Tomorrow is tax day and here are some tips for those who haven’t filed their returns yet.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Former star LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy is dead at the age of 24 and for those who know him personally, today is a difficult day. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Four people were shot during a shooting last night in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter. NOPD Captain Samuel Palumbo says gunfire rang out as crowds were leaving the French Quarter Festival…

Cut 3 (12) “…this subject” 

New Orleans Police has not identified the person arrested. The shooting victims were transported to the hospital and they are expected to be ok. Palumbo says there was plenty of law enforcement in the area when the shooting took place…

Cut 4 (12) “…chooses to do this” 

The four people wounded are expected to be okay. The person apprehended has not been identified.

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The deadline to file your federal taxes is midnight tomorrow night. If you’re among those waiting until the last minute to get your taxes done, CPA Jerry Schreiber with the accounting firm Schreiber and Schreiber says, get organized.

Cut 5 (11) “…the return.”

Schreiber says there are several options to file online, like free file on the IRS website and other commercial filing software…

Cut 6 (11) “…complexity of the return.”

If you can’t make tomorrow night’s deadline, Schreiber says file an extension to avoid getting penalized.

Cut 7 (12) “…oenalties and interest.”

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The fallout from the Pelicans’ awful season is underway. Less than 24 hours after wrapping up a 21-and-61 campaign, the Pelicans have fired David Griffin as executive director of basketball operations. Griffin had served in that role for six years, almost to the day. Jake Madison, the host of the Locked On Pelicans podcast, says this move was not unexpected.

Cut 8 (17) “…sort of thing.”

Madison says Griffin’s firing is a clear message from Pelicans ownership.

Cut 9 (11)  “…needed to happen.”

One big question-mark at this time is the status of Head Coach Willie Green. Madison says that decision may ultimately be in the hands of whoever Griffin’s successor is.

Cut 10 (07) “…of the roster.”

The roster was the big issue for the Pelicans this season, with the team losing a whopping 369 man games to injury. 25 players suited up for the Pelicans this season, and Coach Green started 46 different starting lineups in the 82-game season.

Shreveport native and McNeese basketball legend has reportedly emerged as the front-runner to replace Griffin. Dumars is currently heading NBA basketball ops.

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It is a tough day in Thibodaux as they remember Kyren Lacy, a two-sport star in high school who went on to become an All-SEC performer at LSU. Authorities in the Houston area say Lacy took his own life on Saturday night during a police chase. Harris County Sheriff deputies say they found Lacy dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Lacy’s former high school football coach Chris Dugas (Doo-gah)…

Cut 11 (12) “…I knew.”

Dugas was the head coach at Thibodaux High when Lacy played football and basketball at the Lafourche Parish school. Dugas says Lacy helped Thibodaux win a state championship in boys basketball in 2019 and was a late bloomer as a football star…

Cut 12 (09) “…leader on the team.”

Lacy concentrated on basketball in his first couple of years at Thibodaux, but Dugas helped convince him that he could be a standout wide receiver, with his six-foot-two size and his speed and ability to catch passes. He had a sensational senior season with 54 catches for 864 yards and 18 touchdowns. Dugas says it’s very sad to see Lacy dead at the age of 24…

Cut 13 (09)  “…part of your family.”

Lacy spent his first two years of college football at U-L Lafayette. He led the Cajuns in receiving his freshman season and helped them win a Sun Belt title in 2021. He transferred to LSU after the 2021 campaign and in his senior season he caught 58 passes for 866 yards and an SEC high nine touchdown passes.

He was preparing for the NFL draft, but he was also facing negligent homicide charge for a fatal wreck that State Police say he caused in December in Lafourche Parish on Highway 20.

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We’re learning details of the final moments of former LSU star wide receiver Kyren Lacy from law enforcement in the Houston area. Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office says it started when Lacy’s sister called 911 late Saturday night.

Cut 14 (10) “…into the ground.”

Gilliland says Lacy drove off in a Dodge Charger, and deputies found him a short time later and tried pulling him over. But Lacy would not stop and instead led deputies on a pursuit that lasted several miles before Lacy crashed into a curb.

Cut 15 (12) “…deceased on scene.”

Gilliland says bodycam footage proves that no deputies discharged their weapons during the pursuit that did not reach extraordinary speeds.

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.”

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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.”

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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.” 

Earlier this week, in announcing his own insurance reform plan, Landry said he wanted to rein in the ability of trial lawyers to advertise. Temple says, good luck with that. He says Florida passed a regulation limiting attorney advertising, and that was overturned by the courts.

