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.”

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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.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Easter wouldn’t be complete for generations in Louisiana 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 says a major transformation came in 2016.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the United States.”

Despite high-tech advances, Elmer’s still hand-makes its iconic Easter treats, preserving tradition.  Nelson says they start making Easter candy after Christmas.

Cut 5 (11) “…and Mobile, Alabama.”

Nelson says tariffs have had an impact on Elmer’s Chocolate due to having to importing cocoa from South Africa.

Cut 6 (12) “…aren’t helping us.”

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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.”

Erwin says while the LA GATOR program expands eligibility from the previous program, it’s unlikely that anyone outside those who the previous program was targeted for will be able to secure one of those scholarships.

Cut 8 (07) “…the poverty level.”

Erwin says furthermore, the state may need to scramble to come up with the money it had previously allotted to the program when it passed it last year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…that right now.”

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Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held one week from tomorrow – April 26th – at 11 a.m. at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux; it will follow a two-hour visitation. Meanwhile, we’re getting more insight into his final moments. 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 a fatal crash in November.

Cut 10 (08) “…lives in Houston.”

Doucet says last Saturday, Lacy started acting erratically.

Cut 11 (10) “…into the ground.”

Doucet says after Lacy left the house with the gun, his family called police.

Cut 12 (10) “…the car crashed.”

Lacy was pronounced dead at the scene.

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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.”

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.”

Why single out pickup trucks? Fischer says the reason is on average, seatbelt use in pickup trucks trails that in all other vehicles.

Cut 15 (12) “…their belt on.”

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

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LSU football wrapped up spring practice on Thursday. After finishing dead last in the SEC in rushing offense last year, offensive guard Paul Mubenga says during spring practice, the o-line focused a lot on two specific areas…

Cut 16 (17) “…consistent now.”

The college football spring transfer portal is open, but running back Kaleb Jackson has no plans of entering the portal, despite only rushing for 150 yards last season as he backed up Caden Durham. Jackson says he beefed up to 235 pounds last year, but he’s making his way back to 225…

Cut 17 (17)  “…by now.”

Because of a lack of depth on the defensive line, Shreveport’s Gabriel Reliford saw playing time as a true freshman, playing in all 13 games and recording ten tackles, one tackle for a loss, and a half a sack. Reliford says last year was a learning experience, but he wants to be a  difference maker his sophomore season…

Cut 18 (11)  “…consistency now.”

An auto insurance reform bill advances to the full House, with the support of the governor and despite the opposition of the insurance commissioner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House National Resources Committee approves legislation that would make it a crime to intentionally release balloons into the air. Sean Richardson has more on the bill that’s heading to the House floor…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana lawmakers will reconsider New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd’s bill, which would allow abortion exceptions for minors under 17 who become pregnant due to certain sex crimes. Boyd says the bill includes offenses such as rape, sexual battery, and molestation.

Cut 3 (04) “…young as 9-yeas-old” 

Boyd narrowed the scope of this year’s proposal after a similar bill failed in 2024. Currently, Louisiana’s abortion law only allows exceptions for fatal fetal abnormalities or serious health risks to the pregnant person. Boyd says this is a personal journey for her, referencing her mother being a victim of sexual abuse at the age of 15.

Cu 4 (11) “…before she was 30-years-old” 

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Governor Landry and Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple are on opposite sides of an auto insurance reform bill proposed by a Democratic representative that has advanced to the full House. HB 576 by Robby Carter of Amite would give the insurance commissioner the power to reject auto insurance rates that he believes to be unreasonable. Following debate, the House Insurance Committee advanced it on a vote of 13-to-4. Landry testified before the committee in support of the bill, saying insurance companies are charging exorbitant premiums despite taking in 1.4-billion dollars more than they pay in claims. Because of this, Landry says the insurance commissioner should have the ability to clamp down on those premiums.

Cut 5 (14) “…here in Louisiana.”

Landry says since auto insurance is a mandated purchase, free market principles should not apply; and giving the insurance commissioner the ability to reject rates regardless of market conditions should provide relief to policyholders.

