Tax Day has arrived and Colleen Crain has some tips from a tax professional…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A bill that would force a TOPS Opportunity or TOPS Performance recipient to repay their state funded scholarship makes it out of House Education. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (40) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A second LSU football player has suffered a season-ending injury this spring. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Tax Day is here and hopefully you are ready. It can be a daunting task to gather documents and work through returns or get all the required information to a tax preparer on time. If you find yourself unprepared, CPA John Therio with Malcom Dienes in Metairie says you can file form 4868 for an extension.

Cut 4 (13) “…that extension.”

If you don’t send payment, he says, IRS penalties can be up to 5% per month.

Theriot says if you’re rushing to complete your return to beat today’s deadline, don’t forget to fund your IRAs and HSAs. And remember there are new laws that allow exclusions of some tip income and overtime income if you qualify…

Cut 5 (09) “…your employer.”

With the new deductions and income exclusions, Theriot says, some taxpayers seem to be getting bigger refunds this year. He says tax rates are down but that’s not the only reason for the bigger refunds.

Cut 6 (12) “…bigger refunds.”

He says he hasn’t seen the same for self-employed individuals but adjusting their quarterly payments could make a difference.

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New vehicles now sell for an average of nearly 50-thousand dollars according to a report from the Associated Press. That’s up 30-percent in six years. UNO economist Walter Lane says most of the vehicles that come off the assembly line have all the new technology designed to make you a safer driver

Cut 7 (13) “…the cars.”

Lane says several years ago, the consumer could choose not to have the latest technology advances, now the vehicles are already fully loaded.

Lane says tariffs have also driven up the price of a new vehicle…

Cut 8 (09) “…in the cars.”

Lane says spreading out the payments over a five- or seven-year period  can help reduce the monthly note, or just hang on to what you are currently driving…

Cut 9 (06)  “…historically have.”

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TOPS Opportunity and Performance award recipients would pay back their state-funded scholarship if they lost their scholarship under a bill that barely got out of the House Education Committee. Bossier City Representative Dennis Bamburg is the author of the bill…

Cut 10 (09) “…those dollars”

Bamburg says TOPS Opportunity and Performance award students would be exempted from repaying if they had to drop out of school because of a life event or circumstances like parental leave, temporary or permanent disability, religious commitment or death of an immediate family member.

Executive director of the Taylor Foundation, James Caillier, testified against the legislation, telling lawmakers, a student who loses a merit scholarship should not be forced to pay it back

Cut 11 (14) “…a scholarship.”

If this legislation becomes law, TOPS Opportunity and TOPS performance recipients would repay the scholarship dollars they have used up, even though the scholarship money goes to the university not the student. Lafayette Representative Josh Carlson supports the legislation…

Cut 12 (11) “…to be repaid.”

The measure passed on a six-to-five vote. Laplace Representative Sylvia Taylor asked Bamberg if L-A Gator Scholarship recipients should repay the state if they funk out of the private school they attended on taxpayer dollars…

Cut 13 (10)  “..everything.”

The measure heads to the House floor. The state spends 320-million dollars on TOPS scholarships.

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Today is the last day to register to vote or make changes to an existing registration in person or by mail ahead of the May 16 closed party primary election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says that means if you want to vote in the Senate Republican Primary or a Congressional GOP primary, you have to registered as a Republican or “No Party”…

Cut 14 (09) “…vote in.”

To participate in a Democratic primary, you have to be registered as either Democrat or no party. Landry says if you can’t register or switch your party affiliation in person, you still have until April 25th to do it online at geauxvote.com.

Cut 15 (11) “…those days.”

Any updates submitted by mail must be postmarked by April 15. Third party voters, such as members of the Green or Libertarian parties, cannot participate in Democratic or Republican primaries but may vote in eligible races, propositions, and constitutional amendments.

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LSU football’s defense has dominated the offense so far in spring practice. Coach Lane Kiffin says he was discouraged by his offense’s performance in Saturday’s scrimmage, where the quarterbacks combined to throw five interceptions, but he also acknowledged there will be growing pains with transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt not currently participating.

Cut 16 (17) “…doesn’t happen overnight.”

One of the biggest surprises of LSU’s spring practice has been fifth-year senior offensive lineman Bo Bordelon taking first-team reps at left guard. Coach Lane Kiffin said Bordelon has been very impressive this spring.

Cut 17 (18)  “…go in there and start.”

One of the most competitive positions this spring has been defensive tackle. Kiffin says true freshman Deuce Geralds has stood out and believes he will be a productive player for the Tigers this season.

Cut 18 (11)  “…going on there.” 

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The Pelicans finished 26-56 in Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars’ first season with the franchise. Dumars dismissed Willie Green 10 games into the season, and assistant coach James Borrego took over on an interim basis to close out the year. Dumars says Borrego has proven himself as a strong candidate for the permanent job and will be under consideration.

