If you drive a pickup truck, police will be 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:

Cut 13 (10)  “…drivers and passengers.”

We’re learning more about Kyrn Lacy’s tragic death as final arrangements are set for remembering his life. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in that fatal crash in November. They say he began acting erratically last Saturday, started, grabbed a gun and left the house. His family was worried about him and called police.

Cut 12 (10) “…the car crashed.”
The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held next Friday morning at 11 at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux

———————–

Elmer’s Chocolate has been a Louisiana Easter tradition for generations, and this year is no different. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU gymnastics will not repeat as national champs, as they failed to advance out of the NCAA Championship semifinals. Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked LSU baseball Tigers rallied from a four-run deficit last night to beat Alabama 11 to six.  Louisiana Tech beat Liberty with a dramatic seven to six victory.  The Cajuns beat Old Dominion six to five. ULM lost to 20^th ranked Troy. Grambling, Nicholls, and McNeese all won, while Northwestern lost.

Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be bit hit in its first year, so much so it’s unlikely the state will be able to accommodate all the applicants.  Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the state may need to scramble to come up with the money allotted to the program when it passed it last year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…that right now.”

——————————-

If you drive a pickup truck, make sure you’re wearing your seatbelt as “Buckle Up in Your Truck” is underway.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesman Greg Fischer says officers will be on the lookout and if you’re caught without yourseatbelt, you will face fines.  But why single out pickup trucks?

Cut 15 (12) “…their belt on.”

The campaign will run through April 27^th.

If Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs are on your list for the Easter Bunny, please know Elmer’s Chocolate in Pontchatoula has been churning out the Easter candy since right after Christmas, as usual.  CEO Rob Nelson says despite high-tech advances, Elmer’s still hand-makes its iconic Easter treats.  As for tariffs, he says they have been impacted since they import cocoa from South Africa.

Cut 6 (12) “…aren’t helping us.”

We’re learning more about Kyrn Lacy’s tragic death as final arrangements are set for remembering his life. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in that fatal crash in November. They say he began acting erratically last Saturday, started, grabbed a gun and left the house. His family was worried about him and called police.

Cut 12 (10) “…the car crashed.”
The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held next Friday morning at 11 at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux

If you drive a pickup truck, police will be 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 an officer catches you without your seatbelt on, expect to make a little donation to your local municipality.

Cut 14 (05) “…a subsequent offense.”

———————————-

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 7 (08) “…on what happens.”

For many in Louisiana it just wouldn’t BE Easter without Elmer Chocolate’s Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs. Yes, though Tangipahoa Parish is famed for strawberries, Elmer’s has produced the seasonal treats at its Ponchatoula factory for decades.  CEO Rob Nelson says they start making Easter candy after Christmas.

Cut 5 (11) “…and Mobile, Alabama.”

The L-A GATOR program has proven to be a hit. As Andrew Greenstein reports, maybe too much so.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you drive a pickup truck, police will be paying close attention to see if you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer:

Cut 13 (10)  “…drivers and passengers.”

Louisiana’s overall seatbelt use is behind the national average of 91-percent.
———————–

Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held a week from today in Thibodaux. Meanwhile, we’re getting more insight into his final moments. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY),sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in that fatal crash in November.

Cut 10 (08) “…lives in Houston.”

Services for Lacy will be next Friday morning at eleven at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux

Easter in Louisiana just wouldn’t be complete for many 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…

Cut 4 (10) “…in the United States.”

If campaign finance reports are a telltale sign of voter support, State Treasurer John Fleming will have his work cut out for him against Senator Bill Cassidy. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

A Republican state senator has a bill that would provide an alternative to the fortified roof grants. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says his proposal is geared towards people who want to take advantage of the grants but have the financial means to install the fortified roof.

Cut 10 (08) “…ten-thousand dollars.”

———————

The next Senate election is set for a year from Friday.  It’ll be the first to use a closed primary. And with an electorate that skews much more to the right than in the previous jungle primaries, ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says Fleming is hoping to capitalize on Cassidy’s vote in 2021 to convict then-former President Trump in his second impeachment trial, while Cassidy is hoping that voters have a short memory.

Cut 6 (13) “…of people’s minds.”

Today is Tulane Day at the Capitol. The legislature will be honoring the school and its 5.2-billion dollar impact on the state economy. University President Michael Fitts will be on hand for the big day and will meet with lawmakers to discuss how Tulane is helping in the state’s quest to retain talent and grow new industries.

Cut 15 (12) “…really talented individuals.”

This legislative session will see debate on several education bills, ranging from school funding to testing requirements and proposed changes to the TOPS scholarship programs. Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says there is also teacher pay, and whether teachers will continue to stay at the same pay level after the failure of Amendment 2.

Cut 7 (11) “…of people wanted.”

