A Winn Parish father and high school sports coach is shot dead – allegedly by his own son. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Foxx.”

Police in Shreveport seek the man who robbed the downtown Red River Bank branch. The man made off with an undisclosed amount of cash at about 8:40 today. SPD says the suspect is a tall, slender black man with a deformity of the left eye. Caddo Crimestoppers will gladly take tips; (318) 673-7373.

At the Capitol, a bill to do away with state income tax appears to have been defeated. The House Ways & Means Committee voted to table Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill. Among his proposals for offsetting the lost revenues, Nelson’s bill would have lowered homestead exemptions and done away with Industrial Tax Exemption Plans (also called ITEPS). Sulphur Representative Les Farnum says ITEPs are good for his district…:

CUT 14(10)      “…in your area.”

Nelson, who is running for governor, believes he would have a better chance at getting this tax reform passed if he was in the Governor’s Mansion.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested three 19-year-old men for the murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn child early Sunday morning. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says minutes before the shooting – the victim dropped off teens at a party in the area…:

CUT 03(11)      “…them up.”

The teens are charged with second-degree murder and first-degree feticide. The investigation is ongoing.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned as he is implicated in a bribery scandal. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(32)      “….Palermo.”

A weird story out of Opelousas, where police say a man robbed a local bank Wednesday, then handed the money to another bank employee, asked them to call the cops and waited to be arrested. The 44-year-old man has not been identified. Police say his mental and physical health is being evaluated, while he faces a 1st degree robbery charge.

It’s a big weekend for spring festivals in Louisiana. In Acadiana, there’s the Scott Boudin Festival; celebrating the state’s signature sausage dish. This year’s Boudin Queen, Emily Chaisson, says the festival is one of a kind…:

CUT 08(13)      “…really can’t wait.”

The Scott area sells over 4-million pounds of boudin yearly. For information and a map, go to “Scott BoudinFestival.com”

In Ponchatoula, the 51^st annual Strawberry Festival is underway. Emily Matisse, with Tangipahoa Parish Tourism, says there will be tons of berries to be bought & consumed and a great time to be had by all…:

CUT 06(09)      “…at 9:30.”

Strawberry festival is one the largest FREE events in the state. Second only to Mardi Gras. It all ends Sunday. Go to “LAStrawberryFestival.com” to find out more.

Wildlife & Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has resigned abruptly, after it came to light he is implicated in a federal kickbacks investigation. Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme that has already resulted in a conviction for a Youngsville man. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it’s yet another tale of public corruption…:

CUT 11(09)      “…it continues.”

Montoucet served in the legislature before being appointed to LDWF by Governor John Bel Edwards.

Health officials are concerned about a nasty fungus going around, named Candida Auris, which spreads fast and has a high mortality rate. Dr. Fred Lopez says you get it from touching dirty stuff, and when it hits the bloodstream, it can get dangerous…:

CUT 05(12)      “…really important.”

Wash your hands OFTEN.

State Treasurer John Schroder is reaching out to veterans’ organizations in hopes of reuniting Unclaimed Property with those who’ve served in the military. The campaign is called “Veterans Cash Claim”…:

CUT 13(09)      “…our programs.”

Check “LACashClaim.org” to see if you have money waiting.

Looking for weekend fun? Head out to Scott, in Lafayette Parish, for the Boudin Festival. Scott is known as the epicenter of the boudin industry in the state and sells over 4 million pounds of boudin each year. Festival Queen Emily Chaisson invites everyone to attend, and says volunteers are still most welcome…:

CUT 09(11)      “…is volunteers.”

Information is online at “ScottBoudinFestival.com”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet has submitted his resignation as it has become public he’s involved in a bribery scandal. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says this is not a good look for the Edwards administration…:

CUT 10  (11)        “…to bribery.”

Federal documents show Montoucet’s signature is on a contract tied to a kickback scheme under federal investigation.

