New Orleans is still reeling after that mass shooting Sunday night that left one person dead and eleven others injured. At a news conference yesterday, police did not reveal much about the investigation, but to say they are actively working the case. Council Member Lesli Harris, who represents the Warehouse District expressed condolences and was visibly stunned over the incident.

Cut 8 (12) “…be caught.” 

The Louisiana Department of Transportation is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week right now. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says when driving conditions change, you’re more likely to have a crash because of road conditions, lane shifts, and narrowing occurs, he urges drivers to pay extra attention in work zones.

Cut 11 (12) “…home safely.”

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The House Commerce Committee approves legislation to repeal the requirement for florists to be licensed. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain” 
A Slidell police officer crashed his motorcycle into an unmarked State Police car Monday while they were escorting Governor Jeff Landry during a visit. Authorities say the officer sustained moderate injuries and was taken to the hospital. No one else was injured.

Legislation to hold a Constitutional Convention next month will be heard in House Governmental Affairs today. Bill sponsor New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu saysthe plan for this convention is to move items from the constitution into statute to give lawmakers more flexibility. For example…

Cut 5 (11) “…raise taxes.” 

The last time Louisiana’s constitution was revised was 1974

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 to sell floral arrangements…

Cut 13 (10)  “…one of them.”

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No arrests have been made in the mass shooting that killed one and injured 11 others Sunday night in New Orleans. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

Police in Lafayette have released the name of the third victim killed in Friday night’s triple homicide as that of 46 year old Elizabeth Reames. Authorities say all three victims and suspect Chad Credeur were mutual friends. The shooting happened Friday night in the 700 block of College Road. Credeur was arrested on Saturday.

So far no arrests have been made in the New Orleans Warehouse District mass shooting that killed a 24 year old woman and injured 11 other people Sunday night. At a press conference Monday afternoon Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said homicide detectives are actively working the investigation…

Cut 7 (10) “…this time.”
Ten lives were lost in Louisiana work zones in 2022 and nationally, almost 900 people lost lives in work zones. This week, the Louisiana Department of Transportation is observing National Work Zone Awareness Week. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallet says most accidents can be avoided with attention to work zone safety…

Cut 10 (09) “…many lives.”

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A bill to hold a Constitutional Convention in May will be heard today in the House Governmental Affairs Committee. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A House Committee approves legislation that eliminates the requirement to have a license to be a florist in Louisiana. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham

Cut 14 (08)  “…in Louisiana.”

Louisiana is the only state that requires a florist to take a written exam to sell floral arrangements.

It’s a big weekend in Pontchatoula as the city’s annual Strawberry Festival kicks into high gear. There will be plenty of food, rides, music and fun. And Strawberry Festival Blossom Rhonda Poche says there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”
The festival runs through 11 tonight and will be open from 10 am till 6 pm tomorrow.

The average price of crawfish is down again this week an average of 50 cents a pound. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says right now Orleans Parish has the cheapest mudbugs at $2.65 a pound, she says it’s always worth checking the crawfish app for price change.

Cut  14 (12) “…might drop.” 
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At long last, students in Louisiana will be able to make changes to their Federal Student Aid applications this week and will have extended office hours, from 8 am till 8 pm, so students can get virtual help. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says says applicants should be on the lookout for emails from FAFSA. Despite repeated delays, she says there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

The deadline for fileing your federal income tax return is Monday. And Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) has some last minute advice for those looking to reduce their tax burden. He suggests making a significant contribution to your 401k plan or ROTH IRA.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 
The deadline to get your taxes filed is Midnight on Monday.

It’s a big weekend in Pontchatoula as the city’s annual Strawberry Festival kicks into high gear. There will be plenty of food, rides, music and fun. And Strawberry Festival Blossom Rhonda Poche says there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”

The festival runs through 11 tonight and will be open from 10 am till 6 pm tomorrow.

The average price of crawfish is down again this week an average of 50 cents a pound. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says right now Orleans Parish has the cheapest mudbugs at $2.65 a pound, she says it’s always worth checking the crawfish app for price change.