Cut 19 (19) “…good job with that.”

Zion Williamson has become a potential trade candidate this offseason, but Dumars said he wants to keep the star in New Orleans and has no plans to move him.

Cut 20 (19) “…we said no.”

In an effort to reduce traffic crashes, a Louisiana lawmaker is proposing that drivers take a short test when they renew their driver’s license. Jeanne Burns has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee votes in favor of legislation that would shield the dollar amounts student athletes receive from public universities. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The House Transportation Committee has put the brakes on a bill that seeks to require drivers to take a driver’s knowledge test when they renew their driver’s license every six years. Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin says the test would provide drivers with a refresher on the rules of the road…

Cut 3 (09) “…who goes first.”

Several House Transportation members have reservations about the proposed legislation. Lawmakers are all for safer roads, but Monroe Representative Pat Moore says requiring drivers to take a test every six years is too much…

Cut 4 (11) “…in the 70s.”

McMakin says Louisiana has its share of bad drivers and requiring regular driving tests can result in fewer crashes…

Cut 5 (11) “…too high.”

Moore says requiring drivers who need to renew their license to watch a video that would contain basic rules of the road and tips on how to be a safer driver is a better solution…

Cut 6 (15) “.or anything.”

McMakin says he’ll look at revising his proposed legislation and bring it up for debate at a later date.

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Former LSU star Flau’jae Johnson was the eighth overall selection by the Golden State Valkyries in Monday night’s WNBA draft. Shortly after, Johnson was traded to the Seattle Storm in exchange for the draft rights to Marta Suarez and a 2028 second-round pick. Johnson says being drafted is a dream come true.

Cut 7 (14) “…go make an impact.”

Johnson immediately becomes a key piece for Seattle and is expected to see significant playing time right away. The former national champion knows the pressure that comes with being a WNBA rookie, but Johnson says she is confident that her skills will translate to the next level.

Cut 8 (10) “…is going to elevate.”

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The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved legislation that would prohibit the public from seeing how much student-athletes receive from a public university as part of a revenue sharing deal. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell, who has a nephew on the LSU football team, supports the legislation…

Cut 9 (08)  “…maturued.”

Attorney Scott Sternberg spoke in opposition to the legislation. He’s representing three media members in a lawsuit against LSU seeking information on the revenue share deals. Sternberg says these are public dollars going student-athletes and the public has the right to know how that money is being spent…

Cut 10 (09) “… might be interesting .”

But many lawmakers believe shielding the financials of a revenue sharing deal between a student and the university is best for their safety. Alexandria Representative Ed Larvadain…

Cut 11 (07) “…stalked”

A federal settlement involving a lawsuit against the NCAA gave universities the ability to pay athletes directly. The Public Affairs Research Council spoke in opposition. PAR president Steven Procopio says athletic departments now receive tax revenue from online gambling, so the taxpayer should have the right to know how the school spends it…

Cut 12 (09) “…to know.”

This bill has now been approved by two different House committees and heads to the House floor for more discussion.

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The father of a student was shot by his 13-year-old son in front of the Tangipahoa Alternative School in Hammond this morning. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says the father was dropping his son off at school, when his son refused to leave the vehicle. Bergeron says the father decided to take his son back home and that’s when he was shot…

Cut 13 (08) “…living room.”

Bergeron says after the father’s vehicle hit a home across the street, the armed 13-year-old started walking to the school, but the school resource officer acted quickly to disarm the teen

Cut 14 (06) “…take him into custody.”

The adult victim is in stable condition at a local hospital. The 13-year-old shooter was taken to a juvenile facility. And Bergeron is calling the school resource officer a hero for preventing more violence…

Cut 15 (12) “…may hold.”

Significant changes are happening at the University of New Orleans as the school prepares to move into the LSU System. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The House Appropriations Committee has a approved a budget for next fiscal year. Joe Gallinaro reports spending on education initiatives is a major priority…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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New English language arts standards have been approved for public schools to further reinforce the fundamentals of reading and writing. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A lot is happening behind the scenes at the University of New Orleans is preparing to move from the University of Louisiana System to the LSU System. One major change is the name of the school. University president Kathy Johnson says starting July 1^st, UNO will be known as LSU New Orleans…

Cut 4 (12) “…as well.”

The school is eliminating nine degree programs, five undergraduate programs, and four graduate programs. But Johnson says less than two percent of students will be affected, and faculty members will move to other programs.

But Johnson says the changes are intended to strengthen academic opportunity, not reduce them…

Cut 5 (09) “…get jobs.”

Johnson says some of the new programs under development include engineering management, hospitality and tourism, data science, and healthcare management.

She says one of the advantages of joining the LSU system is that it will expand the number and types of courses UNO can offer online…

Cut 6 (12) “…few weeks.”

