With communities facing a shortage of school resource officers, one Denham Springs representative has a solution, and it’s advanced to the full House. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana officials react to President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate has been making candy in Louisiana for 170 years; and their Heavenly Hash, Pecan Egg and Gold Brick Egg are popular treats for Easter. Currently there are three different flavors of Heavenly Hash and two classic flavors for Gold Brick Eggs, but CEO Rob Nelson says they are looking to add additional flavors.

Cut 3 (06) “…excited about that.”

Nelson urges their fans to go to their social media channels to see what flavors they’re considering.

Cut 4 (07) “…the results are.”

Toasted Marshmallow and Satsuma Orange are two of the flavors they’re considering for Heavenly Hash.

Last year an Illinois-based private equity firm purchased a majority stake in Elmer. Nelson says the deal provides Elmer with more financial resources to expand its products.

Cut 5 (10) “…or line extensions.”

Elmer has been making candy in Ponchatoula since 1970. Before that, it was located in New Orleans.

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A Denham Springs representative has a plan to address the shortage of school resource officers, and it has advanced to the full house. Kellee Dickerson’s bill to allow military veterans to serve as SROs passed unanimously in the House Education Committee. Dickerson says her bill is designed to improve overall public safety, not just in schools.

Cut 6 (09) “…our veterans.”

Dickerson says using veterans as school resource officers has many benefits beyond simply providing security.

Cut 7 (13) “…our school system.”

Elena Branzeru (bran-ZEHR-ah), a commissioner with the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, spoke in favor of the bill. She stressed that veterans would not replace police officers; they would simply provide reinforcement.

Cut 8 (12) “…and proper oversight.”

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LSU sophomore Kailin Chio continues to prove why she’s one of the nation’s top gymnasts. On Thursday night, Chio recorded two perfect 10s in the second round of the Baton Rouge NCAA Regional. Head coach Jay Clark knows Chio is a rare talent but says her success wouldn’t be possible without her teammates.

Cut 9 (10)  “…in a vacuum.”

Chio became just the second gymnast in program history to record two perfect 10s in an NCAA regional. She now has 12 career perfect scores, ranking second in program history. Junior Konnor McClain says being able to witness what Chio is accomplishing is special.

Cut 10 (13) “…it into words.”

Not only is Chio one of the most talented gymnasts in the country, but junior Amari Drayton says she is also an amazing teammate.

Cut 11 (13) “…all the time.”

LSU will look to punch its ticket to Fort Worth for the fourth straight season Saturday at 7 p.m., when the Tigers compete in the regional finals against Clemson, Michigan, and Stanford.

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Many weekends in Louisiana are a perfect opportunity for you to go out and do some of your favorite outdoor activities. This weekend, however, will not be one of them. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because a cold front is coming across the state.

Cut 12 (13) “…in southeastern Louisiana.”

Keim says while this cold front will produce heavy rains and thunderstorms, there isn’t much of a risk of severe weather at this point.

Cut 13 (12) “…these particular storms.”

Keim says while this cold front will certainly produce a lot of rain, it will not produce nearly enough of it to get us out of our current drought.

Cut 14 (11) “…of the prediction.”

Many weekends in Louisiana are a perfect opportunity for you to go out and do some of your favorite outdoor activities. This weekend, however, will not be one of them. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that’s because a cold front is coming across the state. 

Cut 12 (13) “…in southeastern Louisiana.”

A Denham Springs representative’s plan to address the shortage of school resource officers by using military veterans advances to the full house. Kellee Dickerson told the House Education Committee using veterans as SROs has many benefits beyond simply providing security.

Cut 7 (13) “…our school system.”

Louisiana officials react to President Trump’s decision to fire Attorney General Pam Bondi. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Dance, cheer and lacrosse could all become sanctioned high school sports in Louisiana. This is according to a House concurrent resolution by Denham Springs Republican Roger Wilder, who says bringing those activities under the authority of the LHSAA would bring greater structure and safety oversight. The resolution passed in the House Education Committee.

We begin the month of April with 80-percent of the state in a drought, with one-fourth of the state in an extreme drought. Burn bans are in effect in nine parishes, mostly in north-central Louisiana. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says even if there’s no burn ban in your community, use extreme caution before doing any outdoor burning.

Cut 5 (10) “…the windier days.”

