The U-S House is expected to take a vote on Saturday to send foreign aid to Ukraine and Israel, a move that puts Mike Johnson’s position as House Speaker in jeopardy. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Oklahoma stumbles at the NCAA gymnastic championships, giving LSU an excellent chance to win its first national title in gymnastics. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

House Speaker Mike Johnson of Benton’s political future is on the line as the US House is scheduled to vote on Saturday to provide funding for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. LSU political science professor Robert Hogan says far right Republicans oppose additional funding to Ukraine

Cut 3 (11) “…as speaker” 

Georgia Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene has said she will move forward with her motion to vacate Johnson if he puts a Ukraine aid bill up for a vote in the House. A divided House Republican caucus led to the removal of Johnson’s predecessor, Kevin McCarthy, last October. But Hogan says the desire for a new House Speaker is not as strong as it was last Fall…

Cut 4 (08) “…seeing now ” 

Johnson has separated the foreign aid package into separate bills, so lawmakers will vote specifically on whether the U-S should send 60-billion dollars to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.

Republican hardliners have demanded that any foreign aid bill must be tied to strong border security policies. Hogan says Johnson is doing what he thinks is right and is not worrying about the political ramifications…

Cut 5 (11)  “..United States.”

____________________________________________________________________

LSU could win its first national championship in gymnastics on Saturday. They will compete against Utah, Florida and Cal, but not Oklahoma. The two-time defending champion Sooners suffered multiple falls in the semifinals and they are out. College Gym News co-managing editor Brandif Heffner

Cut 6  (10) “..slight edge.” 

Heffner says Cal, Florida and Utah are more than capable of winning a national championship as well, but the Tigers benefit from having the best gymnast in the country….

Cut 7 (10) “…in the final”  

Utah is looking for its 10th national championship in women’s gymnastics, which would tie a record. Florida is seeking its fourth and Cal is fresh off a Pac-12 title and they’ve flipped flopped with LSU for most of the season as the second ranked team in the country. But Heffner likes LSU’s depth…

Cut 8 (08) “…championship final.” 

The NCAA Championships will begin at 3 PM on Saturday.

____________________________________________________________________

U.S. Department of Homeland Security has launched the Know2Protect campaign to educate parents about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and abuse of children. Special Agent Jessica Zuppardo says you can learn more at dhs-dot-gov Know 2 Protect, that’s with the number two.

Cut 9 (12) “…the police.” 

The problem is rampant in Louisiana and the State Attorney General’s office indicates an almost 100-percent increase in cases from 2022. Zuppardo says there are two reasons they are seeing an increase…

Cut 10 (10) “…reporting it.”

If your child is a victim of such abuse Zuppardo says not to delete any messages, don’t engage with the perpetrator, and to contact local law enforcement.

Cut 11 (12) “…law enforcement.”

https://www.dhs.gov/know2protect

_____________________________________________________________________

Louisiana has the 3^rd highest rate of pickup truck fatalities according to the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and this week some Law enforcement officers will be focused on pickup truck drivers during the Buckle UP in Your Truck Campaign. Why the special focus? DOTD Spokesperson, Gregory Fischer…

Cut 12 (10) “…their seatbelts” 

Because trucks are large and heavy, Fischer believes Pickup Truck Drivers may have an elevated sense of safety causing some to feel comfortable unbuckled…

Cut 13 (13) “…big trouble.”

During the campaign, there’s an opportunity for state Law enforcement to receive extra funding for overtime patrols, but Fischer says It’s not about issuing tickets. He hopes the desire to avoid a ticket will help pickup drivers establish the habit of buckling up…

Cut  14 (09) “…these things.” 

The Buckle Up in Your Truck campaign runs through Saturday, April 27^th.

Webster Parish’s largest employer is expanding its facility and the project is expected to produce hundreds of new jobs. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A bill to remove the required 30-minute meal break for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

Big economic development news in northwest Louisiana as industrial manufacturer Fibrebond announces a 50-million dollar expansion of its production facility in Minden. Officials say this will result in an estimated 650 new jobs to support the expansion. Mayor Nick Cox says Fibrebond is the cornerstone of Webster Parish’s economy

Cut 3 (14) “…here to stay.” 

