The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill today that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider a bill to outlaw speed cameras in the state. SB99 was filed by Monroe Republican Senator Stewart Cathey, who says speed cameras are unconstitutional.

Cut (06) “…allow for that.”

Cities have maintained that speed cameras are a tool to improve public safety by getting drivers to slow down. Senator Cathey and other critics say they’re nothing but a money grab; he says Mangham, in Richland Parish, collected more money from speed camera fines than property taxes, local sales taxes and franchise fees combined.

If you’re cited for a moving violation within a work zone, your fine could go up significantly, depending on which parish you’re in. DOTD secretary Joe Donahue says the legislature is considering making work zone fines more uniform statewide.

Cut 11 (11) “…fines for traffic.”

In 2023, the latest year in which statistics are available, 14 people were killed in Louisiana work zones, with 898 killed nationwide.

The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed a second measle case in the Greater New Orleans area. The first one was reported over the weekend and state health officials announced a second one during a news conference yesterday afternoon. In both cases, the patient is an adult who recently traveled abroad. Louisiana Surgeon General Doctor Ralph Abraham says they know the first patient was not vaccinated and they are not sure about the second patient. And Abraham is urging those who are not vaccinated against the measles to get vaccinated…

Cut 8 (07) “…to get it”

The MMR vaccine protects against the measles, mumps and rubella.

New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry will present a bill to the House Ways and Means Committee today that would increase the state’s cigarette tax. Landry says that by increasing the tax, it will lower the smoking rate…

Cut 11 (12) “…whole is healthier”

Various reports indicate that between 16 and 18 percent of Louisiana adults smoke.

The Public Service Commission has voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. Colleen Crain has the details…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Ruston police are investigating a shooting on Sunday night that killed one person and wounded five others. Authorities say the shooting occurred among a large crowd of people in front of a barbershop. It’s believed a dispute between extended family members led to the shooting. Investigators say multiple people were armed with handguns.

There are now two confirmed cases of measles in the New Orleans area. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today, the House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is the author of the legislation. As it stands, Louisiana ranks among the states with the lowest tobacco taxes, and Landry believes it’s time for change.

Cut 10 (10) “…almost a decade.”

At its meeting in Many, the Louisiana Public Service Commission voted to cancel the Statewide Energy Efficiency Program, which the commission approved last April. The program would save people money on their utility bills by doing things like adding insulation or installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes. However, Commissioner Mike Francis says the costs to run this program do not make it worthwhile to continue….

Cut 14 (08) “…the public”

Executive Director for the Alliance for Affordable Energy, Logan Burke, says this is not the time to hinder people’s ability to lower their utility bills.

Cut 16 (09) “…on the ropes.”

The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.

There are now two confirmed cases of measles in the New Orleans area. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Public Service Commission has voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center, featuring top local experts in medicine, dementia, and caregiving. CEO Charles Fuschillo says the event, part of the Educating America Tour, aims to inform attendees about healthy aging, early detection, long-term care planning, and local support resources.

Cut 4 (12) “…residents of Louisiana.”

The tour provides critical information for families and individuals affected by memory concerns. Fuschillo says the focus is on Alzheimer’s education, brain health, wellness, and updates on new therapies and trials.

Cut 5 (10) “…can give them.”

Fuschillo says they will discuss the science of brain aging, transitioning from home to long-term nursing care after dementia diagnosis, and other topics.

Cut 6 (09) “…to register.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health has now confirmed two measles cases in the New Orleans area. The second case was identified through contact tracing. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham said in a news conference that this was an older case and is not infectious at all.

Cut 7 (15) “…for 21 days.”

Dr. Abraham says like the first patient, the second patient likely contracted measles while traveling abroad. He says while the two cases are related, it’s unclear how they’re related. Abraham says the first patient was unvaccinated; and while it’s likely the second patient was also unvaccinated, he isn’t entirely sure. Abraham is urging those who have not already done so to get vaccinated against measles.

Cut 8 (10) “…to get it.”

Measles first popped up in Texas earlier this year. In that state, more than 600 people have been infected, and two unvaccinated children have died. In all, there are more than 800 cases across the country. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says take extra precautions if you believe you or a loved one is infected.

Cut 9 (08)  “…can expose others.”

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Today, the House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is the author of the legislation. As it stands, Louisiana ranks among the states with the lowest tobacco taxes, and Landry believes it’s time for change.

Cut 10 (10) “…almost a decade.”

Landry, known for her progressive stance on health policy, argues that higher tobacco taxes have consistently led to lower smoking rates in other states.

Cut 11 (12) “…whole is healthier”

However, opposition is already forming. Critics claim the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, Landry remains resolute, seeing the bill as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…do go down.”

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The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.

Cut 13 (10)  “…of operating costs.”

The program looks to save people money on their utility bills by doing things like adding insulation or installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes. Francis says the costs to run this program do not make it worthwhile to continue.

Cut 14 (08) “…to the public.”

The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.

Cut 15 (08) “…have gone up.”

Burke says this is definitely not the time to hinder people’s ability to lower their utility bills.

Cut 16 (09) “…on the ropes.”