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The House Appropriations Committee has approved an operating budget of 47 billion dollars for next fiscal year. Even though it’s a standstill budget, areas of state government will see an increase in funding. House Appropriations Chairman Jack McFarland says they are pouring more dollars into public schools…

Cut 7 (08) “…need to.”

There’s also a proposed increase in funding for K-through-12 public school tutoring services.

An additional 50-million dollars from the state general fund is also going to economic development projects. McFarland says it’s part of an effort to grow the state’s economy….

Cut 8 (12) “…community colleges.”

House legislative leadership is also going along with Governor Landry’s request to double the funding for the Louisiana Gator Scholarship program, from 44 million dollars to nearly 88-million dollars. McFarland says there is a desire for expanded school choice…

Cut 9 (09)  “…by the governor.”

Senate President Cameron Henry does not support increasing the funding for LA Gator. He’s concerned the voucher program that would help families pay for private school tuition and other educational expenses will become too costly. The budget bill will be discussed on the House floor on Thursday and then it goes to the Senate for its consideration.

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The Louisiana Department of Education says it’s strengthening English language arts in public schools to reinforce skills essential to help students read, write and communicate. State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the updated standards place a stronger emphasis on the science of reading so that students are confident, independent readers…

Cut 10 (08) “…along that path”

Brumley says students will continue to develop handwriting skills, including cursive, as part of a complete approach to literacy…

Cut 11 (07) “…important step.”

Brumley points out that many of the founding documents of our country are written in cursive.

He says another major focus of the updated English standards is grammar. Brumley says the standards reinforce progression in grammar, usage, and writing so students can communicate clearly in academic, professional and everyday settings…

Cut 12 (05) “…positive results.”

The revised standards will take effect in the 2027-28 school year. It’s the first time they’ve been updated since the 2015-16 school year.

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The document that finalized the Louisiana Purchase will be on display at the old State Capitol in Baton Rouge starting today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says this remarkable piece of history is on loan from the National Archives in Washington D-C as part of America’s 250^th anniversary celebration…

Cut 13 (09)  “..to see.”

Landry says the document is available for the public to see through July 11^th  in an exhibit called “Bought for a Song”….

Cut 14 (08) “…the document.”

To make an appointment go to louisianaoldstatecapitol.org.

The Louisiana Purchase resulted in the United States acquiring 828-thousand square miles of land from France in 1803, doubling the nation’s size for about three-cents an acre. The transaction is often described as “Bought for Song.”

Napoleon Bonaparte was the military dictator of France at the time and Landry says you can see his signature on this critical piece of American and Louisiana history…

Cut 15 (08) “…our history.”

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Louisiana Tech baseball has now won six straight games after sweeping Middle Tennessee this past weekend. Just two weeks ago, the Bulldogs had lost eight straight, but head coach Lane Burroughs says he is proud of how his team has turned things around recently.

Cut 16 (12) “…win the ballgame.”

Tech looks to make it seven straight tonight when it hosts Little Rock at 6 p.m.

Louisiana Tech only used seven pitchers out of the bullpen this weekend as the Bulldogs pen only gave up one run throughout the entire three-game series. Burroughs says he has plenty of options to choose from, which is a strength of the team.

Cut 17 (13)  “…before the season started.”

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Senior wide receiver Jayce Brown was one of nine wide receivers who chose to take his talents to Baton Rouge. Brown, who is rated as the No. 26 wide receiver in the portal according to 247Sports, says his decision to transfer to LSU came down to several factors, including the success Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. have had over the years.

Cut 18 (10)  “…for me to make.” 

Brown said practices at LSU under Kiffin have been much more intense than what he was used to, but he believes it will pay off in the long run.

Cut 19 (17) “…structurally”

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After missing most of the 2024 season, Zion Williamson appeared in 62 games this year, averaging 21 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Williamson still has two years remaining on his contract, and he says he has no intention of leaving New Orleans anytime soon.

Cut 20 (17) “…19-years-old.”

A poll on the 5^th District Republican Primary Congressional shows it’s a two-person race. Andre Champagne has the story…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

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Finally, some good news when it comes to gasoline prices. Jeff Palermo reports the price at the pump has dropped a few pennies since last week.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A poll paid for and conducted by the Rainey Center Freedom Project shows that the 5^th District Congressional Republican Primary is a two-person race between state representative Michael Echols and state senator Blake Miguez. Rainey Freedom Project director Russ Walker says the survey of nearly 900 likely voters, has Miguez receiving 23-percent of the vote and Echols getting 20-percent…

Cut 3 (11) “…Echols has.”

Twenty-two-percent of the respondents found Miguez unfavorable as compared to Echols who had the highest favorability rating and only 10-percent found him unfavorable. Walker says Miguez living outside of the 5^th District Congressional boundary hurts his campaign…

Cut 4 (12) “…single fact.”

Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds finished third in the poll at 10-percent, while Board of Regents Chairperson Misti Cordell is only receiving three-percent of the vote. Miguez has the endorsement of President Trump, but Walker says 45-percent of respondents said Trump’s endorsement is not important to their vote…

Cut 5 (06) “…as well.”

The 5th District Republican Primary is May 16th.

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A single-vehicle crash in Bossier Parish claimed the lives of 10-year-old Bella Cassell and 31-year-old Callie Durbin, both of Benton, and left another person injured on Saturday. State Trooper Eddie Thomas says the three were traveling on Merritt Road in a UTV driven by Cassell when the vehicle suddenly left the roadway and overturned.

Cut 6 (12) “..from the ranger..”

Durbin was pronounced dead at the scene, while Cassell was transported to a local hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The third juvenile passenger suffered moderate injuries.

Thomas says that the State Police are still investigating the crash.

Cut 7 (12) “…under investigation.”

All three passengers were not wearing seat belts or DOT-approved helmets and were ejected from the UTV after it overturned. Thomas encourages those who operate or ride in UTVs to significantly reduce their chances of injury or death by taking the proper safety measures to protect themselves.

Cut 8 (13) “…on your four-wheelers.”

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Gas prices are actually a few pennies cheaper compared to last week. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for regular gasoline is $3.76 a gallon, which is three cents cheaper than a week ago. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says despite the slight break, drivers are paying way more than they did last year…

Cut 9 (04)  “…last year.”

Redman says the statewide average a year ago was $2.79. But he says it’s good to see prices at the pump have leveled off for the first time since the war with Iran began on February 28th…

Cut 10 (06) “… that lasts .”

There is currently a two-week ceasefire, but a deal to end the war is not in place after 21 hours of negotiations over the weekend.  Redman says even if a long-term peace deal is reached soon, expect to pay high gas prices for the next several months…

Cut 11 (07) “…of the summer”

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The Pelicans closed out the 2025-26 season with a 132-126 loss to the Timberwolves on Sunday night. New Orleans finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 26-56 record, the third-worst mark in franchise history over an 82-game season. Interim head coach James Borrego, who took over in November and led the team to a 24-46 record, says the team made significant improvements this season under his leadership.

Cut 12 (13) “…long ways to go.”

The Pelicans will now begin the formal process of finding a new head coach, with Borrego among the candidates expected to be considered. Borrego says he has spoken with Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars about the season, but the two have not discussed the possibility of him returning. Borrego says that one of the reasons he believes he’s a strong fit for the job is his ability to connect with players.

Cut 13 (10) “…moving forward.”

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In Acadia Parish a seventeen-year-old lost his life when the ATV he was driving on Hwy 95 near Wikoff Cove Drive was struck from behind by an Audi Q7 Saturday around 8:00 pm.  State Police Trooper, Monique Laverne…

Cut 14 (10) “…in the crash.”

Impairment is not suspected but the accident is under investigation.

After a this kind of tragedy, Trooper Laverne says State Police want to remind the public that UTVs and ATVs are not allowed on roadways after dark and only allowed for farming activities during the day. She also says, wearing safety gear can save lives.

Cut 15 (05) “…proper safety gear.”

The full state House will soon hear a bill that aims to make it easier for people in Louisiana to cancel their unwanted subscriptions. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Landry establishes the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability within the Department of Health. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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Abita Brewing Company, a Louisiana success story, celebrates 40 years in business. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A bill that would make it easier to cancel unwanted subscriptions will soon be heard by the full House. The author of House Bill 750, Vincent Cox of Gretna, says the goal is to make it just as easy to cancel a subscription as it is to sign up for one. Cox says he’s been in close contact with industry leaders to fine-tune the bill.

Cut 4 (09) “…soften their concerns.”

Cox says when he brings the bill up, he will be presenting a series of amendments.

Cut 5 (05) “…of the bill.”

Cox says should his bill become law, it would make violations a civil matter and not a criminal matter, and damages would be nominal.

Cut 6 (09) “…500-dollar violation.”

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Governor Landry establishes the Office of Rural Health Transformation and Sustainability. Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says the goal is to make access to quality healthcare available to everyone, regardless of where in the state he or she lives.

Cut 7 (11) “…a rural area.”

Greenstein says one of the key priorities of the new office is to expand the healthcare workforce in rural areas.

Cut 8 (10) “…throughout the year.”

Greenstein says this new office goes beyond just the healthcare aspect, it also addresses things to improve the overall health of people living in rural areas.

Cut 9 (08)  “…in our communities.”

It’s all part of the state’s rural health transformation program, which is supported by more than 208-million dollars in federal funding.