Cut 6 (11) “…touch the law.”

Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple, also a Republican, testified against the bill, urging the committee to reject it because it would undo all the progress that he’s made with insurance carriers over the last year.

Cut 7 (06) “…direction of California.”

Temple says there is too much of a good thing, and insurance commissioners having too much power over insurance carriers will drive them out of the state.

Cut 8 (10) “…what we want.”

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The House Natural Resources Committee approves a bill banning the release of balloons outdoors, fining violators up to 150-dollars for a first offense. The bill’s author Harahan Representative John Illg says balloons are a source of litter and can cause problems for wildlife.

Cut 9 (07)  “…released into the air.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says animals can become entangled in balloon strings or ingest balloons, mistaking them for food, which can lead to death. They hope the bill will pass, helping raise awareness of the environmental damage balloon releases cause.

Cut 10 (06) “…but with balloons.”

Nungesser admitted that the law would be difficult to enforce, but they are hoping that having the law will encourage people to change the culture in the state.

Cut 11 (12) “…won’t release them.”

The bill was presented to the Natural Resources Committee this morning.

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LSU pitcher Gavin Guidry will not pitch this season as he’ll undergo back surgery on Friday. Coach Jay Johnson made the announcement following the team’s ten to three win over McNeese last night. Johnson says they wanted to get the junior right-hander on the mound this season, but at least he should be ready for 2026.

Cut 12 (10) “…next year.”

Guidry has the most experience on LSU’s staff pitching in SEC games, so he was an important piece to this season. But the Lake Charles native never pitched this season after sustaining an back injury in February. Johnson says despite treatments and medicine, they could not get him healthy enough to pitch…

Cut 13 (09)  “…can’t do it.”

LSU will begin an SEC series tomorrow night against Alabama.

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.”

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Several education bills will be heard in the legislative session, ranging from school funding to TOPS scholarship changes. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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While one poll shows State Treasurer John Fleming beating Senator Bill Cassidy in next year’s Republican primary, the latest campaign finance report numbers tell a completely different story. According to the official numbers released by the campaigns, 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 says that’s not a good sign for the state treasurer.

Cut 4 (10) “…in this race.”

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. Cross says in terms of fundraising, Fleming has his work cut out for him.

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

This will be the first Senate election cycle to use a closed primary, which is scheduled for one year from Friday. With an electorate that skews much more to the right than in the previous jungle primaries, 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.”

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Several education bills are waiting to be debated in the legislative session, 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.”

There is also a proposal for 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 Erwin says it will be tough getting it passed.

Cut 8 (10) “…wild about either.”

Changes to the TOPS college scholarship program include HB 70, which revises eligibility criteria; HB 77, which adjusts award amounts and adds a new category for high ACT scorers; HB 275, which allows unused awards to fund graduate study in Louisiana. Erwin says the challenge will come down to funding.

Cut 9 (13)  “…dollars to enact.”

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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.”

Talbot says the key is that this is a non-refundable credit – the state would not be mailing any checks under this plan.

Cut 11 (10) “…dollars in liability.”

Talbot says his bill is another way to make it easier for people to put a fortified roof on their homes to give them peace of mind living in the state during severe storms.

Cut 12 (07) “…and live here.”

To be clear – Talbot’s bill would not replace the fortified roof grant program; it would be an addition to it.

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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 says Tulane’s history goes back almost to the time when Louisiana became the 18th state.

Cut 13 (08)  “…time with Louisiana.”

Fitts says Tulane and Louisiana go hand in hand.

Cut 14 (09) “…at the hip.”

As he’s being honored at the Capitol, Fitts will be meeting with lawmakers to discuss how Tulane is helping the state’s quest to retain talent and grow new industries.

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

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This is the last week of spring football for the LSU Tigers. Coach Brian Kelly is searching for four new starters on the offensive line. The lone returning starter, D-J Chester, is expected to start at either center or guard in 2025. It’s a big of question mark who else will start on the o-line, especially in the interior, but Kelly feels good about his options…

Cut 16 (14) “…into preseason camp.”