Cut 4 (08) “…of that conversation.”

Temple says nothing will be accomplished through bickering.

Cut 5 (11) “…of Louisiana benefit.”

In a statement, Landry called Temple’s press conference, in his words, a media spectacle, and despite a package of bills Temple gave the legislature last year, there has been no relief for Louisiana drivers.

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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.”

Tourists come for leisure, events, business, and sports, supporting local hotels, restaurants, and shops. Bush emphasized the often-overlooked impact of visitors on everyday life.

Cut 7 (10) “…southwest Louisiana.”

The campaign includes billboards and digital displays illustrating visitors’ engagement in the community, from dining to experiencing hospitality.   These efforts aim to foster local pride and demonstrate how tourism supports the entire community. Bush stresses that tourism is more than numbers…

Cut 8 (12) “…really important.”

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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 this milestone follows a record-breaking 2024 with more than 1.2 million cruise passenger movements.

Cut 9 (11)  “…prime cruise desination”

Curth noted as the 6th largest U.S. cruise port and the only one offering both ocean and river cruises, Port NOLA benefits from its prime location near the French Quarter.

Cut 10 (07) “…one of a kind.”

Major cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian continue strong partnerships, offering year-round sailings. River cruises also thrive, including American Cruise Lines and Viking. Curth emphasized that the increased number of port calls further highlights New Orleans’ appeal.

Cut 11 (12) “…Big Easy hospitality.”

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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.”

Strain says the Strawberry Festival is the largest free harvest festival in the state…

Cut 13 (09)  “…and jellies.”

The Strawberry Festival Parade begins at 9:30 in the morning on Saturday and starts at the Ponchatoula Lions Club and ends Kiwanis Park. The three-day festival attracts an estimated 300-thousand visitors every year.

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Crawfish prices are dropping as Easter approaches. According to The Crawfish App Co-founder Laney King live crawfish average $3.14 per pound, and boiled crawfish about $5.55. Some live crawfish sacks are now under $3 per pound.

Cut 14 (12) “…anticipation of Easter.”

King says the weather is going to be perfect, and the crawfish supply will be plentiful. So, plan ahead for Easter weekend.

Cut 15 (08) “…sooner than later”

A “mayday” has been called at the St. Tammany Parish’s no-kill animal shelter due to extreme overcrowding,  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson”

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Insurance reform will be the biggest issue in the legislative session that begins Monday, and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has unveiled the bills he supports in that quest. Andrew Greenstein is in Ascension Parish, where Temple held a news conference this morning.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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House Bill 279, known as the Caleb Wilson Act, has been filed for the upcoming legislative session. Sponsored by New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd, the bill requires college students joining an organization to complete one-credit-hour anti-hazing course within their first two semesters of membership.

Cut 3 (08) “…these organiziations” 

Boyd says the bill was introduced after20-year-old Caleb Wilson died after he was punched multiple times in the chest while pledging Omega Psi Phi fraternity at Southern University in February. Three men were arrested, with one facing a manslaughter charge.

Cut 4 (12) “…join those organizations.”

The proposed law expands on current requirements by formalizing hazing prevention education. It is compared to the 2018 Max Gruver Law, which increased criminal penalties for hazing, but the Caleb Wilson Act focuses more on education and prevention rather than punishment. Boyd says this is a bipartisan “feel-good” bill.

Cut 5 (08) “…party does not matter.”

It will take effect in the fall of 2025 if passed.

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There is a concern public school teachers could see a drop in pay, because Constitutional Amendment Two did not pass. Passage of that amendment would have made a two-thousand dollar stipend for teachers permanent. Governor Jeff Landry says because the amendment failed, the state currently does not have the money to keep paying that two-thousand dollars…

Cut 6 (07) “…to that.”

It’s unclear if the state will continue to pay teachers at its current level. If Constitutional Amendment two had passed, it would have allowed the state to pay down high-interest pension debt. Landry says that would have freed up dollars to make two-thousand-dollar stipends that teachers first received in 2022 –permanent…

Cut 7 (13) “…to accomplish that.”

In a letter to teachers, Landry says it’s back to drawing board, because no alternative recurring resources exist to fund the permanent salary increase teachers deserve. Senate President Cameron Henry says he’s hopeful that as the budget makes it way through legislative process dollars will emerge to keep teacher pay at its current level…

Cut 8 (08) “…to do.”

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St. Tammany Parish’s no-kill animal shelter is in “mayday” mode due to extreme overcrowding, currently operating at 70-percent more than it was designed to house. Animal Shelter Director Rob Bremer says the shelter is waiving adoption fees for dogs that have been there over six months.