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Abita Brewing Company, located 30 miles north of New Orleans, is celebrating its 40^th birthday this year. Abita President Troy Ashley says they are a great Louisiana growth story…

Cut 10 (12) “…the time”

Abita employs just over 100 people. Headquarters are in Covington and they also have a taproom in New Orleans.

Ashley says a big key to their success is their Louisiana roots and what Louisiana has to offer…

Cut 11 (11) “…helped us.”

The first two brews they produced were Abita Golden and Abita Amber, and in the first year, they produced 15-hundred barrels of beer. Now they have 17 year-round brews, several seasonal beers, plus craft sodas, hop water, and they’ve recently added ready-to-drink cocktails.

Cut 12 (12) “…stronger markets.”

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McNeese will introduce Bridget Martin as its new athletics director today after serving as the interim A-D following the departure of Heath Schroyer to LSU. Martin is a native of Lake Arthur and she’s worked at McNeese since 1990 when she was hired as a women’s basketball coach….

Cut 13 (09)  “…as it is today.”

Martin went into administration in 2001. She served as the department’s Senior Woman Administrator and NCAA Compliance Director. In 2023, she was promoted to Deputy AD. She’s McNeese’s first female AD and only the fourth in women’s history…

Cut 14 (15) “…to males.”

Martin takes over an athletic program that’s seeing success in several sports, especially in basketball. She says the resources are there to have a great athletic program on the FCS level.

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The Ragin Cajuns may have turned around their season as U-L Lafayette took two out of three from 10th-ranked Southern Miss. Coach Matt Deggs liked how his team played the last two days after losing the series opener…

Cut 15 (08) “…last two days.”

The Cajuns won the rubber game of the series on Sunday with a six-to-five victory. Parker Smith was the winning pitcher, and Cody Brasch threw three shutout innings for his fifth save. Deggs says Brasch is hard to hit when he’s on…

Cut 16 (14) “…hard to hit.”

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LSU scored seven runs in the seventh inning to erase a seven-run deficit, but the Tigers still lost eight to seven as they were swept by Ole Miss. Coach Jay Johnson’s team didn’t get a hit in the first six innings, but exploded in the seventh thanks to three consecutive home runs. But LSU could not handle a ground ball through the right side of the infield, which led to the go-ahead run scoring in the seventh…

Cut 17 (19)  “…cost us.”

LSU hosts Northwestern State on Tuesday night.

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LSU has crossed the halfway point of spring practice. Cornerback DJ Pickett is looking to improve on a freshman campaign that saw him lead the team with three interceptions. Pickett says the energy during the spring has been great…

Cut 18 (15)  “…are tired.” 

Pickett appeared in all 13 games last season and made three starts. He saw action on more than 500 defensive snaps on his way to receiving Freshman All-American honors. Pickett also had 37 tackles, three tackles for a loss and a sack.  Pickett says he had a pretty good freshman year, but believes he could’ve done better…

Cut 19 (14) “…every day.”

Pickett is learning from LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond. Pickett says Coach Raymond keeps him locked in…

Cut 20 (10) “…right now.”

The first long range forecast for the upcoming hurricane season is encouraging. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Fuel prices continue to climb, with no end in sight. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Colorado State University hurricane forecast team is predicting a somewhat below-average Atlantic hurricane season for 2026. Average season is 14 named storms, C-S-U is predicting 13. Researcher Chandler Jenkins says a robust El Nino is the primary factor for their prediction of 13 named storms…

Cut 3 (09) “…wind shear.”

Jenkins says the CSU team anticipates a moderate to strong Nino from August to October, which is the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season…

Cut 4 (08) “…in the Atlantic.”

Jenkins says six of the 13 named storms they are predicting are expected to be hurricanes and they anticipate two major hurricanes…

Cut 5 (06) “…forecast activity.”

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With fuel prices having a direct impact on the overall economy, analysts say we could be in for a very rough summer unless the war in Iran comes to an end very soon. According to Gas Buddy-dot-com, the current statewide average for regular unleaded gasoline is $3.78 a gallon, with diesel averaging $5.32 a gallon. Petroleum analyst Patrick DeHaan says we likely have not seen the worst of it.

Cut 6 (09) “…prices go higher.”

Oil prices did start to come down yesterday in light of the two-week ceasefire. DeHaan says because of that, gas stations have not started to buy cheaper gasoline yet to ease the pain at the pump.

Cut 7 (06) “…tanks just yet.”

The summer travel season is rapidly approaching; and DeHaan says if fuel prices continue to increase, that will have a devastating effect on summer travel, both by car and by airplane.

Cut 8 (06) “…in that regard.”

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The House Labor Committee voted against a bill today to increase the state’s minimum wage to $12 an hour starting on January 1^st. Business groups say a higher minimum wage will result in fewer jobs and higher costs that will be passed on to the consumer. Cofounder of Ten-thousand Women Melissa Flourney pointed out to the committee that 30 states have a higher minimum wage than $7.25…

Cut 9 (10)  “…leaving Arkansas.”

