If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, there’s a big event happening in Ponchatoula starting today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Labor Committee approves legislation that would protect a worker from disciplinary action if he or she does not use a co-worker’s preferred gender pronoun. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Ole Miss fifth-year senior transfer linebacker T.J. Dottery spoke about his decision to follow his coach to LSU. Andre Champagne has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, why not head to Ponchatoula and take in the Strawberry Festival? It starts this morning at eleven and runs through Sunday at Memorial Park on North Sixth Street. Donald Lanier with the Strawberry Festival says they’ll be taking over Main Street tomorrow morning with a parade that begins at 9:30.

Cut 4 (08) “…off the weekend.”

The best part about the Strawberry Festival is that it costs nothing to get in, and Lanier says there are strawberries everywhere.

Cut 5 (09) “…anything like that.”

And if you’re wondering how this year’s strawberry crop is, Lanier says to put it bluntly, it is fantastic!

Cut 6 (12) “…them fast enough.”

One important change from last year – tonight and tomorrow night, the festival will close at eight o’clock. In past years, it would stay open until ten, but an unfortunate incident last year is leading organizers to close it two hours earlier. It closes at six Sunday evening.

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Teacher pay raises won’t be the only thing voters will be deciding in next month’s constitutional amendment election. There are four other amendments on the ballot, including one that would allow local governments to reduce or eliminate inventory taxes on businesses in exchange for a one-time payment. Steven Procopio, the president and CEO of the Public Affairs Research Council, says while the tax is universally disliked by the business community, getting rid of it is not that simple.

Cut 7 (14) “…they afford it?”

Procopio says another amendment on the ballot is whether the mandatory retirement age for judges should be raised from 70 to 75 – the third time that this has been put to voters.

Cut 8 (08) “…fresh or younger?”

Voters will also decide whether to authorize the creation of the St. George Community School System in East Baton Rouge Parish. Procopio says the only reason that this is going to voters statewide is because that’s what the rules say.

Cut 9 (07)  “…of the state.”

But for the most part, the outcome of that vote would have no impact on anyone living outside East Baton Rouge Parish.

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The House Labor Committee passes legislation that would prohibit a private or public employer from firing or taking retaliatory action against an employee for misgendering. Chairman Raymond Crews of Bossier City is the author of the legislation.

Cut 10 (09) “…is that proper?”

Crews is referring to Luke Ash, who was let go of his job last July after he refused to use someone’s preferred pronouns. The measure is heading to the House floor after a six-to-four vote along party lines in House Labor.

Shreveport Democratic Representative Tammy Phelps reminded the committee that as long as a business does not fire a worker based on race, sex, age, religion, natural origin or disability, it does not have to give a reason for the dismissal.

Cut 11 (06) “…why they’re firing.”

Peyton Rose Michelle, with Louisiana Trans Advocates, believes the legislation is unfair, because state law does not protect trans people from discrimination, yet this bill would protect someone who intentionally tries to disrespect a transgender individual.

Cut 12 (10) “…and be disrespectful.”

Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder voted for the legislation. Wilder says he will always use the birth-assigned pronouns based on his religious beliefs, and he shouldn’t lose his job over that.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to protect that.”

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If you missed out on eating crawfish during Easter weekend, now is the time to get them and at a lower price. Laney King, the co-founder of The Crawfish App, says dock prices fell 50 cents per pound Monday, which has resulted in live crawfish selling for less than three dollars a pound.

Cut 14 (13) “…dollars a pound.”

King says Easter is the highest demand weekend of the year for crawfish; but once that passes, demand softens slightly, but supply remains strong and that combination leads to lower prices.

Cut 15 (11) “…your favorite spot.”

King says the post-Easter price drop is a typical seasonal pattern.

Cut 16 (07) “…this nice price.”

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LSU fifth-year senior linebacker T.J. Dottery is one of four players who decided to follow Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge after Ole Miss’ playoff run. Dottery, who led the SEC in tackles last season with 98, says he’s already enjoying playing for his new defensive coordinator, Blake Baker.

Cut 17 (15)  “…nothing but good.”

The LSU defense brought in several top transfers while returning a couple of key starters from last year’s team. Dottery says the Tigers’ defense will have to do something special this season.

