The LSU Lady Tigers lost to Iowa last night 94 to 87. LSU’s Angel Reese had 20 points and 17 rebounds. After the game, Reese talked about what a difficult year it’s been.

Cut 15 (13)  “…every single time.”

This was likely Reese’s final game at LSU. She says she’ll decide on her future when she’s ready. Reese is expected to be a top ten pick in the WNBA draft.

Cut 13 (13) “..intentionally done.”

In a post on social media, Landry says he wants the Board of Regents to put a policy in place that requires student-athletes to be present for the national anthem or risk their athletic scholarship.

House Appropriations approves a proposal to provide thousands of dollars to families to pay for private school or other education expenses. There are concerns the Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program will result in students leaving high-performing schools for private schools, further lowering the amount of money public schools receive. Bill author Julie Emerson…

Cut 10 (10) “…paying to educate “

It’s estimated that once fully funded the program would cost the state $500-million annually.

There is pushback to ending the regular session early so a constitutional convention can be held. Senate President Cameron Henry says ending the current session early will be difficult because there are significant budget problems.

Cut 7 (07) “…we take.”  

Lawmakers will vote on a bill to decide if they will hold a convention this year.

Franklinton Senator Beth Mizell has proposed legislation to mandate all public schools in Louisiana adopt a traditional five-day school week. Nine school districts in the state have some or all schools with four-day weeks. Mizell has concerns about childcare and student welfare.

Cut 10 (09) “…the homes.”

The bill has been referred to Senate Education.

Hospitals, public agencies, and other employers that mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for their employees could face fines of up to $50,000 if Monroe Representative Michael Echols’ bill is enacted. He believes it’s about individual freedom.

PM Cut 26 (09) “…do it.” 

The bill heads to the Senate for discussion.

The Louisiana Gator Scholarship Program bill, also known as Education Savings Accounts, goes before House Appropriations Tuesday. How much it will cost the state to fund and implement the program is a concern. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio estimates it will eventually cost $520-million annually.

Cut 7 (09) “…up too.”

While the program has plenty of Republican support, Procopio says lawmakers need to consider a sales tax that’s rolling off, which is estimated to create a $400 to $500 million fiscal cliff as they consider funding the ESA program.

Cut 8 (09) “…bill is.” 

He says even if the bill passes in the legislature in its current form there’s a year of planning before it’s implemented.

Another huge jackpot is up for grabs as the Powerball tally reaches one billion dollars. Dustin Annison with the Louisiana Lottery says it has a cash value of $484 million and that’s no April Fool’s joke.

Cut 9 (08) “…Louisiana winner.” 

And speaking of Louisiana winners, a ticket purchased in Alexandria for Saturday’s drawing will take home $1 million.

The Louisiana House approves a bill to fine larges businesses of up to $50,000 for mandating COVID vaccines and small businesses, up to $10 thousand. Monroe Representative Michael Echols says his bill would empower the state Attorney General’s Office to investigate complaints.

Cut 7 (11) “…mandate that.”  

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has blasted a Los Angeles Times article and described the Lady Tigers as villains and dirty debutantes. They later edited the column saying Ben Bloch’s submission did not meet the Times editorial standards. LSU guard Hailey Van Lith…

Cut 13 (12) “…not right.”

The LA Times has issued an apology and the Lady Tigers play Iowa at 6:15 tonight in the Elite 8.

ASAP, the Louisiana-based food delivery company formally known as Waitr, announced its closure over the weekend. UNO business professor Mark Rosa says the rising cost of food, coupled with delivery fees made it cost-prohibited for many consumers to use ASAP.

Cut 4 (06) “…as well.” 

A Bossier City woman’s ploy to fool her boyfriend that she birthed his child ends with attempted kidnapping charges. BRPD spokesperson Darren Ahmed says 21-year-old Dinesty Selmon cased Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital in Baton Rouge for weeks and preyed on an infant that had the least visitors.

Cut 7 (09) “…her baby.”  

Ahmed says she told the boyfriend their fictitious child was born in Alexandria and being treated in Baton Rouge.

