An alleged drunk driver crashed into more than a dozen people watching a parade in Iberia Parish on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 21 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Two women are shot to death in St. Bernard Parish last night. The sheriff’s office there says 22-year-old Lee Collins the Third got into an argument with the two women, who were his mother and his grandmother, and he shot both of them. They say Collins also shot at his father but did not hit him. Collins is still on the loose.

Three weeks into the legislative session and it’s quiet when it comes to debate on significant legislation and that might be design. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Landry administration is not pushing any significant legislation after doing a lot of heavy lifting in his first two years in office.

Cut 10 (12) “…reform legislation.”

New episodes of the travel series LA 64 premiere on Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight at eight. Executive Producer Linda Midgett says tonight’s episode takes us to St. Martin Parish, where viewers will be in for a musical treat.

Cut 6 (12) “…viewers will recognize.”

The injury toll in Iberia Parish is up to 19 after a suspected drunk driver plowed into a crowd at the Lao New Year’s Festival. We’re hearing that all victims are expected to survive. The suspect is 57-year-old Todd Landry of Jeanerette. While the Sheriff’s Office has said it did not appear to be intentional, the investigation is still ongoing.

Three weeks into the legislative session, and there have not been any substantive pieces of legislation making its way through the capitol. Jeanne Burns has an explanation…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

A major preservation project gets underway today along I-49 between I-10 and the St. Landry Parish line. Deidra Druilhet (drool-YET) with DOTD says most of the work will be done during the overnight hours, with the parts presenting the biggest disruptions reserved for the weekends.

Cut 6 (13) “…the entire weekend.”

History was made in LSU’s wild come from behind win over Tennessee yesterday. Sophomore Cade Arrambide became the first player in school history to hit four home runs in one game as the Tigers defeated the Volunteers 16 to 6 in 12 innings – you heard that right, LSU scored ten runs in the top of the 12th inning. LSU Baseball Sports Information Director Bill Franques says it’s a rare accomplishment.

Cut 3 (10) “…in a game.”

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.”

At Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate, Easter usually means Gold Brick Eggs and Heavenly Hash. Currently there are three different flavors of Heavenly Hash and two classic flavors for Gold Brick Eggs, but Elmer is looking to add additional varieties. CEO Rob Nelson urges you to go to the company’s social media channels to see which flavors are up for consideration.

Cut 4 (07) “…the results are.”

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.”

With TSA agents getting all their back pay, staffing levels at airports are returning to normal. That includes Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, where officials are urging passengers to arrive two hours before their scheduled flight instead of three or more. President Trump had issued an executive order requiring TSA agents to be paid during the DHS shutdown.

It’s going to be a rainy start to the Easter weekend, with a cold front producing heavy rains and thunderstorms. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says while we will see a lot of rain, it won’t be nearly enough to get us out of our current drought.

Cut 14 (11) “…of the prediction.”

Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate has been making candy in Louisiana for 170 years; and its 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.”

For example, two flavors under consideration for Heavenly Hash are Toasted Marshmallow and Satsuma Orange.

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.”

LSU sophomore Kailin Chio leads her team in the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional finals tomorrow night. 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.”

It’s going to be a stormy Easter weekend throughout much of Louisiana. LSU Health Climatologist Barry 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.”

A bill to address a school resource officer shortage by allowing military veterans to serve as SROs passes in the House Education Committee. Louisiana V-A Commissioner Elena Branzeru (bran-ZEHR-ah) spoke in favor of it; she stressed that veterans would not replace police officers; they would simply provide reinforcement. 

Cut 8 (12) “…and proper oversight.”

Easter is always a huge time for Ponchatoula-based Elmer Chocolate, which has been making candy in Louisiana for 170 years. Last year, an Illinois-based private equity firm purchased a majority stake in the company. CEO Rob Nelson says that deal provides Elmer with more financial resources to expand its products.

Cut 5 (10) “…or line extensions.”

Prior to moving to Ponchatoula, Elmer was located in New Orleans.

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.”

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.”