Cut 9 (10)  “…their forever home”

Bremer stressed the urgency, saying that overcrowding could lead to dog fights, disease, and compromised animal welfare.

Cut 10 (09) “…stressed out.”

Bremer emphasized that the shelter cannot maintain a no-kill status without community support. All adopted animals are vaccinated and microchipped…

Cut 11 (07) “…in the first place.”

The public is encouraged to adopt, while understanding the responsibilities involved. The shelter, located in Lacombe, is open Monday through Saturday. More information and adoptable animals are available at St-Tammany-dot-gov-slash-pets

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Insurance reform will be the overwhelming biggest issue in the legislative session that begins Monday. And Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple announced his plan for lowering vehicle insurance premiums in the state. In a news conference in Ascension Parish, Temple announced his support for 20 bills, all filed by Republicans, aimed at addressing the biggest drivers of high premiums in the state.

Cut 12 (14) “…families and businesses.”

Temple says several of the bills he’s supporting deal with frivolous lawsuits that he says are forcing insurance companies to charge high premiums

Cut 13 (08)  “…twice to litigate.”

Yesterday, Governor Landry unveiled his own insurance reform plan, but Temple says a couple things he pointed out are not true, including Landry’s claim that Temple does not have the authority to deny a rate increase.

Cut 14 (08) “…exercise it.”

Temple also said Landry’s claim that insurers can conceal information that he needs to regulate them is also wrong.

The consulting firm New Orleans hired in the wake of the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street is out with its recommendations. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry unveiled his insurance reform plan today. He says if approved by lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session it will lower prices for Louisianans. Jeff Palermo has the details…

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The seven-year-old girl injured in the house fire in Shreveport over the weekend has died. Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux confirmed that this morning in an interview with LRN affiliate KEEL radio.

Cut 3 (14) “…to her injuries.” 

That seven-year-old girl was the first to notice the fire and called her mother, who in turn called 911. The other three victims are the girl’s five-year-old sister, her grandmother and her great-grandmother. Investigators say all were awake at the time of the fire; but without working smoke detectors, they didn’t have time to escape before being overcome with smoke inhalation. Mayor Arceneaux says he normally does not go to fire scenes because he would only interfere with the firefighters; but he says this was one that he felt he needed to go to.

Cut 4 (12) “…as a mayor.”

Arceneaux says this is the worst outcome possible.

Cut 5 (05) “…a long time.”

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Consultants hired by the City of New Orleans have recommended that Bourbon Street be permanently closed to vehicular traffic. Now, the question is – will the city heed that recommendation? In a news conference this morning, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick seemed non-committal.

Cut 6 (11) “…the community wants.”

The city hired Teneo, led by former New York Police Commissioner Bill Bratton, to make a recommendation in the wake of the New Year’s Day terror attack, in which a man plowed into a crowd with a pickup truck, killing 14 people. Superintendent Kirkpatrick says Teneo’s recommendation to turn Bourbon Street into a permanent pedestrian mall only addresses ramming.

Cut 7 (11) “…have prevented that.”

The subject of closing off Bourbon Street to vehicular traffic has come up in the past, but businesses had previously pushed back on that notion. Teneo also recommended that St. Charles Street be closed to vehicular traffic as well. But Kirkpatrick says that’s a little more problematic.

Cut 8 (16) “…to their homes.”

Kirkpatrick says it will be up to the City Council to decide which of Teneo’s recommendations to ultimately implement.

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The University of Louisiana at Monroe plans to request approval from the University of Louisiana System Board to implement staff furloughs to address up to a 6-million-dollar budget shortfall before the end of the fiscal year on June 30th. Acting President Nick Bruno, who returned temporarily after retiring in 2020, emphasized that the financial position of the University is fragile.

Cut 9 (09)  “…correcting that problem.”

Bruno says layoffs aren’t currently being considered, though campus restructuring is likely. A hiring freeze began on Monday and all employees working remotely have been recalled…

Cut 10 (12) “…to disperse that.”

Bruno says the primary goal now is to make sure that their estimates and budget align with the revenue of the university for the 2026 fiscal year; and even if furloughs are implemented, it will not affect students.

Cut 11 (10) “…reduced staff anyway.”

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Governor Jeff Landry released an insurance reform plan that if approved by lawmakers in the upcoming legislative session would put new regulations on both insurance companies and trial lawyers. The governor says one of the bills he’s pushing would require attorneys to prove injuries in a claim are the result of the accident…

Cut 12 (15) “…after the accident.”

