The House Appropriations Committee has passed the state’s annual budget. Committee Chairman and Houma Republican Representative Jerome Zeringue (zer-ANG) says it will provide money for teacher pay raises, enough money for early childhood education, public schools, vouchers, TOPS grants, and for state colleges and universities…:

Cut 5 (13) “…backlog of issues.”

The budget now heads to the House on Thursday.

A bill to raise the pay rate for bus drivers will be heard in Senate Finance this afternoon. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says the rates haven’t changed since the 80s and it’s getting more difficult for drivers to maintain the school buses they own, and it’s causing a driver shortage.

Cut 14 (08)  “…this help.”

Today is the deadline to file your federal taxes and David Grubb has tips for procrastinators…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

After five people were shot in Baldwin last night the St. Mary Parish Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s assistance. Authorities were called just before 10:30 last night after a complaint of gunfire in the Rosebud Road and Baptiste Street area of Baldwin.

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.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says five homeowners’ insurance providers are facing fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars due to 44 instances of noncompliant practices from the last two hurricane seasons. All five had a common thread of noncompliance.

Cut 13 (12) “…they had suffered.”

State police arrest a 60-year-old man for negligent homicide because he was distracted by his phone and crashed. Trooper Kate Stegall says it happened February 27^th at an I-10 exit in Metairie. She says the victims were outside their cars discussing a crash between their vehicles when Manuel Llorens approached.

Cut 6  (08) “…occurred.” 

The full Senate approves a bill to allow certified teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage…

Cut 9 (12) “..department of education”

The state is short about 25-hundred certified public-school teachers.

Two years of COVID restrictions, many folks are happy to get out and enjoy Easter Sunday church services again this year.  LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says the feeling of a return to normalcy is most welcome…:

Cut 5  (11) “…joy to a lot of people.”

The full Senate has approved a bill that would allow certified teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage…

Cut 9 (12) “..department of education”

State Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley says the state is short about 25-hundred certified public-school teachers.

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. Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter.

Cut 3 (08) “…two years.”

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” shows many people are concerned about coastal land loss, but aren’t worried it will affect them personally.

In Northwest Louisiana, the National Weather Service confirms a third tornado touched down in Hosston Tuesday. The Hosston twister was rated an EF-0.  The first tornado, an EF-1 touched down in Benton and a second in Shreveport near the LSUS campus for a total of three twisters in a four-minute span.

The state police investigation of the officer-involved shooting in Lafayette finds the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner shot at officers first after barricading himself in his home as they tried to serve an attempted murder warrant. Trooper Thomas Gossen says this is based on interviews with officers on the scene and body camera footage.

Cut 15 (07)  “…the better.”

Bonner later died at a local hospital early Thursday.

New COVID cases are up about 10% across the country in the past week and the average number of hospitalized COVID patients nationwide has increased by a hundred. State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says they are keeping an eye on how things progress over the next few weeks…

Cut 12 (06) “…and deaths.” 
He says closer to home cases remain relatively flat. Yesterday the state reported 504 new cases.

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” indicates two-thirds of respondents felt hurricanes hitting the Bayou State are stronger than ever. And while those storms often cause flooding, Manship School of Mass Communications research director Mike Henderson says only about 40-percent say flooding was worse in recent years…:

Cut 5 (11) “…in the past.”

The survey polled over 500 adult Louisianans.

Easter is a big weekend for crawfish boils and there are plenty of mudbugs to go around this season. And as the summer rains keep the ground wet, oxygen levels will rise, and crawfish will be even more active. LSU Ag Center professor Greg Lutz…

Cut 9 (09)  “…of the season.”

State Police release more details about the officer-involved shooting in Lafayette early Thursday morning.  Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police tried to serve a warrant to suspect 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, he barricaded himself inside his home. Officers then used an armored vehicle to breach the door to give Bonner a phone so he could communicate with officers.

Cut 13 (10) “…striking Bonner.”

Bonner later died at a local hospital.

As COVID cases are beginning to increase again in certain parts of the country closer to home, State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says case numbers along with hospitalizations remain relatively unchanged.

Cut 10 (12) “…concerned about.”

On Thursday the state reported 504 new cases.

LSU’s annual “Louisiana Survey” shows many people are concerned about coastal land loss but aren’t worried it will affect them personally. Manship School of Mass Communications research director Mike Henderson says 85-percent of people surveyed fear that land loss is a serious problem…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…to future generations.”

The survey polled over 500 adult Louisianans of various ages and races.

Easter weekend is traditionally a popular time to have a crawfish boil and LSU Ag Center professor Greg Lutz says after a slow start to the season, things have improved. The recent rainfall and temps have provided a nice boost for mudbugs, and he expects supply should remain high into the summer months.

Cut 8 (11)  “…some years.”

