Today is the deadline to file federal taxes. Some taxpayers have requested or will need to file an extension. Metairie CPA John Theriot says if you do need an extension, whatever you owe the federal government needs to be sent to Uncle Sam today…
cut 8 (09) “….penalties and interest”
Theriot also encourages taxpayers to file electronically and send your payment electronically.

A state senator in St. Tammany Parish is leading the effort to increase the pay for school bus drivers. Covington Senator Patrick McMath voted against similiar legislation last year, but he’s been enlightened about how the low pay rate is adversely impacting school bus drivers. McMath is a father of four and understands the importance of school bus drivers…
cut 15 (05) “….in a pickle”
McMath’s measure to give school bus drivers a pay raise will be heard by Senate Finance today.

At the State Capitol today, the House Appropriations Committee is expected to approve a spending plan for next fiscal year. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the state’s unemployment rate is 4-point-two percent, the lowest it’s been for March in 14 years. But employers are still in search of workers. Could inflation bring retirees back, economist Loren Scott says it hasn’t happened yet…
cut 11 (04) “….unemployment rate”

Today is the deadline to file your federal tax return. If you’ve been waiting until the last minute, you’re not alone. Metairie CPA John Theriot has advice if you are one of the 43 million Americans who procrastinate.
Cut 7 (09) “…file an extension.”
Theriot reminds you that an extension doesn’t give you an extension to pay, if you owe the federal government that payment needs to be made today.

According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the unemployment rate for March in Louisiana reached its lowest point in 14 years at 4.2-percent. But economist Loren Scott says many employers continue to need employees.
Cut 10 (07) “…in April of ’20.”
Scott says some workers are reluctant to return to a work environment because of COVID, and for others, it’s a lack of affordable childcare.

A state senator is looking to increase the pay for Louisaina bus drivers. Brooke Thorington has more…
cut 3 (34) “….I’m Brooke Thorington”

State Police arrest a 60-year-old New Orleans area man for negligent homicide, after finding he was looking at his cellphone when he crashed into the scene of an accident that had already happened. Manuel Llorens was checking a text, and hit the drivers of both cars as they exchanged insurance info on the Interstate 10 roadside. One was killed, the other badly hurt. State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says avoid ANY form of distraction while behind the wheel – even eating…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…the roadway”

A West Monroe elementary school is making some changes after a parent complained that kids were being required to pray in class. The parent contacted the Freedom from Religion Foundation, who sent an angry letter to the Ouachita School system. Apparently kids were being asked to recite a prayer after the Pledge of Allegiance. The U.S. Supreme court ruled years ago that school cannot do that. The superintendent says it has already been stopped.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced today that five homeowner’s insurance providers are facing fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars based on their business practices in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…:

CUT 12 (08)     “…improper activities”

Activities like slow-walking claims settlements so much that customers had to hire lawyers in order to get satisfaction. The companies fined are United Property & Casualty, GeoVera, FedNat, Maison, and Allied Trust.

As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter…:

CUT 05(11)      “…a lot of people.”

Best wishes for the holiday.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

A Baton Rouge family is mourning the loss of their three-year-old child; shot in the head Tuesday night as he slept, by a stray bullet that pierced the wall of the house. While police seek the culprit in little Devin Page’s death, LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal steps up and says he will pay for all funeral expenses for the boy.

Police in Shreveport are investigating an apparent murder-suicide that happened late Thursday night. SPD says they responded to a “shots fired” call to find 47-year-old Angie Anders in a vehicle in the driveway; suffering one of more gunshots. She later died at a local hospital. Inside the home they found the body of 58-year-old William Cherry, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot. Cherry was known to have a history of violent acts against women.

Before the broke for the Easter Weekend, the full Senate passed a bill that would allow retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their retirement benefits. Bill sponsor and Baton Rouge Democrat Senator Cleo Fields says the bill is help with a statewide teacher shortage…:

CUT 09(12)      “…department of education”

Right now Louisiana is shy about 2500 certified public school teachers. That bill now moves to the House Education Committee for review.

Before breaking for the Easter weekend, the Louisiana Senate passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

A House Committee has approved a bill allowing citizens over 21, with no felony criminal record, to carry a concealed weapon without a permit. The so-called “Constitutional Carry” bill now goes to the House floor. A similar bill was passed last year, but vetoed by the Governor. A subsequent attempt to override the veto failed.

A 60-year-old New Orleans area man is under arrest for negligent homicide, for a February car crash in Jefferson Parish that killed one person and crippled a second. State Police say Manuel Llorens was looking at his cellphone, when he slammed into two stopped cars that had been in a fender bender. Both those drivers were standing outside their vehicles at the time. LSP Trooper Kate Stegall says this is a good lesson about distracted driving…:

CUT 07(11)      “…your eyes closed.”

After two years of COVID pandemic restrictions, many are looking forward to traditional Easter holiday activities … like crawfish boils, picnics and of course church services. LSU’s Chair of Religious studies Dr. Mike Pasquier says this will help get back a sense of normalcy…:

CUT 03(07)      “…two years.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says five homeowners’ insurance providers are facing fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars due to 44 instances of noncompliant practices from the last two hurricane seasons. All five had a common thread of noncompliance.