Landry says he’s poured over the data on why Louisiana’s auto insurance rates are among the highest in the country and found minor injury claims in Louisiana double the national average.

The governor says he also wants to rein in lawyer advertising as he believes that’s pushing car crash victims to seek big settlements…

Cut 13 (15)  “…Louisiana families.”

Landry says his insurance reform plan is a balanced approach as he’s not seeking to pass laws that benefit trial lawyers over insurance companies or vice versa. He says another key to lowering auto insurance rates is fewer wrecks and one to accomplish that is through efforts to minimize distracted driving…

Cut 14 (08) “…today.”

Landry says he supports a bill that would allow law enforcement to pull drivers over that are caught texting or using social media while driving.

Two Lake Charles boys reported missing in November are back home in part thanks to the show On Patrol Live.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Governor Landry is set to announce his plan to lower insurance premiums, and a new poll suggests that this could be the most important announcement of his governorship. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The group Restore the Mississippi Delta is speaking out after work is halted on the 3.1-billion-dollar Mid Barataria Sediment Diversion Project in Plaquemines Parish. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Two Lake Charles children reported missing in November have been found and are back home with their father. On March 7, REELZ’s On Patrol: Live aired “Missing” segments featuring Colton and Cohen Desormeaux. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children spokesperson Angeline Hartman says by March 30, thanks to the show’s exposure, both were safely reunited with their family.

Cut 4 (10) “…turn herself in.”

On Patrol Live airing Fridays and Saturdays, partners with NCMEC and the Black and Missing Foundation  to spotlight missing persons cases and encourages viewers to call tip hotlines. Harman says the show changed everything.

Cut 5 (09) “…get involved.”

Hartmann says, to date, 40 people have been recovered thanks to On Patrol: Live, whose fanbase plays a critical role in spreading awareness.

Cut 6 (12) “…missing children.”

Hartman encourages everyone to take part in helping find missing children. Go to missing-kids-dot-org to help .

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Leaders for a Better Louisiana released a report showing that while high school student participation in internships and apprenticeships has grown, the state still trails peer southern states. CABL CEO Adam Knapp says in 2023, about 5-percent of Louisiana’s 42-thousand graduates earned internship credit, better than previous years but still low compared to Georgia and Tennessee’s 15–20-percent.

Cut 7 (11) “…high school students.”

Knapp says in 2023, about 5-percent of Louisiana’s 42-thousand graduates earned internship credit, better than previous years but still low compared to Georgia and Tennessee’s 15–20-percent.

Cut 8 (11) “…employers in Louisiana.”

Knapp says Better Louisiana is proposing legislation to streamline work-based tax credits and expand student access to real-world learning that benefits both students and employers.

Cut 9 (11) “…for their businesses.”

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Governor Landry is set to announce his plan for lowering insurance premiums this morning, and a new poll shows that this could be the single most important announcement of his governorship. The poll by Bernie Pinsonat and Greg Rigamer shows a deep dissatisfaction with the state’s direction on insurance, and a majority of the 500 people polled say the legislature has been ineffective at reining in premiums. Pinsonat says the pressure is on Landry to get something done as the poll shows 46-percent of the respondents have an unfavorable opinion of his job performance and it’s tied to the insurance crisis…

Cut 10 (09) “…lot of credit.”

As for who people believe to be the most responsible for high insurance premiums, insurance companies and trial lawyers tied for the top with almost 20-percent each, followed by natural disasters at more than 16-percent. Pinsonat says at the same time, 36-percent hold the legislature accountable for addressing the crisis.

Cut 11 (11) “…cost of insurance.”

Pinsonat says nearly everyone surveyed said he or she was concerned about the direction of insurance premiums.

Cut 12 (09) “…continue to rise.”

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The group Restore the Mississippi Delta is speaking out after the Landry administration ordered a 90-day pause on the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project in Plaquemines Parish. Campaign Director Simone Maloz (muh-LAWS) says construction has been going on for years, and the state has already invested about a half-billion dollars.

Cut 13 (11) “…a year ago.”

Maloz says the project is essential to slowing the loss of coastal land to erosion. 

Cut 14 (14) “…restore our coast.”

Late last year, Governor Landry said the project could devastate the state’s shrimp and oyster fisheries and other marine life. Maloz says that’s no reason to halt the project.

Cut 15 (16) “…economy of Louisiana.”

The total price tag of the project currently stands at more than three-billion dollars, and Landry says he wants to find a less expensive solution.