The expansion allows Fibrebond to retain more than 450 existing jobs in northwest Louisiana. The family-owned company supports data center, telecommunications, industrial and utility projects across the United States.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says Fibrebond is taking advantage of a retention and  modernization state tax credit to build a new production facility…

Cut 4 (13) “…shiny things ” 

Construction will begin in June and Mayor Nick Cox says this latest expansion will bring Fibrebond’s total manufacturing and warehouse space to more than one million square feet on its 254-acre campus…

Cut 5 (10)  “…north Louisiana.”

____________________________________________________________________

Legislation to remove the required 30-minute meal period for minors who work five or more hours advances from House Labor Committee.  Bill author, Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder says of the businesses he owns in Louisiana, the required break forces his employees who want to work to lose 30 minutes of pay.

Cut 6  (07) “…want to.” 

Shreveport Representative Tammy Phelps questioned Wilder if he considers a 16 or 17-year-old a young adult. He countered that the emancipation age is 16, and you’re allowed to marry at age 16.

Cut 7 (13) “…a minor.”  

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the bill because she wants to ensure the state allows private businesses to operate as they see fit.

Cut 8 (12) “…all over.” 

The bill passed on a 10 to 2 vote and advances to the House.

____________________________________________________________________

Every spring millions of beautiful birds migrate through Louisiana but the lights from our homes and buildings can be hazardous to them especially during storms so The Louisiana Wildlife Federation is asking Louisianans to turn off bright lights from 11 pm to 6 am each night from now to May 31^st. Federation Communications Director Jimmy Frederick…

Cut 9 (11) “…used to” 

Frederick understands the need to light our homes for safety and security and suggests other options to help the flying visitors make it safely though the Bayou State…

Cut 10 (09) “…huge difference”

Diming lights or using motion activated lights are other ways to protect the migrating birds.

Frederick says, establishing the habit of diming or turning off lights at night brings other benefits like more visible stars in the sky while helping the birds make their way back to their northern nesting sites. He says over 450 million fly over and include multiple beautiful varieties of shore birds and song birds…

Cut 11 (07) “…his wings”

Frederick also says some indoor lights can also confuse the birds but closing blinds will help.

The Pelicans will not have Zion Williamson for their do or die matchup against the Sacramento Kings. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Republican Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie joins Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene’s motion to vacate Mike Johnson as Speaker of the House. Jeff Palermo reports Johnson has no plans to leave…

Cut 2 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

______________________________________

The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would prohibit public school teachers from teaching critical race theory. The bill passed on a 28-11 vote and would prohibit teachers from teaching about systemic racism. Denham Springs Senator Valerie Hodges says her legislation will help preserve a bid to preserve students’ self-esteem

Cut 3 (08) “…national origin.” 

Every Democrat in the Senate voted against the legislation, including New Orleans Senator Royce Duplessis. Duplessis is concerned the legislation is too broad and it will impact a teachers’ ability to educate students about subjects that some may find difficult…

Cut 4 (08) “…history be taught” 

Hodges says her legislation will not prevent educators from teaching history lessons…

Cut 5 (09)  “…America.”

The measure heads to the House for more discussion.

____________________________________________________________________

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson is adamant he is not resigning despite calls from House Republicans who are not happy with his proposals to provide aid to Israel and Ukraine. The Republican from Bossier Parish says efforts to remove him from office are not helpful

Cut 6  (06) “…do our job.” 

Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to vacate the speaker and Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie has suggested Johnson should step down. Johnson says an effort to remove him as speaker does not help House Republicans advance their agenda…

Cut 7 (07) “…very thing”  

Johnson’s aid package proposal for Ukraine and Israel will require support from Democrats, which upsets some Republicans. House Republicans also do not like that Johnson is not requiring more security at the U-S Mexico border as he pushes separate aid bills for Ukraine and Israel.

Johnson refers to himself as a wartime speaker…

Cut 8 (12) “…terribly divided” 

The U-S House has 435 representatives and Republicans hold a single vote majority with 218 seats.

