Some of Louisiana’s favorite Easter treats are back on the shelves this year after supply chain disruptions limited the beloved confectionaries. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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BESE is requesting the state legislature to provide additional dollars to fund security on school campuses. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Big news for Central Louisiana: a huge rare metals extraction plant coming to Alexandria in the next few years. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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After limited supplies last year, Heavenly Hash Eggs are back, and Elmer Chocolate CEO Rob Nelson says it’s just in time to mark the beloved treat’s 100^th anniversary. Corn starch supply chain disruptions last year kept them from making all three versions of the angelic candy.

Cut 4 (10)  “…dark is back.”

He says they are hoping Strawberry Heavenly Hash will return next year. They began making the Strawberry version when the company relocated to Ponchatoula in 1970, the Strawberry capital of the world.

Nelson says last year they received hundreds of phone calls daily wanting to know why all three versions of Heavenly Hash were not in stores.

Cut 5 (06) “…selling out.”

It was a New Orleans Canal Street confectionary that invented Heavenly Hash in the early 1900s. And in 1923, Nelson says the Elmer family purchased the recipe and trademark.

Cut 6 (07)  “…hard to believe.”

Nelson says they begin preparing to create Heavenly Hash, the Gold Brick and Pecan eggs as early as January for Easter.

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BESE is calling on the state legislature to appropriate funding for trained school resource officers in all public schools to increase security. District 4 Member Michael Melerine says he raised the issue last year following the Uvalde-Texas school shooting and is revisiting it after the Nashville school mass shooting hit close to home.

Cut 7 (12) “…by it.”

Melerine says officers should be certified by a nationally accredited school resource officer program or a state training program. He says providing a safe and secure environment for all students and educators is a priority.

Cut 8 (11) “…it really.”

A survey of Louisiana schools following the 2022 Louisiana School Safety Summit – a conference for system leaders, law enforcement, and other agencies to discuss school safety and emergency preparedness – indicated approximately 67 percent (of 73 percent of schools responding) currently have a school resource officer. Melerine says the Board is committed to protecting our schools.

Cut 9 (08)  “…school system.”

The Board also requested that school systems annually report the total number of school resource officers to the Louisiana Department of Education.

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Rare metals giant UCore will invest $ 75 million to make North America’s first rare earth metals separation and purification facility, and it will be in Rapides Parish. UCore V.P. and Chief Operating Officer Mike Schrider says the plant will extract the key elements used in making electric vehicle motors, wind turbines, and numerous consumer goods. He says the raw ores will arrive via the port of New Orleans…:

Cut 10 (11) “…other elements eventually.” 

When up and running the project should mean about 100 new direct jobs, with pay of $50-k or more annually. Nearly 300 indirect jobs will also result from the project. Schrider says UCore will make use of an existing 81-thousand-square-foot structure, located at England Airpark. He says the facility can be easily modified for optimal production capability…:

Cut 11 (10)  “…particular building.”

The UCore commitment is a major economic development for Louisiana, but especially for Central Louisiana. Schrider credit the cooperation of Louisiana Economic Development’s Fast Start program and local officials for helping make the plan a reality. He says it’s a big step in moving away from internal combustion cars & trucks…:

Cut 12 (12)  “…make those vehicles.”

Schrider expects operations to start in early 2025, and the plant to be fully operational by 2027.

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The biggest crawfish weekend of the season is upon us and there’s plenty to rejoice about when it comes to mudbugs this year and Easter weekend. Crawfish App co-founder Laney King says today, and Sunday are two of the busiest days of the year for crawfish sales.

Cut 13 (10) “…last Easter.” 

You can find boiled crawfish this weekend for an average of $4.75 a pound and live will run you $2.59 a pound. And you might even be able to beat those prices by using the Crawfish App for the lowest price nearby.

And for the Super Bowl weekend of crawfish, King says prices on average are the same as last weekend.

Cut 14 (10)  “…this week.”

So, if crawfish boil is on your agenda this weekend, King says to expect to pay between $60 to $75 a sack for medium to large size crawfish.

Cut 15 (09)  “…a sack.”