Love the Book Week has volunteers in every parish cleaning up Louisiana this week.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The director of the Center for Economics, Business and Policy Research at LSU explains what the Trump Administration is trying to accomplish by raising tariffs at least 10-percent on almost every country. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The 2025 fiscal legislative session begins next Monday, so what will be the big issues? Colleen Crain spoke with Senate President Cameron Henry

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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This week is Love the Boot Week, a statewide anti-litter initiative in Louisiana.. The campaign, aimed at beautifying the state through volunteerism, has grown significantly since its inception, now including hundreds of groups across all 64 parishes. Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, who leads the effort, hopes to engage one-thousand volunteer teams..

Cut 4 (09) “…in the parking lots.”

Nungesser says the campaign encourages community involvement, noting that individuals who participate in cleanup efforts are 80-percent less likely to litter in the future.

Cut 5 (09) “…pay the price for it.”

Nungesser envisions a cleaner Louisiana, where visitors are impressed by its beauty.

Cut 6 (07) “…our great state.”

Visit Love-the-boot-dot-org for more information.

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There are divided opinions over President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs and what they will do to the U-S economy.  LSU Economics Professor Dek Terrell says the tariffs are attempting to produce two outcomes, increase manufacturing in the United States and leverage for future trade negotiations with other countries.

Cut 7 (10) “…by initiating negotiations. ”

Terell says the biggest cause for concern is an increase in prices on goods, citing efforts to revitalize U.S. manufacturing, such as Hyundai’s $5.8 billion steel mill project.

Cut 8 (08) “…in the U.S.”

Louisiana’s economy could shrink significantly if a full-blown trade war unfolds. Despite hopes for long-term gains, Terrell emphasized the importance of short-term economic negotiations.

Cut 9 (07)  “…a recession.”

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A bill filed for the upcoming session provides an incentive for students to attend a Louisiana public university if they achieve a score of 31 or higher on the ACT. Ruston Representative Christopher Turner is proposing that high school students who score that high can receive up to 12-thousand dollars yearly in TOPS scholarship money to attend a public university in Louisiana…

Cut 10 (14) “…in Louisiana.”

Participation in the TOPS scholarship has declined. According to state data, in the 2020-21 school year , 56-thousand students were on TOPS, this year there are fewer than 48-thousand TOPS recipients.

Since 2016, the amount of money a student receives from the TOPS scholarship has not changed, which has contributed to the decline in students accepting TOPS. Turner’s bill would raise the existing award amounts and the highest-performing students coming out of high school would receive 12-thousand dollars annually. He says the goal is to get our best brightest to stay in Louisiana…

Cut 11 (12) “…more money.”

Incoming freshmen for the next school year are eligible for the new award, if the bill becomes law. Turner says the legislation would also provide 35-hundred dollars to students who want to attend a two-year school…

Cut 12 (10) “…academic side.”

The proposed legislation has up to a 35-million dollar price tag. The governor proposed a stand still budget, so finding money to pump more money into the TOPS program will be a challenge.

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For the last two school years, teachers have received a two-thousand-dollar stipend on top of their regular pay, but that additional two-thousand dollars for teachers and one-thousand dollars for school support staff is set to go away because Constitutional Amendment Two did not pass. Senate President Cameron Henry says the goal is to give teachers a permanent pay raise, but finding the money to do that will be difficult…

Cut 13 (12)  “…late May.”

Henry says despite the failure of Constitutional Amendment Two at the ballot box, the state remains in okay financial shape. But he says some agencies will not receive the funding they are seeking…

Cut 14 (09) “…some folks.”

Henry expects funding will increase for the Louisiana Department of Health and State Police. L-S-P’s duties expanded following the terrorist attack on Bourbon Street as efforts were intensified to make sure the city was safe during Super Bowl and Mardi Gras activities.

A fiscal legislative session starts next Monday. Henry expects portions of what was Constitutional Amendment Two will be discussed again…

Cut 15 (11) “…of that”

Sweeping reciprocal tariffs from President Trump of 10-percent on all imports and higher rates on key trade partners, such as China and the E-U, has sparked concern across Louisiana industries.  Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 1 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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ULM students have voted to put a 75-dollar per fee on themselves with the money going to the school’s athletic department. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Bossier, Caddo and Webster Parishes are under a tornado watch until 9:00 tonight and tomorrow the severe weather threat expands statewide. LSU Public health climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 3 (15) “…severe weather.” 

Heavy rainfall is a possibility with this storm system. Kein says north Louisiana could see two to three inches, while an inch of rain could fall along the coast…

Cut 4 (12) “…rainfall amounts.”