Cut 18 (14)  “…part of it.”

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The LSU baseball team begins a three-game series against Ole Miss in Oxford this weekend. Sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide says he and his teammates are looking forward to playing another rival in another hostile ballpark.

Cut 19 (16) “…ton of fans.”

LSU redshirt junior pitcher Gavin Guidry says getting off the field quickly and inducing short innings will be key against an Ole Miss team that capitalizes on mistakes and errors.

Cut 20 (11) “…continue to avoid.”

The House Labor Committee turns aside a bill that would have raised the minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour. The debate over raising the minimum wage is an annual one at the state capitol. Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion wants to see more action than just talking.

Cut 26 (06) “…real adjustment.”

The vote to defeat the bill was seven-to-five. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso was among the seven who voted no; he says the solution to boosting incomes in Louisiana is not raising the minimum wage.

Cut 22 (06) “…fix the problem.”

The minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been that way for 17 years. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said it shouldn’t be up to the government to decide how much business owners should pay their employees.

Cut 28 (06) “…type of business.”

The House Labor Committee passes legislation that would prohibit a private or public employer from firing or taking retaliatory action against an employee for misgendering. Chairman Raymond Crews of Bossier City is the author of the legislation.

Cut 10 (09) “…is that proper?”

Crews is referring to Luke Ash, who was let go of his job last July after he refused to use someone’s preferred pronouns.

Peyton Rose Michelle, with Louisiana Trans Advocates, believes the legislation is unfair, because state law does not protect trans people from discrimination, yet this bill would protect someone who intentionally tries to disrespect a transgender individual.

Cut 12 (10) “…and be disrespectful.”

The measure is heading to the House floor after a six-to-four vote along party lines.

The House Labor Committee voted against a bill today to increase the state’s minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour starting on January 1st. Business groups say a higher minimum wage will result in fewer jobs and higher costs that will be passed on to the consumer. Melissa Flourney, the co-founder of Ten-thousand Women, pointed out to the committee that 30 states have a higher minimum wage than $7.25.

Cut 9 (10)  “…leaving Arkansas.”

The measure failed on a vote of seven to five. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso voted against the measure, saying he would rather see investments in workforce training…

Cut 10 (09) “…minimum wage.”

The minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since July of 2009.

The first long range forecast for the upcoming hurricane season is encouraging. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Organizers of this year’s Strawberry Festival are putting an extra emphasis on safety and security this year after last year’s event was marred by a shooting. That’s already started, as four people have been banned from this year’s festival for making threats to the event. Ponchatoula Police have identified one of them as 19-year-old Amari Sexton.

The House Labor Committee turns aside a bill that would have raised the minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour. The minimum wage is $7.25, and it’s been that way for 17 years. The debate over raising the minimum wage is an annual one at the state capitol. Several other previous proposals failed to make it out of committee. Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion wants to see more action than just talking.

Cut 12 (06) “…real adjustment.”

Of course, you’re going to need to earn a lot more than minimum wage to fill your gas tank these days. Here in Louisiana, a gallon of regular unleaded is averaging $3.78 a gallon; diesel is averaging $5.32 a gallon. The summer travel season is rapidly approaching; and Gas Buddy-dot-com Petroleum Analyst Patrick DeHaan says if this trend continues, it will have a devastating effect on summer travel, both by car and by airplane.

Cut 8 (06) “…in that regard.”

If the Colorado State University hurricane forecast team’s prediction is spot-on, we could be in for another quiet hurricane season this year. The team is predicting 13 named storms this year, which is one fewer than the average of 14. Researcher Chandler Jenkins says of those 13, the team is predicting six to become hurricanes, including two major hurricanes.

Cut 5 (06) “…hurricane forecast activity.”

There were 13 named storms last year, including five hurricanes – none of which made landfall in the U.S.

So who’s leading in the race for the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate? It depends on which poll you believe. The campaigns for Julia Letlow and John Fleming have released polls showing each one in the lead. The poll by JMC Analytics and Polling commissioned by the Fleming campaign shows Fleming leading the pack with 33-percent support. A poll by BDPC Strategic Campaign Services commissioned by Letlow shows her in front with 29-percent support.

