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.”

Republican Clay Higgins and Democrat Troy Carter have reintroduced the bipartisan Destruction of Hazardous Imports Act of 2025 to empower the FDA to destroy contaminated food imports. Deborah Long with the Southern Shrimp Alliance says the bill addresses a critical loophole that allows importers to “port shop” rejected products back into the U.S.

Cut 3 (12) “…re-enter our country” 

The House Civil Law Committee has approved a bill that says if police determine a driver is 51-percent or more at fault for an accident, that driver cannot recover damages for injuries suffered in the wreck. The bill’s author, Emily Chenevert (SHEN-uh-vair), says you shouldn’t be able to collect damages if the accident is mostly your fault.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the same measure.”

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

Cut 6 (08) “…it wasn’t worse.”

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.

There are now more private sector jobs in Louisiana than ever before. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says Louisiana now has almost 1.7-million private sector jobs, a one-month increase of almost three-thousand jobs.

A man whose federal death sentence for killing a 12-year-old girl was commuted late last year once again faces execution. This, after a Catahoula Parish grand jury indicts Thomas Sanders on a state charge of first degree murder. Brad Burget (bur-GET), the district attorney in Catahoula and Concordia parishes, says in 2010, Sanders drove 12-year-old Lexis Roberts from Las Vegas to Louisiana and shot and stabbed her to death. 

Cut 8 (08) “…she was murdered.”

Northwestern State is in the process of establishing the first law school in North Louisiana. Executive Vice President and Provost Greg Handel (HAWN-dle) says people in the region want a law school in North Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…of the state.”

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Last season, dozens of fans at LSU’s afternoon home game against UCLA were overcome by the scorching heat. A state representative wants to prevent a repeat occurrence. Jefferson Parish Representative John Illg has filed a resolution requesting that all LSU September home games start no earlier than six p-m. The average high temperature in Baton Rouge in September is 89 degrees.

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 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A man whose federal death sentence for killing a 12-year-old girl in Catahoula Parish is now indicted on a state charge. And as Andrew Greenstein reports, the D-A is seeking the death penalty.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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North Louisiana could soon be getting its first law school. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Senate Transportation Committee unanimously passed a bill aimed at drivers who travel at the speed limit in the left lane and are not attempting to pass vehicles in the right lane. Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau’s measure would result in a 150-dollar fine for a first offender for motorists who are camping in the left lane causing a traffic hazard.

Cut 4 (12) “…to other traffic.”

Luneau says left-lane “rolling roadblocks” cause driver frustration and contribute to accidents.

Cut 5 (11) “…on the highway.”

No one spoke out against the bill during committee discussion. Luneau says he’s received a lot of positive feedback about this legislation.

Cut 6 (09) “…feel the love.”

The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

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A grand jury in Catahoula Parish hands down a first-degree murder indictment against a man who killed a 12-year-old girl back in 2010. Thomas Sanders was previously convicted in federal court for the death of 12-year-old Lexis Roberts. He was sentenced to death; but Brad Burget (bur-GET), the district attorney in Catahoula and Concordia parishes, says that sentence was commuted to life in prison in December by then-President Joe Biden.

Cut 7 (14) “…of that child.”

Sanders was in a relationship with Lexis’ mother, Suellen Roberts; and after the three had taken a trip to the Grand Canyon, Sanders shot Suellen to death. Burget says Sanders then drove Lexis to Louisiana and shot and stabbed her to death.

Cut 8 (08) “…she was murdered.”

So with Sanders’ federal death sentence commuted, Burget says he will seek the death penalty against him on the state first-degree murder charge.

Cut 9 (08)  “…try this matter.”

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Northwestern State is in the process of establishing a law school. Currently, there are only four law schools in the state, none of which are in North Louisiana. Executive Vice President and Provost Greg Handel (HAWN-dle) says people in the region want a law school in North Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…of the state.”

The idea started picking up steam when the school hired NSU graduate and former Louisiana Supreme Court Justice James Genovese as its new president last year. Handel says there are many steps that need to happen before the university can officially launch its law school.

Cut 11 (14) “…of that approved.”

Handel says they hope to welcome the first students in the fall of 2026.

Cut 12 (10) “…surmountable for us.”

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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. The bill’s author, Baton Rouge Republican Emily Chenevert (SHEN-uh-vair), says you should not be able to collect if the accident is mostly your fault.

Cut 13 (08)  “…the same measure.”

The bill passed along party lines on an 11-to-4 vote. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown voted against it, because if a plaintiff who is mostly at fault for an accident can’t recover damages than a defendant who is mostly at fault should have to pay 100-percent of the damages.

Cut 14 (13) “…pay 51-percent.”

Defense Attorney Sidney Degan argued the proposed legislation could reduce the amount of dollars awarded in a multi-vehicle wreck, which would help reduce rates and frivolous lawsuits.

Cut 15 (15) “…neligence and fault.”

The measure heads to the House floor and it has the support of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple.

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Three days after announcing the firing of David Griffin, the Pelicans named Natchitoches native and McNeese legend Joe Dumars as the new executive vice president of basketball operations. Owner Gayle Benson says the hiring of Dumars was not hastily made and she spent time talking with players, coaches and league officials. The host of the Locked on Pelicans podcast, Jake Madison, says the franchise should have interviewed multiple candidates.

Cut 16 (18) “…a wide net.”

Dumars was the President of Basketball Operations in Detroit when the Pistons won an NBA title in 2004. But a lot of his draft picks flopped, his free agent signings fizzled and some of his trades didn’t pan out. Madison says the NBA Hall of Famer is respected around the league.

Cut 17 (18)  “…with this hire.”

Madison expects Dumars will retain Willie Green as the head coach, but former number one overall pick Zion Williamson could be traded because of his inability to stay healthy.

Cut 18 (12)  “…sort of situation.”

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The ninth ranked LSU baseball team opens a three-game series against 15th ranked Alabama. The Tigers are 10-5 in the SEC and the Crimson Tide is 8-and-7 in league play. LSU Coach Jay Johnson says Bama has one of the best power hitters in the country in Justin Lebron.

Cut 19 (17) “..15 home runs.”

LSU was swept last weekend at Auburn. Johnson expects his team will respond.

Cut 20 (18) “…has been great.”

First pitch tonight is at 7 PM and the game will be on ESPN-U.