Keim says once after the cold front passes through, Louisiana will experience a big drop in temperatures…

Cut 5 (11) “…low 70s.”

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President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs of 10 percent on all imports and higher rates on key trading partners, such as China (34%) and the European Union (20%), has sparked concerns across Louisiana industries.  Louisiana Restaurant Association President Stan Harris says it could cost more to eat out…

Cut 6 (10) “…no question about it.”

Economists are concerned the tariffs could slow the U-S economy, and Harris says the restaurant industry is bracing for increased costs for essential goods.

Cut 7 (06) “…or replace equipment.”

Harris says with the potential of costs going up, low-margin profitable businesses like restaurants like will have to do some belt-tightening..

Cut 8 (11) “…period of time.”

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ULM students have approved a 75-dollar fee per semester that will generate 600-thousand dollars in its first year for the school’s athletic department. ULM Athletic Director John Hartwell says the fee goes into effect for the 2025 Fall Semester…

Cut 9 (11)  “…21 million dollars.”

Hartwell says they plan to use the money to install a new video board in Fant-Ewing Coliseum. The A-D says the new revenues will also go towards improving the well-being of their student athletes .

Cut 10 (10) “…sports medicine program.”

The fee passed on a 711 to 650 vote. Hartwell says opponents to the athletic fee proposal said they do not attend athletics events or questioned the need to spend more money on sports. Hartwell says a successful athletic program improves the entire university…

Cut 11 (11) “…your diploma.”

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The family of a 73-year-old grandfather is pleading for his release after immigration enforcement agents took him into custody near his home in Lafayette while on his way to work. He’s at an ICE processing center in Evangeline Parish. The family says Jose Francisco Garcia Rodriquez has lived in the U.S. for 45 years since he fled Cuba. Rodriguez’s stepdaughter Christian Cooper Riggs posted this emotional plea on Facebook…

Cut 12 (15) “…our country.”

Riggs says Rodriguez tried to become an official citizen for the last ten years, but because he committed a crime in the first couple of years after he arrived in the U.S., he’s been unsuccessful. She says for the last 43 years her stepfather has been a modeled immigrant…

Cut 13 (14)  “…not the solution.”

Rodriguez cares for his wife who has dementia. Riggs says she understands the United States has an immigration problem, but a 73-year-old man, who works and cares for his family and has lived in the United States for 45-years is not part of the problem…

Cut 14 (05) “…a machete.”

Riggs is asking for your prayers and if the public wants to get involved, they can contact their elected officials and ask for her step father’s release.

New Office of Motor Vehicles leader Bryan Adams is optimistic OMV can run more efficiently despite outdated computer system. Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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It is Distracted Driving Awareness Month in Louisiana and state officials are making the case again, when behind the wheel put the phone down. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana Democrats are hailing the failure of the four constitutional amendments last weekend. Andrew Greenstein has more from a press conference held by the Louisiana Democratic Party…

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This week, Governor Jeff Landry appointed Bryan Adams as the new leader for the Office of Motor Vehicles  following Commissioner Dan Casey’s resignation. OMV is suffering from system outages due to outdated technology. Adams was serving as the State Fire Marshal and he’s optimistic OMV customers will start to see improvements as early as next week…

Cut 4 (10) “…citizens of Louisiana.”

The current mainframe system is 50 years old and it keeps crashing, causing delays at OMV field offices, forcing customers to leave and make another appointment for another day to get a driver’s license, renew vehicle tags or file paperwork.  Adams says enough is enough.

Cut 5 (11) “…really deserve.”

Adams described the effort as upgrading from “Band-Aids” to “duct tape” until a permanent solution is in place. Landry expressed confidence in Adams’s ability to lead the agency through this transition.

Cut 6 (12) “…ready to put it out.”

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It is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and state officials want to see an end to distracted driving on Louisiana’s roads. Department of Transportation Secretary Joe Donahue says preliminary data from 2024 shows that distracted driving crashes led to 180 fatalities and 1,295 serious injuries in Louisiana…

Cut 7 (12) “…fully recover”

Cell phones are believed to be a major contributor to distracted or inattentive crashes. Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple urges parents to set an example of not using a phone while behind the wheel…

Cut 8 (09) “…your kids.”

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission executive director Lisa Freeman says in the upcoming legislative session, they will once again push lawmakers to approve a hands-free primary law, which would allow police officers to ticket drivers who use a hand held cell phone while driving…

Cut 9 (07)  “…tremendous results.”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party is hailing the defeat of all four constitutional amendments last weekend. Voters turned back amendments that would have rewritten Article 7 of the state constitution, created specialty courts, made it easier to send minors to adult prisons and change the way that judicial vacancies are filled. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says the vote was a unified message.