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The LSU football team is just over halfway through their spring practice schedule and Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock says his group is making strides towards becoming one of the best in the SEC. With nearly all of its starting core returning, the Tigers offense should be a strength for the team ahead of the 2023 season. In his second season in Baton Rouge, Denbrock says he’ll hope to build on the progress his offense made last year

Cut  16 (19)  “..really elite.” 

Headlining the Tigers offense is returning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels threw for nearly 3,000 yards and 17 touchdowns last season and was 4th in the nation with only three interceptions, but the coaching staff has urged him to take more chances down the field. Denbrock says they’ve focused on creating a more explosive offense this spring…

Cut 17 (18) “…quarterback position” 

Freshman Tight End Mason Taylor will hope to improve on an impressive first year in Baton Rouge next year. Taylor led the team’s tight ends with 38 catches for over 400 yards and three touchdowns and solidified himself as a top receiving option. Denbrock says another season with the program, especially in the weight room, will help to expand his role in the offense…

Cut 18 (19) “…run game”

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The Pelicans host the Knicks in their last home game of the season tonight. After starting 2023 at the top of the Western Conference, the Pels have struggled without Zion Williamson but made a late-season push to fight for a spot in the postseason. Things seem to be clicking again as forward Brandon Ingram is playing some of the best basketball of his career averaging nearly 30 points a game over that span. Locked on Pelicans Podcast Host Jake Madison says B.I.’s playmaking has helped to elevate the entire team…

Cut 19 (19) “…good results.”

CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy, and Herb Jones all scored over thirty while Ingram tallied 13 assists in New Orleans’ last win over the Grizzlies.

With Just two games left in the season, the Pelicans are tied for 7th in the West with the Lakers and a game behind the Warriors and Clippers and an automatic playoff bid. Madison says it would take some luck to make it to the six-seed but can still improve from last year…

Cut 20 (19)  “…very high.”  

The worst the Pels can finish is ninth. Tip-off against New York is at 7:00

A Sulphur man is accused of burglarizing a home dressed as a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a woman accused her of beating up her 85-year-old grandmother. 20-year-old Cecile Anne Lee allegedly struck the victim multiple times with a heavy-duty wooden back scratcher and a picture frame, then vandalized the residence and damaged the victim’s phone in order to keep her from contacting first responders. Lee faces charges of battery, cruelty to the infirm, and more.

A 33-year-old man from Terrebonne Parish has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Nick Pepper, who died Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his patrol unit during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the suspect, Anthony Savoie, of Bourg, now faces a list of serious charges …:

CUT 13(05)      “…police officer.”

Pepper leaves behind a wife and 3 kids.

The rain will stick around for a few days as we head into Easter weekend, a stationary front is keeping showers from moving OUT of the area. A flash flood watch is now in effect until 7 Friday night for western and northwestern Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the chance for severe weather for us has lessened…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…south Louisiana.” 

Fingers crossed the rain that the rain will exit in time for Easter.

You’ll want to keep your water-resistant garments handy – the entire state will most likely have rain, today, tomorrow, and Saturday. State climatologist Barry Keim says any outside activities planned should be postponed.

Cut 3 (10) “…clearly rain.”

Keim says by Sunday the front should be exiting the state – just in time for Easter.

Acadia Parish Deputies have arrested a Sulphur man impersonating a Calcasieu Parish Deputy after a home invasion. 33-year-old Adam Creel forcibly entered a home, handcuffed the homeowner, and stole several items before fleeing. Acadia Sheriff KP Gibson says help from local residents led to the swift arrest in this case.

Cut 6 (11)  “..these farmers.” 

Deputies are working to identify if other persons were possibly involved.

A survey by Global Strategy Group on behalf of Restore the Mississippi River Deltas shows support for coastal restoration is growing. Campaign director Simone Maloz says the state has lost nearly 2,000 square miles of coastal wetlands And 80 percent of respondents are in favor of sediment diversions.

Cut 10 (09) “…of that.” 

The state will be expected to lose 4,000 more square miles in the next 50 years without restoration projects.

A 33-year-old man from Terrebonne Parish has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy. Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper died last Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the suspect, 33-year-old Anthony Savoie of Bourg, was in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Cut 12 (09) “…on the charges” 

The Terrebonne Parish District Attorney’s Office will handle the criminal proceedings.