Louisiana Tech launches a new partnership with the Air Force Sustainment Center to create a pipeline for graduates to contribute to the Air Force Civilian Service in sustainment and logistics readiness. Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson says the Air Force Sustainment Center’s main goal is to ensure that warfighters are prepared to deliver their mission.

Cut 10 (10) “…to come by.”

Legislation that would keep private the income college athletes receive in a revenue sharing agreement with a public university is heading to the House floor. Lafayette Representative Tehmi Chassion is author of the legislation, and his daughter is a former college athlete…

Cut 4 (09) “…safety precaution.”

A federal settlement involving the NCAA gave universities the ability to pay their athletes directly starting with this athletic year.

Even though there was no opposition in the House Education Committee, the Public Affairs Research Council opposes this bill, because it says the revenue-sharing agreements use public money and citizens have a right to see how public money is spent. Three reporters, including Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne, recently filed a lawsuit against LSU arguing the revenue sharing agreements should be made public. Tiger Rag is owned by Kingfish Communications, which also owns Louisiana Radio Network.

The Louisiana House approves legislation requiring the Secretary of State to annually cross-reference voter information with a federal database to make sure that every registered voter in Louisiana is a U-S citizen. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu is the author of the legislation…

Cut 6 (06) “…a legal vote.”

This bill passed 74-to-29, with Democrats opposing the measure over concerns that it will disenfranchise voters. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell told fellow House members that 25-percent of naturalized citizens in certain counties in Texas were marked ineligible to vote, because the database did not have accurate information.

Cut 9 (09)  “…database.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for further discussion.

The U-S Attorney’s office has charged two young men from Columbia with arson after they allegedly burned down the only Catholic church in Caldwell Parish. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

Louisiana Tech launches a new partnership with the Air Force Sustainment Center to create a pipeline for graduates to contribute to the Air Force Civilian Service in sustainment and logistics readiness. President Dr. Jim Henderson says it will allow students to work closely with a portion of the Sustainment Center’s nine-thousand member workforce.

Cut 11 (07) “…and the military.”

A House committee passes legislation that allows the state to release a terminally ill inmate 120 days prior to his or her expected death. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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The Humane Society of Louisiana is urging you this Easter to choose chocolate instead of a live animal. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolates is celebrating another successful Easter candy season. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Chemistry students at Nicholls State are discovering a way to make biodiesel and save a substantial amount of money in the process – and it involves using crops available in their own backyard. The research team discovered a way to make biodiesel using algae and oyster shells. Samia Elashry (SAHM-yah eh-LASH-ree) says they turned the oyster shells into a powder, extracted the oil from the algae and mixed them together.

Cut 4 (09) “…the top layer.”

Elashry says using this method can slash the cost of making biodiesel in Louisiana by as much as 85-percent.

Cut 5 (04) “…to collect them.”

Elashry notes that algae grows naturally and abundantly in Louisiana, so this could one day be a lucrative business in the state.

Cut 6 (05) “…can grow anywhere.”

And furthermore, Elashry says if the catalyst from the oyster shells can be recycled, that’s fewer oyster shells that’s needed to make the biodiesel.

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A bill is moving through the House that would allow the state to release an inmate 120 days prior to his or her expected death, instead of the current 60-day window. Department of Corrections Secretary Gary Westcott supports the legislation. Westcott says inmates up for medical early release are either terminally ill, brain dead or incapacitated.

Cut 7 (06) “…of their life.”

Louisiana’s two-month window for medical early release is the shortest in the country. Wescott says by giving the state an additional two months, it allows the department more time to adequately determine the appropriate care for an inmate very close to death.

The bill’s author is state representative Jerome Zeringue. The Houma Republican calls himself a tough on crime legislator, but compassion can be shown to an inmate’s family in this situation.

Cut 8 (14) “…members as well.”

Westcott says three inmates have received medical parole this year. Ten were released last year. The secretary says if an inmate is released under medical parole, the inmate can be returned to state custody if his or her health improves.

Cut 9 (08)  “…back to custody.”

The House Criminal Justice Committee unanimously approved the bill, and the measure heads to the House floor. If approved, the measure could save the state money; because once an inmate is released because they are terminally ill, Medicaid picks up the cost of their health care.