Cut 10 (12) “…work collaboratively together.”

Another Baton Rouge representative, Edmond Jordan, says the vote was a rebuke of the Landry administration.

Cut 11 (11) “…gubernatorial election”

The rejection of Constitutional Amendment 2 could result in a decrease in teacher pay, if state lawmakers can not find 200-million dollars in revenues. Randal Gaines, the chairman of the Louisiana Democratic Party, says he’s calling for a permanent pay raise for teachers with no strings attached.

Cut 12 (15) “…as  a whole.”

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Do you want to know how public school districts and charter schools are spending their money? You can find that information at treasury-dot-la-gov.  State Treasurer John Fleming says click the box that reads Louisiana K-12 School Transparency Project and you find out all kinds of information…

Cut 13 (11)  “…want to know”

Fleming says it’s the most comprehensive website of its kind in the country. He says taxpayers now have easy access to details regarding how public schools are spending public funds…

Cut 14 (12) “…spending practices.”

Fleming says they are still collecting data, so not every school’s financial information is published yet….

Cut 15 (11) “…data to come.”

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Lady Tigers basketball star Flau’Jae Johnson is reportedly returning for her senior season at LSU. Johnson has the option to enter the WNBA draft, but Reed Darcey of the Advocate says Johnson said after the team’s season-ending loss to UCLA, she wanted to get past the Elite Eight…

Cut 16 (19) “…own championship.”

Johnson was a freshman on LSU’s 2023 national championship team. But Angel Reese and Alexis Morris were the big leaders on that team. Darcey says Johnson seems motivated to win a national title as a senior leader…

Cut 17 (16) “…call it her own.”

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The battle for starting quarterback at U-L Lafayette is well underway as the team started spring break last week. Daniel Beale, Ole Miss transfer Walker Howard and former Lutcher star Lunch Winfield are in a three-way competition.  Coach Michael Desormeaux says all three are making strides…

Cut 18 (20) “…that competition.”

Most schools are doing away with their spring game. A few coaches have raised concerns that spring practices allow other schools to scout their players better and then the convince the kids they want to come to their school. Desormeaux is not concerned about tampering and believes the spring game is an important part of their offseason…

Cut 19 (23) “..let them play.” 

The Cajuns spring game is May 3rd.

There’s at least one group that’s applauding President Trump’s tariffs – at least on one specific import. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas jumped three-cents from yesterday to $2.82.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Southern Shrimp Alliance is applauding President Trump’s imposing of tariffs on imported shrimp. Leann Bosard, a board member at the Southern Shrimp Alliance, says she hopes the tariffs will provide a boost to the U.S. shrimping industry.

Cut 3 (12) “…for decades now.” 

The six countries that account for 96-percent of all shrimp imports all have tariffs, ranging from ten-percent for Argentina and Ecuador to 46-percent for Vietnam. Bosard says shrimp from all of those countries are far inferior to the shrimp caught off the Louisiana coast, but up until now it’s been more cost-effective for restaurants to keep that imported shrimp in stock.

Cut 4 (13) “…of banned antibiotics.”

Bosard says the U.S. has been subsidizing the U.S. shrimping industry’s direct competitors for far too long.

Cut 5 (13) “…allow that anymore.”

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The hurricane forecast team at Colorado State University is calling for an above-average hurricane season. Lead researcher Phil Klotzbach says warm water in the Atlantic will help produce 17 named storms, nine hurricanes and four major hurricanes and the chances of an El Nino are quite low…

Cut 6 (06) “…bad for the hurricane”

Researcher Lauren Beard says based on their research, there’s a 33-percent chance that a major hurricane will hit the Gulf Coast from the Florida panhandle to Brownsville, Texas.

Cut 7 (06) “…from that.”

Beard says ocean temperatures are not as warm as last year but it is above average, and says to stay updated on sever weather in your area.

Cut 8 (03) “…for your area.”

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The price at the pump has jumped three-cents from yesterday, bringing the statewide average price for regular gasoline to $2.82 per gallon. Don Redman with AAA says gas prices rise at this time of the year as refineries shut down operations to switch from a winter blend to a summer blend gasoline.

Cut 9 (10)  “…closing of refineries.”

Redman says while gas prices are up from last month’s average, compared to this time last year, prices are down, but prepared for gas prices to keep rising…

Cut 10 (10) “…get into May.”

