Governor Landry is backing legislation that would result stricter advertising standards for personal injury attorneys, but is the proposed law constitutional. Sean Richardson spoke with a legal expert…

Cut 1 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee rejected a proposal to increase tax on tobacco cigarettes, but that same panel approves a state tax hike on vape products and e-cigarettes. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A bill to ban speed cameras in Louisiana advances to the full Senate. If passed, prosecutors would be allowed to file malfeasance charges against government officials in cities that use them. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The House Commerce Committee will soon consider a bill by Mandeville Republican Kim Carver to tighten rules on personal injury attorney advertising. Supporters, including Governor Landry, say it will reduce frivolous lawsuits and lower auto insurance costs.  But critics, including LSU media law professor Will Mari, argue that the U-S Supreme Court has already weighed in on previous efforts.

Cut 4 (11) “…First Amendment protection.”

Mari notes that Louisiana already enforces stricter advertising rules than many states and calls HB430 largely redundant.

Cut 5 (11) “…400 miles away.”

The bill also prohibits the use of slogans, and Mari says this is a red herring and says it would be like restricting restaurants from using catchphrases.

Cut 6 (08) “…hard to justify.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee approves legislation to increase the state tax on vapes and e-cigarettes, but the same panel did not approve a bill to increase Louisiana’s tax on tobacco cigarettes. The vote against the cigarette tax hike was 7-to-4. But Vacherie Representative Ken Brass’s legislation to raise the tax on vapes and e-cigarettes passed on a 9-to-6 vote. Brass says a higher tax will result in a drop in usage for these harmful products.

Cut 7 (07) “…health care costs.”

Democrats on the committee voted for Brass’s bill, while Republicans were split. Bossier City Representative Dennis Hamburg knows there’s a large percentage of teens smoking vapes and e-cigarettes and if it costs more, it can reduce the percentage of minors using these products.

Cut 8 (07) “…little bit.”

A representative from the American Lung Association testified and said one out of four middle school students and one out of three high school students are using tobacco products and a majority are vaping. Eric Weinzettle says for every ten-percent increase in prices, consumption will drop 13 to 22 percent among youth.

But Mandeville Representative Jay Galle’ is not a believer in those statistics.

Cut 9 (10)  “…there’s that.”

Galle’ says if the sales tax is increased, he anticipates teenagers finding other ways to get their hands on vaping products.

Cut 10 (06) “…my concerns.”

Brass’s legislation could have a hearing in front of House Appropriations, before a vote on the House floor. It will take a two-thirds vote for the measure to advance to the Senate.

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The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously advances a bill that would do away with speed cameras in Louisiana. Under current law, all municipalities that use speed enforcement cameras in school zones need to have an agreement in place on how money collected would be split. However, the bill’s author, Monroe Republican Stewart Cathey, says some cities and towns are operating those cameras without such agreements. He told the committee that the speed cameras are nothing but a money grab.

Cut 11 (13) “…premium taxes combined.”

Cathey says one village’s revenue illustrates that point.

Cut 12 (15) “…from these things.”

Cathey says an unscientific study found that speed cameras were less popular than herpes. And he says it’s not just the general public that doesn’t like them – many local lawmakers aren’t too thrilled with them either.

Cut 13 (11)  “…it doesn’t matter.”

If passed and signed into law, people in city government could be charged with malfeasance in office for allowing for the operation of speed cameras in their cities. The bill now advances to the full Senate.

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The new secretary for the Louisiana Department of Health is actually a former secretary of that department. Bruce Greenstein (GREEN-steen) had previously served as LDH secretary from 2010 to 2013, during Bobby Jindal’s administration. During that time, he was indicted with lying to a grand jury under oath about his alleged involvement in the awarding of a cancelled Medicaid contract with his previous employer, Maryland-based CNSI, worth 200-million dollars. During a news conference on his first day back on the job, Greenstein was asked about the indictment, which was eventually dismissed.

Cut 14 (06) “…just simply accusations.”

The charges were dropped in 2015 by Jeff Landry, who at that time had just been elected Louisiana attorney general.

Cut 15 (08) “…it was dropped.”