The measure failed on a seven to five vote. Slidell Representative Brian Glorioso voted against the measure, and he would rather see investments in workforce training…

Cut 10 (09) “…minimum wage”

Glorioso says increasing the minimum wage will not reduce poverty in Louisiana. He says if the state really wants to help out low-wage earners, provide them training to get a higher paying job…

Cut 11 (11) “…in a solution.”

The debate over raising the minimum wage is an annual one at the state capitol. Several other previous proposals failed to make it out of committee. Lafayette Representative Themi Chassion wants to see more action than just talking…

Cut 12 (06) “…real adjustment.”

Oak Grove basketball star Caroline Bradley has committed to play for Kim Mulkey and the LSU Lady Tigers. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A St. Landry Parish community is getting a long-overdue upgrade to its water system. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Five-star prospect and Oak Grove girls basketball star Caroline Bradley is staying home as the six-foot-five center commits to LSU. All of the elite programs were recruiting her, including UCLA and South Carolina. Bradley says the relationship she’s built with LSU coach Kim Mulkey played a major factor in her decision…

Cut 3 (12) “…it worked.”

Bradley made her announcement at a crawfish boil in front of hundreds of fans, family members, and teammates…

Cut 4 (14) “…is exciting.”

Bradley still has one more season at Oak Grove and will join the Lady Tigers for the 2027-28 season. According to ESPN, she’s ranked 3rd among the country’s Class of 2027 players.

The two-time All-State selection has scored 24-hundred points and grabbed 16-hundred rebounds during her high school career. She averaged 27 points and 17 rebounds a game this past season.

Bradley says she’s ecstatic to play for her home state, one of the biggest brands in college athletics…

Cut 5 (11) “…like Oak Grove.”

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It’s a new day in Melville as the St. Landry Parish community is overhauling its 60-year-old water system. The city’s outgoing water system was built on deteriorating pipes and a single overworked well, and Mayor Caretta Robertson says it was costing the town lots of money to keep it suitable for consumption.

Cut 6 (10) “…a long time.”

Mayor Robertson says in addition to more reliable water service, the overhaul will yield a much more fair billing system for residents and will prevent unauthorized usage.

Cut 7 (10) “…people would be.”

The project is being supported by a grant of more than four-million dollars from the USDA’s Rural Development Program. Robertson says she’s excited that the town will finally be getting a modern, safe water system.

Cut 8 (10) “…my words out.” (laughs)

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Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is once again advocating for the return of open primaries for all races in Louisiana. This year, races for U.S. House, U.S. Senate, state supreme court, public service commission and BESE went to closed primaries. Nungesser says closed primaries do not yield a representative government.

Cut 9 (12)  “…the general election.”

Nungesser says closed primaries generally have low turnouts, and those who do vote are usually the most hyper-partisan voters in either party, and that usually leaves general election voters with a choice of two extremists.

Nungesser points out that the member of Congress who will likely represent New Orleans in Washington starting next year will be someone who Republicans will not have an opportunity to vote for or against, thanks to the closed primary.

Cut 10 (06) “…happened to that?”

Troy Carter has drawn one primary challenger in the Democratic primary in Renada Collins, and no Republicans sought the seat. So thanks to the closed primary, only Democrats in the second district will decide who represents the district as a whole, while Republicans are completely shut out.

Nungesser says the vast majority of voters in Louisiana across all parties prefer the open primaries.

Cut 11 (07) “…want open primary.”

Nungesser says after this year’s closed primaries, he will work to return Louisiana to the open primary.

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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the remainder of spring football. But Coach Lane Kiffin says it was expected. Kiffin says Leavitt had pins removed from his surgically repaired right foot and they knew that procedure would take place during spring football…

Cut 12 (07) “…opportunities.”

Elon transfer Landen Clark has been taking the snaps with the first team, while former UCS QB Husan Longstreet has been working mostly with the second team.

Leavitt only played in six games for Arizona State last season because of a Lisfranc ligament injury that required season ending surgery. He participated in the first six practices of spring practice and Kiffin is not worried about Leavitt missing the rest of the spring…

Cut 13 (12) “…summer.”

Ole Miss won most of its games last season with Trinidad Chambliss as their quarterback. He was a late addition to the roster after transferring in from Ferris State.

Leavitt is now on crutches following Monday’s minor procedure. Kiffin is encouraged by the work Leavitt has been able to get in…

Cut 14 (06) “…procedure.”

LSU’s Cade Arrambide makes history, becoming the first player in school history to hit four home runs in a game. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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A 17-year-old lost his life swimming in waters near Grand Isle beach. Jeff Palermo has the story

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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History was made in LSU’s wild come from behind win over Tennessee on Sunday. Sophomore Cade Arrambide became first player in school history to hit four home runs in one game as the Tigers defeated the Volunteers 16 to 6 in 12 innings. LSU Baseball Sports Information Director Bill Franques says it’s a rare accomplishment….