Even though we can expect prices to continue to rise heading into the summer driving season, Redman says gas prices are much higher in other states…

Cut 11 (12) “…gallon in Louisiana.”

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A man and a woman are dead following a plane crash near Raceland. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says the 1976 Cessna 2010 L owned by Southern Seaplanes went down last night in a remote marsh area and it was located two miles north of Highway 182 near the intersection of Highway 90….

Cut 12 (11) “…wreckage site.”

Authorities have identified the victims as Lyle Pannepinto and Lauren Menkemeller. Chaisson says Pannepinto is the owner of Southern Seaplanes and Menkemeller was training as a pilot for the company…

Cut 13 (09)  “…went down.”

The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash.

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The defending national champion LSU gymnastics squad begins its NCAA postseason journey tonight as they will compete in the Penn State Regional. LSU won the SEC regular season championship, and they won the SEC Gymnastics meet. Mike Smith who is the announcer at LSU gym meets says the Tigers are the favorites to repeat as national champs…

Cut 14 (10) “…convincingly.”

LSU is the number one seed for the first time in program history. The Tigers are once again led by All-Americans Haleigh Bryant and Aleah Finnegan. Kailin Chio is the SEC Freshman of the Year and Smith says they’ll have to count on a couple of other freshmen during this postseason run…

Cut 15 (11) “…they did just fine”

Tonight’s meet begins at 6 PM and if the Tigers finish in the top two of tonight’s session, they advance to the regional final on Saturday.

The world is bracing for a big announcement by President Trump on global tariffs. Colleen Crain reports…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Landry has ordered a hiring freeze within the state’s executive branch. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The world is bracing for a big announcement by President Trump on global tariffs. U-N-O economics professor Dub Lane says while countries will pay a tax on the goods they export to the United States, those extra costs will end up being passed along to the consumer.

Cut 3 (10) “…be U.S. citizens.” 

Lane says there’s a reason that many goods are manufactured overseas in the first place.

Cut 4 (09) “…be more expensive.”

President Trump says one purpose of the tariffs is to bring manufacturing jobs back to the U.S. Lane says if China loses jobs because of the tariffs, those jobs would most likely go to Vietnam or Bangladesh and not the U.S.

Cut 5 (12) “…over other people.”

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A warrant has been issued for a Slidell man after investigators say he forced his way into a home and assaulted a woman. Lieutenant Suzanne (soo-ZAHN) Carboni says St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s deputies responded to the home U-S Highway 190 East, learning that 52-year-old Tyrone Mercadel (MERK-a-dell) had kicked in the door and attacked the woman.

Cut 6 (08) “…actively fighting them.”

Carboni says in self-defense, the woman fired two shots, hitting Mercadel in the leg.

Cut 7 (12) “…shoot out his tires.”

Authorities later located Tyrone Mercadel and transported him to a hospital. Carboni says once released, he will be arrested for aggravated battery.

Cut 8 (12) “…fired upon the vehicle.”

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Governor Landry has ordered a temporary hiring freeze for the executive branch of state government. In a statement, Landry’s office says the goal is to save 20-million dollars in the general fund. In a statement, Landry’s office says the upcoming fiscal year’s budget was prepared using a standstill approach, removing one-time items and incorporating cost-saving measures. While the statement puts some of the blame on the prior administration that’s now been out of office for more than a year, political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says changes to the tax law may have had something to do with it.

Cut 9 (11)  “…the entire budget.”

Pinsonat says work had already been underway on how to shave money off the state budget.

Cut 10 (09) “…to do that.”

Landry says part of the reason for the hiring freeze is the failure of Amendment 2 at the ballot box. Pinsonat says that has an indirect effect on state revenues.

Cut 11 (12) “…have no choice.”

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Experian has teamed up with LSU women’s basketball star Flau’jae Johnson to help relieve five-million dollars of consumer debt for five-thousand families in Louisiana. Christina Roman with Experian says the partnership is perfect since Experian and Johnson both promote financial literacy…

Cut 12 (09) “…tangible difference.”

Roman says Experian originally committed five-million dollars to this initiative and they tacked on an additional 100-thousand dollars for every game LSU won in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, which was three.

Roman says Louisiana has one of the highest poverty rates in the country and relieving five-million dollars in consumer debt could be life changing…

Cut 13 (13)  “…in Louisiana.”

Johnson says money management is extremely important and she’s learning firsthand as she is one of the biggest NIL earners in college athletics.

Roman says the five-thousand families who will have their debt relieved were chosen by ForgiveCo…

Cut 14 (10) “…debt payoff.”