The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill today that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Critics say the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, bill author Nancy Landry of New Orleans remains resolute, seeing it as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…do go down.”

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center. CEO Charles Fuschillo says they’ll 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.”

The event is part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation’s Educating America Tour.

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 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.”

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

A Metairie couple is under arrest after a young child with special needs is found dead in their home. The 49-year-old man and and his 22-year-old girlfriend are each charged with negligent homicide. No word on how the child died.

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.

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.”

With peak road construction season upon us, DOTD is urging you to please pay extra attention and use extra caution when going through work zones. This is National Work Zone Awareness Week; and 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.

Cut 9 (10)  “…roads more navigable.”

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, 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.”

People of all religions, not just Catholics, are mourning the death of Pope Francis this Easter Monday.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The pontiff was 88 years old.

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. Eleven workers were killed, five of the victims were from Louisiana.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says tariffs on Canada could harm tourism in Louisiana.

Cu 4 (11) “…reach that record.” 

Nungesser says he’s seeing cancellations all over the state from Canada and has talked with Canadian mayors. He says Canada still loves Louisiana, but they can’t convince them to visit the U.S. this year.

If ever there was a weekend to enjoy some tasty tiny crustaceans, this is it. This is the biggest weekend of the year for crawfish – and The Crawfish App says you can get live crawfish for about $3.10 a pound this weekend. App founder Laney King says crawfish is so popular this weekend that some stores are sold out, so you’d better get a move on it.

Cut 7 (09) “…do that now.”

LSU’s quest to repeat as national champions in gymnastics ended Thursday night as they failed to get past the semifinals. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Six men are under arrest in connection with the shooting at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival last weekend. The suspects range in age from 18 to 21. None of the victims’ injuries are life-threatening, and all are expected to make a full recovery. Police say it stemmed from an altercation and was not a random attack.

If ever there was a weekend to enjoy some tasty tiny crustaceans, this is it. This is the biggest weekend of the year for crawfish – and Laney King, the founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices are very low this Easter weekend.

Cut 6 (13) “…dollars a pound.”

Six people are under arrest in connection with last weekend’s shooting at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Laryisson says witnesses were instrumental in bringing these six to justice.

Cut 23 (12) “…ol’ detective work.”

The alleged gunman is 18-year-old Camryn Finley; he’s charged with attempted second degree murder and terrorizing. Another 18-year-old, Dealvon Davis, is charged with being a principal to those two charges.

Tariffs on Canada could harm Louisiana’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser notes that Canada is the state’s largest international tourism market. However, he says President Trump’s tariffs have discouraged travel, leading some Canadian officials to cancel upcoming visits.

Cut 3 (11) “…cancel this year” 

The top ranked LSU gymnastics team falls short of reaching the NCAA Championships as they struggled to hit on many of their routines in the semifinals and will not have a chance at defending its title. Coach Jay Clark says a great season ends in disappointment

Cut 9 (14)  “…this year.”

The LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be so popular that it’s unlikely that the state can accommodate all applicants. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says it’s unlikely that anyone outside the primary eligible applicants will be able to secure one of those scholarships.

Cut 8 (07) “…the poverty level.”

The funeral for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy will be held one week from tomorrow – April 26th – at 11 a.m. at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux; it will follow a two-hour visitation. Meanwhile, we’re getting more insight into his final moments. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family called police after he started acting erratically.

Cut 11 (10) “…into the ground.”

If you drive a pickup truck, police are currently paying close attention to see whether you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer says if you’re caught, expect to make a little donation to your local municipality.

Cut 14 (05) “…a subsequent offense.”

Easter wouldn’t be complete for generations in Louisiana without Elmer Chocolate’s Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs, seasonal treats produced at its Ponchatoula factory. Though Tangipahoa Parish is famed for strawberries, Elmer’s has added sweetness to the town’s legacy for decades. CEO Rob Nelson says a major transformation came in 2016.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the United States.”

Despite high-tech advances, Elmer’s still makes its iconic Easter treats by hand to preserve tradition.

The House Civil Law Committee has approved a bill that says if you are 51-percent or more at fault for an accident, you cannot recover damages for injuries suffered in the wreck. It passed along party lines, 11-to-4. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown voted against it.

Cut 25 (13) “…pay 51-percent.”

If a lawmaker gets his way, there will be no more LSU home football afternoon games in September. Harahan  Representative John Illg has introduced a resolution that would request that all LSU home games in September start no earlier than 6 p.m. Illg points to the game against UCLA last September 21st which kicked off at 2:30 p.m., and many fans were overcome by the 92-degree heat 

Cut 6 (08) “…it wasn’t worse.”