LSU has plenty of options at wide receiver too. Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson was slowed by an injury earlier in the spring, but Kelly says he’s getting healthy and the coach is excited about his potential…

Cut 17 (16)  “…into spring practice.”

LSU filled many needs during the winter transfer portal period. The spring transfer portal opens today and Kelly hopes his roster does not change…

Cut 18 (14)  “…development of it.”

The legislature is taking aim at distracted driving this session. Andrew Greenstein is at the Capitol, where a news conference was held.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has faced difficulty arranging a meeting with Governor Jeff Landry, even as Landry emphasizes tackling Louisiana’s soaring auto insurance rates, the highest in the country.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU football coach Brian Kelly spoke publicly this morning for the first time since the death of former Tiger football star Kyren Lacy. Lacy was one of Kelly’s first signees out of the transfer portal after he arrived in Baton Rouge in November of 2021…

Cut 3 (05) “…incredible personality” 

Lacy died Saturday night in Houston from an apparent suicide. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office says Lacy, who shot a gun at the ground earlier in the night during a verbal argument with his sister, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound during a police chase.

Lacy was just 24 years old. Kelly says he’ll always remember Lacy’s incredible personality…

Cut 4 (07) “…full of energy” 

Lacy was a two-sport star athlete at Thibodaux High School. His first two seasons of college football were at UL Lafayette. He was the Cajuns leading receiver his freshman season and transferred to LSU for the 2022 season. Lacy developed into a second-team All-SEC receiver his senior season. Kelly says Lacy will be missed…

Cut 5 (10) “…great emotion.”

Funeral services for Lacy are still pending.

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The legislature is taking aim at distracted driving this session. A bill by Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso and Covington Senator Patrick McMath would make using a hand-held cell phone while driving illegal. Study after study has shown that using a hand-held cell phone while driving has deadly consequences. That’s something that Suzanne Salter knows all too well. Her 31-year-old daughter, Nicole, was killed by a distracted driver in Livonia in late 2014.

Cut 6 (14) “…heard the thump.”

Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Director Lisa Freeman says texting while driving is tantamount to driving blindfolded.

Cut 7 (13) “…miles per hour.”

Governor Landry says addressing distracted driving will also go a long way towards addressing another one of his top priorities in this session.

Cut 8 (11) “…their insurance premiums.”

Glorioso’s and McMath’s bill — House Bill 519 — would make hand-held cell phone use a secondary violation, meaning officers won’t pull drivers over for that reason alone. But they can tack that charge onto another moving violation. Hand-held cell phone usage is already a primary violation in school zones and construction zones.

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Despite rising egg prices across the United States, families continue to embrace the beloved Easter tradition of dyeing eggs. Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says at the start of April the average wholesale price in Louisiana was $3.75 per dozen and in other markets $6.23 per dozen.

Cut 9 (09)  “…before you buy them.”

Strain says the Department of Justice was told by the Trump Administration to take a hard look at the price of eggs.

Cut 10 (09) “…pricing of eggs.”

Strain urges that buyers to shop around for the best prices before they buy.

Cut 11 (12) “…see that spike.”

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Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple has struggled to secure a meeting with Governor Jeff Landry, despite Landry’s push to address the state’s sky-high auto insurance rates, currently the highest in the nation. Temple says he’s made every effort to talk but hasn’t been able to engage in a substantive discussion with the governor.

Cut 12 (12) “…hasn’t taken place.”

While Temple agrees with Landry that excessive claims and litigation drive up insurance costs, he disagrees with the governor’s focus on curbing legal advertising by injury attorneys. Temple calls that approach a “red herring,” arguing that advertising costs only account for a small fraction of rate calculations.

Cut 13 (10)  “…cost of the claim down.”

Temple says that the legislative package he supports targets the real cost drivers, excessive bodily injury claims and litigation. Temple stresses the need to “bend the loss curve” to bring down rates, indicating that while there are disagreements, both he and Landry ultimately share a common goal: reducing Louisiana’s oppressive insurance premiums.

Cut 14 (10) “…committed on doing.”

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”