____________________________________________________________________

Parental approval would be needed for a teacher to identify a student by their preferred name or a pronoun that does not match their biological sex as a result of a bill that received House approval. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews says teachers could still object for religious reasons…

Cut 9 (13) “…that classroom” 

The House approved the bill on a 68- to-30 vote, sending it to the Senate. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle says this type of legislation makes it harder on transgender children…

Cut 10 (12) “…in any manner”

_____________________________________________________________________

The Louisiana House has approved legislation that critics have labeled as the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” It prohibits teachers in K-through-12th grade from discussing gender identity and sexual orientation during class time, or even during extracurricular and athletic events. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton is the author of the legislation…

Cut 11 (08) “…haven’t discussed”

The proposal was approved on a 69-28 vote. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says this is a bill that conservative groups are trying to get states to pass, but it’s really a non-issue…

Cut 12 (12) “…sits in” 

For Governor Jeff Landry’s first 100 days in office, he’s yet to take his foot off the gas…. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

_______________________________________________

A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia for the death penalty passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 2 (32)  “I’m Colleen Crain.” 

____________________________________________

State lawmakers have begun discussions on holding a constitutional convention next month. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

____________________________________________

Today marks Governor Jeff Landry’s 100^th day in office and La-Politics.com Publisher Jeremy Alford says politically this milestone signals a new power structure in the state’s executive branch…

Cut 4 (11) “…the legislature.”

Alford says he expects Landry’s tenure in office will be extremely transformative, he’s already replaced the entire tax commission and there’s legislation to give him more control over boards and commissions.

Alford says will be at the Louisiana Department of Health and the state tax code.

From a policy perspective, Alford says the governor for the most part has gotten everything he’s asked for…

Cut 5 (09) “…the agenda.” 

Since January Landry has had two special sessions, one that was court-ordered for redrawing the state’s congressional map that also added the party primaries election structure, and another session focusing on crime. His first regular legislative session began last month.

Alford says is now facing his biggest test, trying to convince lawmakers to hold a constitutional convention.

Cut 6 (11) “…as governor.”

Alford says the reason it looks like Landry is off to a fast start is because he campaigned for the position for years.

_________________________________________________

A bill that would ban the gassing method known as nitrogen hypoxia as a method the state could use in death penalty executions advanced out of Senate committee Tuesday. Senator Katrina Jackson-Andrews filed the bill on behalf of the Jewish community. She says the gassing method is triggering for Jewish people…

Cut 7 (12) “…death penalty.”

Representatives from a coalition of Jewish organizations, Jews Against Gassing, spoke before the committee and held a rally on the Capitol Steps. Holocaust Scholar and Loyola professor, Naomi Yavneh Klos (Nay-oh-me Yav-na-close) says the group holds no opinion on the death penalty but strongly opposes the method used by Nazis…

Cut 8 (09) “…antisemitic regime.” 

Aaron Block with the Jewish Federation of Greater New Orleans says the coalition’s firm position against execution by gassing is not suggesting a comparison to the atrocities committed by the Nazis but…

Cut 9 (08)  “…that mechanism.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

________________________________________________________

Suspended LSU running back Trey Holly pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a felony gun charge he faces from a shooting that wounded two people in Farmerville on February 15th. Holly’s attorney Mike Small expects the former Union Parish football star to be cleared of criminal charges.

Cut 10 (09) “…about that.”

In a Union Parish courtroom, Holly plead not guilty to the charge of illegal use of a weapon or dangerous instrumentality. He was facing attempted second-degree murder, but a Union Parish Grand Jury rejected that charge.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly expressed optimism earlier this month that Holly’s legal issues could be wrapped up soon. But Holly’s next court date is not until July 3rd.

Small says he might be able to speed up the court proceedings based on the prosecution’s evidence…

Cut 11 (09) “…the prosecution.”

Small has requested to see the evidence the prosecution has against his client. He expects to get that information in two to four weeks and at that time he could provide more details on why he believes Holly is not guilty

Cut 12 (12) “…this case.” 