New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu files legislation for a constitutional convention so state lawmakers and delegates appointed by the governor can write a new state constitution. He says when the state faces a budget deficit, higher education and health care take the brunt of the cuts because certain areas are constitutionally protected…

Cut 13 (09) “…health care”

The LSU Lady Tigers are gearing up for their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA on Saturday at noon. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

And for crawfish prices are up fifty-cents a pound this week , due to the traditional demand for Easter. According to the Crawfish App, the average for a pound of boiled mudbugs is $6.99, and $4.75 for live crawfish. And for your Easter boil they say be prepared to pay $150 to $200 for a 35-pound sack.

It’s Eastertime in Louisiana which means Elmer’s Candy will be filling baskets. Colleen Crain looks at the sweets coming from the Ponchatoula candy maker…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Three individuals are facing attempted murder charges in connection to the non-fatal overdose of a Southeastern student. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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The lower-than-usual supply of crawfish has not kept up with demand for this Easter weekend. Teiko Foxx reports there’s been a bump in prices heading into the holiday weekend…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Easter baskets are being filled this weekend and in Louisiana, that means Elmer’s Candy. Elmer’s CEO, Rob Nelson says there’s usually a big rush on the South Louisiana treats in the three days leading up to the holiday that this year is coming early…

Cut 4 (06) “…very good.”

Elmers has been making the treats that show up in Louisiana Easter baskets since 1855 and Louisiana has its favorites, says Nelson.

Cut 5 (11) “…Gulf Coast.” 

During the pandemic, Elmers had to stop making their popular Strawberry Heavenly Hash but they’re back and even better, says Nelson. He says they received lots of letters asking for them, but the requests were only part of the reason for the return of the Strawberry treats…

Cut 6 (11) “…or colors.”

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Hammond Police have made three attempted murder arrests in connection to the January non-fatal overdose of a Southeastern student. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says before it would have been narcotic charges but now with the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team’s investigation…

 Cut 7 (08) “…murder charges.”

50-year-old Kawaiishh Brown and two men, 29-year-old, Shyheim Pines, and 21-year-old Mark Fridge, III face attempted murder charges for their role in dealing narcotics that led to the overdose of a female student. None of the suspects were enrolled at Southeastern.

Bergeron credits the quick action of Southeastern University Police in saving her life by administering Narcan.

Bergeron says the Fentanyl Overdose Response Team, made up of several law enforcement agencies, hopes to curb the overdose epidemic and send a strong message to drug dealers.

Cut 8 (08) “…this way.” 

Bergeron credits the team for their quick arrests and thorough investigation…

Cut 9 (09)  “…these things.”

The three were arrested Tuesday and the student has returned to campus.

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If you’re planning a crawfish boil for this Easter weekend,  plan to spend 50 cents a pound more than last week as demand is outpacing supply. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King keeps track of prices…

Cut 12 (04) “…ASAP.” 

Crawfish App averages crawfish data from more than 1,600 businesses in Louisiana.

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A whopping 92-pound, nearly 50-inch Grass Carp was captured in Lake Concordia in Ferriday. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries biologist Shelby Richard (Ree-shard) says the carp was taken during standard spring electrofishing sampling

Cut 13 (12)  “…shy of that.”

Had this carp been captured by traditional fishing methods, it would have bested the current IGFA All-Tackle World Record by four pounds, which was caught in Bulgaria in 2009. It would have tied the current Bowfishing Association of America World Record, caught in Alabama in 2015.

Grass Carp are native to Asia and have been used in the United States since the 1960s to control aquatic vegetation in inland water bodies. Richard says this is the first time they’ve ever observed a Grass Carp in Lake Concordia during sampling

Cut 14 (14)  “…in Lake Concordia.”

Richard says they are still trying to determine its age. They can live for 30 years. He says they’ve sent samples to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to see if it was sterile. But Richard says even if it was not sterile, Lake Concordia does not have the necessary habitat for reproduction

Cut 15 (12)  “…that lake.”

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LSU and UCLA are in Albany, New York preparing for tomorrow afternoon’s Sweet 16 matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Bruins are 27-6, while the Lady Tigers are 30-5. UCLA Coach Cori Close says both teams are similar

Cut 16 (19)  “…other programs.” 

UCLA is led by six-foot-seven, Lauren Betts, who’s averaging 15 points and nine rebounds a game. Close says Betts is a matchup problem for other teams…

Cut 17 (13) “…our side.” 

