Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is predicting international tourism to Louisiana will be down this year because of tariffs. Nungesser says Canadians make up 40-percent of Louisiana’s international tourists clientele and he is seeing cancellations from Canadian residents. Nungesser hopes the trade war gets resolved soon…

Cut 5 (10) …greatly”

For people not visiting Louisiana this week, they are missing out on some great crawfish. Laney King co-founder of the Crawfish app says crawfish is so popular this weekend that some stores are sold out, so you’d better get a move on it.

Cut 7 (09) “…do that now.”

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

Six people have been arrested for their role in last Saturday’s shooting at the Pontchatoula Strawberry Festival. Chief Bry Layrisson says the suspects arrested range from 18 to 21…

Cut 13 (08) “…these six individuals”

Layrisson says the two people shot are expected to make a full recovery.

LSU gymnastics will not repeat as national champs, as they failed to advance out of the NCAA Championship semifinals. The Tigers could not consistently hit on their routines. Coach Jay Clark says it’s different being the hunted than the hunter…

Cut 11 (13) “…future is bright.”

Ponchatoula police announce the arrest of six individuals, between the ages of 18 and 21 years-old in a shooting last Saturday that wounded two teenagers at the Strawberry Festival. The alleged gunman is 18-year-old Camryn Finley as he’s charged with attempted second-degree murder and terrorizing. The victims are expected to recover and Police Chief Bry Layrisson says the goal is to make sure a shooting at the Strawberry Fest never happens again…

Cut 14 (08) “…Strawberry Fest”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser does not expect to break a record this year for visitors to Bayou State. Nungesser says tariff talk will keep some international visitors away…

Cut 4 (11) “…that record”

In 2019, Louisiana welcomed over 53 million visitors.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The ninth ranked LSU baseball team rallied from a four-run deficit last night to beat Alabama 11 to six. Ashton Larson sparked the rally with a pinch-hit three-run home run…

Cut 26 (10) “…part of”

La Tech and U-L Lafayette also had come from behind victories last night.-

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

Cut 6 (13) “…dollars a pound.”

Six people are under arrest in connection with last weekend’s shooting at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Ponchatoula Police Chief Bry Laryisson says witnesses were instrumental in bringing these six to justice.

Cut 23 (12) “…ol’ detective work.”

The alleged gunman is 18-year-old Camryn Finley; he’s charged with attempted second degree murder and terrorizing. Another 18-year-old, Dealvon Davis, is charged with being a principal to those two charges.

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

Cut 3 (11) “…cancel this year” 

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

Cut 9 (14)  “…this year.”

The LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be so popular that it’s unlikely that the state can accommodate all applicants. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says it’s unlikely that anyone outside the primary eligible applicants will be able to secure one of those scholarships.

Cut 8 (07) “…the poverty level.”

The funeral for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy will be held one week from tomorrow – April 26th – at 11 a.m. at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux; it will follow a two-hour visitation. Meanwhile, we’re getting more insight into his final moments. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family called police after he started acting erratically.

Cut 11 (10) “…into the ground.”

If you drive a pickup truck, police are currently paying close attention to see whether you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer says if you’re caught, expect to make a little donation to your local municipality.

Cut 14 (05) “…a subsequent offense.”

Easter wouldn’t be complete for generations in Louisiana without Elmer Chocolate’s Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs, seasonal treats produced at its Ponchatoula factory. Though Tangipahoa Parish is famed for strawberries, Elmer’s has added sweetness to the town’s legacy for decades. CEO Rob Nelson says a major transformation came in 2016.

Cut 4 (10) “…in the United States.”

Despite high-tech advances, Elmer’s still makes its iconic Easter treats by hand to preserve tradition.

If you drive a pickup truck, police will be paying close attention to see whether you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer:

Cut 13 (10)  “…drivers and passengers.”

We’re learning more about Kyrn Lacy’s tragic death as final arrangements are set for remembering his life. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in that fatal crash in November. They say he began acting erratically last Saturday, started, grabbed a gun and left the house. His family was worried about him and called police.

Cut 12 (10) “…the car crashed.”
The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held next Friday morning at 11 at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux

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Elmer’s Chocolate has been a Louisiana Easter tradition for generations, and this year is no different. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU gymnastics will not repeat as national champs, as they failed to advance out of the NCAA Championship semifinals. Meanwhile, the ninth-ranked LSU baseball Tigers rallied from a four-run deficit last night to beat Alabama 11 to six.  Louisiana Tech beat Liberty with a dramatic seven to six victory.  The Cajuns beat Old Dominion six to five. ULM lost to 20^th ranked Troy. Grambling, Nicholls, and McNeese all won, while Northwestern lost.

Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be bit hit in its first year, so much so it’s unlikely the state will be able to accommodate all the applicants.  Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says the state may need to scramble to come up with the money allotted to the program when it passed it last year.

Cut 9 (06)  “…that right now.”

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If you drive a pickup truck, make sure you’re wearing your seatbelt as “Buckle Up in Your Truck” is underway.  Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Spokesman Greg Fischer says officers will be on the lookout and if you’re caught without yourseatbelt, you will face fines.  But why single out pickup trucks?

