Today is the deadline to file your federal tax return. Metairie CPA John Theriot says mailing your return today could be risky…especially if you’re dropping it in the nearest mailbox. Theriot says the best way to avoid taking that chance is by going online.

Cut 9 (13)  “…postmarked today.”

For E-file options and forms, visit irs.gov.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the unemployment rate for March in Louisiana reached its lowest point in 14 years at 4.2-percent. But economist Loren Scott says many employers continue to need employees and for some reason, people are not returning to the workforce.

Cut 10 (07) “…in April of ’20.”

House Appropriations Committee is expected to finish its work on the state’s annual budget, before sending it to the full House for debate. Committee Chairman and Houma Republican Representative Jerome Zeringue says with the additional one-time federal money, the committee has been careful to plan to use a portion for building a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge, a new I-10 Bridge in Lake Charles and other projects…:

Cut 6 (11)  “…as best we can.”

A bill to raise the compensation rate for school bus drivers will be heard in Senate Finance today. Bill author Covington Senator Patrick McMath says driver pay rates haven’t changed since the 1980s and we owe it to them and the children they transport, so they can properly maintain their vehicles.

Cut 13 (08) “…do that.”

He says many bus drivers are leaving the profession as a result.

America shifts gears from Easter Sunday to Tax Monday, with today as the deadline for filing your federal return. David Grubb has tips for procrastinators…
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

A hit-and-run crash in New Orleans results in one death and five others injured. It happened last night in the Seventh Ward. Police say a Chevrolet Suburban speeding and traveling in the wrong direction slammed into a Honda Accord. The Chevy Suburban then hit four nearby pedestrians. The Driver of the SUV pulled away but was arrested a short time later and then died at a local hospital.

At the State Capitol today, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to finish its work on the state’s annual budget, before sending it to the full House for debate. Committee Chairman Jerome Zeringue says the $38-billion House Bill 1 contains a lot of extra money, to be put to use…:
Cut 4 (12) “…into the budget.”
Teachers are reportedly set to receive a 15-hundred dollar pay raise.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission reports the state’s unemployment rate for March was four-point-two percent. That’s the lowest unemployment rate for March in 14 years. But economist Loren Scott says there are more jobs than available workers as there are many who have decided not to re-enter the workforce…
cut 12 (09) :,,,sock away”

Today is the deadline to file federal taxes. Some taxpayers have requested or will need to file an extension. Metairie CPA John Theriot says if you do need an extension, whatever you owe the federal government needs to be sent to Uncle Sam today…
cut 8 (09) “….penalties and interest”
Theriot also encourages taxpayers to file electronically and send your payment electronically.

A state senator in St. Tammany Parish is leading the effort to increase the pay for school bus drivers. Covington Senator Patrick McMath voted against similiar legislation last year, but he’s been enlightened about how the low pay rate is adversely impacting school bus drivers. McMath is a father of four and understands the importance of school bus drivers…
cut 15 (05) “….in a pickle”
McMath’s measure to give school bus drivers a pay raise will be heard by Senate Finance today.

At the State Capitol today, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a spending plan for next fiscal year. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the state’s unemployment rate is 4-point-two percent, the lowest it’s been for March in 14 years. But employers are still in search of workers. Could inflation bring retirees back, economist Loren Scott says it hasn’t happened yet…
cut 11 (04) “….unemployment rate”

Today is the deadline to file your federal tax return. If you’ve been waiting until the last minute, you’re not alone. Metairie CPA John Theriot has advice if you are one of the 43 million Americans who procrastinate.
Cut 7 (09) “…file an extension.”
Theriot reminds you that an extension doesn’t give you an extension to pay, if you owe the federal government that payment needs to be made today.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the unemployment rate for March in Louisiana reached its lowest point in 14 years at 4.2-percent. But economist Loren Scott says many employers continue to need employees.
Cut 10 (07) “…in April of ’20.”
Scott says some workers are reluctant to return to a work environment because of COVID, and for others, it’s a lack of affordable childcare.

A state senator is looking to increase the pay for Louisaina bus drivers. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police arrest a 60-year-old New Orleans area man for negligent homicide, after finding he was looking at his cellphone when he crashed into the scene of an accident that had already happened. Manuel Llorens was checking a text, and hit the drivers of both cars as they exchanged insurance info on the Interstate 10 roadside. One was killed, the other badly hurt. State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says avoid ANY form of distraction while behind the wheel – even eating…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…the roadway”

A West Monroe elementary school is making some changes after a parent complained that kids were being required to pray in class. The parent contacted the Freedom from Religion Foundation, who sent an angry letter to the Ouachita School system. Apparently kids were being asked to recite a prayer after the Pledge of Allegiance. The U.S. Supreme court ruled years ago that school cannot do that. The superintendent says it has already been stopped.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced today that five homeowner’s insurance providers are facing fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars based on their business practices in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…:

CUT 12 (08)     “…improper activities”

Activities like slow-walking claims settlements so much that customers had to hire lawyers in order to get satisfaction. The companies fined are United Property & Casualty, GeoVera, FedNat, Maison, and Allied Trust.

As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter…:

CUT 05(11)      “…a lot of people.”

Best wishes for the holiday.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

A Baton Rouge family is mourning the loss of their three-year-old child; shot in the head Tuesday night as he slept, by a stray bullet that pierced the wall of the house. While police seek the culprit in little Devin Page’s death, LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal steps up and says he will pay for all funeral expenses for the boy.

Police in Shreveport are investigating an apparent murder-suicide that happened late Thursday night. SPD says they responded to a “shots fired” call to find 47-year-old Angie Anders in a vehicle in the driveway; suffering one of more gunshots. She later died at a local hospital. Inside the home they found the body of 58-year-old William Cherry, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. Cherry was known to have a history of violent acts against women.

Before the broke for the Easter Weekend, the full Senate passed a bill that would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their retirement benefits. Bill sponsor and Baton Rouge Democrat Senator Cleo Fields says the bill is help with a statewide teacher shortage…:

CUT 09(12)      “…department of education”

Right now Louisiana is shy about 2500 certified public school teachers. That bill now moves to the House Education Committee for review.

Before breaking for the Easter weekend, the Louisiana Senate passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A House Committee has approved a bill allowing citizens over 21, with no felony criminal record, to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill now goes to the House floor. A similar bill was passed last year, but vetoed by the Governor. A subsequent attempt to override the veto failed.

A 60-year-old New Orleans area man is under arrest for negligent homicide, for a February car crash in Jefferson Parish that killed one person and crippled a second. State Police say Manuel Llorens was looking at his cellphone, when he slammed into two stopped cars that had been in a fender bender. Both those drivers were standing outside their vehicles at the time. LSP Trooper Kate Stegall says this is a good lesson about distracted driving…:

CUT 07(11)      “…your eyes closed.”

After two years of COVID pandemic restrictions, many are looking forward to traditional Easter holiday activities … like crawfish boils, picnics and of course church services. LSU’s Chair of Religious studies Dr. Mike Pasquier says this will help get back a sense of normalcy…:

CUT 03(07)      “…two years.”