As work to restore power and clean up storm damage continues, The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm related death in Rapides Parish. A 60-year-old woman was killed after a tree and power line fell on her home outside Pineville on Wednesday.

Many are still without power across the state. Entergy is working to restore approximately 4000 homes and the latest from CLECO shows almost 10,000 without power. We expect an updated number this afternoon.

After multiple delays with Federal Student Aid, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance anticipates students can make changes to their applications if needed next week. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says students can register now for virtual help with their application on their website.

Cut 6  (11) “…office hours.” 

The website is mylosfa.la.gov

Monday is Tax Day. Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) says for taxpayers looking to reduce their tax burden when they file, making a significant contribution to your 401k plan.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 

Monday day may be Tax Day but today, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins. The event, which has been going strong since 1972, is the state’s largest free harvest festival. Festival King Donald Lanier says they honor berry farmers across the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…many around. “

You’ll want to bring your appetite and enter the strawberry eating contest on Saturday and Sunday. The parade is Saturday at 9:30.

Legislation barring teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in K-through-12 public classrooms passed the House Education Committee. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes these topics should be discussed at home, not in the classroom. 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. 

Major weather-related damage across Louisiana Wednesday. A tornado is believed to be the cause of destruction in Slidell and St. Francisville. A confirmed EF-2 tornado caused considerable damage in Lake Charles. Forecasters say it produced winds up to 115 miles per hour and touched down east of McNeese State University. Because the needs of those displaced by tornados can change rapidly Mayor Nic Hunter says it’s best to donate to the United Way.

Cut 8 (10) “…United Way.” 

Three people have been arrested and charged in the death of James Ingram of Colfax after his body was found burned in the Kisatchie National Forest. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly believes fifth-year senior Kyren Lacy is poised to have a breakout season in 2024. Kelly likes the consistency Lacy has shown during spring football. Lacy believes he and the receiving corps are developing good chemistry with first-year starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier…

Cut 17 (13) “….about the ball”

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would prohibit public school teachers from discussing topics involving sexual orientation and gender identity with students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-2 tornado caused a considerable amount of damage in Lake Charles. Mayor Nic Hunter says a neighborhood in the central area took the biggest hit.

Cut 7 (10) “…structural damage.”

Multiple arrests have been made in Grant and Rapides Parishes after the discovery of 68-year-old James Morrow Ingram of Colfax’s burned body in the Kisatchie National Forest on April 2^nd. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says Ingram left his home Easter night and drove to Alexandria where he met Michael Shane Taylor and Jessica Bledsoe in a parking lot, and they injected drugs into him.

Cut 4 (10) “…passed away.”

McCain says Taylor and Bledsoe then drove around in Ingram’s car with his body inside and eventually drove to Kisatchie National Forest

The full House approves legislation requiring schools receiving state dollars to have the ten commandments posted in their classrooms. The proposed law does not require teachers to educate students about the Ten Commandments but New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says having the Ten Commandments displayed could create issues beyond the U-S Constitution

Cut 14 (14)  “…the Bible.”

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.”

The full House overwhelmingly approves legislation requiring schools that receive state dollars to have the ten commandments posted in their classrooms. Opponents say its unconstitutional because it’s an endorsement of religion, but Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham argues the Ten Commandments set the foundation for laws we follow today.

Cut 13 (14)  “…Western civilization.”

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 (29)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

LSU football coach Brian Kelly believes fifth-year senior Kyren Lacy is poised to have a breakout season in 2024. Kelly likes the consistency Lacy has shown during spring football. He caught 30 passes last year but also dropped a few. Lacy thanks his teammates for picking him up…

Cut 16 (12)  “…doing it”  

A Shreveport native who was poisoned with an abortion pill by her husband in Texas gives emotional testimony before lawmakers in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, optimism among small businesses has reached its lowest point in twelve years. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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 Louisiana Lawmakers are looking to expand the state’s role in U.S. border enforcement. The Senate passed a bill creating a crime of “illegal entry or reentry” into Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

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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 and if the unborn child is more than three months of gestational age it would increase to no less than 10 no more than 20 years in prison.