The Senate Transportation Committee approves a bill that would double the fine for a speeding ticket on the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge, which means the penalty would be 350-dollars. Senate President Page Cortez says driver behavior needs to change wrecks, injuries, and deaths on the bridge have more than doubled during the past decade…

Cut 11 (06)  “…correct lane.”  

Under the proposed law, drivers would receive a couple of warnings before they are issued a speeding ticket.

Port Allen Senator Rick Ward has released a 30-second campaign commercial. He’s asking folks to call their local legislator and demand they approve a proposal to put 500-million dollars towards a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge…
cut 6 (08) “…on Twitter.”
But some lawmakers would like to use that 500-million dollar elsewhere.

A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis’ says House Bill 784 was written with input from a task force studying maternal mental health.

Cut 6  (10) “…our children.” 

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley shared with lawmakers how postpartum depression impacted his wife and that it eventually led to her suicide. He says postpartum depression impacts women from all walks of life.

Cut 8 (08) “…existence is.” 

The bill now advances to Senate Health and Welfare

In Lafayette, a 13-year-old female is fighting for her life after being shot last night and authorities say the suspect, 18-year-old Trevon Bonner was killed after an exchange of gunfire with police. Lafayette Police Sgt. Robin Green says Bonner barricaded himself inside his residence. Green says a neighbor of a female victim heard the original gunshots.

Cut 3 (06) “…called 911.”
She is listed in critical condition and State Police are investigating the officer-involved shooting of the suspect Bonner.

A bill to require healthcare providers to offer postnatal care and to screen patients for signs of postpartum depression passes unanimously in the Louisiana House. Robin Gruenfeld with the New Orleans March of Dimes says House Bill 784 is about preventing infant and maternal mortality, and that postpartum depression is more common than you think.

Cut 7 (05) “…in five (x2).” 

It now heads to Senate Health and Welfare.

Two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients during natural disasters pass unanimously in Senate Health and Welfare. Senate Bill 33 requires all long-term care facilities to have adequate generator power. Mark Berger, Executive Director of the Louisiana Nursing Home Association says while most facilities have generators large enough to support their heating and cooling systems…

Cut 10 (07) “…their peers.”

Senate Bill 167 tasks the State Fire Marshal’s Office with the inspection of nursing home evacuation plans.

Monroe Senator Stewart Cathey, Jr. wants to make the Gulf Fritillary (frit-ah-lar-ee) the official state butterfly.

Cut 16 (11)  “…first for me.”
Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt along with other members of Senate Governmental Affairs approved the bill and it flutters to the Senate floor.

State Police are now investigating an officer-involved shooting death of a suspect who hours earlier was allegedly involved in the attempted murder of a 13-year-old female in Lafayette. Trooper Thomas Gossen says when Lafayette Police were trying to serve a high-risk arrest warrant to suspect 18-year-old Trevon Bonner, he barricaded himself inside his home.

Cut 4  (08) “…his injuries.”

The female victim is listed in critical condition at a local hospital.

After a 1-12 start and no Zion Williamson this season yet still, the New Orleans Pelicans are just one win from making the playoffs after beating the Spurs last night, 113-103. Brandon Ingram was riding high after the win…

Cut 12 (10) “…it’s a blessing.” 

The Pels play Friday in Los Angeles.

Be on the lookout for new political ads urging public support for getting a new Mississippi River bridge in Baton Rouge under construction.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer has been producing sweets for almost two centuries, but this year has presented some challenges while they ramped up for Easter, says CEO Rob Nelson.

Cut 7 (11) “…pecan egg supply.”

After 850 nursing home residents were evacuated to a warehouse in Tangipahoa Parish during Hurricane Ida and 15 died as a result, the legislature is responding with two bills to ensure the safety of nursing home patients. St. Martin Parish Senator Fred Mills’ bill requires all long-term care facilities to have adequate generator power. Mills says failure to comply could result in the health department pulling certification.

Cut  11 (09)  “…that license.”  

And River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot’s bill tasks the State Fire Marshal’s Office with inspections of nursing home evacuation plans. Fire Marshal Butch Browning says his office supports the bill and they are ready to assist.

Cut 13 (04) “…a lot easier.”

The Louisiana Nursing Home Association also supports two bills. Both bills advance to the Senate.

West Baton Rouge Parish Senator Rick Ward has a new 30-second TV ad urging public support for funding a new I-10 Mississippi River bridge at Baton Rouge. The Port Allen Republican says the billion in one-time federal money is coming to the state from the Infrastructure Law. He says $500-million needs to be earmarked ONLY for the bridge, and other infrastructure projects. And if those who see the video agree…:

Cut 4 (07)  “…so we can get it done.”

Ponchatoula-based candy maker Elmer has been producing sweets for nearly two centuries, and many Easter baskets will be filled with their creations with weekend. While you might have a favorite Elmer treat, CEO Rob Nelson says it always comes down to two staples.

Cut 9 (09)  “…popular pieces.”