CNSI sued Louisiana after the state cancelled the contract in 2013. It was settled three years later under the governorship of John Bel Edwards. Greenstein says he had nothing to do with the civil suit.

Cut 16 (05) “…from either side.”

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The Pelicans formally introduce Joe Dumars as their new executive vice president of basketball operations. During his introductory news conference yesterday afternoon, Dumars said the only specific mandate he got from Owner Gayle Benson is to build a winner.

Cut 17 (16)  “…nothing like that.”

Dumars played 14 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, winning two world championships, and he’s in the Basketball Hall of Fame. After his playing career, he spent another 14 seasons as an executive with the Pistons, building the team that won the 2004 championship. He then spent three seasons in the Sacramento Kings’ front office before moving to the league office three years ago. Dumars says a lot has changed in the game since his Pistons won the title 21 years ago.

Cut 18 (15)  “…into something new.”

This past season, the Pelicans were ravaged with injuries, with the team losing almost 400 man games to injury. In fact, there wasn’t a single game all season long in which Head Coach Willie Green was able to assemble his best roster. Dumars says he wants to get to the bottom of the team’s injury troubles.

Cut 19 (24) “…thoughts on this?”

Meta’s Teen Accounts look to safeguard minors and notify parents of what their kids are doing on Instagram.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health launches a task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Meta is getting the word out to parents about Teen Accounts for Instagram that puts safeguards on accounts of teens under the age of 16 years old that notify parents on how they can check their teens account. Meta Spokesperson Stephanie Otway says over 54 million Teen Accounts are active, offering features like private profiles and limited messaging.

Cut 3 (08) “…Parents’ involvement.” 

These accounts have been widely accepted, with 97-perdcnet of teens aged 13–15 keeping the default settings, and 94-percnet of U-S parents find them helpful.  Otway says Meta also put additional requirements on Teen Accounts for changing age.

Cut 4 (11) “…their birthday.”

Otway says Meta is taking a hands-on approach using AI to identify possible Teen Accounts on Instagram.

Cut 5 (12) “…restrictive state.”

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The Louisiana Department of Health is launching a new task force to fight waste, fraud and abuse. Undersecretary Drew Maranto says the department will collaborate with several departments in this effort.

Cut 6 (10) “…gaps in oversight.”

One initiative involves LDH collaborating with the Office of Motor Vehicles to ensure that no Medicaid recipient in Louisiana has an active driver’s license in another state. Maranto says another involves a partnership with U-L Lafayette to use artificial intelligence for state-specific data analysis.

Cut 7 (09) “…within the system.”

A third initiative involves working with the attorney general’s office to identify questionable billing practices.

Cut 8 (08) “…to this conduct.”

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The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee approves legislation that would result in homeowners receiving a individual income tax credit of up to ten-thousand dollars, if they voluntarily pay to install a fortified roof on their home. River Ridge Senator Kirk Talbot is the author of the legislation

Cut 9 (08)  “…three years.”

Talbot says a fortified roof can reduce storm damage in a high wind event and that means fewer claims for insurance companies…

Cut 10 (10) “…know that.”

Talbot says the Louisiana Legislative Auditor’s Office recently found that homeowners who had a foritified roof installed saw a decline in their insurance premiums…

Cut 11 (12) “…their premium.”

The measure heads to the Senate Finance Committee, because the proposal will lower state revenues.

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The greater Lafayette area will be a sea of carbon fiber, aluminum, steel and spandex this week as cyclists from all across the state and beyond gather for Cycle Zydeco. It gets underway tomorrow, and organizer Scott Schilling says cycling is just one component of the five-day event.

Cut 12 (08) “…to the other.”

Schilling says there are non-stop activities with a little bit of cycling mixed in.

Cut 13 (07)  “…culture down here.”

Schilling says you have no excuse not to go riding with the group. If you’re out of shape, you’ll be in good company.

Cut 14 (08) “…the sweet spot.”

If your schedule doesn’t allow you to participate for all five days, there is a weekend option for just Saturday and Sunday.