Holly posted on social media days after the shooting that he was not involved in the incident at all and he’s 100% innocent.

__________________________________________________

In a House committee hearing, state lawmakers laid out their concerns over holding a constitutional convention on May 20th, two weeks before the regular session is scheduled to end. Chalmette Representative Michael Bayham is worried his bills int he regular session will not receive final passage.

Cut 13 (10)  “…out of time.”

Bayham’s comments came during a legislative hearing on the bill that calls for the constitutional convention. Supporters of the convention want to remove items from the constitution and put them into state law to give legislators more financial flexibility.

Former state lawmaker Neil Abramson told legislators during budget deficits, health care, and higher education take the deep cuts

Cut 14 (13)  “…those decisions.”

New Orleans Representative Delisha Boyd is unclear on what changes to the constitution could be made…

Cut 15 (09)  “…coming from.”

Supporters of a revised constitution want voters to vote in November on the changes made during the convention. More discussion is expected today on the constitutional convention.

____________________________________________________

The LSU Tigers are struggling to find their way through this baseball season. The team has found themselves at 3 and 12 in SEC play halfway through the season and with a hard road to make the postseason tournament. Baseball America analyst Teddy Cahill says that the Tigers have two options ahead of them if they want to make the field for the NCAA tournament.

Cut 16 (11)  “…crazy in Hoover.”  

LSU has struggled to produce both at the plate and mound in a timely manner this season and Cahill says that neither the offense nor the defense deserves all the blame for the Tigers struggles.

Cut 17 (14) “…number of things.”

Cahill says that LSU’s 3 and 12 SEC record is not reflective of this year’s team, but he says that the multitude of struggles the Tigers have faced is the cause of the Tigers struggle in SEC play. He predicts that the Tigers will play much better over the next five weeks and that their play will reflect a more accurate representation of what this team is capable of doing.

Cut 18 (19)  “… next five weeks.” 

LSU will try to start its second half of the SEC season off on the right foot when they take on Missouri this weekend.

LSU star player Angel Reese is heading to Chicago to play for the Sky. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

A petition to recall the embattled St. Tammany Parish Coroner has been filed with the Secretary of State’s office. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (36)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

______________________________________

An Angel is heading to the Sky. The Chicago Sky selected LSU women’s basketball star Angel with the seventh overall pick in last night’s WNBA draft. Reese says she had a feeling Chicago would select her after positive conversations with Sky head coach Teresa Weatherspoon…

Cut 3 (12) “…the table.” 

Weatherspoon played for LSU coach Kim Mulkey when she was an assistant coach at Louisiana Tech.

Reese led LSU to its first national championship in women’s basketball in 2023 and this past season she was named the SEC Player of the Year. The All-American could have returned to LSU for one more season, but Reese says she’s ready for a new challenge…

Cut 4 (12) “…be a sponge” 

The W-N-B-A begins its season next month. Reese says she’s looking forward to spending her summers in Chicago…

Cut 5 (05)  “…Chi-town girl.”

Reese is the first LSU women’s basketball player selected in the first round of the WNBA draft since 2012 when Washington took LaSondra Barrett.

____________________________________________________________________

After a bizarre break-in at Jennings High School, before classes began on Monday, police have 37-year-old Dillion Champagne in custody. Jennings Police Chief Danny Semmes says Champagne stole two vehicles, followed a custodian in the school, and held two employees at gunpoint, fortunately, no one was hurt.

Cut 6  (10) “…Dillion Champagne.” 

Semmes says he can’t imagine the fear that the two employees experienced when Champagne confronted them with a gun and stole the keys to one of the employees’ cars.

Cut 7 (09) “…the best.”  

After a 12-hour multi-law enforcement manhunt, Champagne was located thanks to a tip that he was seen on State Highway 97 about a mile from the school near the Jaenke Bridge.

Cut 8 (12) “…to another.” 

Champagne faces 18 charges ranging from criminal damage to property to attempted armed robbery and is being held in the Jefferson Davis Parish Jail.

Classes at Jennings High School were canceled Monday but have resumed today.