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This Easter, the Humane Society of Louisiana has a simple message – choose chocolate over live animals. In an effort to create a holiday memory, parents may include a live chick tucked into an Easter basket or buy a live animal as an Easter present. HSLA Executive Director Jeff Dorson says those holiday props may seem like a good idea, but only temporarily.

Cut 10 (11) “…what have you.”

Dorson says live animals require a commitment that many are not prepared to make.

Cut 11 (12) “…of a bunny.”

Dorson says there’s always an uptick in surrenders to shelters around Easter every year, and LDWF also sees an increase in calls as well.

Cut 12 (12) “…sick or injured.”

Furthermore, young poultry can carry Salmonella, which can pose a very serious health risk to the children they’re given to. Dorson says if you’re looking for a more health-conscious alternative than chocolate, a plush toy will work just fine.

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Despite higher cocoa prices, which has increased the price to make chocolate candy this year, Ponchatoula-based Elmer Candy has seen brisk sales for their Easter candy. That’s according to Elmer Candy CEO Rob Nelson.

Cut 13 (08)  “…a couple years.”

According to InvestorsObserver, Easter Candy prices have increased 67-percent since 2020. But Nelson says it still has been good year for Elmer Chocolate.

Cut 14 (09) “…be very brisk.”

Nelson says their Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash continue to be among the most popular Easter candies in the Gulf South.

Cut 15 (06) “…in the country.”

Nelson says next year they plan to introduce new flavors for Gold Brick Egg and Heavenly Hash next year. If you go to Elmer’s social media channels, you can choose what you would like to see next year or give a suggestion.

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The LSU baseball team will look to carry its three-game winning streak into Knoxville this weekend as the Tigers face Tennessee. The Vols may not have Tony Vitello as their head coach anymore, but LSU coach Jay Johnson says they’re still the same dangerous team they’re used to playing.

Cut 16 (13) “…they’re plenty capable.”

Johnson provided an update on junior pitcher Cooper Moore’s status heading into the weekend, as he continues to deal with triceps soreness. Johnson says Moore is progressing well.

Cut 17 (17)  “…be a stretch.”

Johnson says a more realistic return for Moore would be during the Texas A&M series.

Johnson was asked about his interest in coaching at the major league level and did not completely rule out the possibility in the future.

Cut 18 (14)  “…the country, forever.”

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UL-Lafayette football is now two weeks into spring practice. The Cajuns have their future starting quarterback in Lunch Winfield, but they’re working to build depth behind him. Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says former Catholic High standout Daniel Beale, who saw significant action last season, is emerging as Q-B two.

Cut 19 (10) “…offense very well.”

Last season, the Cajuns lost several offensive linemen to season-ending injuries. As they work to develop younger players, Desormeaux says sophomore Jakoby Isom (EYE-sum) showed promising flashes when called upon and is now emerging as a contender for a starting role.

Cut 20 (16) “…his best position.”

The House Natural Resources Committee kills a bill that would have prohibited the use of eminent domain for carbon capture storage and pipeline projects. Lawmakers approved legislation in 2020 that gave the government the power to use eminent domain for carbon capture, and Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil and Gas Association president Tommy Faucheux says you can’t turn back now.

Cut 12 (12) “…to invest.”

The vote in the committee was 12-to-7. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson spoke passionately about his bill that he says would have put the power back with the property owner.

Cut 13 (09) “…in the ground.”

The Environmental Integrity Project says Louisiana leads the nation with 65 planned carbon capture projects.

A proposed constitutional amendment to limit governors to two total terms takes the next step in the legislature. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham’s bill passed in the House Governmental Affairs Committee on a vote of 11-to-2. Under current law, governors who serve two terms can run for re-election after sitting out for four years. Bayham says former governors start with an unfair advantage.

Cut 6 (06) “…in the race.”

A state senator’s quest to prevent additional school districts from adopting four-day school weeks advances to the House. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says four-day school weeks create logistical problems, including in her own district.

Cut 10 (10) “…nothing to eat.”

Districts with a performance score of “A” will be allowed to pursue a four-day week if they choose to, and those already on four-day weeks can continue with that arrangement.

The House Natural Resources Committee defeats a bill that would have prohibited the use of eminent domain for carbon capture storage and pipeline projects. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson argued that eminent domain should not be used to benefit private industry and claimed it’s against the state constitution.

Cut 15 (10) “…our constitution.”