Cut 15 (12) “…their belt on.”

The campaign will run through April 27^th.

If Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs are on your list for the Easter Bunny, please know Elmer’s Chocolate in Pontchatoula has been churning out the Easter candy since right after Christmas, as usual.  CEO Rob Nelson says despite high-tech advances, Elmer’s still hand-makes its iconic Easter treats.  As for tariffs, he says they have been impacted since they import cocoa from South Africa.

Cut 6 (12) “…aren’t helping us.”

We’re learning more about Kyrn Lacy’s tragic death as final arrangements are set for remembering his life. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY), the sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in that fatal crash in November. They say he began acting erratically last Saturday, started, grabbed a gun and left the house. His family was worried about him and called police.

Cut 12 (10) “…the car crashed.”
The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held next Friday morning at 11 at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux

If you drive a pickup truck, police will be paying close attention to see whether you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer says if an officer catches you without your seatbelt on, expect to make a little donation to your local municipality.

Cut 14 (05) “…a subsequent offense.”

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In its first year, the LA GATOR scholarship program has proven to be a hit – maybe a little too much of a hit. So much so that it’s unlikely that the state can accommodate all applicants. Barry Erwin, the chief policy officer for Leaders for a Better Louisiana, says 40-thousand students registered for the program during the now-closed registration period.

Cut 7 (08) “…on what happens.”

For many in Louisiana it just wouldn’t BE Easter without Elmer Chocolate’s Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs. Yes, though Tangipahoa Parish is famed for strawberries, Elmer’s has produced the seasonal treats at its Ponchatoula factory for decades.  CEO Rob Nelson says they start making Easter candy after Christmas.

Cut 5 (11) “…and Mobile, Alabama.”

The L-A GATOR program has proven to be a hit. As Andrew Greenstein reports, maybe too much so.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

If you drive a pickup truck, police will be paying close attention to see if you’re wearing your seatbelt. Through April 27th, the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is sponsoring “Buckle Up In Your Truck.” Spokesman Greg Fischer:

Cut 13 (10)  “…drivers and passengers.”

Louisiana’s overall seatbelt use is behind the national average of 91-percent.
———————–

Funeral arrangements are announced for former LSU receiver Kyren Lacy. The celebration of life for Kyren Lacy will be held a week from today in Thibodaux. Meanwhile, we’re getting more insight into his final moments. Jacques Doucet (doo-SAY),sports director at WAFB-TV in Baton Rouge, says Lacy’s family became concerned for his well-being following his involvement in that fatal crash in November.

Cut 10 (08) “…lives in Houston.”

Services for Lacy will be next Friday morning at eleven at the David Stopher Gymnasium in Thibodaux

Easter in Louisiana just wouldn’t be complete for many without Elmer Chocolate’s Heavenly Hash and Gold Brick Eggs, seasonal treats produced at its Ponchatoula factory. Though Tangipahoa Parish is famed for strawberries, Elmer’s has added sweetness to the town’s legacy for decades. CEO Rob Nelson…

Cut 4 (10) “…in the United States.”

The House Civil Law Committee has approved a bill that says if you are 51-percent or more at fault for an accident, you cannot recover damages for injuries suffered in the wreck. It passed along party lines, 11-to-4. Plaquemine Representative Chad Brown voted against it.

Cut 25 (13) “…pay 51-percent.”

If a lawmaker gets his way, there will be no more LSU home football afternoon games in September. Harahan  Representative John Illg has introduced a resolution that would request that all LSU home games in September start no earlier than 6 p.m. Illg points to the game against UCLA last September 21st which kicked off at 2:30 p.m., and many fans were overcome by the 92-degree heat 

Cut 6 (08) “…it wasn’t worse.”

If you’re driving in the left lane on a four-lane highway and you’re not passing any vehicles, you could receive a ticket under legislation heading to the Senate floor. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 24 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lawmakers may have to scramble to come up with enough money to accommodate priority applicants in the L-A GATOR scholarship program. During the now-closed registration period, almost 40-thousand people submitted applications. Many legislators say it will be challenging to come up with the 50-million dollars in new money for the program.

Two Louisiana Congressmen, Clay Higgins and Troy Carter have filed legislation to give the FDA the authority to destroy contaminated food imports, like seafood, eliminating the option to re-export rejected goods. Deborah Long with the Southern Shrimp Alliance says the bill closes a loophole that allows importers to “port shop” rejected products back into the U.S.

Cut 3 (12) “…reenter our country”

It’s National Crawfish Day, and it’s observed every year on April 17th. Easter weekend is a big weekend for crawfish boils and Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says you can find live crawfish below three dollars a pound…

Cut 12 (06) “…$2.95”

One lawmaker says there should only be night games at LSU in the month of September. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

573-million dollars of the nearly two-billion-dollar spending plan of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority is allocated to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project. But the project has been paused for 90 days since Governor Jeff Landry questioned its effectiveness and cost. Despite this uncertainty, CPRA included full funding in the plan and Restore the Mississippi River Delta Campaign Manager Simone Maloz (muh-LAWZ)…

Cut 10 (12) “…should get more information.”