Cut 5 (11) “…this weapon.” 

Herring was poisoned multiple times and police finally charged her husband after video footage showed her husband lacing drinks he prepared for her.

Cut 6 (11) “…deception.”

The bill was reported favorably out of committee and advances to the Senate.

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Before legislation to expand the school voucher program becomes law, Senate President Cameron Henry says the higher chamber is concerned the program might not be feasible with the fiscal cliff looming for the state budget.

 Cut 7 (09) “…methodical way.”

In a recent call with senate presidents from other states, Henry says he learned of both successes and pitfalls of education savings accounts (ESAs) and he wants to be sure Louisiana doesn’t overpromise what the state can realistically deliver.

Cut 8 (12) “…number of students.” 

Henry says the Senate wants to tap the breaks on ESAs and thoroughly research expanding the option for all families regardless of their finances.

Cut 9 (08)  “…moving forward.”

Carencro Representative Julie Emerson’s bill, the Gator Scholarship Program, passed in the House Monday and heads to Senate Education.

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The optimism of small business took a significant decline by nine tenths in March reaching its lowest since 2012, according to the National Federation Independent Business. State Director Leah Long says it boils down to three major challenges.

Cut 10 (08) “…hurting them.”

It’s the 27^th consecutive month that optimism has declined below the 50-year average. While the labor market has shown marginal improvement, 37 percent of independent businesses who are trying to hire, report few or no qualified applicants.

Louisiana is among several states looking to expand their role in border enforcement. Senator Valerie Hodges says, Louisiana has a right to defend the nation…

Cut 15 (13)  “…deportation process.”

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LSU linebacker Harold Perkins says he feels comfortable in new defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s system. Baker is trying to bring the Tigers defense back to respectability and the plan is for Perkins to play as an inside linebacker. Perkins says he loves being coached by Baker…

Cut 16 (15)  “…cleats on and stuff”  

The plan heading into the 2023 season was for Perkins to play inside linebacker, but after one game, they moved him back to outside linebacker where he excelled his freshman season. Perkins likes the role of being in the middle of the field…

Cut 17 (10) “…to go”

For LSU’s defense to get back to respectability, Perkins knows he’ll have to be a main driver….

Cut 18 (10)  “…do it to a T”  

Legislation to expand the school voucher program passes in the House after explosive testimony from a surprise ally. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

In a bid to curb classroom distractions, legislation aimed at restricting student cellphone usage or any electronic device during school hours unanimously passed the Senate. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says cellphones in the classroom are a big distraction for students.

Cut 3 (10) “…continual distraction.”  

Much of Northwest Louisiana is experiencing severe weather, with eleven parishes under a tornado watch until 9:00 PM. Heavy rainfall has North and Central Louisiana are under a flood watch through Wednesday. The National Weather Service in Shreveport LA has issued a Flood Warning for Cypress Bayou At Wallace Lake affecting Caddo and De Soto Parishes.

Environmental Protection Agency is implementing a final rule aimed at reducing cancer causing air pollution released by 51 plants and refineries in Louisiana. The EPA action targets Denka Performance Elastomers facility in LaPlace which is the largest source of toxic emissions in the U-S. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says this rule addresses public health risks in local communities and protects future generations.

Cut 12 (13) “…in families.” 

The Louisiana Chemical Association argues that EPA used flawed data in determining this new regulation.

Legislation aimed at restricting student cellphone usage or any electronic device during school hours unanimously passed the Senate. Bill Sponsor Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell was questioned on the Senate floor about students not having a phone in the event of an emergency, such as a school shooter…

Cut 5 (13)  “…of directions.”

The bill heads to the House for more discussion.

After emotional testimony the House pass a bill that would expand the school voucher program to allow all families to apply for state grants for private school tuition regardless of financial need. New Orleans Democrat Jason Hughes acknowledged that his support of the bill could cost him his seat but says those who know his heart, know he has a heart for children.