____________________________________________________________________

A recall petition has been officially filed to remove St. Tammany Parish Coroner Christopher Tape on the grounds he’s unfit for office. Tape was charged with six counts of child sexual assault in New Mexico but was never tried on a technicality. Dillard University Political Science Professor Robert Collins says recalls are extremely difficult and rarely successful.

Cut 9 (10) “…recall elections.” 

Tape ran unopposed for the coroner, and it was an investigative reporter who brought his questionable background to light.

Dillard says that obtaining enough voter signatures is an expensive undertaking and challenging.

Cut 10 (08) “…her job.”

Dillard says the most efficient way to obtain enough signatures, in this case, the threshold is 35,000 signatures, is to mail voters affidavits, have them sign them, and return them in a postage-paid envelope.

Cut 11 (11) “…the challenge”

A recent recall effort to remove New Orleans Mayor LaTonya was unsuccessful.

____________________________________________________________________

The House Governmental Affairs Committee began discussion today on holding a constitutional convention. The bill’s author, New Iberia Representative, Beau Beaullieu, says the goal is to streamline the state constitution, which is one of the longest in the nation…

Cut 12 (10) “…in statue.” 

Supporters of a constitutional convention say they want to move items to state law so legislators can have more flexibility during difficult budget times. The committee is planning to discuss the idea more tomorrow.

The constitutional convention will comprise of all 144 state lawmakers, plus 27 delegates chosen by the governor. The convention would begin May 20th and end June 3rd, but it could be as extended as late as July 15th.

Covington Representative Mark Wright believes holding a convention is a great idea and any changes to the constitution would need voter approval in November…

Cut 13 (11) “..doesn’t change.”

The state’s last constitutional convention was in 1992, but it was unsuccessful. The current constitution was written in 1973. Several lawmakers have questions on how the constitutional convention would work. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says starting the constitutional convention on May 20th when the regular session is scheduled to end June 3rd can cause issues…

Cut  14 (14) “…this convention.” 

More discussion on the constitutional convention will take place tomorrow in House Governmental Affairs.

One person is dead and eleven others are wounded as a result of a mass shooting last night in the New Orleans Warehouse district. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (22)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

______________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry has released the names of the people he plans to nominate as delegates to a proposed constitutional convention this year. Jeanne Burns has more on the story…

Cut 2 (35)  “…flexibility” 

______________________________________

An arrest has been made and the identities of two of the three victims from a triple homicide in Lafayette have been released. LPD Sgt Robin Green says police discovered the three bodies after family members of 45-year-old Brandon Touchet (two-chet)  asked for a welfare check, he was found deceased inside his apartment Friday evening.

Cut 3 (11) “…gunshot wounds.” 

42-year-old Chad Credeur (crater) of Duson has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

Green says at the time the bodies were discovered they received a call from authorities in Jeff Davis Parish where Credeur was arrested on unrelated charges.

Cut 4 (08) “…Police Department.” 

As for when the shooting occurred, is also under investigation, and Green says police spoke with residents of the apartment complex in the 700 block of College Road Friday night. They are asking for the public’s help…

Cut 5 (10)  “…Police Department.”

Credeur is being held in Jeff Davis parish on unrelated charges.

(Victims: 45-year-old Brandon Touchet and 49-year-old Eric Green both of Lafayette, third victim is a yet-to-be-identified female)

____________________________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry was in West Feliciana Parish and Slidell today. Two areas hit by tornadoes last Wednesday. Landry expects the state will issue emergency declarations soon so that the state can help in the cost to clean up debris…

Cut 6  (07) “…back to work.” 

Landry says state officials are still assessing the damage to determine if the tornado outbreak last week caused enough damage to qualify for federal assistance. The governor thanked the power utility companies for getting the power back on quickly and he also thanked the faith based community in helping with the recovery…

Cut 7 (15) “…back to work”  

Landry viewed the destruction in Slidell from the air and then on the ground near Old Spanish Trail. That’s where an EF two tornado caused a considerable amount of damage. Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer says an apartment complex was destroyed and they are making sure the residents of the complex have a place to stay…

Cut 8 (12) “to live” 

____________________________________________________________________

The House Ways and Means Committee takes no action on a bill that calls for Louisiana to repeal the state income tax in 2026. Columbia Representative Neil Riser says for over a decade there’s been talk about eliminating the state income tax and his bill would commit the state to doing it

Cut 9 (05) “…go get it.” 