Cut 18 (20)  “…to be made.”  

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Cut 19 (15) “…as a player.”  

Cut 20 (18) “…they take.”

The Louisiana House approves legislation to repeal the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowner’s insurance providers from dropping policyholders who have been a customer for more than three years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Jeff Landry is pushing to wrap the current legislative session early and hold a Constitutional Convention May 20^th to July 15^th. To do so there must be a two-thirds majority in both chambers and it doesn’t appear that the Republican has the votes to do so. Some lawmakers are balking saying it’s too rushed.

Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Bill author, Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help pull Louisiana schools up from the bottom of the list…

Cut 20 (09) “…the classroom.” 

Senate Bill 107 now heads to the full Senate.

And Senator Mizell along with Convington Senator Patrick McMath plan to file legislation to limit the authority and control of the new St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape who’s under fire after his prior sexual assault accusations were not disclosed and his swift elimination of the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners program in four parishes under his authority. The bills would give the parish council the authority to discipline and remove the coroner and the other would adjust the coroner’s authority over the sexual assault evidence and victim programs.

The Louisiana House approves an insurance reform to repeal the three-year rule. Louisiana does not allow homeowners insurance companies to drop policyholders who have been customers for at least three years. Pollock Representative Gabe Firment this will allow insurers to better manage their risk.

Cut 3 (10) “…insurance market”  

He says repealing the three-year rule will attract more insurers into the state.

Last year’s historic drought also impacted honey in the state. Louisiana Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says in a typical year, Louisiana produces more than three million pounds of honey, but last year it was two-million pounds….

Cut 12 (09) “…wow” 

A lower supply of honey means higher prices.

The Small Business Administration opened a Business Recovery Center in Crowley today to provide resources and assistance to those impacted by last year’s extreme drought. Spokesperson Corey Williams says non-profit organizations are also eligible for loans.

Cut 10 (13) “…they need. “

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” In the small Rapides Parish town of Glenmora; they have six dogs right now.

Cut 8 (12) “…that choice.” 

You can find a link to rescue at Louisiana Radio Network dot com

The Louisiana House approves legislation to repeal the three-year rule, which prohibits homeowners’ insurance companies from dropping policyholders that have been a customer for more than years. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

A suspect has been arrested after the overdose death of a Southeastern student. The university is holding a press conference at 1 pm, along with multiple law enforcement agencies. No other details were released.

The Small Business Administration has opened a recovery center in Crowley Spokesperson Corey Williams says they are able to aid small businesses impacted by last year’s extreme drought.

Cut 9 (13) “…in revenues” 

It’s located in the former Wells Fargo on Parkerson Avenue.

After her daughter was tragically killed on a busy highway while trying to save a dog, Kristen Perkins chose to honor her memory by starting “Leedle’s Dirty Paws Rescue.” (pronounced Leal-dell) The Rapides Parish rescue in Glenmora might be small, with six dogs, but Perkins’ heart for animals is huge.

Cut 6  (11) “…be thrilled.” 

You can find the rescue on Pet Finder and Facebook.

The Senate Transportation Committee approves legislation that would prohibit using a handheld cellphone while driving. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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LSU has been awarded a more than a half-million-dollar National Science Foundation grant, the largest ever for the school for an affordable and effective insect repellent to reduce disease spread by them

Cut 2 (33)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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If you’re planning on dyeing eggs this Easter Brooke Thorington has some egg-cellence news, and that’s no yolk.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would prohibit drivers from handling their phone when behind the wheel. AAA’s Angela Nelson told Senators if you want to reduce auto insurance rates, pass a law that makes it illegal to touch your cell phone when driving and crashes will go down…

Cut 4 (05) “…first place.”

The legislation would still allow drivers to talk on a cell phone, but they can’t hold it to their ear, it has to be hands-free. Kenner resident Richard Brown opposed the bill. He says whether you hold the phone to your ear or use Bluetooth to talk on the phone, the conversation is what’s distracting…

Cut 5 (12) “…isn’t true.” 

Covington Senator Patrick McMath is the author of the bill to prohibit handheld cell phone use while driving. He received pushback from former Grant Parish District Attorney Ed Tarpley…

Cut 6 (10) “..seat belt law.”