Fuel prices continue to rise in Louisiana and across the country, with no end in sight. The average price of regular unleaded is $3.78 a gallon, with diesel averaging $5.32 a gallon. Oil prices did start to come down yesterday in light of the two-week ceasefire. DeHaan says because of that, gas stations have not started to buy cheaper gasoline yet to ease the pain at the pump.

Cut 7 (06) “…tanks just yet.”

At this rate, workers making the minimum wage will never be able to afford gasoline. But today, the House Labor Committee voted against a measure to boost the minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso says if the state really wants to help out low-wage earners, provide them training to get a higher paying job.

Cut 11 (11) “…in a solution.”

The first long range forecast for the upcoming hurricane season is encouraging. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Organizers of this year’s Strawberry Festival are putting an extra emphasis on safety and security this year after last year’s event was marred by a shooting. That’s already started, as four people have been banned from this year’s festival for making threats to the event. Ponchatoula Police have identified one of them as 19-year-old Amari Sexton.

The House Labor Committee voted against a bill today to increase the state’s minimum wage to 12 dollars an hour starting on January 1st. Business groups say a higher minimum wage will result in fewer jobs and higher costs that will be passed on to the consumer. Melissa Flourney, the co-founder of Ten-thousand Women, pointed out to the committee that 30 states have a higher minimum wage than $7.25.

Cut 9 (10)  “…leaving Arkansas.”

The measure failed on a vote of seven to five. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso voted against the measure, saying he would rather see investments in workforce training…

Cut 10 (09) “…minimum wage.”

The minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since July of 2009.

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is predicting a slightly below-average Atlantic hurricane season, with 13 named storms – one short of the average. Researcher Chandler Jenkins says the team anticipates a moderate to strong El Nino during the peak of the season from August to October.

Cut 4 (08) “…in the Atlantic.”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is out with its guide to the 2026 Constitutional Amendments. The one getting the most attention is Amendment 3, the one that would make a two-thousand-dollar pay raise for teachers permanent. PAR President and CEO Steven Procopio says the plan would involve retiring three trusts funds that currently go towards education.

Cut 25 (10) “…teacher pay raise.”

Analysts say soaring fuel prices could lead to a very rough economy this summer. According to Gas Buddy-dot-com, the current statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.78 a gallon, with diesel averaging $5.32 a gallon. Petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says we likely have not seen the worst of it.

Cut 6 (09) “…prices go higher.”

The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is predicting a somewhat below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. An average season yields 14 named storms; C-S-U is predicting 13. Researcher Chandler Jenkins says a robust El Nino is the primary factor for its prediction of a baker’s dozen.

Cut 3 (09) “…wind shear.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would eliminate the inspection sticker requirement for most drivers. Instead of an inspection sticker,  DeSoto Parish Representative Larry Bagley is proposing a Q-R code sticker that would cost six dollars.

Cut 11 (08) “…ticket for that.”

The Q-R code would contain the VIN, the color, the make and model.

A bill that would give incarcerated people another mechanism to shorten their prison sentences is now just one vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry presented her House Bill 111 to the Senate Judiciary C Committee.

Cut 7 (05) “…days of credit.”

Landry pointed out that current law already gives inmates an opportunity to shorten their sentences by 90 days by earning a bachelor’s degree; her bill would simply add an associates’ degree to that.

The Public Affairs Research Council is out with its guide to the 2026 Constitutional amendments. Andre Champagne takes a look at the one that’s getting the most attention, Amendment 3.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The effort to eliminate the need of an inspection for most passenger vehicles receives overwhelming support in the Louisiana House. Andrew Greenstein has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Senate Commerce Committee passes legislation that would require representative or agent to be registered with the state before negotiating an NIL deal on behalf of a college or high school athlete. Jeff Palermo has more.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is out with its guide to the 2026 Constitutional Amendments. The one getting the most attention is Amendment 3, the one that would make a two-thousand-dollar pay raise for teachers permanent. PAR President and CEO Steven Procopio says they would be paid through funds that exist in the constitution.

Cut 4 (11) “…the pay raises.”

The plan would involve retiring three trusts funds – funds that Procopio says currently go towards education.

Cut 5 (10) “…teacher pay raise.”

Procopio says based on data by the Department of Revenue and the Teachers Retirement System, schools will largely come out on top.