Cut 3 (10) “…in a game.”

Arrambide’s fourth home run of the day was a grand slam that ignited a ten-run, 12th inning.

LSU trailed 5 to nothing in the fifth inning. Arrambide hit solo home runs in the fifth and seventh innings to draw the Tigers closer. Arrrambide’s solo blast in the 11^th inning gave LSU a brief lead and then his grand slam in the 12^th inning put the game away. Franques says it was fun to see in person…

Cut 4 (05) “…for the Tigers.”

LSU has won five of its last six and in four of those victories the Tigers had to come back from huge deficits to win. Franques says it’s been exciting to watch this LSU team never give up…

Cut 5 (06) “…okay too.”

LSU hosts the top team in the SWAC tomorrow night, the Bethune Cookman Wildcats, and then it’s back on the road to take on Ole Miss.

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New episodes of the travel series LA 64 premiere on Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight at eight. Executive Producer Linda Midgett says tonight’s episode takes us to St. Martin Parish, where viewers will be in for a musical treat.

Cut 6 (12) “…viewers will recognize.”

As the name of the series suggests, LA64 will spotlight all 64 parishes over the course of five seasons, focusing on places less traveled. Midgett says every parish has its own personality.

Cut 7 (10) “…personalities come out.”

Midgett says the show will go to seven additional parishes between now and the end of May, when the current season wraps up.

Cut 8 (07) “…Beauregard and DeSoto.”

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A manhunt is on for a man who investigators say shot and killed his mother and grandmother during an argument last night. St. Bernard Parish Sheriff James Pohlmann says 22-year-old Lee Collins the Third shot 75-year-old Mary Major and 55-year-old Trenelle Collins. 

Cut 9 (08)  “…like this happens.”

The two women died of their injuries at a hospital. Sheriff Pohlmann says Lee Collins also shot at someone else inside the home.

Cut 10 (08) “…but he missed.”

Pohlmann says what’s especially baffling is that Collins has never been in trouble with the law before.

Cut 11 (10) “…at this level.”

Investigators say Collins drove off in a flatbed truck, and he likely fled into Mississippi last night.

Those of you heading into or out of Lafayette on I-49, give yourself a little more time to get through starting today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Three weeks into the legislative session and there have not been any substantive pieces of legislation making its way through capitol. Jeanne Burns has an explanation…

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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An alleged drunk driver crashed into more than a dozen people watching a parade in Iberia Parish on Saturday. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Those of you headed into or out of Lafayette on I-49, be prepared for potential construction delays starting today. That’s because DOTD is beginning a major preservation project along a nearly nine-mile stretch from I-10 to the St. Landry Parish line. Deidra Druilhet (drool-YET) with DOTD says the work will entail pavement patching and concrete overlays – not only on the mainlanes, but also on the ramps.

Cut 4 (09) “…their particular destination.”

Druilhet says most of the work will be done during the overnight hours.

Cut 5 (12) “…be at night.”

Druilhet says the parts of the project that would present the biggest disruptions would be reserved for the weekends, when volume won’t be nearly as heavy.

Cut 6 (13) “…the entire weekend.”

The 43-million-dollar project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2027.

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A Denham Springs representative is asking the LHSAA to make dance, cheer and lacrosse sanctioned high school sports under its authority. Republican Roger Wilder’s resolution passed in the House Education Committee unanimously and heads to the full House for further discussion. Wilder told the committee he was alerted to the issue by a constituent.

Cut 7 (11) “…concerns for me.”

Wilder says he especially noted how hazardous cheerleading can be, given the routines they do on hard surfaces.

Cut 8 (07) “…that right now.”

Wilder says by placing cheerleading under LHSAA authority, along with dance and lacrosse, there could be safety protocols in place to protect the participants.

Cut 9 (07)  “…and safety requirements.”

Unlike a bill, a resolution is non-binding. This one is a concurrent resolution, which means if it passes in the House, it will move to the Senate for its approval.

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Three weeks into the legislative session and it’s quiet when it comes to debate on significant legislation and that might be design. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the Landry administration is not pushing any significant legislation after doing a lot of heavy lifting in his first two years in office…

Cut 10 (12) “…reform legislation”

Pinsonat says the Landry Administration is not interested in rocking the boat with the governor set to run for re-election next year…

Cut 11 (12) “…we are delivering.”

Pinsonat says the most emotional debate of the legislative session so far was over a bill to prohibit the use of eminent domain for carbon capture and sequestration projects. Pinsonat says legislative leaders have made sure that and other controversial bills make it out of committee…

Cut 12 (11) “…insurance reform.”