Repealing the state income tax would result in an annual five-billion dollar revenue loss. Riser recommends eliminating dozens of different state tax credits to offset the revenue loss. House Ways and Means Chairperson Julie Emerson supports repealing the state income tax, but let’s make this a priority for the legislature next year…

Cut 10 (11) “…affects this”

No vote was taken on Riser’s bill. Chris Alexander with the Louisiana Citizens Advocacy Group spoke in favor of the bill

Cut 11 (07) “…to death”

Louisiana Key Academy is a free charter school for students with dyslexia and they are expanding to serve more students and more grades. Colleen Crain has the story.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_______________________________________________

Today is the deadline to file your federal taxes and Shreveport CPA Hardy Foreman has tips for procrastinators…

Cut 2 (30)  “I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

____________________________________________

A bill restricting the use of bathrooms in schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters to one’s biological sex advances from the House on a 79-16 vote after an emotional debate. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

Louisiana Key Academy, a tuition-free charter school serving students with dyslexia is expanding, opening a new 14-acre campus in Baton Rouge for K through 10th grade this Fall, with grades 11 and 12 added by Fall 2026. Co-Founder Dr. Laura Cassidy says 20 % of the population has Dyslexia and students succeed with a specialized curriculum and highly trained teachers…

Cut 4 (11) “…go forward.”

In addition to the expanding school in Baton Rouge, LKA has schools in Caddo and St. Tammany parishes with a learning Pod opening in Ruston this fall, and there are plans to open another School in Jefferson Parish. Cassidy says though it’s not always possible, early intervention is best.

Cut 5 (11) “…much better.” 

Cassidy says because the curriculum is highly specialized and training teachers takes time, adding grades is a slow process. What began as a K through 2nd-grade school in Baton Rouge has grown to several campuses across the state and expanded one grade at a time. She says expanding and adding the high school grades is important.

Cut 6 (07) “…they need.”

LKA provides free testing. Information, applications, and resources are available on their website, lakeyacademy.com.

__________________________________________________

Today is the deadline to file your federal taxes. CPA Hardy Foreman with the firm, Carr Riggs and Ingram in Shreveport says 65 percent of his clients file for an extension, but it’s not an extension to pay…

Cut 7 (11) “…and penalties.”

Foreman says since the COVID pandemic there’s been an increase in taxpayers filing for extensions. He says it’s taking longer for business owners to get the proper documentation needed for them to file before the April 15th deadline…

Cut 8 (13) “…April 15th.” 

Foreman says for those who need to file an extension and do not know the exact amount they owe, referring back to what they paid last year is a good estimate.

Cut 9 (07)  “…payment penalties.”

Foreman says the IRS offers multiple payment options for those unable to pay their tax bill in full.

________________________________________________________

Legislation to restrict the use of bathrooms in schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters to one’s biological sex passes in the House on a 79-16 vote.

Haughton Representative Dodie Horton supports the bill because it protects females from biological males who identify as females from entering a women’s restroom.

Cut 10 (12) “…protect women.”

New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman says there are real issues they need to address instead of a bill that is vindictive towards the transgender community.

Cut 11 (11) “…of it.”

The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is holding a virtual FAFSA marathon next week to help students with their applications. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

______________________________________

Good news for crawfish lovers. The average price per pound for mudbugs is 50 cents lower this week. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

______________________________________

Monday is Tax Day. Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) has a tax tip for seniors. Oestricher says people over the age of 70 can use a portion of their minimum retirement distribution to get a tax break if they donate it to a church or a charitable organization.

Cut 3 (13) “…30 thousand.” 

Oestriecher says for taxpayers looking to reduce their tax burden when they file, making a significant contribution to your 401k plan or ROTH IRA.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 

Oestriecher says for those who won big by gambling, they will have to pay taxes on those winnings even if they suffered gambling loses with other bets.

