One person is dead and eleven people are injured as a result of a fatal shooting in the New Orleans warehouse district last night. New Orleans Police say the person fatally shot was a woman.

And Lafayette Police have arrested 42-year-old Chad Credeur of Duson and charged him with the murder of three people found dead in a home on Friday.

Today is the deadline to file your federal taxes and Shreveport CPA Hardy Foreman has tips for procrastinators…
Cut 2 (29) “I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Louisiana Key Academy, a tuition-free charter school serving students with dyslexia is expanding, opening a new 14-acre campus in Baton Rouge for K through 10th grade this Fall, with grades 11 and 12 added by Fall 2026. Co-Founder Dr. Laura Cassidy says 20 % of the population has Dyslexia and students at Louisiana Key Academy receive a specialized curriculum and they are taught by highly trained teachers…
Cut 4 (11) “…go forward.”

The Louisiana House is scheduled to consider a bill today that would eliminate the TOPS Tech award in four years so the state can put more funding towards the M-J Foster Promise Program. CABL President Barry Erwin says interest is high in the Foster Promise Program, but only 10 million dollars is dedicated to it and the money goes quickly
Cut 16 (10) “…to work.”

A bill restricting the use of bathrooms in schools, prisons, and domestic violence shelters to a person’s biological sex is heading to the Senate after an emotional 79-16 vote in the House…
Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

There is a new chairperson of the Louisiana Democratic Party. Former state lawmaker Randal Gaines of LaPlace replaces Katie Bernhardt who was heavily criticized for the poor voter turnout of Democrats in the 2023 governor’s election.

The Louisiana House will consider a bill today to eliminate the TOPS Tech award. It’s a state-funded scholarship for graduating seniors to attend a two-year school. Franklin Representative Vinney St. Blanc says he wants to discontinue the TOPS Tech Award in four years because interest has declined since 2014…
Cut 14 (10) “…elsewhere”
St. Blanc says by eliminating Tops Tech, the state can put more money towards the M-J Foster Promise Program which provides 32 hundred dollars in an academic year to adults who want to be trained for employment in a high-demand field.

Today is the deadline to file federal tax returns. C-P-A Carr Riggs in Shreveport says you can file for an extension, but it’s not an extension to pay. Riggs says for taxpayers filing an extension and unsure of the exact amount they owe, pay a little more than last year…
cut 9 (07) “…penalties”

This is the Louisiana Radio Network Legislative Report, I’m Jeanne Burns.

Governor Jeff Landry has released the names of the people he plans to nominate as delegates to a proposed constitutional convention this year. Some of the more notable names include former House Speaker Jim Tucker, former Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, president of the Family Research Council Tony Perkins and businessmen Roy O. Martin and Boysie Bollinger. Landry has also selected a few Democrats, East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome and former state supreme court justice Bernette Johnson.

On Tuesday, the House Governmental Affairs Committee is expected to discuss the legislation that would trigger a constitutional convention. Governor Landry wants a more streamlined constitution and the goal is to move sections from the constitution and put into state law, which would give legislators more financial flexibility.

There was spirited debate on the House floor over the Women’s Safety and Protection Act. Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder’s bill says that biological females can only use female bathrooms and biological males can only use male bathrooms at schools, prisons and domestic violence shelters. It’s to prevent transgender women from using female bathrooms. New Orleans Representative Aimee Freeman voted against it…
cut 11 (11) “….of it”
But Haughton Representative Dodie Horton says the bill is not anti-anyone, it’s about protecting children against predators…
cut 12 (13) “…belong in”
The bill passed on an 80-17 vote and heads to the Senate for further discussion.

This has been the legislative report on the Louisiana Radio Network.

It’s a big weekend in Pontchatoula as the city’s annual Strawberry Festival kicks into high gear. There will be plenty of food, rides, music and fun. And Strawberry Festival Blossom Rhonda Poche says there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”
The festival runs through 11 tonight and will be open from 10 am till 6 pm tomorrow.

The average price of crawfish is down again this week an average of 50 cents a pound. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says right now Orleans Parish has the cheapest mudbugs at $2.65 a pound, she says it’s always worth checking the crawfish app for price change.

Cut  14 (12) “…might drop.” 
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At long last, students in Louisiana will be able to make changes to their Federal Student Aid applications this week and will have extended office hours, from 8 am till 8 pm, so students can get virtual help. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says says applicants should be on the lookout for emails from FAFSA. Despite repeated delays, she says there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

The deadline for fileing your federal income tax return is Monday. And Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) has some last minute advice for those looking to reduce their tax burden. He suggests making a significant contribution to your 401k plan or ROTH IRA.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 
The deadline to get your taxes filed is Midnight on Monday.

It’s a big weekend in Pontchatoula as the city’s annual Strawberry Festival kicks into high gear. There will be plenty of food, rides, music and fun. And Strawberry Festival Blossom Rhonda Poche says there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”

The festival runs through 11 tonight and will be open from 10 am till 6 pm tomorrow.