Cut 8 (09) “…(clapping).” 

According to their social media page, Slidell Police say a naked woman who chased a man out of the woods wielding a rusty ax earlier this week is still on the loose. The unidentified victim was checking on a homeless man he had been assisting when he encountered the angry woman who raised the ax above her head and charged at the man who was eventually able to outrun the woman and escape to his vehicle. According to the post, police know who the woman is and it’s not the first time she has been naked in public. She faces assault and obscenity charges.

EPA says the rule will reduce both EtO and chloroprene emissions by nearly 80 percent and reduce nearby cancer rates by 96 percent. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter says many of these impacted plants are located near low-income communities with people who suffer with elevated health risks. The rule slashes more than six thousand tons of toxic air pollution by requiring facilities to conduct fence line monitoring and lowering emissions.

Cut 11 (07) “…be safe.”

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter commends the Environmental Protection Agency for implementing a final rule aimed at reducing cancer causing air pollution released by 51 plants and refineries in Louisiana. The rule significantly reduces the amount of chloroprene, ethylene oxide and other substances. Carter says…

Cut 10 (10) “…air pollutants. “

Sabine parish authorities have identified the two men who died in a house fire at Toledo Bend early Sunday morning. 70-year-old David Keith Sebastien of Opelousas and 66-year-old David Mark Briley of Ville Platt were not able to escape the flames and lost their lives. Two other men were able to get out of the house on Brunson Drive in the Lanana Bay Area

A bill that would prohibit students’ use of cell phones in the classroom passed unanimously out of the Senate on Monday. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

After emotional testimony, the House passed a bill to expand 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. Alexandria Democrat Representative Ed Larvadain worries local superintendents will be faced with closing schools and potentially forcing children to schools farther from home.

Cut 9 (10) “…they’re tired.” 

Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ campaign finance report shows he’s raised more than 600 thousand dollars since he announced in January he would run the newly created 6^th congressional district seat, which now stretches from Baton Rouge to Shreveport. LSU Political Science Professor Robert Hogan says  out of the 601-thousand dollars raised, 564-thousand came from individuals…

Cut 6 (13) “…opposes him.”

A month into the regular session and legislators are seeking to improve the state’s insurance market. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says when it comes to insurance reform, Republican lawmakers are seeking to make changes to reduce the number of lawsuits. Opponents say it will just pad the profits of insurance companies. He says tort reform and ESAs are on the front burner of this session

Cut 15 (11)  “…their voters”

Today’s the big day for the highly anticipated total solar eclipse that will be visible in North America. LSU Planetary Astrophysicist Dr. Natalie Hinkel says even animals react to a total solar eclipse. She says crickets have been known to emerge because they think it’s nighttime and livestock often show signs of anxiety.

Cut 8 (07) “…of thing.” 

The northwest corner of the state is under a flash flood watch from Monday afternoon through Wednesday morning as multiple rounds of heavy rainfall is expected. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s the potential for five inches of rain or more

Cut 12 (09) “…systems.” 

The full House is scheduled to vote on the Education Savings Accounts bill today. It would provide thousands of dollars to families regardless of their income with the ability to tap into state dollars to send their children to private school. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says there’s opposition to doing this…

 Cut 14 (10)  “…public education.”

 The LSU women’s basketball team has taken heat for not being on the court for the national anthem, but the football team has not been present for the anthem in decades. AD Scott Woodward says they’ll review their processes. Governor Landry is calling for college teams to be present for the anthem. Tigers football coach Brian Kelly says they will do whatever the administration wants…

Cut 16 (18)  “…national anthem” 

It’s eclipse day, and in Louisiana, the moon will begin to eclipse the sun around 12:30, be at its maximum close to 1:45, and end at three.  Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (34)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

The probability of viewing the eclipse isn’t ideal in Louisiana thanks to cloud cover. LSU Climatologist Barry Keim says when the eclipse gets close to totality, around 1:45, hopefully there will be a little break in the clouds.

Cut 11 (04) “…be surprised.”