Cut 13 (12) “…they had suffered.”

State police arrest a 60-year-old man for negligent homicide because he was distracted by his phone and crashed. Trooper Kate Stegall says it happened February 27^th at an I-10 exit in Metairie. She says the victims were outside their cars discussing a crash between their vehicles when Manuel Llorens approached.

Cut 6  (08) “…occurred.” 

The full Senate approves a bill to allow certified teachers who retired before July 1, 2020, to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage…

Cut 9 (12) “..department of education”

The state is short about 25-hundred certified public-school teachers.

Two years of COVID restrictions, many folks are happy to get out and enjoy Easter Sunday church services again this year.  LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says the feeling of a return to normalcy is most welcome…:

Cut 5  (11) “…joy to a lot of people.”

The Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

This is our first Easter weekend without social restrictions since the pandemic started in 2020. LSU Chair of Religious studies Dr. Mike Pasquier…:

CUT 03  (07)        “…two years.”

State Police arrest a 60-year-old man for a terrible February crash on I-10 in Metairie that killed one and seriously injured another. Trooper Kate Stegall says Manuel Llorens was looking at his cellphone when he slammed into two vehicles already stopped due to a fender bender. Trooper Stegall says we should avoid using phones or ANY distractions while driving – even eating…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…the roadway.”

The crash took the life of 49-year-old Chad James of Thibodaux.

Look out for some possibly rough weather over the Easter weekend. Chances for showers and thunderstorms Saturday and Sunday are pretty good, so be prepared.

And speaking of prepared, have you prepared your 2021 federal income taxes? Because today is a Good Friday, the April 15^th deadline is pushed back to Monday, the 18^th, at midnight.

New Orleans Police say a carjacker is recovering from a gunshot, after his intended victim shot HIM in the neck. The 48-year-old man says, when the armed suspects approached him last night & demanded his car, he threw his keys, took cover and drew his own gun; firing one shot. The other suspect fled on foot.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon cracks down on negligent providers following 2020 hurricanes. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(35)      “…David Grubb.”

The full Senate passes a bill that would allow certified-but-retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their state retirement benefits. Senate Education Chairman Cleo Fields says he’s trying to alleviate a teacher shortage. Bossier City Republican Senator Barrow Peacock successfully amended the bill so that colleges can also re-hire retired nursing instructors with at least 30 years of service…:

CUT 11(09)      “…health care too.”

After being restricted by the COVID pandemic for two straight years, many folks are happy to get out and enjoy Easter Sunday church services again this year.  LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says the feeling of a return to normalcy is most welcome…:

CUT 05(11)      “…to a lot of people.”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces five homeowner’s insurance providers now face fines of more than three-quarters of a million dollars, based on their business practices in the aftermath of hurricanes Laura, Delta, and Zeta…:

CUT 12(08)      “…improper activities.”

Donelon says the five companies so badly slow-walked claims that many customers had to hire a lawyer to get satisfaction. They are Union Property & Casualty, GeoVera, FedNat, Maison and Allied Trust.

A Jefferson Parish man is arrested for a February crash on I-10 in Metairie that killed one person and badly hurt another. State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says Manuel Llorens was fiddling with his phone at the time of the wreck, and is charged with negligent homicide. She says don’t ever do what he did…:

CUT 07(11)      “…your eyes closed.”

As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says he hopes the collection plate will be heavier than in years past, with more people in the pews…:

CUT 04(11)      “…and donations.”

The past two Easters saw cancelled services, virtual services and generally fewer people taking part, due to the pandemic.

LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal says he will pay for funeral expenses for the 3-year-old Baton Rouge child who was killed this week, when stray gunfire in the street penetrated his house. Little Devin Page Jr. was shot in the head. BRPD is investigating and asking for info from the public.

The Louisiana Senate has passed legislation that addresses the teacher shortage by allowing retired teachers to return to the classroom without losing their benefits. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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According to a report by WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, NBA Hall of Famer and LSU basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal will provide for the funeral expenses of Devin Page Jr. The three-year-old was killed by a stray bullet while sleeping in bed on Tuesday, April 12.

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As churches prepare for Easter services this Sunday, large crowds are anticipated as this will be the first Easter since pandemic restrictions have been relaxed. LSU Chair of Religious Studies Dr. Michael Pasquier (Pass-kay) says parishioners could experience a sense of normalcy this Easter.

Cut 3 (07) “…two years.”

—

State police arrest a 60-year-old man for negligent homicide because he was distracted by his phone and crashed, claiming one life and injuring another. Trooper Kate Stegall says it happened February 27th along the Clearview Parkway exit on I-10 in Metairie. She says the victims were outside their cars discussing a crash between their vehicles when Manuel Llorens approached.

Cut 6 (08) “…occurred.”

Stegall says they are seeing more and more drivers distracted by their cellphones and causing serious crashes. She says it takes an average of four and a half seconds to read and respond to a message on your phone.