On Easter Monday, Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, died at 88 after a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the marginalized, and reform.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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DOTD has a message for all you drivers – “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Andrew Greenstein is at DOTD headquarters in Baton Rouge with more.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two men are dead after crashing their Jeep while speeding away from pursuing troopers in Alexandria. State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace says police tried pulling the Jeep over early Saturday morning along the U.S. 165 frontage road.

Cut 3 (06) “…improper lane usage.” 

But the driver would not stop and instead sped up and turned onto England Drive. Wallace says it’s a narrow, winding road that leads to Alexandria International Airport.

Cut 4 (08) “…goes through there.”

Almost an hour later, well after troopers had called off the pursuit, they found the Jeep partially submerged in a bayou, and 33-year-old Aaron Watson of Amite and 30-year-old Brandon Wright of Pineville were ejected from the vehicle. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Wallace says it’s unclear which one was the driver.

Cut 5 (06) “…a normal crash.”

At this time, it’s unknown why Watson and Wright were running from police.

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Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, is dead at the age of 88. He led the Roman Catholic Church for 12 years. Francis was not afraid to take on challenging issues like climate change, inequality and he welcomed gays and lesbians into the Catholic Church.  LSU Professor of Religion Michael Pasquier says his stance on these issues upset some American Catholics, but the pope was taking a global view…

Cut 6 (12) “…American prospective.”

His progressive stance stirred controversy, alienating conservatives who viewed him as doctrinally lenient. Despite missteps in handling clergy abuse, he initiated reforms in Vatican finances and expanded roles for women. Pasquier says Francis highlighted mercy and inclusivity, often clashing with traditionalists.

Cut 7 (12) “…those standards.”

Pasquier says the next step will take place behind closed doors as bishops from around the world gather in conclave to choose the next pope.

Cut 8 (12) “…Catholic Church.”

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With peak road construction season upon us, DOTD is urging you to please pay extra attention and use extra caution when going through work zones. This is National Work Zone Awareness Week; and this year’s theme is, “Respect the zone so we all go home.” Lisa Freeman, the executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says construction workers are putting their lives on the line for the safety of the rest of us.

Cut 9 (10)  “…roads more navigable.”

State Police Colonel Robert Hodges says when you’re going through a construction zone, 100-percent of your attention and focus needs to be on driving safely.

Cut 10 (12) “…dark at night.”

Police are out in full force looking for people driving dangerously through work zones. In Louisiana, all fines for moving violations within work zones are doubled. DOTD secretary Joe Donahue says depending on where you’re at, those fines could go up even more.

Cut 11 (11) “…fines for traffic.”

In 2023, the latest year in which statistics are available, 14 people were killed in Louisiana work zones, with 898 killed nationwide.

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It was 15 years ago yesterday when the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded off Louisiana’s coast sending 134 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s the worst offshore oil spill in the nation’s history. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the marshes impacted by the oil were restored, but several islands that would serve as nesting grounds for pelicans were lost.

Cut 12 (13) “…to our coast.”

Eleven workers were killed when the rig exploded as a result of multiple failures in the drilling process. Five of the victims were from Louisiana. Nungesser says he still thinks about those families that lost loved ones…

Cut 13 (09)  “…close to home.”

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A 16-year-old girl is shot and killed in Caddo Parish. It happened last night inside a home in Vivian. 17-year-old Wyatt Sanders and another 16-year-old girl are each facing charges in connection with the girl’s death, including negligent homicide and illegal possession of a handgun. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Lieutenant Breck Scott says the circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation.

Cut 14 (03) “…to the juvenile.”

Lieutenant Scott says investigators also do not know the exact nature of the relationship between the three.

Cut 15 (03) “…at this time.”

Sanders was booked into the Caddo Correctional Center, and the 16-year-old girl was taken to the Caddo Juvenile Detention Center.

Stonewall Representative Larry Bagley is once again pushing legislation to eliminate vehicle inspection stickers, marking his fourth attempt. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Yesterday marked the 15th anniversary of the start of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Andrew Greenstein talked with one man who was in the middle of it all.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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There’s a push in this legislative session to increase the scholarship award amounts for TOPS recipients. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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State Representative Larry Bagley is once again pushing legislation to eliminate the need for passenger vehicles to have an up-to-date inspection sticker. It’s the DeSoto Parish Republican’s fourth attempt. Bagley says Louisiana is the only red state that requires them. Bagley has confidence he can get legislative approval this year, because he has the support of key players.