The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.

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With two weeks to go in the regular season, the ULM softball team is in first place in the Sun Belt after sweeping Georgia Southern. The Warhawks have won five in a row and are 13-5 in league play. Coach Molly Fichtner says the key to this team is that they are even-keeled…

Cut 17 (16)  “…been here.”

The Brown twin sisters lead the Warhawks. They are both hitting around .400 on the season. Fichtner says they push each other, and it makes the whole team better…

Cut 18 (25)  “…for this program.”

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The Ragin Cajuns begin a five-game week tonight by taking on Grambling, who has won seven in a row. U-L Lafayette is coming off a series win over Old Dominion. The Cajuns won the series with a 10 to nothing victory on Saturday. Maddox Mandino from Minden led off the game and had three hits. Deggs plans to put Mandino in the lead off spot tonight…

Cut 19 (19) “..job of that.”

The Cajuns enter tonight’s game with a 19-23 record and Deggs wants to see his team go on a hot streak…

Cut 20 (13) “…of it.”

Two are dead after crashing their Jeep while speeding away from pursuing troopers in Alexandria. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep over early Saturday morning along the U.S. 165 frontage road.

Cut 3 (11) “…improper lane usage.”

Wallace says the driver would not slow down and it eventually ended up in a bayou. 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene.

Yesterday marked 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the Louisiana Coast killing eleven workers including five Louisianans. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says he still thinks about the families who lost loved ones.

Cut 13 (09)  “…close to home.”

Christians are mourning the death of Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88. LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says there will be a time of mourning and after his funeral, bishops from around the world will meet behind closed doors to choose the next pope…

Cut 8 (12) “…Catholic Church.”

National Work Zone Awareness Week and police are out in full force looking for people driving dangerously through work zones. In Louisiana, all fines for moving violations within work zones are doubled. DOTD secretary Joe Donahue says depending on where you are, those fines could be even higher

Cut 11 (11) “…fines for traffic.”

In 2023, the latest year in which statistics are available, 14 people were killed in Louisiana work zones, with 898 killed nationwide.

A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl are each facing charges in connection with the girl’s death, including negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 14 (03) “…to the juvenile.”

It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week. This year’s theme is, “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says construction workers are putting their lives on the line for the safety of the rest of us.

State Police Colonel Robert Hodges says when you’re going through a construction zone, 100-percent of your attention and focus needs to be on driving safely.

Cut 10 (12) “…dark at night.”

In Louisiana, all fines for moving violations within work zones are doubled.

On Easter Monday, Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at 88 after a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and reform.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in the Region 1 of the state which includes New Orleans, and the parishes of Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines. LDH says the infection appears to be linked to international travel and the individual is in isolation but not hospitalized. LDH is working to identify and notify those who may have come in contact with the patient since measles is highly contagious. This is the first known case of measles in Louisiana this year. There were three travel related cases in 2024, also in the Greater New Orleans area.

Two men are dead after crashing their Jeep while speeding away from pursuing troopers in Alexandria. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep over early Saturday morning but they sped up and turned onto England Drive, a narrow, winding road that leads to Alexandria International Airport.

Cut 4 (08) “…goes through there.”

The Jeep was later found partially submerged in a bayou, and 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle. Wallace says it’s unclear which one was the driver and unknown why the two were running from police.

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, has died at the age of 88. He led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years and took on controversial issues like climate change, inequality and he welcomed gays and lesbians into the Catholic Church.  LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says his stance on these issues upset some American Catholics…

Cut 6 (12) “…American prospective.”

DOTD has a message for all you drivers – “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Andrew Greenstein is at DOTD headquarters in Baton Rouge with more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

It was 15 years ago yesterday when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off Louisiana’s coast sending 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the worst offshore oil spill in the nation’s history. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the marshes impacted by the oil were restored, but several islands that would serve as nesting grounds for pelicans were lost.

Cut 12 (13) “…to our coast.”

A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl were arrested and charged with negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says investigators do not know the exact nature of the relationship between the three.

Cut 15 (03) “…at this time.”

They don’t believe there was an intent to harm the victim. The investigation is ongoing

The Louisiana Department of Health is reporting a case of measles in the Region 1 of the state which includes New Orleans, and the parishes of Jefferson, St. Bernard, and Plaquemines. LDH says the infection appears to be linked to international travel and the individual is in isolation but not hospitalized. LDH is working to identify and notify those who may have come in contact with the patient since measles is highly contagious. This is the first known case of measles in Louisiana this year. There were three travel related cases in 2024, also in the Greater New Orleans area.

Yesterday Pope Francis extended Easter greetings and today Christians are mourning his death.  He was 88. LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says Pope Francis wasn’t without controversy and was seen as doctrinally lenient by some. He says the Pope initiated reforms in Vatican finances, expanded roles for women and highlighted mercy and inclusivity, often clashing with traditionalists.

Cut 7 (12) “…those standards.”

Yesterday marked 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off the Louisiana Coast killing eleven workers including five Louisianans. Lt Governor Billy Nungesser says he still thinks about the families who lost loved ones.

Cut 13 (09)  “…close to home.”