathroom that’s in line with their gender identity. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says he’s trying to prevent a biological woman from having to share a bathroom with a transgender female.

Cut 7 (09) “…situations of assault”

The proposal covers bathrooms in schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters.

An advocate for domestic violence victims, Morgan Lamandre, argued it would put federal funding for domestic violence shelters at risk because Louisiana’s shelters would be in violation of federal rules

Cut 8 (11) “…what they receive.” 

The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The brakes have been put on removing the requirement of the brake tags in Louisiana. In House Appropriations Monday Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley voluntarily pulled his immensely popular bill at the request of State Police. A portion of the cost of the vehicle inspections goes towards their budget.

Cut 11 (11) “…about so.”

The bill could still be brought before lawmakers before the current session ends.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map which added a second majority-black district. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the plaintiffs claim the map is racial gerrymandering.

Cut 9 (10) “…only factor.” 
The hearing is set to end on Wednesday.

Heavy cloud coverage obstructed the view of the eclipse for most of the Bayou State today. Northwest Louisiana had the best opportunity for a glimpse 90% totality this afternoon. Due to the inclement weather Louisiana’s make up date for the eclipse is August 23, 2044.

Legendary Peabody boys’ basketball coach Charles Smith joins basketball greatest names as he’s an inductee into the Naismith basketball Hall of Fame. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. Plaintiff says the map violates the Equal Protection Act. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state will have to argue there was a compelling interest to satisfy the Voting Rights Act of 1965. He believes it will be difficult for the state to contend because…

Cut 11 (09) “…only factor.”

April 30^th is the deadline for those still in travel trailers as part of the Ida Sheltering program. Jacques Thibodeaux, who became director of GOSHEP in January says the deadline for those living in about 540 units, has been extended numerous times by FEMA and the state, but with a state fiscal cliff looming…

Cut 12 (12) “…the state.” 

He says caseworkers have been working with those in need of continued sheltering.

The eclipse is underway and the heavy cloud coverage in Louisiana is hampering the view. It’s expected to reach as close to totality around 1:45 here. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says you can also expect the eclipse to impact our weather….

Cut 24 (10)  “…on the earth.”

Ophthalmologists remind you to never look directly at the eclipse without proper eclipse glasses.

A federal court in Shreveport is hearing arguments in a suit filed by Republicans over the state’s congressional map. In recent affirmative action decisions Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says SCOTUS has been critical of states treating race differently and if race was the predominant factor for drawing the maps…

Cut 10 (07) “…protection clause. “

A May deadline has been set for a decision.

LSU running back Trey Holly no longer faces an attempted murder charge after a shooting in Farmville February 15th that injured two people. The 19-year-old still faces one felony gun charge. Coach Brian Kelly does not expect the criminal case against Holly to drag on…

Cut 7 (12) “…reinstatement”  

Legendary boys’ basketball Coach Charles Smith of Peabody High School in Alexandria will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Smith is one of a handful of high school coaches to join the ranks. Smith says it is an honor to join the elite group.

Cut 3 (12) “…professional coaches.”  

The ceremony will be in August in Massachusetts.

The Powerball Jackpot has reached $1.23 billion, that’s a billion with a B. The cash value for Saturday night’s drawing is $595 million. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says the current jackpot has been rolling over since January 3^rd.

Cut 3 (11) “…out of it.”  

The last time there was a Powerball Jackpot winner in Louisiana was 2017.

A law passed in 2022 calls for ticket-writing speed cameras to be installed on the I-10 the Atchafalaya Basin bridge. But New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez has a bill to repeal that section of the law. He believes law enforcement officers should be writing tickets and issuing fines…
cut 24 (12) “…fight crime”
The proposal is waiting for discussion on the Senate floor.

Forecasters say the highly anticipated Great American Eclipse that starts around 12:30 on Monday in Louisiana will be eclipsed by clouds. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx” 

Senate Transportation unanimously approves a bill to repeal legislation to install speed cameras on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. The bill would also reverse doubling speeding ticket fines. Bill co-author, New Iberia Senator Blake Miguez argues residents in his district can’t afford it.

Cut 4 (11) “…per citation.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor.

A pipe and tube manufacturer from India has decided to build its first U-S production facility in Mansfield. The project will create 135 direct jobs. DeSoto Parish juror, Trina Boyd Simpson, says Global Seamless Tubes and Pipes will revitalize the former Hensley facility…

Cut 16 (10)  “…the map.” 
Millions are excited for Monday’s total solar eclipse, but mother nature may have other plans. Gary Chatelain (Shat-ta-lane) with the National Weather Service in Shreveport says they’re expecting cloudy skies on Monday before strong storms arrive.

Cut 9 (13) “…the day.” 

Chatelain says it will be mostly cloudy during the peak hours early Monday afternoon,

And while and much of the state will get a 90-percent or higher of totality view and southeast Louisiana will have about a 75-percent view of the eclipse, Tulane School of Medicine, Chair of Ophthalmology, Doctor David Hinkle, recommends certified eclipse glasses and beware of fake ones…

Cut 8 (07) “…to wear.” 
Looking at the eclipse without proper eyewear can lead to permanent damage to your eyes, even with anticipated cloudy weather.