Cut 4 (09) “…the past years.”

State Police opposed Bagley’s bill in the past because they would lose funding if motorists did not have to pay for an inspection sticker. Bagley addressed this by proposing a $10 annual increase to vehicle registration fees, maintaining funding without the need for inspection stickers.

Cut 5 (04) “…inspection sticker.”

If passed, the bill would take effect July 1, potentially making current stickers the last. Currently, only 13 states require annual inspections, with six, including Louisiana, requiring them every other year. Bagley is optimistic, stating he’s worked to resolve past issues.

Cut 6 (07) “…problem for them.”

The bill is waiting for debate in the House Transportation Committee.

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As spring brings increased road construction, safety becomes more critical for both workers and drivers. National Work Zone Awareness Week, observed this week, encourages the need for caution in work zones. LWCC Jason Hazelton urges drivers to slow down, stay alert, and be mindful.

Cut 7 (08) “…behind the wheel.”

This year’s theme, “Respect the Zone So We All Get Home,” highlights the heightened risk of crashes during peak construction and holiday traffic. Hazelton says recent statistics show 891 in the U-S died in work zones.

Cut 8 (10) “…when we’re driving.”

Hazelton says drivers are encouraged to avoid distractions and expect sudden changes in traffic flow. Reduced speed limits, warning signs, and temporary traffic patterns must be followed.

Cut 9 (11)  “…at the last second.”

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This week marks 15 years since the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill off the Louisiana coast. It was on April 20th, 2010 – 15 years ago yesterday – that the Deepwater Horizon oil platform exploded, spewing almost five-million barrels of toxic oil into the gulf. 11 people were killed and 17 others injured, along with countless marine wildlife. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser was the president of Plaquemines Parish back then. He remembers not just the explosion and oil spill, but also the sheer chaos in the response. He says he found himself fighting BP and the consultants more than fighting the oil.

Cut 10 (15) “…the main passes.”

Nungesser says he remembers a lack of leadership on the ground in the wake of the oil spill, which inspired him to eventually run for lieutenant governor.

Cut 11 (10) “…do to help?”

Nungesser recalls the Coast Guard checking registration and insurance while people were putting their boats on trailers, with time of the essence. He says that wasted a lot of time that could have gone to rescuing people and marine wildlife.

Cut 12 (10) “…never understood that.”

In all, Nungesser says it’s an experience he hopes never to have to relive.

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There’s an effort in the legislative session to increase the award amounts for TOPS recipients. It’s held steady since the 2016-17 school year. Ruston Representative Christopher Turner’s bill would increase state funding for the TOPS scholarship program by 50 million dollars. Turner says the scholarship amount needs to be increased, because college costs a lot more than it did when he went to school…

Cut 13 (11)  “…Nicholls.”

But Lake Charles Representative Phillip Tarver is against Turner’s proposal because he wants to reduce state spending….

Cut 14 (07) “…going no more.”

Under Turner’s proposal, a TOPS recipient would receive three thousand dollars to attend a two-year technical school. TOPS Opportunity recipients would get six thousand dollars, TOPS Performance 65-hundred dollars, TOPS Honors nine-thousand dollars, and a new scholarship award would be created, called Excellence, and those students would receive $11,300…

Cut 15 (13) “…four year univerities.”

Under the proposal, students at LSU and LSU Health New Orleans would receive an additional $350 a semester, since those schools are more expensive to attend.

The House Education Committee has approved the bill. It still needs to be reviewed by Appropriations before it gets a vote on the House floor.

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Louisiana Tech won its sixth straight series as the Bulldogs defeated Liberty four to three on Saturday. Tech also won a one-run game on Thursday and dropped a five-to-three decision on Friday night. Coach Lane Burroughs….

Cut 16 (13) “…at all.”