Other lawmakers, however, say eminent domain is a legal necessity.

A state senator’s quest to prevent additional school districts from adopting four-day school weeks advances to the House. Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell says she filed a bill last year mandating a five-day school week; at that time, there were six districts with four-day weeks.

Cut 9 (12)  “…four-day school weeks.”

Cut 24 (03) (fade and use as bed)

It’s a big day for NASA’s Michoud Assembly facility in New Orleans as the rocket factory played a significant role in the construction of Artemis Two, which is headed to the moon. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A baseball player from Alexandria Senior High is killed in a hit-and-run late last night. Police say 16-year-old Collin Lacaze and a 16-year-old girl were standing along the side of a road when a vehicle hit them, and the driver took off. Lacaze was rushed to a hospital, where he died from his injuries. At this time, the driver is still on the loose.

Former LDWF Secretary Jack Montoucet (MON-tuh-set) pleads guilty for his role in a kickback scheme and faces up to five years in prison. Prosecutors say Montoucet used his position to ensure that Leonard Franques’ business received a contract to provide online hunting and boating courses. Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy says they stopped the scheme in its early stages.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in their government.”

A seafood advocacy group says a recent audit of 24 restaurants along the U.S. 190 corridor between Krotz Springs and Kinder found that half were selling imported shrimp. SeaD Consulting co-founder David Williams says that high number is very disappointing.

Cut 12 (11) “…not the case.”

Williams says of those 12, nine falsely claimed that the shrimp came from U.S. waters.

Legislation that increases penalties against minors for calling in fake bomb threats gets pushback, with Democrats concerned that parents could end up being fined up to five-thousand dollars. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

We’re getting word that yet another inmate in the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center has died. The Department of Corrections identified the inmate as 50-year-old Paul Gathreaux. At this time, we don’t know the circumstances surrounding Gathreaux’s death. His death is the latest in a string of deaths at the correctional center, many of which are still under investigation.

Legislation that increases the penalties against minors for calling in fake bomb threats receives pushback. Jeff Palermo reports Democratic lawmakers are concerned the measure could also result in the child’s parents being fined up to five-thousand dollars.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Former Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet (MON-tuh-set) has pleaded guilty to one felony count related to a kickback scheme involving two other people already serving time in federal prison. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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It seems that restaurants in Louisiana still have room for improvement when it comes to being honest about the origins of their shrimp. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A bill that increases the penalties against a minor found guilty of calling in a bomb threat or threatening to commit violence at school receives pushback from Democrats on the House floor, because the proposal could also result in the child’s parents facing fines of up to five-thousand dollars for a first offense. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry was one of the first lawmakers to object.

Cut 4 (08) “…trying very hard.”

Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s legislation would result in a prison sentence of five to 15 years for terrorizing a school. The court shall also order a child to undergo a mental examination and-or participate in the Back on Track Youth Pilot Program. Johnson’s bill also mandates that the Department of Education provides information to the parents and students about the consequences of terrorizing or menacing a school.

Cut 5 (10) “…make a threat.”

Lake Charles Representative Wilford Carter’s main problem with the bill is also the thousands of dollars in fines a parent could receive.

Cut 6 (10) “…to do this.”

Johnson says his legislation leaves it up to the discretion of the courts to decide if a parent should be fined. He says the overall goal is to make schools as safe as possible.

Cut 7 (10) “…this bill does.”

The House approved the bill on a 71-26 vote and heads to the Senate for more discussion.

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Former Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet (MON-tuh-set) faces up to five years in prison for participating in a kickback scheme. Federal prosecutors say the 78-year-old Montoucet used his position as secretary to steer a state contract to a company called D-G-L-1 in exchange for one-third of the profit. FBI special agent in charge, Jonathan Tapp:

Cut 8 (06) “…this great state.”

Lafayette businessman Leonard Franques (fran-KEZ) and Dusty Guidry of Youngsville are already serving time in federal prison. Prosecutors say Guidry was the mastermind behind the scheme and it was Montoucet who made sure Franques’ business received a contract to provide online hunting and boating courses. Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy says they stopped the illegal scheme in its early stages.

Cut 9 (07)  “…in their government.”