This weekend in Tangipahoa Parish, the 51^st annual Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Emily Matisse, with Tangipahoa Tourism, says they anticipate good crowds, despite a threat of some rain Saturday…:

CUT 07  (12)        “…Strawberry Festival.”

Visit “lastrawberryfestival.com” to see a lineup of events and music.

A rapidly spreading fungus, that can be fatal to some, has the medical community concerned. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01  (30)        “…Thorington.”

The LSU Lady Tigers gymnastics team has made it to the NCAA Final Four, after a narrow victory over Florida Thursday. The National Championship is Saturday at 2:30 p.m. Check your local listings.

The French Quarter Festival is underway in New Orleans. More than 20 stages will have live music through the weekend, and there are great food vendors everywhere you look.

At the State Capitol today, a House committee advanced a bill to let the attorney general crack down on adult websites who do not age verify users as adults. The bill would allow for fines up to $5-thousand per day of non-compliance. The state passed a law requiring age check on such websites last year. This bill would give it enforcement power. Some worried the bill could result in a legit website being targeted, but bill sponsor and Kenner Rep. Laurie Schlegel says not to worry…:’

CUT 14(10)      “…on the internet.”

By a vote of 15-to-1, the bill now moves to the House floor.

Term-limited House Speaker Clay Schexnayder has officially declared he will run for Secretary of State this fall. This comes just days after current SOS Kyle Ardoin announced he would not seek another term. Schexnayder will have competition in that race, with Ascension Parish grocery chain owner Brandon Trosclair and Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis of Crowley also having declared they’ll run.

Colorado State University’s predictions for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane have been released, and the news is…not so bad…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Thorington.”

The New Orleans Pelicans’ season ended last night with a 123-to-118 loss to Oklahoma City in the NBA’s play-in tournament. New Orleans was one of the top teams in the league at the start of the season, but injuries plagued the team…including that of star power forward Zion Williamson. New Orleans finishes the year with a 42-40 record.

At the State Capitol today, a House bill to crack down on adult websites who do nothing to prevent kids from viewing them clears it first legislative hurdle. The bill would impose fines of up to $5-thousand per day of non-compliance. One lone “no” vote came from New Orleans Rep. Candace Newell, who worries the language of the bill could render legit websites vulnerable to legal action…:

CUT 13  (11)        “…its consequences.”

Assured it will only target sexually explicit sites, the bill moves forward to the House floor.

Another bill that moved out of committee requires locator beacons on life jackets intended for offshore rig workers. Once thought too costly to do, bill sponsor Troy Romero, of Jennings, says they’re now as cheap as $200…:

CUT 10  (12)        “…oil location.”

Locators would lead to more lives saved when aircraft go down in the Gulf. That bill also goes to House floor debate.

Six weeks out from the start of the hurricane season, and the Colorado State University storm team predicts a number of systems slightly below normal. Researcher Tyler Barbero says that is 13 named storms, of which 6 could be hurricanes…two of those major hurricanes…:

CUT 06  (10)        “…ocean currently.”

He says the developing El Nino will calm things down a bit this season. Good news.

Detectives in Baton Rouge are still searching for a man who killed a Good Samaritan who tried to fight him off when he was allegedly spotted attacking a woman. 64-year-old Randall Parker died after he was shot trying to defend the woman. BRPD asks anyone with information on the crime to contact Baton Rouge Crimestoppers at 225-344-STOP. A reward is offered and you will remain anonymous.

You know hurricane season is right around the corner, when Colorado State University releases its 2023 storm predictions. More from Brooke Thorington…:

CUT 01  (32)        “…Thorington.”

Police in Natchitoches are investigating a Wednesday homicide. Officers responded to a “shots fired” call to find 21-year-old Josh Chism with a gunshot to the chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene. NPD asks anyone with information on the killing to contact Detective Stevenson at 318-238-3914.