A Republican state senator has a bill that would provide an alternative to the fortified roof grants. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot says his proposal is geared towards people who want to take advantage of the grants but have the financial means to install the fortified roof. It’s a non refundable-credit which means the state wouldn’t be mailing out any checks..

Cut 11 (10) “…dollars in liability.”

—————————————–
A New Roads mother has been arrested, charged with second degree murder and obstruction of justice in the death of her infant child early yesterday.  New Roads police say they got the call just before ten yesterday morning and began efforts to resuscitate the child, who died later at a local hospital.  Officials say the there were inconsistencies in the 19 year old mother’s story and crime lab officials said the mother’s statements did not match up with evidence found at the scene.

While one poll shows State Treasurer John Fleming beating Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary, that’s not the story the latest campaign finance report numbers tell.  According to the official numbers, Cassidy raised 1.36-million dollars in the first quarter of 2025, compared to just over 263-thousand for Fleming. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross…

Cut 4 (10) “…in this race.”

A Republican state senator is proposing an alternative to the fortified roof grant program. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Today is Tulane Day at the Capitol as state lawmakers will honor the school and its 5.2-billion dollar impact on the state economy. University President Michael Fitts says Tulane’s history goes back almost to the time when Louisiana became the 18th state.

Cut 13 (08)  “…time with Louisiana.”

_____________________

One poll has shown State Treasurer John Fleming beating Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary.  But the latest campaign finance report numbers say otherwise.  Fleming is reporting a war chest of 2.2-million dollars, much of which he loaned to himself, while Cassidy is reporting a war chest of 7.5-million dollars. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross  says in terms of fundraising, Fleming has his work cut out for him.

Cut 5 (12) “…trouble matching Cassidy.”

Several education bills are waiting to be debated in the current legislative session.  One would require high school students to attain a minimum ACT score to graduate, eliminating the need for end-of-course exams. HB 243 proposes accountability measures for the LA GATOR voucher program, but Leaders for a Better Louisiana Chief Policy Officer Barry Erwin says it’ll be tough to get it passed.

Cut 8 (10) “…wild about either.”

Last month, the Port of New Orleans recorded over 165-thousand cruise passenger movements, setting a new monthly record and surpassing its previous high of 155-thousand in March 2023. Port NOLA Pres Secretary Kimberly Curth…

Cut 9 (11)  “…prime cruise desination”

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is this weekend. Since 1972, Tangipahoa Parish has hosted this festival to celebrate the strawberry industry, which generates an estimated 12-million dollars to the economy. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain, who’s from nearby Abita Springs, says if you love strawberries and music this is the festival for you…

Cut 12 (12) “…incredible.”

—————
As the legislature gets set to fight for auto insurance reform, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are fighting one another. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Visit Lake Charles CMO Timothy Bush says in 2023, the region welcomed over seven million visitors, generating $800 million in spending.

Cut 6 (06) “…to our local economy.”

__10:30 __11:30 short

When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. Landry has said he wants to rein in the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that, saying Florida tried that and it was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Last month, the Port of New Orleans recorded over 165-thousand cruise passenger movements, setting a new monthly record and surpassing its previous high of 155-thousand in March 2023. Port NOLA Pres Secretary Kimberly Curth says Curth says Port NOLA benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.

Cut 10 (07) “…one of a kind.”

——————————

Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. The campaign includes billboards and digital displays illustrating visitors’ engagement in the community, from dining to experiencing hospitality.   Visit Lake Charles CMO Timothy Bush stresses that tourism is more than numbers…

Cut 8 (12) “…really important.”

Derek Carr’s 2025 season may be over before it even begins. Ian Rappoport with NFL Network is reporting that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, and one of his options is surgery that would keep him sidelined for the entire season. Former Saints Quarterback Bobby Hebert this says Carr’s injury could open the door for Spencer Rattler, who’s still looking for his first win in the NFL.

Cut 14 (05) “…be the guy.”

Last month, the Port of New Orleans set a new monthly record with 165-thousand cruise passenger movements. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Derek Carr’s 2025 season may be over before it even begins. The NFL Network is reporting that Carr is dealing with a shoulder injury, and could need surgery. Former Saints Quarterback Bobby Hebert on LRN affiliate WWL says the Saints, and they need to bring in an experienced quarterback.

Cut 13 (09)  “…somebody like that.”

_________________

When it comes to the high price of auto insurance, Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are pointing their fingers – not at the insurance companies or trial lawyers, but at one another. When he announced the 20 insurance reform bills he’s supporting, Temple noted that he has not had a conversation with Landry about the issue in a long time.

Cut 3 (11) “…for property reform.”

Visit Lake Charles has launched the “Always Here” campaign to highlight tourism’s vital role in Southwest Louisiana’s economy. Tourists come for leisure, events, business, and sports, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Visit Lake Charles CMO Timothy Bush Bush…

Cut 7 (10) “…southwest Louisiana.”