Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention next month will be heard in House Governmental Affairs Tuesday. Bill sponsor New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu says Governor Jeff Landry’s transitional team will describe what the convention will entail.

Cut 4 (12) “…of Louisiana.”

The last time the state’s constitution was revised was 1974 and for this convention, Beaullieu says there won’t be any huge changes, he says the plan is to move items from the constitution and put them in statute to give the legislature more flexibility.

Cut 5 (11) “…raise taxes.” 

The House Commerce Committee approves legislation that eliminates the requirement to have a license to be a florist. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham says Louisiana is the only state that requires a florist to take a written exam in order to sell floral arrangement…

Cut 13 (10)  “…one of them.”

General counsel for the Pelican Institute Sarah Harbison says the public can weed out bad florists…

Cut 15 (10)  “..expectations”

The legislation heads to the house floor.

The House Ways and Means Committee takes no action on a bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says for over a decade there’s been talk about eliminating the state income tax and his bill would commit the state to doing it

Cut 9 (05) “…go get it.” 

Police have arrested 42-year-old Chad Credeur (crater) of Duson in a shooting and triple homicide in Lafayette. LPD Sgt Robin Green says the bodies of 45-year-old Brandon Touchet 49-year-old Eric Green, and an unidentified female were discovered Friday but just when the shooting occurred in the 700 block of College Road, is not known. LPD is asking for the public’s help…

Cut 5 (10)  “…Police Department.”

It might not be a billion-dollar jackpot but Janice Tullos of Ball wasted no time in claiming a one million dollar match-5 prize. The Louisiana Lottery reported today that Tullos claimed the prize from the March 30^th drawing on April 1^st. She made the claim for a group including herself, Debbie Van Dyke, Cynthia Abbarno, Rachel Wooten, Yuri Hester, and Mark Howard. After state and federal tax withholding, the group takes home $717,500. And the Albertson’s that sold the ticket gets a 1% bonus of $10,000

No committee vote has been taken on Columbia Representative Neil Riser’s bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group spoke in favor of the bill…

Cut 11 (07) “…to death”

Governor Jeff Landry was in West Feliciana Parish and Slidell today. Two areas hit by tornadoes last Wednesday. Landry expects the state will issue emergency declarations soon so that the state can help in the cost to clean up debris…

Cut 6  (07) “…back to work.” 

Landry says state officials are still assessing the damage to determine if the tornado outbreak last week caused enough damage to qualify for federal assistance.

42-year-old Chad Credeur (crater) of Duson has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting deaths of 3 people whose bodies were found in an apartment in Lafayette, Friday. LPD Sgt Robin Green says at the time the bodies were discovered they received a call from authorities in Jeff Davis Parish where Credeur was arrested on unrelated charges.

Cut 4 (08) “…Police Department.” 

Victims were identified as 45-year-old Brandon Touchet and 49-year-old Eric Green both of Lafayette, third victim is a yet-to-be-identified female.

Today is the deadline to file your federal taxes but CPA Hardy Foreman with the firm, Carr Riggs and Ingram in Shreveport says since the COVID pandemic there’s been an increase in taxpayers filing for extensions. And he says it’s taking longer for business owners to get the proper documentation needed for them to file before the April 15th deadline…

Cut 8 (13) “…April 15th.” 

Governor Jeff Landry has released the names of the people he plans to nominate as delegates to a proposed constitutional convention this year. Jeanne Burns has more on the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…flexibility” 

The House Ways and Means Committee takes no action on a bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says for over a decade there’s been talk about eliminating the state income tax.

Cut 9 (05) “…go get it.” 

As work to restore power and clean up storm damage across the state continues, The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm related death in Rapides Parish. A 60-year-old woman was killed after a tree and power line fell on her home outside Pineville on Wednesday.

Many are still without power, but CLECO says they expect to have all the power restored in Opelousas by the end of day Friday and at least half of their customers in Slidell without power should have it back. As for the remaining 3500 Slidell customers, CLECO expects to have a better idea of when work can be completed to restore power to those homes.  

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is holding a FAFSA Marathon beginning April 15^th. Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says despite all the delays, there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. In addition to the state’s signature fruit, there’s plenty of food, rides, and music and it wouldn’t be a festival without a parade in Louisiana. Festival Queen, Lauren van Mullem says it’s a great way to support the community and Louisiana berry farmers.

Cut 9 (12) “…and farmers.” 

The parade is on Saturday at 9:30.

Expect to pay about $5.99 a pound for boiled crawfish says Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King. She says there’s been a consistent weekly drop in crawfish prices since Easter. King says the average price for live crawfish last year was $2.57.

Cut 13 (11) “…it is.”

Many are still without power across the state but there’s good news for Opelousas, CLECO says they expect to have all the power restored there by the end of day Friday and at least half of their customers in Slidell should also have power. As for the remaining 3500 Slidell customers, CLECO expects to have a better idea of when work can be completed to restore power to those homes.  As clean up continues in areas served by Entergy, work is being done to restore power to approximately 4000 homes.

Monday is Tax Day. Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) has a tax tip for seniors. Oestricher says people over the age of 70 can use a portion of their minimum retirement distribution to get a tax break if they donate it to a church or a charitable organization.

Cut 3 (13) “…30 thousand.” 

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is holding a virtual FAFSA marathon next week to help students with their applications. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

It’s another great week for crawfish lovers with a 50-cent drop on average in prices this week. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says the industry lowered prices again which brings the average price for a sack under $100.