Montoucet is also a former state representative and retired Lafayette fire chief. Governor John Bel Edwards appointed Montoucet as LDWF secretary in January 2017 and was set to retire in 2024 when he resigned abruptly in April 2023. Murphy says Montoucet was set to receive his portion of the kickback after he retired and the money was hidden in a secret fund.

Cut 10 (10) “…of that scheme.”

Montoucet pleaded guilty to one felony public corruption count. He will be sentenced June 30th.

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A seafood advocacy group says its audit of restaurants along the U.S. 190 corridor between Krotz Springs and Kinder shows that restaurants still have a long way to go when it comes to telling the truth about the origins of their seafood. SeaD (“seed”) Consulting ordered shrimp from 24 restaurants; and of those, it discovered that nine were serving imported shrimp despite being told that the shrimp was domestically caught. Co-Founder David Williams says at each stop, they explicitly asked about the origin of the shrimp.

Cut 11 (09) “…telling the truth.”

Three other restaurants were serving imported shrimp, but they had clearly indicated so. Williams says the high number of restaurants along the 190 corridor serving imported shrimp is very disappointing.

Cut 12 (11) “…not the case.”

Williams says along with supporting the local economy, there are specific reasons that diners specifically ask for domestically-caught shrimp.

Cut 13 (07)  “…more healthy alternative.”

Williams also notes that since imported shrimp is a lot cheaper than domestic shrimp, those who claim that their shrimp is domestic when it’s in fact imported are financially defrauding diners.

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A new study by WalletHub shows that Louisiana is the most stressed state in the country. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo says of the four stress dimensions it looked at, Louisiana ranked in the top ten in all of them.

Cut 14 (09) “…safety-related stress.”

Lupo says when it comes to financial stress, Louisianans tend to pay higher interest rates than those in other states. That’s because the state’s median credit score ranks close to the very bottom.

Cut 15 (11) “…up is excellent.”

Lupo says one thing that Louisiana does have going for itself is the fact that it doesn’t exactly cost an exorbitant amount of money to put a roof over one’s head.

Cut 16 (10) “…comes to money.”

WalletHub says the least stressed state in the country is South Dakota.

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Dr. Bryan Maggard, who serves as UL-Lafayette’s Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics, has been appointed to the College Football Playoff Selection Committee. He will serve on the 13-person selection committee for the next three football seasons. Maggard, who’s one of three representatives from the Group of Six schools, says he hopes to be a voice for the G6, but only if they prove worthy of being in the conversation.

Cut 17 (09)  “…for the consideration.”

Maggard says serving on the college football playoff selection committee will help shine a spotlight on athletics in Lafayette.

Cut 18 (07)  “…certainly our university.”

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One of Lane Kiffin’s first moves as LSU football coach was retaining defensive coordinator Blake Baker on his staff. Kiffin praised Baker’s work over the past two years and says he wants the defense to reach a new level this season.

Cut 19 (17) “…used to be.”

Kiffin and his staff added nine wide receivers from the transfer portal this offseason. He says the move is aimed at providing the Tigers with quality depth, which will give the team the best chance to reach its full offensive potential this season.

Cut 20 (18) “…are out there.”

Under legislation that has advanced to the full House, inspection stickers would be out, and QR codes would be in. Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley says the only information those QR codes would provide to law enforcement would be the VIN.

Cut 6 (10) “…instead of 10.”

Bagley says the QR code makes it easier for law enforcement to enter the vehicle’s VIN information into their system during a traffic stop.

A new Mississippi River bridge would not be the only roadway named after a living president under legislation being considered. A bill by Monroe Representative Pat Moore to designate a one-mile stretch of Louisiana Highway 15 as Barack Obama Road passed unanimously in the House Transportation Committee.

A bill requiring the OMV to add an image of a flying eagle to the driver’s license of a verified U.S. citizen is headed to the Senate after passing in the full House.

A bill that increases the penalties against a minor found guilty of calling in a bomb threat or threatening to commit violence at school receives pushback from Democrats on the House floor, because it could also result in parents facing fines of up to five-thousand dollars for a first offense. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry was one of the first to object.

Cut 4 (10) “…trying very hard.”

Ultimately, the House approved Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s bill on a vote of 71-26. The proposed legislation would result in a prison sentence of five to 15 years for terrorizing a school. Johnson said the Department of Education would also be required to provide information to the parents and students about the consequences of terrorizing or menacing a school.

Cut 5 (10) “…make a threat.”