A House committee advances a bill to let the attorney general crack down on adult website who do not age verify users as adults. In the House Commerce Committee, bill sponsor and Jefferson Parish Representative Laurie Schlegel says her bill is a follow-up to a bill passed last year that requires all adult websites to require users to verify they are adults…:

CUT 12(07)      “…into the bill.”

Teeth like fines up to $5-thousand for every day of non-compliance. By a 15-to-1 vote, the bill moves to the House floor.

The New Orleans Pelicans ended their season last night, with a loss to Oklahoma City in the NBA Play-In Tournament. Brandon Ingram scored 30 points in the game. He says injuries were an issue for the Pels all season long..:

CUT 05(12)      “…play games.”

A bill to enact a statewide ban on handheld cell phones while driving is before the state legislature. Teiko Foxx reports on a mom who urges lawmakers to pass it…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

A man charged with multiple counts of child sex abuse in Livingston Parish is no longer behind bars, and that makes a number of people angry. John Mack faces numerous charges dating back to 2011. He’s been released on $250-thousand bond. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump says Mack would still be in jail, if he were not white.

Expect more debate of the state’s abortion ban law, as bills are filed to amend exceptions for rape, incest and medical necessity into the law. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says a clear majority of voters polled favor such exceptions…:

CUT 09(10)      “…or incest.”

But Louisiana Right to Life’s Sarah Zagorski says abortion only further traumatizes women…:

CUT 10(09)      “…of abortion.”

The bills are HB 346 and 549, if you are tracking their progress. Governor John Bel Edwards has asked that the rape & incest exceptions be added to the law by the House & Senate.

The five cops charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene entered pleas of not guilty in a 3^rd District courtroom Tuesday. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is charged with negligent homicide. Baton Rouge defense attorney and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the obstructing justice charge is disturbing when one is talking about lawmen…:

CUT 12(11)      “…cover it up.”

Greene died a violent death while being arrested. His family was told he died in a car crash, and that remained the official story for over a year, before officer body cam footage leaked.

Deputies in Evangeline Parish say an 85-year-old woman who took a severe beating – allegedly at the hands of her own granddaughter – has died from her injuries. The younger woman, Cecilia Anne Lee, is now charged with murder, battery, cruelty to the infirm and more. Her bond is set at over a million dollars.

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana, with legislation to add exceptions to the state’s abortion ban scheduled for debate this session. Governor Edwards is in support of exceptions for rape and incest. Lift Louisiana Executive Director Michelle Erenberg says there’s overwhelming support for those exceptions…:

CUT 07(09)      “…demanding this.”

But Louisiana Right to Life spokesperson Sarah Zagorski disagrees, she feels such exceptions would be a step back for pro-life advocates…:

CUT 08(11)      “…move forward.”

Erenberg says women need the right to choose. Zagorski says abortion further traumatizes women.

The abortion debate is far from over in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

Baton Rouge’s Metro Council will discuss a proposed ban on balloon releases; often done at prayer vigils and memorials. The issue is the balloons rise aloft, burst and fall to earth as litter. Animals can mistake them for food and choke on them. Balloons have even been blamed for power failures. Under the proposal, violators could face fines up to $250.

In a surprising move, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced this week he will NOT seek another term in office; leaving many wondering why. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says he, of course, does not KNOW what motivated Ardoin’s decision, but he may have been discouraged by Public Service Commissioner Mike Francis’ decision to run…:

CUT 13(07)      “…for Kyle Ardoin.”

Also considering running for that office, term-limited House Speaker Clay Schexnayder.

The five law enforcement officers charged in the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene entered pleas of not guilty in a 3^rd District courtroom Tuesday. Two state troopers, two former troopers, and a Union Parish deputy are charged with obstruction of justice, and malfeasance in office, and one is also charged with negligent homicide. Baton Rouge defense attorney and legal analyst Franz Borghardt says the malfeasance charges are potential permanent career killers for the officers…:

CUT 11(11)      “…a malfeasance.”