The average price of crawfish is down again this week an average of 50 cents a pound. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says right now Orleans Parish has the cheapest mudbugs at $2.65 a pound, she says it’s always worth checking the crawfish app for price change.

Cut  14 (12) “…might drop.” 
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At long last, students in Louisiana will be able to make changes to their Federal Student Aid applications this week and the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance will have extended office hours, from 8 am till 8 pm, so students can get virtual help. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says says applicants should be on the lookout for emails from FAFSA. Despite repeated delays, she says there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

The deadline for fileing your federal income tax return is Monday. And Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher (Os-stric-ker) has some last minute advice for those looking to reduce their tax burden. He suggests making a significant contribution to your 401k plan or ROTH IRA.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 

The deadline to get your taxes filed is Midnight on Monday.

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

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

One of three people shot Thursday evening outside a Shreveport Convenience store has died. 17 year old Chartez Martin, 17, was fatally shot during in an exchange of gunfire outside just before 5:30. Authorities say two other victims were taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
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Monday is the final to get your federal income taxes filed on time. Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher  has a word for those who gamble and have won big: He reminds you that you WILL have to pay taxes on those winnings…even if you’ve also suffered gambling losses.

Cut 5 (12)  “…may have.”
Good news for crawfish lovers. Prices are down an average of 50 cents a pound this week.  Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says prices have been dropping since Easter, but the price is still nowhere near what we were paying for crawfish this time last year.

Cut 13 (11) “…it is.”

For those of you looking to buy your crawfish already boiled, King says the average price per pound right now is about $5.99.

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

Cut 3 (13) “…30 thousand.” 

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

Cut 6  (11) “…office hours.” 
The website is mylosfa.la.gov

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It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. In addition to the state’s signature fruit, there’s plenty of food, rides, and music and the Strawberry Festival parade rolls this morning. Festival Queen, Lauren van Mullem says it’s a great way to support the community and Louisiana berry farmers.

Cut 9 (12) “…and farmers.” 

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

Cut 12 (09) “…sweet spot.” 

King says expect to pay about $5.99 a pound for boiled crawfish.

The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm-related death in Rapides Parish. A 60-year-old woman was killed after a tree and power line fell on her home outside Pineville Wednesday. The National Weather Service says the same system was responsible for 14 tornados stretching from Texas to Florida

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

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

After multiple delays with Federal Student Aid, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance will have expanded virtual hours April 15-19 from 8 am until 8 pm and you can register now for an appointment if you need assistance. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says until colleges can send award letters students who are eligible for TOPS should visit their student hub tracker and…

Cut 8 (12) “…of use.” 

It’s going to be a jam-packed weekend at the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival. Rhonda Poche says this year’s strawberry crop looks amazing and there’s a reason Louisiana has the best strawberries in the world.

Cut 11 (11) “…best around.”

The parade is an 9:30 Saturday morning and the festival ends at 6Pm on Sunday. It’s the state’s largest free festival.

The deadline to file your federal taxes is Monday and Alexandria CPA Kurt Oestriecher has some tax tips. Taxpayers looking to reduce their tax burden when they file, Oestriecher suggest making a significant contribution to your 401k plan or ROTH IRA.

Cut 4 (12) “…ROTH IRA.” 

After delays with processing financial aid awards, the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance anticipates students can make changes if needed to their applications next week. LOSFA Spokesperson Ebony Holmes…

Cut 6  (11) “…office hours.” 

Thousands will head to southeast Louisiana for the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival this weekend. The free event features great music, rides, and a parade. Festival King Donald Lanier says they honor berry farmers across the state.

Cut 10 (12) “…many around. “

There will be great music, food, rides, and a parade. You’ll also want to bring your appetite and enter the strawberry eating contest on Saturday and Sunday. The event is the state’s largest free harvest festival.

Crawfish prices dropped 50-cent this week, making this the second price drop since Easter Sunday. Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King says while Orleans Parish has the cheapest mudbugs at $2.65 a pound, she says it’s always worth checking the crawfish app for price change.

Cut  14 (12) “…might drop.” 

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

As work to restore power and clean up storm damage across the state continues, The Louisiana Department of Health reports one storm related death in Rapides Parish. A 60-year-old woman was killed after a tree and power line fell on her home outside Pineville on Wednesday.

Many are still without power, but CLECO says they expect to have all the power restored in Opelousas by the end of day Friday and at least half of their customers in Slidell without power should have it back. As for the remaining 3500 Slidell customers, CLECO expects to have a better idea of when work can be completed to restore power to those homes.  

Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is holding a FAFSA Marathon beginning April 15^th. Spokesperson Ebony Holmes says despite all the delays, there are still benefits to filling out the application.

Cut 7 (11) “…get it done. ”  

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

Cut 9 (12) “…and farmers.” 

The parade is on Saturday at 9:30.

Expect to pay about $5.99 a pound for boiled crawfish says Crawfish App Co-Founder Laney King. She says there’s been a consistent weekly drop in crawfish prices since Easter. King says the average price for live crawfish last year was $2.57.

Cut 13 (11) “…it is.”