Cut 6 (11) “…is to spend.”

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A bill that would give incarcerated people another mechanism to shorten their prison sentences is now just one vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. Mandie Landry presented her House Bill 111 to the Senate Judiciary C Committee.

Cut 7 (05) “…days of credit.”

Landry pointed out that this is actually nothing groundbreaking – it simply adds on to an existing law giving inmates an opportunity to shorten their sentences by 90 days.

Cut 8 (05) “…degree to it.”

Landry’s bill has so far sailed through the legislature, passing every step of the way without a single “no” vote. Landry especially took note when Committee Chairman Jay Morris listed some of the organizations that supported the bill, and they covered the entire partisan spectrum.

Cut 9 (02)  “…there you go.”

The bill now goes to the full Senate before it heads to Landry’s desk for his signature.

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The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would eliminate the inspection sticker requirement for most drivers. DeSoto Parish Representative Larry Bagley has been pushing this bill for a number of years, because he looks at the inspection sticker as an outdated burden for drivers.

Cut 10 (06) “…of those things?”

An inspection sticker costs ten dollars for one year or 18 dollars for two years. For vehicle owners in the Baton Rouge area who do not drive an E-V, it costs 18 dollars a year because an emissions test is required. Revenue from inspection stickers goes to State Police and the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Instead of an inspection sticker, Bagley is proposing a Q-R code sticker that would cost six dollars.

Cut 11 (08) “…ticket for that.”

The Q-R code would contain the VIN, the color, the make and model. The bill passed the House on an 86-to-7 vote. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman voted no and had concerns about the Q-R code.

Cut 12 (11) “…bad actors here.”

Governor Landry supports the bill and said “great news” in an X post after the measure passed the House. It still needs Senate approval.

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Agents who negotiate NIL deals for college and high school athletes would have to be registered with the state under legislation approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. Assistant Attorney General Oliva Nuss says this legislation modernizes student-agent laws to address the rapid growth of NIL endorsement deals.

Cut 13 (12)  “…really no knowledge.”

The bill ensures that “agents” who represent student athletes are registered with the state, undergo a background check and provide full disclosure of fees and compensation. Legendary high school football coach J.T. Curtis of John Curtis High School agrees that individuals representing college and high school athletes should be registered.

Cut 14 (09) “…has some qualification.”

The measure also creates civil remedies for athletes harmed by unethical individuals who negotiate an NIL deal. Curtis says he’s seen athletes who were taken advantage by people they thought were looking out for their best interests while negotiating NIL deals.

Cut 15 (11) “…with understanding contract.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

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The LSU baseball team suffered its fourth midweek loss of the season Tuesday, falling 10-7 to Bethune-Cookman. Senior Seth Dardar exited late with an ankle injury, while Chris Stanfield reaggravated a previous hand injury. Head coach Jay Johnson said their status for this weekend’s series against Ole Miss is up in the air.

Cut 16 (15) “…the two instances.”

Johnson also says junior pitcher Cooper Moore has started throwing and hopes to have him back by next week.

After that midweek loss, the Tigers will need to keep winning in conference play to have any chance of hosting an NCAA Regional in June. The challenge doesn’t get any easier, as LSU travels to Oxford to face Ole Miss this weekend. Johnson says the Rebels’ lineup is one of the toughest in the SEC.

Cut 17 (15)  “…trying to execute.”

Senior first baseman Zach Yorke did not play against Bethune-Cookman following his recent struggles. Johnson says for Yorke to remain in the lineup and contribute consistently, he needs to improve in two specific areas moving forward.

Cut 18 (15)  “…something from it.”

The Louisiana House has approved a bill that would eliminate the inspection sticker requirement for most drivers. DeSoto Parish Representative Larry Bagley has been pushing this bill for a number of years, because he looks at the inspection sticker as an outdated burden for drivers.

Cut 10 (07) “…things.”

Instead of an inspection sticker, Bagley is proposing a Q-R code sticker that would contain the VIN, the color, the make and model. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman voted no and had concerns about the Q-R code.

Cut 12 (12) “…bad actors here.”

An inspection sticker costs ten dollars for one year or 18 dollars for two years. For vehicle owners in the Baton Rouge area who do not drive an E-V, it costs 18 dollars a year because an emissions test is required.