Cut 5 (12)  “…may have.”

____________________________________________________________________

After multiple delays with Federal Student Aid, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance anticipates students can make changes if needed to their applications next week. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says students can register now for virtual help with their application on their website.

Cut 6  (11) “…office hours.” 

The website is mylosfa.la.gov

Holmes says applicants should be on the lookout for emails from FAFSA if they need to make changes or submit additional information on their application. Despite all the delays she says there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

Holmes says they know it’s delaying the timeframe for students to know how much financial assistance they will receive at institutions and many postsecondary institutions have pushed their deadlines as a result.

Until colleges can send award letters Holmes encourages students who are eligible for TOPS to visit their student hub tracker and…

Cut 8 (12) “…of use.” 

LOSFA will have expanded virtual hours April 15-19 from 8 am until 8 pm and you can register now for an appointment if you need assistance. And if you can’t next week, normal hours are 9 AM – to 3 PM.

____________________________________________________________________

It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. In addition to the state’s signature fruit, there’s plenty of food, rides, and music and it wouldn’t be a festival without a parade in Louisiana. Festival Queen, Lauren van Mullem says it’s a great way to support the community and Louisiana berry farmers.

Cut 9 (12) “…and farmers.” 

The parade is on Saturday at 9:30.

The event which has been going strong since 1972, is the state’s largest free harvest festival. Festival King Donald Lanier says they honor berry farmers across the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…many around. “

You’ll also want to bring your appetite and enter the strawberry eating contest on Saturday and Sunday.

Rhonda Poche says this year’s strawberry crop looks amazing and there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”

Festival hours are noon to 11 pm on Friday, 9 am until 11 pm on Saturday, and 10 to 6 pm on Sunday.

____________________________________________________________________

It’s another great week for crawfish lovers with a 50-cent drop on average in prices this week. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says the industry lowered prices again which brings the average price for a sack under $100.

Cut 12 (09) “…sweet spot.” 

King says expect to pay about $5.99 a pound for boiled crawfish. She says there’s been a consistent weekly drop in crawfish prices since Easter, but the average price for live crawfish last year was at $2.57 .

Cut 13 (11) “…it is.”

While Orleans Parish has the cheapest mudbugs at $2.65 a pound, she says it’s always worth checking the crawfish app for price change.

Cut  14 (12) “…might drop.” 

To compare prices, download the Crawfish App on your smartphone.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend you’ve got two festivals to choose from. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and New Orleans French Quarter Festival. Teiko Foxx has more….

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

_______________________________________________

As Monday’s Tax deadline approaches you might think it’s a bonus if you’re getting money back, but truth be told it isn’t. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (31)  “I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

____________________________________________

The annual rejection of bills to raise the minimum wage in Louisiana occurred at the state capitol on Thursday. Teiko Foxx has a recap…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

____________________________________________

Thousands will head to southeastern Louisiana to enjoy sweet strawberries, live music, and great food. The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival and French Quarter Festival are happening this weekend. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says both festivals are a big economic boost for the state.

Cut 4 (11) “…$400 million dollars.”

Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival is the second largest festival in the Bayou State. Nearly 300,000 people are expected to attend the four-day festival which kicked off Thursday and ends Sunday.

In addition to music, Nungesser says the weekend will be filled with arts, crafts, and strawberries in everything imaginable. He says the festival isn’t just a festival…

Cut 5 (07) “…their living.” 

In New Orleans, the French Quarter festival kicks off Thursday and ends Sunday. The free event features more than 300 entertainers on 25 different stages. Nungesser says a diversity of food and vendors are a big attraction.

Cut 6 (10) “…for more.”

__________________________________________________

Despite former President Trump calling Senator Bill Cassidy one of the worst senators in the country, Louisiana’s senior senator seems to be taking it all in stride. Cassidy says if he’s working to do something positive for the country, the state, and those around him…

Cut 7 (08) “…achieve them.”

Even if Trump believes Cassidy is quote “A total flake” the Republican says he’s responsible for securing more federal funding for Louisiana than his counterparts.