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A new AARP report finds that 900-thousand Louisianans are caregivers for adults, including older parents, spouses, neighbors and other loved ones. Director of Advocacy at AARP Louisiana, Andrew Muhl, says the Louisiana Legislature should do more to help these adults provide long-term care…

Cut 13 (11)  “..cost effective.”

Muhl says 20-percent of long-term Medicaid dollars goes towards services so an individual can live at home, while 80-percent goes to nursing homes. He says AARP is advocating for that ratio to be more like 40-60 so more family caregivers can receive state assistance to keep their loved ones at home…

Cut 14 (10) “…could appropriate.”

AARP is advocating that the state provides an additional 750 waivers so families can take advantage of home and community-based services. Muhl says there are 12-thousand individuals on a waiting list seeking this state assistance…

Cut 15 (11) “…living at home.”

It costs 85-thousand dollars for an individual to live in a nursing home, while home care is 40-thousand dollars.

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LSU senior safety Ty Benefield was one of the most sought-after defensive backs in the transfer portal as he was rated as the No. 2 safety. Benefield says his decision to choose the Tigers ultimately came down to a gut feeling.

Cut 16 (17) “…feeling in my heart.”

Before visiting Baton Rouge, Benefield had never stepped foot in Louisiana. The Irvine, California, native says the move to the South has been a drastic but rewarding change.

Cut 17 (18)  “…it’s amazing, it’s cool.”

Through two weeks of spring practice, Benefield says the intensity of his new defensive coordinator, Blake Baker, has stood out.

Cut 18 (16)  “…all the coaches are.” 

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ULM football is two weeks into spring practice, and an ongoing quarterback battle is taking shape. Aidan Armenta, Landon Graves and Houston transfer Austin Carlisle are just a few players competing for the starting job. Head coach Bryant Vincent says it’s one of the best quarterback rooms he’s had during his time in Monroe.

Cut 19 (21) “…great days, too, also.”

Vincent says this year’s team has been a very competitive one so far.

Cut 20 (20) “…that it’s going.”

As we move into the second quarter of 2026, the vast majority of the state is excessively dry. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The U-S Attorney’s office has charged two young men from Columbia with arson after they burned down the only Catholic church in Caldwell Parish. Joe Gallinaro has the story…

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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As the calendar has flipped to April, Louisiana is very dry – too dry, in fact. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor shows that more than 80-percent of Louisiana is in a drought, with one-fourth of the state in Extreme Drought. Much of the state is expecting one to two inches of rain over the next seven days, but State Climatologist Jay Grymes says that will not be enough to get the state out of the drought.

Cut 3 (12) “…soils moistened up.”

Grymes says Louisiana will need a lot more sustained rainfall to get out of the drought.

Cut 4 (10) “…so to speak.”

Burn bans are in effect in nine parishes, mostly in north-central Louisiana including Lincoln and Natchitoches parishes. Grymes says even if there’s no burn ban in your community, use extreme caution before doing any outdoor burning.

Cut 5 (10) “…the windier days.”

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The Louisiana House approves legislation requiring the Secretary of State to annually cross-reference voter information with a federal database to make sure that every registered voter in Louisiana is a U-S citizen. New Iberia Representative Beau Beaullieu is the author the legislation…

Cut 6 (06) “…illegal vote.”

Secretary of State Nancy Landry says Louisiana recently ran voter data through what is known as the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements and they found 403 noncitizens on Louisiana’s voter rolls. The legislation will require the Secretary of State to do this cross-reference annually.

This bill passed on a 74-29 vote. Democrats oppose the measure over concerns the proposal will disenfranchise voters. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says this legislation is another way to check a person’s immigration records, which could result in a legal citizen not voting…

Cut 7 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Baton Rouge Representative Edmond Jordan says Louisiana already has a strong record when it comes to election integrity and this proposal might violate a citizens’ constitutional rights sharing their private information. Beaullieu responded to Jordan’s line of questioning…

Cut 8 (07) “..,agree with that”

Newell informed House members that 25-percent of naturalized citizens in certain counties in Texas were marked ineligible to vote, because the database did not have accurate information…

Cut 9 (09)  “…database.”

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Louisiana Tech launches a new partnership with the Air Force Sustainment Center to create a pipeline for graduates to contribute to the Air Force Civilian Service in sustainment and logistics readiness. Louisiana Tech President Dr. Jim Henderson says the Air Force Sustainment Center’s main goal is to ensure that warfighters are prepared to deliver their mission.

Cut 10 (10) “…to come by.”

Dr. Henderson says the partnership will allow students to work closely with a portion of the Sustainment Center’s nine-thousand member workforce.

Cut 11 (07) “…and the military.”

Henderson says even if graduates don’t pursue a career with the military as civilians, the experience they get at the Air Force Sustainment Center opens them up to other careers which are prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 12 (13) “…the job market.”