Cut  14 (12) “…might drop.” 
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At long last, students in Louisiana will be able to make changes to their Federal Student Aid applications this week and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance will have extended office hours, from 8 am till 8 pm, so students can get virtual help. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says says applicants should be on the lookout for emails from FAFSA. Despite repeated delays, she says there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

The deadline for fileing your federal income tax return is Monday. And Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) has some last minute advice for those looking to reduce their tax burden. He suggests making a significant contribution to your 401k plan or ROTH IRA.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 

The deadline to get your taxes filed is Midnight on Monday.

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.”

One of three people shot Thursday evening outside a Shreveport Convenience store has died. 17 year old Chartez Martin, 17, was fatally shot during in an exchange of gunfire outside just before 5:30. Authorities say two other victims were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
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Monday is the final to get your federal income taxes filed on time. Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher  has a word for those who gamble and have won big: He reminds you that you WILL have to pay taxes on those winnings…even if you’ve also suffered gambling losses.

Cut 5 (12)  “…may have.”
Good news for crawfish lovers. Prices are down an average of 50 cents a pound this week.  Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says prices have been dropping since Easter, but the price is still nowhere near what we were paying for crawfish this time last year.

Cut 13 (11) “…it is.”

For those of you looking to buy your crawfish already boiled, King says the average price per pound right now is about $5.99.

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.” 

After multiple delays with Federal Student Aid, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance anticipates students can make changes if needed to their applications 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

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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 the Strawberry Festival parade rolls this morning. Festival Queen, Lauren van Mullem says it’s a great way to support the community and Louisiana berry farmers.

Cut 9 (12) “…and farmers.” 

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.” 

King says expect to pay about $5.99 a pound for boiled crawfish.

Louisiana Lawmakers are looking to expand the state’s role in U.S. border enforcement. The Senate passed a bill creating a crime of “illegal entry or reentry” into Louisiana. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.” 

The National Weather Service has confirmed a tornado touched down in Assumption Parish yesterday. Officials say a survey team determined damage in the parish is consistent with an EF-0 tornado. Peak winds for the tornado were approximately 80 mph.

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The optimism of small business took a declined again in March reaching its lowest point since 2012, according to the National Federation Independent Business. State Director Leah Long says it boils down to three major challenges.

Cut 10 (08) “…hurting them.”

While the labor market has shown marginal improvement, 37 percent of independent businesses who are trying to hire, report few or no qualified applicants.

A Shreveport woman whose husband poisoned her with an abortion drug in Texas testified before lawmakers here in Baton Rouge yesterday. Catherine Herring is the sister of Senator Thomas Pressly who’s authored a bill to increase the penalties for such crimes in Louisiana.

Cut 4 (12) “…her father.”

The Gator Scholarship Program, passed in the House on Monday and heads to Senate Education. But some state lawmakers are looking to tap the brakes on education savings accounts to be sure Louisiana doesn’t overpromise what the state can realistically deliver. Senate President Cameron Henry.

Cut 8 (12) “…number of students.” 
Following Texas’s lead, the Louisiana Senate passes a bill seeking to expand the state’s authority over border enforcement and creating a crime of “illegal entry or reentry into Louisiana”. Opponents argue the bill is unconstitutional and won’t solve anything. But Senator Valerie Hodges says, Louisiana has a right to defend the nation…

Cut 15 (13)  “…deportation process.”

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A Shreveport native who was poisoned with an abortion pill by her husband in Texas gives emotional testimony before lawmakers in Baton Rouge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 110 to 100. With three regular season games left, the Pels are in sole possession of sixth place in the West, one game ahead of the Suns.  The Pels are at Sacramento tomorrow.

A tornado watch has been issued for parts of southeast Texas and Southwest Louisiana. The watch, that runs from Leesville east to Marksville down to Lake Charles and through Morgan city, will remain in effect through 9 am.

According to a survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, optimism among small businesses has reached its lowest point in twelve years. Here’s Teiko Foxx.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Following Texas’s lead, the Louisiana Senate passes a bill seeking to expand the state’s authority over border enforcement and creating a crime of “illegal entry or reentry into Louisiana”. Opponents argue the bill is unconstitutional, calling it an overreach of state authority. Senator Royce Duplessis…

Cut 13 (13)  “…solve anything.”

Louisiana is among several states looking to expand their role in border enforcement.

Before legislation to expand the school voucher program becomes law, Senate President Cameron Henry says the higher chamber is concerned the program might not be feasible with the fiscal cliff looming for the state budget.

Cut 7 (09) “…methodical way.”