McMath also heard from opponents that his bill is a government overreach. The Republican from St. Tammany Parish does not see it that way. He looks at his legislation as a way to keep people safe…

 Cut 7 (11) “…correct.”

The bill heads to the Senate floor for more debate.

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Senate Education approves a bill that takes current law prohibiting public school students from using their cell phones on school property a step further. Bill author, Beth Mizell believes requiring the devices be turned off and properly stowed away throughout the instructional day will help pull Louisiana schools up from the bottom of the list…

Cut 8 (09) “…the classroom.” 

Speaking to the Senate Education Committee, Mizell illustrated how the new law might be implemented saying students are already familiar with stowing their lunches and other objects they bring to school so implementing it should be simple…

Cut 9 (07)  “…that simple.”

Senate Bill 107 now heads to the full Senate.

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LSU Chemical Engineering and Biological Sciences faculty has secured $550,000 in funding to create affordable insect repellent that could reduce cases of malaria, Lyme disease, and West Nile. This is the largest NSF PFI grant ever awarded to LSU. Chemical Engineering Professor Kerry Dooley says the goal is to streamline the cost associated with the production of nootkatone.

Cut 12 (12) “…DEET has.” 

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Egg-cellence news if you’re planning on dying Easter eggs this year. Louisiana Farm Bureau spokesperson Avery Davidson says the prices have dropped significantly. Last year the southern average for a dozen eggs was $4.17, but this year it’s $2.71.

Cut 13 (12)  “…right now.”

(This week because of demand you can expect to pay between $2.89 to $3.40 a dozen.)

But it’s not necessarily over-easy when you compare 2024 prices to the average two years ago of $1.50 to $2.00 a dozen. Davidson says the effects of the deadly avian influenza outbreak last year linger.

Cut 14 (11)  “…two years ago.”

While you may be paying between $2.89 to $3.40 for a dozen eggs this Easter, Davidson says to keep in mind the farmer’s profit is miniscule.

Cut 15 (10)  “…packaging.”

The average price for a dozen eggs in Louisiana reached its peak of almost $5.00 in January 2023.

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Malik Nabers has made his case to be the first wide receiver selected in next month’s NFL draft. At LSU pro day, the 20-year-old from Youngsville had a broad jump of nearly eleven feet, a vertical of 42-inches and ran the 40 in a blazing 4.3 seconds…

Cut 16 (16)  “…special today.” 

Nabers didn’t work out at the NFL combine and there was speculation his 40-time was 4.5. But after running a 4.3 he could be picked ahead of Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Junior. Nabers says he had a great dinner with the New York Giants. He’s telling all NFL teams he plays with a dog mentality…

Cut 17 (20) “…make plays.” 

Nabers describes himself as a humble person…

Cut 18 (20)  “…to be made.”  

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Heisman Trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels also participated at LSU pro day. He went through a 58-play passing script, throwing passes to Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Greg Clayton, and current Tigers Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor. Daniels could be the number two overall pick. He’s anxious for his name to be called on draft night…

Cut 19 (15) “…as a player.”  

USC star Caleb Williams is expected to go number one to the Bears. Washington has the second pick, followed by New England. Daniels was scheduled to meet with both teams before they left Baton Rouge. He was asked about the new look Commanders organization…

Cut 20 (18) “…they take.”

A Senate committee approves a bill to give Louisiana police officers the ability to arrest people living in Louisiana that are not legal citizens.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Senate Transportation approves a bill to prohibit drivers from handling their phone when driving. AAA’s Angela Nelson told Senators if you want to reduce auto insurance rates, make it illegal to touch your phone when driving and crashes will go down…

Cut 4 (05) “..first place.”

A bill to make panhandling a state crime in Louisiana advances from House Criminal Justice. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says House Bill 97 is an effort to improve both motorist and pedestrian safety.

Cut 24 (05) “…in them.”

State law already prohibits panhandling on interstates, including off and on ramps and this bill expands the law to public streets, that local law enforcement police.

Advocacy director of the Justice Accountability Center of Louisiana, Sarah Whittington opposes the bill because it’s something that local municipalities already cite.

Cut 25 (12)  “…local level.”

Whittington says the law could be deemed unconstitutional and state overreach of public streets.