Cut 8 (07) “…Fiscal Year 2024.” 

That $1.2 billion includes $5.5 million for mental health and substance abuse services and $2.4 million for the New Orleans crime lab.

Cut 9 (09)  “…deserves justice.”

Cassidy also secured $28 million for the Morganza to the Gulf project, $12 million for water infrastructure, and $6 million for the Team Gleason ALS Foundation.

________________________________________________________

Monday is Tax Day and while you might think getting a big return is worth bragging about, a greater New Orleans, CPA says it really isn’t. Catherine Roe with Cowart Roe says in reality it means the government has been holding onto your money for the last year when it could have already been in your pocket.

Cut 10 (11) “…money back.”

Ideally, Roe says, you want to break even on your taxes, so you don’t owe any more and aren’t receiving money back that you’ve loaned the government for the last year.

Cut 11 (11) “…your taxes.”

Entergy and CLECO are working to restore power to thousands of Louisiana customers after yesterday’s severe weather. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

______________________________________

House Education approves legislation that says teachers must use a students name and pronoun that aligns with their birth sex unless the child’s parent says otherwise. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo.” 

______________________________________

Cleco says 24,000 customers remain without power after tornadoes and strong winds ripped through the state Wednesday. The utility company says it has brought in 400 additional line mechanics to help in power restoration efforts. Spokesperson Jennifer Cahill says they also have specialized equipment to help move debris.

Cut 3 (08) “…make repairs.”  

There are about four-thousand customers in St. Landry Parish without power. High winds destroyed 50 poles and downed power lines in Opelousas.

Most of Cleco’s outages are in Slidell where initial surveys indicate an area near Old Spanish Trail was hit by at least an EF-1 tornado. Cahill says their St. Tammany customers could be without power for multiple days.

Cut 4 (11) “…looking at.” 

There are also dozens of broken poles in Slidell, along with damaged crossarms.

For the latest updates, visit CLECO.com

_____________________________________________________________

Entergy Louisiana expects to restore power to the majority of its 13,000 customers who are without power by tonight. Spokesperson David Freese says crews are working to clear debris and repair power lines.

Cut 5 (10)  “…the air.”

Freese says they plan to have the power restored for most of its customers by tonight. But he says it could be until tomorrow for customers in Calcasieu Parish and the Lafayette area…

Cut 6  (09) “…back on.” 

Entergy customers can visit entergy.com for the latest outage updates.

____________________________________________________________________

House Education has advanced a bill to the House floor that says teachers do not have to use a student’s preferred gender pronoun unless the child’s parents request that the child be identified as another gender. Bossier City Representative Raymond Crews is the author of the bill…

Cut 7 (09) “…the legislation ”  

Even if the parent requests a pronoun that differs from a child’s biological sex, the teacher can still refuse over religious and moral objections.

St. Tammany Parish resident Jamie Segura testified in opposition and questioned how this legislation will improve education in public schools…

Cut 8 (12) “…real education issues” 

Crews calls his legislation a parental rights bill, but Laplace Representative Sylvia Taylor told Crews the legislation is not needed…

Cut 9 (13) “…to the home.” 

The bill was approved on a nine-to-three vote.

____________________________________________________________________

Officials in St. Tammany Parish say the damage caused by Wednesday’s tornado in Slidell is reminiscent of Hurricane Katrina. Parish President Mike Cooper says there’s significant destruction to homes, commercial buildings, churches, and power poles.

Cut 10 (07) “…Hurricane Ida. “

Cooper says nearby parishes and cities have graciously offered assistance with clean-up and they are asking for volunteers to help residents with removing and sorting construction debris from downed vegetation.

Cut 11 (09) “…is needed.”

The parish has also set up a distribution point for ice, water, and tarps. As clean-up and damage assessment continue, Cooper says they’ve also declared a parish-wide state of emergency that allows them to mobilize their debris pick-up contractor and more.

Cut 12 (11) “…citizens.” 

They are asking residents to self-report damage, you can find a link at LouisianaRadioNetwork.com