You’ll need to keep an umbrella handy as we go into Easter weekend, as a stationary front keeps rain over the state for another couple days. State Climatologist Barry Keim says, because the front is such a slow-mover, it brings less chance of severe weather with it, but it will be a big rainmaker. The good news, is it should move on by Easter Sunday…:

CUT 05(11)      “…big surprise.”

A Sulphur man is under arrest for allegedly burglarizing an Acadia Parish home, while disguised as a Calcasieu Parish deputy. Acadia Sheriff K.P. Gibson says 33-year-old Adam Creel detained the homeowner with cuffs, then rummaged through his stuff. He credits the help of residents in making the bust…:

CUT 08(13)      “…always have.”

Creel faces a list of charges.

Three young adults were killed in a single vehicle wreck in West Monroe during the overnight hours. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says deputies responded to the scene on Old Highway 15 in West Monroe…:

CUT 14(10)      “…into a tree.”

Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene; all between 22 and 24 years of age.

An arrest is made in Sunday’s vehicular homicide death of a Lafourche Parish sheriff’s deputy, Sgt. Nick Pepper. State Police Trooper Tom Gossen says 33-year-old Anthony Savoie rammed Pepper’s vehicle while trying to escape lawmen…and now faces many charges…:

CUT 13  (05)        “…police officer.”

Pepper was buried Wednesday. He leaves behind a wife and 3 kids.

We have some wet weather ahead, as we head into Easter weekend, as a stationary front keeps showers from moving OUT of the area. A flash flood watch is now in effect until 7 Friday night for western and northwestern Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the chance for severe weather for us has lessened…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…south Louisiana.”

The rain should move out for Easter Sunday.

Three young adults were killed in a single vehicle crash in West Monroe last night. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s spokesman Glenn Springfield says the vehicle went off the road and crashed into a tree. He says the weather may have been a factor…:

CUT 15(05)      “…of the investigation.”

The victims are identified as 23-year-old Keiara McCraw, 24-year-old Annesha Coleman and 22-year-old Anija Coleman.

Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s deputies have arrested a woman and accused her of beating up her 85-year-old grandmother. 20-year-old Cecile Anne Lee allegedly struck the victim multiple times with a heavy duty wooden back scratcher and a picture frame, then vandalized the residence and damaged the victim’s phone in order to keep her from contacting first responders. Lee faces charges of battery, cruelty to the infirm and more.

Public support for coastal restoration projects is growing. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Thorington.”

A Sulphur man is accused of burglarizing a home dressed as a Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s deputy. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

A flood watch is in effect until 7 tonight for parishes in the Toledo Bend area of western Louisiana and most all of northwest Louisiana. Forecasters predict up to 5 inches of rain between now and Saturday evening. Some thunderstorms could be heavy or severe. Stay tuned for further watches and/or warnings.

A 33-year-old man from Terrebonne Parish has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Sergeant Nick Pepper, who died last Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his patrol unit during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says the suspect, 33-year-old Anthony Savoie, of Bourg, now faces a list of serious charges …:

CUT 13(05)      “…police officer.”

Pepper leaves behind a wife and 3 kids.

Support for coastal restoration is growing in Louisiana according to a Global Strategy Group survey on behalf of Restore the Mississippi River Delta. Campaign director Simone Maloz says the survey indicates 73 percent of respondents support their efforts, that’s up from 68 percent in 2021…:

CUT 09(12)      “…the future.”

For almost the last century, Louisiana has lost nearly 2,000 square miles of coastal wetlands, and 4,000 more square miles are predicted in the next 50 years if nothing is done.

A Terrebonne Parish man has been arrested and charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy on Sunday. 33-year-old Anthony Savoie rammed his vehicle into Sergeant Nicholas Pepper’s unit during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Savoie of Bourg has been in the hospital recovering from his injuries.

Cut 12 (09) “…on the charges” 

Savoie faces several charges, including first-degree murder of a police officer.

Make sure to grab your rain gear as we approach the Easter holiday – wet weather is in the forecast lasting through Saturday. State climatologist Barry Keim says if you have made outdoor plans during the Easter weekend, you will need to make adjustments.

Cut 3 (10) “…clearly rain.”