Cut 12 (09) “…sweet spot.” 

After multiple delays with Federal Student Aid, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance will have expanded virtual hours April 15-19 from 8 am until 8 pm and you can register now for an appointment if you need assistance. And if you can’t next week, the normal hours are 9 AM – to 3 PM. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says Until colleges can send award letters students who are eligible for TOPS should visit their student hub tracker and…

Cut 8 (12) “…of use.” 

Monday is the deadline to file federal income taxes and for those who won big by gambling, Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) says, they will have to pay taxes on those winnings even if they suffered gambling losses with other bets.

Cut 5 (12)  “…may have.”

Good news for crawfish lovers. The average price per pound for mudbugs is 50 cents lower this week. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Rhonda Poche says this year’s strawberry crop looks amazing and there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”

Festival hours are noon to 11 pm on Friday, 9 am until 11 pm on Saturday, and 10 to 6 pm on Sunday.

As work to restore power and clean up storm damage continues, The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm related death in Rapides Parish. A 60-year-old woman was killed after a tree and power line fell on her home outside Pineville on Wednesday.

Many are still without power across the state. Entergy is working to restore approximately 4000 homes and the latest from CLECO shows almost 10,000 without power. We expect an updated number this afternoon.

After multiple delays with Federal Student Aid, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance anticipates students can make changes to their applications if needed next week. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says students can register now for virtual help with their application on their website.

Cut 6  (11) “…office hours.” 

The website is mylosfa.la.gov

Monday is Tax Day. Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) says for taxpayers looking to reduce their tax burden when they file, making a significant contribution to your 401k plan.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 

Monday day may be Tax Day but today, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins. The event, which has been going strong since 1972, is the state’s largest free harvest festival. Festival King Donald Lanier says they honor berry farmers across the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…many around. “

You’ll want to bring your appetite and enter the strawberry eating contest on Saturday and Sunday. The parade is Saturday at 9:30.

Legislation barring teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in K-through-12 public classrooms passed the House Education Committee. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes these topics should be discussed at home, not in the classroom. A former substitute teacher who lives in Mandeville traveled to Baton Rouge to voice her opposition to the legislation. She describes herself as a heterosexual who sees this type of legislation as mean-spirited…

Cut 11 (12) “…this state.”

Despite the opposition, Horton’s bill was approved on a nine to three vote. 

Major weather-related damage across Louisiana Wednesday. A tornado is believed to be the cause of destruction in Slidell and St. Francisville. A confirmed EF-2 tornado caused considerable damage in Lake Charles. Forecasters say it produced winds up to 115 miles per hour and touched down east of McNeese State University. Because the needs of those displaced by tornados can change rapidly Mayor Nic Hunter says it’s best to donate to the United Way.

Cut 8 (10) “…United Way.” 

Three people have been arrested and charged in the death of James Ingram of Colfax after his body was found burned in the Kisatchie National Forest. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

LSU football coach Brian Kelly believes fifth-year senior Kyren Lacy is poised to have a breakout season in 2024. Kelly likes the consistency Lacy has shown during spring football. Lacy believes he and the receiving corps are developing good chemistry with first-year starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier…

Cut 17 (13) “….about the ball”

The House Education Committee approves legislation that would prohibit public school teachers from discussing topics involving sexual orientation and gender identity with students. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

The National Weather Service has confirmed that an EF-2 tornado caused a considerable amount of damage in Lake Charles. Mayor Nic Hunter says a neighborhood in the central area took the biggest hit.

Cut 7 (10) “…structural damage.”

Multiple arrests have been made in Grant and Rapides Parishes after the discovery of 68-year-old James Morrow Ingram of Colfax’s burned body in the Kisatchie National Forest on April 2^nd. Grant Parish Sheriff Steven McCain says Ingram left his home Easter night and drove to Alexandria where he met Michael Shane Taylor and Jessica Bledsoe in a parking lot, and they injected drugs into him.

Cut 4 (10) “…passed away.”

McCain says Taylor and Bledsoe then drove around in Ingram’s car with his body inside and eventually drove to Kisatchie National Forest

The full House approves legislation requiring schools receiving state dollars to have the ten commandments posted in their classrooms. The proposed law does not require teachers to educate students about the Ten Commandments but New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says having the Ten Commandments displayed could create issues beyond the U-S Constitution

Cut 14 (14)  “…the Bible.”

The House Education Committee approves legislation that prohibits teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity in K-through-12 public classrooms. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton believes these topics should discussed at home, not in the classroom…

Cut 10 (08) “…for this.”

The full House overwhelmingly approves legislation requiring schools that receive state dollars to have the ten commandments posted in their classrooms. Opponents say its unconstitutional because it’s an endorsement of religion, but Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham argues the Ten Commandments set the foundation for laws we follow today.

Cut 13 (14)  “…Western civilization.”

The Louisiana Senate has unanimously approved legislation that would stop a plan to issue hefty speeding fines on the I-10 Atchafalaya Basin Bridge. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (29)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

LSU football coach Brian Kelly believes fifth-year senior Kyren Lacy is poised to have a breakout season in 2024. Kelly likes the consistency Lacy has shown during spring football. He caught 30 passes last year but also dropped a few. Lacy thanks his teammates for picking him up…

Cut 16 (12)  “…doing it”