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 move eastward as the night wears on, which a big problem…:

CUT 05(12)      “…of the night.”

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

A St. John the Baptist Parish deputy-involved shooting is now under State Police investigation. Trooper Kate Stegall says the deputy responded to a car crashed into the swamp on I-10 near LaPlace and the circumstances under which the shooting took place are still at question, however two weapons were retrieved from the car…:

CUT 08(05)      “…9mm handgun.”

The man shot is in critical condition.

Monroe Police are investigating a weekend double murder. Two victims were found Sunday night at a mobile home park near Bayou Desiard. A large amount of crystal meth and injectable illegal drugs were also found. MPD will gladly accept tips from the public and a $200 reward is offered.

Louisiana’s U.S. Senators will vote against the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. John Kennedy says a reason for his ‘no’ vote stems from a ruling Judge Jackson made against an immigration policy put in place by former President Donald Trump that was reversed by a federal appeals court. 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 16(07)      “…judicial restraint.”

Senator Bill Cassidy says he is also a “no” vote for Jackson.

An elderly New Orleans man was killed Sunday morning in head-on crash in Terrebonne Parish. State Police Trooper Ross Brennan says 77-year-old Joseph Sias was hit by a vehicle driven by Houma resident Katelynn Scott, who was deemed impaired at the crash scene…:

CUT 09(11)      “…dead at the scene.”

A passenger riding with Sias was severely injured. Trooper Brennan says faces DUI and vehicular homicide charges

U.S. Senator John Kennedy says he’s a “no” vote for confirming federal Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Kennedy today in the Senate Judiciary Committee…:

CUT 15(12)      “…be voting no.”

UL-Monroe’s new strategic plan takes aim at poverty in northeastern Louisiana. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(34)      “…David Grubb.”

Jefferson Parish native and St. Augustine high school alum Jon Batiste took home 5 Grammy Awards last night; including the coveted Album of the Year for “We Are.” Batiste won Best Music Video for “Freedom,” Best American Roots Performance and Best American Roots Song for “Cry,” and Best Score Soundtrack for Disney/Pixar’s animated hit “Soul.”

We expect another round of strong showers and thunderstorms overnight and into tomorrow.  Meteorologist John Wetherbee says look for it to start any time after dinner. The entire I-20 corridor, Alexandria, and areas north of Hammond are all under an enhanced threat of severe weather, so he says residents in these areas will need to weather alert…:

CUT 04(11)      “…quarter of an inch.”

He says keep a radio or TV nearby all night, as that’s when the worst of the weather should move through.

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy releases a statement saying he will NOT vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Supreme Court Justice. He praises Judge Jackson, but says democrats dictated the terms of engagement when they opposed three GOP justice nominees for “their presumed jurisprudence” and cites her “support of those who prefer an activist judge.” Senator Kennedy has also said he will vote “no.”

Caddo Parish Sheriff’s detectives are investigating the death of a two-year-old; presumably by drowning. The mom says she found the toddler in water behind a neighbor’s home. He was taken to a hospital, but later pronounced dead. An investigation is underway to look into any possible foul play.

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting Sunday near LaPlace, in St. John Parish. Trooper Kate Stegall says a car driven by a 19-year-old man went off the roadway and was partially submerged in swamp water when deputies arrived. At some point, the passenger – 20-year-old Jacoby Williams of Grammercy – was shot by a deputy. She says the driver was not hit by gunfire, and an LSP investigation is now underway…:

CUT 07(05)      “…that driver.”

A 9 mm handgun was recovered at the scene. Williams is currently in critical condition at a New Orleans area hospital.

There’s another threat of severe weather tonight and into tomorrow morning. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

—

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 two men were in the vehicle that traveled off the roadway into the marsh.

Cut 6 (11) “…critical condition.”

—

In Terrebonne Parish, 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 and faces vehicular homicide charges, which could change if conditions worsen for the other passenger involved. He says the two victims in the crash unfortunately were not wearing seatbelts.

Cut 11 (09) “…killed in a car crash.”

—

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, through strengthening ties with elementary school students to help them reach college and programs for adult learners as well.

Cut 13 (13) “…changing lives.”

—

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.”

Tulane University has completed a study that shows COVID-19’s lingering impacts on the brain. Doctor Tracy Fischer says their research found brain inflammation in nonhuman primates with COVID and the injury is consistent with reduced blood flow. Symptoms include a lack of balance, concentration, and memory issues. Fischer hopes this study will help map the long-term effects of COVID…
cut 9 (12) “…survived infection”

At the state capitol, lawmakers will soon discuss a bill that would prohibit transgender women from participating in girls sports. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she’s trying to keep women’s sports fair by not allowing biological males to participate…
cut 14 (10) “….own lane”

The U-S House has passed a bill to decriminalize marijuana on a federal scale. It still needs Senate approval. The bill passed by the House would eliminate the federal ban on marijuana which is seen as a major roadblock for the burgeoning legal cannabis industry, as more states legalize medical or even recreational weed. Louisiana Cabbanbis Association founder Matt Moreau…
Cut 11 (11) “…entrepreneurs to grow.”

First Lady Donna Edwards is encouraging Louisiana residents to do more to spot cases of human trafficking…
cut 6 (10) “….around us’
Edwards says everyone can help by educating yourself, monitoring social media and reporting suspicious incidents.

Tulane researchers have documented cases of COVID-19 infections impacting the brain, even among those who have mild COVID symptoms. Doctor Tracy Fisher says their research team found severe brain inflammation in some cases…
cut 8 (12) “….understand words”
Fisher says more research is needed to see how COVID affects the brain.

State lawmakers return to the capitol today after overriding the governor’s veto of the congressional district map. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the next big legislative battle is over a bill that would prohibit transgender individuals from competing on girls’ sports teams…
cut 15 (12) “….the Legislature”
First Lady Donna Edwards kicked off her human trafficking awareness campaign at the Final Four in New Orleans because large sporting events attract trafficking victims. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

State Police is investigating a deputy-involved shooting that took place yesterday morning in St. John the Baptist Parish. L-S-P says deputies responded to 9-1-1 calls of a vehicle partially submerged in the marsh near I-10 and U-S 51 and when the officers approached the vehicle, an encounter occurred and one deputy shot 20-year-old Jacoby Williams of Gramercy who is in critical condition. An A-K 47 style firearm and handgun were recovered from the scene.