A flash flood watch is in effect for northwest Louisiana until 7 o’clock Friday evening.

Three young adults were killed in a single-vehicle wreck in West Monroe during the overnight hours. Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Glenn Springfield says deputies responded to the scene in the 100 block of Ole Highway 15 in West Monroe…

Cut 14 (10)  “…into a tree.”

The three victims were found deceased in the vehicle.

Acadia Parish deputies arrested a Sulphur man in connection to a home invasion robbery in the Branch community Tuesday morning with assistance from local residents. Acadia Parish Sheriff KP Gibson says 33-year-old, Adam Creel forcefully entered the unnamed victim’s residence wearing law enforcement credentials from another parish that were reported stolen.

Cut 7 (08)  “…of charges.” 

Creel was charged with numerous charges including home invasion, and impersonation of a law enforcement officer.

The use of corporal punishment in public schools is the topic of a proposed bill filed for the upcoming legislative session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Three 17-year-olds of St. Martin Parish were arrested in connection to unrelated bomb threats at two area high schools last month. In all three incidents, the threats were written on bathroom walls. The teens were booked and released to the custody of their parents.

Acadia Parish deputies arrested a Sulphur man in connection to a home invasion robbery in the Branch community Tuesday morning with assistance from local residents. Authorities received a call of a suspicious person running in a field and were led to an area off Branch Highway near White Oak Highway. Acadia Parish Sheriff KP Gibson says within minutes officers were on the scene.

Cut 6 (09)  “…an individual.” 

Creel was charged with numerous charges including home invasion.

Tulane University researchers released a study that finds a connection between getting sick with a cold or flu often and how it impacts the risk of dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.  Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery, Liz Engler-Chiurazzi says the study showed aging male mice who experienced sporadic colds or flu often had impaired cognition.

Cut 10 (07) “…to communicate” 

Engler-Chiuarazzi says  it’s important to stay healthy and infection-free as possible.

A 33-year-old Anthony Savoie of Bourg has been charged in the death of a Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Deputy. Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper died Sunday when a vehicle rammed into his rig during a police chase in Thibodaux. State Trooper Thomas Gossen says Savoie was recovering from his injuries.

Cut 12 (09) “…on the charges” 

Among his charges is first-degree murder of a police officer.

A new poll shows crime is the top concern for Louisiana voters. The JMC Analytics poll for the Justice Action Network shows 40 percent of respondents are more worried about crime than issues like the economy. Pollster John Couvillon says on the surface it seems obvious, but there is another takeaway from the results.

Cut 4 (10)  “…punishment is warranted.”

Metairie Rep Stephanie Hilferty wants K-12 schools to adopt a policy that if they use corporal punishment, they must have parental permission. Even though Hilferty believes corporal punishment should be discontinued altogether, she wants parents to have a voice in school systems that still allow it.

Cut 9 (11)  “…child’s behavior.

Governor Edwards continues to advocate for teacher pay raises, so they’ll reach the southern regional average. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says but some lawmakers are concerned the raises won’t be sustainable when a sale tax is repealed in 2025.

Cut 14 (10)  “…part too.”

The 2023 regular session begins Monday.

A new poll of Louisiana voters shows their biggest concern right now is with crime. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

On the same day that Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office Detective Sergeant Nicholas Pepper was laid to rest, State Police announced charges against the man responsible for his death. 33-year-old Anthony Savoie of Bourg has been charged with first degree murder of a police officer. Authorities say Savoie slammed his vehicle into Pepper’s unit killing the deputy.

The Southern Regional Average for teacher pay is 56-thousand dollars. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin says Louisiana ranks 12th out of the 16 states in the southern region with average pay of 53-thousand dollars. Erwin says in the upcoming legislative session, Governor Edwards is seeking a teacher pay raise as high as three-thousand dollars….
cut 15 (07) “…..southern average”

A new study involving researchers at Tulane say its possible getting sick often can accelerate cognitive decline and potentially increase the risk for dementia. Assistant professor of neurosurgery, Doctor Liz Engler-Chiurazzi says new research conducted with mice found higher rates of inflammation caused impaired cognition. She says the findings may have important implications for standard of care around how infections are handled…
cut 12 (08) “….more aggressively”