Agents who negotiate NIL deals for college and high school athletes would have to be registered with the state under legislation approved by the Senate Commerce Committee. Assistant Attorney General Oliva Nuss says this legislation modernizes student-agent laws to address the rapid growth of NIL endorsement deals…

Cut 13 (12)  “…really no knowledge.”

A bill that would give incarcerated people another mechanism to shorten their prison sentences is now just one vote away from landing on Governor Landry’s desk. Mandie Landry presented her House Bill 111 to the Senate Judiciary C Committee.

Cut 7 (05) “…days of credit.”

Landry pointed out that this bill adds on to an existing law giving inmates an opportunity to shorten their sentences by 90 days.

Cut 8 (05) “…degree to it.”

A public service commissioner is speaking out against Constitutional Amendment 3. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Through the first quarter of 2026, small businesses in Louisiana and elsewhere have found it challenging to fill openings. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A public service commissioner is speaking out against Constitutional Amendment 3. That’s the one that would give teachers a permanent two-thousand-dollar pay raise. The raises would be funded in part through the retirement of three trust funds. Commissioner Foster Campbell says one of them would be the Educational Excellence Fund, which he helped create as a state senator in 1999.

Cut 3 (08) “…students in Louisiana.”

Campbell says that’s a lot of money the schools would be missing out on, especially since when two-thousand dollars is spread out over the course of a year, that amounts to just over 100 dollars a month after taxes. He says a better idea, in his view, is to tax imports on foreign oil – something he’s proposed for many years.

Cut 4 (07) “…big oil companies.”

Campbell says he believes the main reason for lawmakers to put Constitutional Amendment 3 on the ballot is not out of concern for teachers – it’s out of concern for themselves.

Cut 5 (05) “…that’s good politics.”

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Through the first quarter of 2026, small businesses in Louisiana and across the country have been having a hard time filling job openings. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says it’s not because of a lack of candidates, but instead it’s because of a lack of QUALIFIED candidates.

Cut 6 (06) “…transportation industry, manufacturing.”

Long says this is why it’s important for the state to reinvest in the workforce.

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

Long says it’s especially important for small business owners to find the right people due to rising labor costs.

Cut 8 (05) “…offer your employees.”

Nationally, 32-percent of small business owners reported openings they could not fill — well above the historical average of 24-percent.

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LSU was upset by Bethune-Cookman on the baseball diamond last night, as the Wildcats scored five runs in the seventh inning to defeat the Tigers, 10-to-7. In that seventh inning, LSU pitchers walked two hitters, hit two others and there was a critical error leading to two runs. Tigers center fielder Derek Curiel:

Cut 9 (06)  “…cost us.”

LSU is now 22-and-12 on the season, and six of their losses have come against nonconference opponents. Bethune Cookman has an RPI of 212, so losing to the Wildcats will make it tougher for the Tigers to host an NCAA Regional in June. Curiel says they will likely have to win two more SEC games to make up for last night’s loss.

Cut 10 (09) “…on postseason”

It was a tough loss for LSU, who was coming off a thrilling series victory over Tennessee. WBRZ-TV sports director Michael Cauble was a guest on Tiger Rag Radio and says this team has failed to play consistent baseball since an 8-and-0 start.

Cut 11 (10) “…psychological thing”

LSU is at Ole Miss this weekend for an SEC series that will begin Friday night.

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Law enforcement in Iberia Parish provided an update today on Saturday’s incident at the Lao New Year parade, where a suspected drunk driver plowed into a crowd of people, injuring 18 people. Many people of Asian descendent were at the festival, but Iberia Parish Sheriff Tommy Romero says that’s not what led to 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette hitting several people with his vehicle.

Cut 12 (10) “…terrorist act.”

Landry remains in jail on a 247-thousand-dollar bond. State Police Trooper Monique Lavergne says Landry showed signs of impairment at the scene, and a breath sample indicated his blood alcohol content was .137, well over the legal limit.

Cut 13 (08) “…crowded settings.”

Romero says three of the 18 people injured were in intensive care, but they have not received any additional updates since Sunday, other than the hospitalized victims are in stable condition or have been released.