The Bulldogs are 10-4 in Conference USA, a half a game back of Western Kentucky and Dallas Baptist, who are tied for first in the league. Burroughs expects a tight race for the regular season championship…

Cut 17 (18)  “…way to win.”

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After winning two of three from Alabama, the LSU Tigers are now 12-6 in the SEC. Right fielder Jake Brown gives his assessment of the Tigers…

Cut 18 (18)  “…team to beat.”

LSU had a chance to sweep Alabama, but they could not beat the Crimson Tide on Saturday, losing seven to four. Coach Jay Johnson says, despite the loss, it was a good week..

Cut 19 (14) “..did today.”

It’s the biggest crawfish weekend of the year; and as Andrew Greenstein reports, those tasty tiny crustaceans can be had for relatively cheap.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU’s quest to repeat as national champions in gymnastics ended Thursday night as they failed to get past the semifinals. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Tariffs on Canada could harm Louisiana’s tourism industry, which is still recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says Canada is the state’s largest international tourism market. However, he says President Trump’s tariffs have discouraged travel, leading some Canadian officials to cancel upcoming visits.

Cut 3 (11) “…cancel this year” 

Although the Super Bowl in New Orleans is expected to boost tourism this year, the state has not yet returned to its pre-pandemic numbers. In 2019, Louisiana welcomed over 53 million visitors, but Nungesser says because of tariffs, tourism this year will suffer.

Cu 4 (11) “…reach that record.” 

Nungesser says he is seeing cancellations all over the state from Canada and has talked with Canadian mayors.  He says Canada still love Louisiana, they can’t convince them to visit America this year. Nungesser hopes it gets worked out quickly…

Cut 5 (10) “…here in Louisiana greatly.”

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If ever there was a weekend to enjoy some tasty tiny crustaceans, this is it. This is the biggest weekend of the year for crawfish – and Laney King, the founder of The Crawfish App, says crawfish prices are very low this Easter weekend.

Cut 6 (13) “…dollars a pound.”

King says crawfish is so popular this weekend that some stores are sold out, so you’d better get a move on it.

Cut 7 (09) “…do that now.”

King says while this is certainly the peak of crawfish season, the prices are not the lowest they will be this year.

Cut 8 (06) “…month of May.”

King says live crawfish are averaging $3.10 a pound this weekend and boiled crawfish is going for about $5.50 a pound at your favorite restaurant.

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The top ranked LSU gymnastics team falls short of reaching the NCAA Championships as they struggled to hit on many of their routines in the semifinals and will not have a chance at defending its title. Coach Jay Clark says a great season ends in disappointment

Cut 9 (14)  “…this year.”

LSU freshman Kailin Chio (KAY-lin Chee-oh) is a champion as she won the vault title with a score of 9.975. Thursday night turned out to be the final meet for Haleigh Bryant, who goes down as the best gymnast in the history of LSU. The five-time SEC champion and national all-around champion in 2024 says it’s hard to say good-bye

Cut 10 (05) “…five years.”

LSU won its first national championship in gymnastics last year. The enter this year’s national championships as the favorites to win it after winning the Southeastern Conference regular season title, the SEC championship meet and their NCAA regional. But Clark says it’s different being the hunted than the hunter…

Cut 11 (13) “…future is bright.”

Not only is Bryant out of eligibility, but so is social media star Olivia Dunne, Sierra Ballard and 2024 Olympian Aleah Finnegan.

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The Ponchatoula Police Department issued arrest warrants for six men following a shooting at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival that injured two teens. Police Chief Bry Layrisson says they received tips from the community.

Cut 12 (10) “…good old detective work”

Last Saturday, multiple law enforcement agencies searched five homes tied to the incident. Layrisson says those arrested were all between 18 and 21 years old. Camryn Finley and Dealvin Davis, both charged with attempted second-degree murder and terrorizing, and Courtney McGee, Markus Dokes, Quentrel Smith, and Quenton Smith, who were charged with terrorizing.

Cut 13 (08)  “…these six individuals.”

Layrisson confirmed that all gunshot victims are expected to recover, and he is meeting with the Mayor and Chairman-elect of the Strawberry Festival next week.

Cut 14 (08) “…2026 Strawberry Festival.”

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.