If you’re driving in the left lane on a four-lane highway and you’re not passing any vehicles, you could receive a ticket under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 24 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lawmakers may have to scramble to come up with enough money to accommodate priority applicants in the L-A GATOR scholarship program. During the now-closed registration period, almost 40-thousand people submitted applications. Many legislators say it will be challenging to come up with the 50-million dollars in new money for the program.

Louisiana Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy Carter have filed legislation that would give the FDA the authority to destroy contaminated foreign seafood, instead of allowing it to be re-exported. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If one New Orleans-area lawmaker has his way, there will be no more afternoon games at LSU in the month of September. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy Carter have filed legislation to give the FDA the authority to destroy contaminated food imports, like seafood, eliminating the option to re-export rejected goods. Deborah Long with the Southern Shrimp Alliance says the bill closes a loophole that allows importers to “port shop” rejected products back into the U.S.

Cut 3 (12) “…reenter our country” 

Many shipments contaminated with banned drugs or pathogens are simply returned to exporters. This practice undermines American producers who follow strict safety standards and poses serious health risks. Long says we are losing a sustainable industry.

Cu 4 (09) “…banned antibiotics” 

The bipartisan bill aims to protect consumers, uphold food safety, and support Louisiana’s seafood industry by ensuring contaminated products don’t reenter U.S. markets.

Cut 5 (12) “…creating super bugs.”

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If a lawmaker gets his way, there will be no more LSU home football afternoon games in September. Harahan  Representative John Illg has introduced a resolution that would request that all LSU home games in September start no earlier than 6 p.m. Illg points to the game against UCLA last September 21st which kicked off at 2:30 p.m., and many fans were overcome by the 92-degree heat 

Cut 6 (08) “…it wasn’t worse.”

Illg went to the game with friends, and all but two bailed by halftime. They were certainly not alone, and Illg says that’s not right.

Cut 7 (10) “…need for it.”

Illg says this is something that people have been screaming for for a long time.

Cut 8 (06) “…over somebody’s health.”

The average high temperature in Baton Rouge in the month of September is 89 degrees. However, it also cools to an average low of 69 degrees, making football under the lights a rather pleasant experience, even in late summer.

ESPN dictates the start times of LSU games, and they have the authority to do so based on their contract with the SEC, which pays the league millions of dollars.

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The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority’s wish list of two-billion dollars in coastal restoration projects includes 573-million for the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project. The project in Plaquemines Parish is designed to rebuild wetlands using sediment from the Mississippi River. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Campaign Manager Simone Maloz (muh-LAWZ) says a majority of Louisiana voters are on board.

Cut 9 (11)  “…wetlands in Louisiana.”

However, the project is currently paused for 90 days after Governor Jeff Landry questioned its effectiveness and cost. Despite this uncertainty, CPRA included full funding in the plan.  Maloz says there are a lot of unanswered questions that Landry hasn’t answered as well.

Cut 10 (12) “…should get more information.”

Environmental advocates strongly defended MBSD, citing its central role in past coastal master plans and broad public support. Maloz argued that reducing or canceling the project would undermine decades of progress.

Cut 11 (12) “…what happens next.”

It’s up to state lawmakers to provide funding for the coastal projects.

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It’s National Crawfish Day, and it’s observed every year on April 17th. Easter weekend is a big weekend for crawfish boils and Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you can find live crawfish below three dollars a pound…

Cut 12 (06) “…$2.95”

Strain says if you plan on boiling crawfish this weekend, make sure you’ve reserved your sacks…

Cut 13 (05)  “…don’t wait.”

Strain says it’s been a good crawfish season and there is enough to go around this Easter weekend…

Cut 14 (07) “…as well.”

The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority approved its Fiscal Year 2026 Annual Plan, outlining nearly two-billion dollars in spending for projects that aim to protect and restore the state’s eroding coastline. Restore the Mississippi River Delta Campaign Manager Simone Maloz (muh-LAWZ) says a majority of Louisiana voters are on board.

Cut 9 (11)  “…wetlands in Louisiana.”

In its first year, the LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be a hit – maybe a little too much of a hit. So much so that it’s unlikely that the state can accommodate all applicants. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says 40-thousand students registered for the program during the now-closed registration period.

Cut 12 (08) “…on what happens.”

The reintroduced bipartisan bill by Republican Representative Clay Higgins and Democratic Representative Troy Carter would strengthen food safety by empowering the FDA to destroy contaminated food imports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”