![Louisiana Network](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2014/09/lrn.jpg?w=300&q=75)
Louisiana Network
![Louisiana Network](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2014/09/lrn.jpg?w=300&q=75)
![Ponchatoula-Based Elmer’s Chocolate Continues To Be An Easter Tradition](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/04/Elmers-Heavenly-Hash-flickr.com_.jpg.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Ponchatoula-Based Elmer’s Chocolate Continues To Be An Easter Tradition
It just wouldn't be Easter without Gold Brick and Heavenly Hash in Easter baskets.
![Easter Spending Expected To Reach All-Time High](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/04/Easter-Baskeet-flickr.com-image.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Easter Spending Expected To Reach All-Time High
The National Retail Federation says Easter spending will reach an all-time record of more than $18 billion.
![Procrastinators Have A Few Extra Days To File Federal Tax Returns](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/04/tax-form1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Procrastinators Have A Few Extra Days To File Federal Tax Returns
The IRS is closed on Monday, which means that we actually have until Tuesday, April 18 file our taxes.
![TOPS, Criminal Justice Reform, Gas Tax Among Major Topics For The Session](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2016/12/Louisiana-State-Capitol-wikimedia-commons-e1454730076776.jpg?w=980&q=75)
TOPS, Criminal Justice Reform, Gas Tax Among Major Topics For The Session
The 2017 regular legislative session kicks off today. Lawmakers will face tough questions about state finances.
![Bill To Eliminate Sales Tax On Feminine Hygiene Products Filed](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/04/Feminine-Hygiene-Aisle-wikimedia-image.png?w=980&q=75)
Bill To Eliminate Sales Tax On Feminine Hygiene Products Filed
Upon passage, the bill would eliminate the state sales tax when purchasing feminine products.
![Lafayette, St. Martin Stretch Of I-10 Widening Underway](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/03/I-10-Graphic1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Lafayette, St. Martin Stretch Of I-10 Widening Underway
When complete, the project will have widened a 7-mile section of Interstate 10 from I-49 to the Atchafalaya Basin.
![Report: 42 Percent Of Louisiana Families Cannot Afford Basic Needs](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/12/Rich-Poor-Map.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Report: 42 Percent Of Louisiana Families Cannot Afford Basic Needs
The report out of Rutgers University marks an increase in families that are financially limited to foregoing some basic necessities.
![Gov. Edwards Faces Criticism In D.C. Over The Handling Of August Flood](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/11/Edwards-US-Capitol-KPEL-Image.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Gov. Edwards Faces Criticism In D.C. Over The Handling Of August Flood
A Congressional panel grilled the governor on issues following the August 2016 flood.
![46 Cadets Graduate From LSP Training Academy](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/06/Louisiana-State-Police-Patch-Facebook1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
46 Cadets Graduate From LSP Training Academy
46 men and women will graduate this morning from the Louisiana State Police Training Academy.
![Gov Edwards Pushes Equal Pay, Higher Minimum Wage](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/01/John-Bel-Edwards-Louisiana-Legislature-Twitter.png?w=980&q=75)
Gov Edwards Pushes Equal Pay, Higher Minimum Wage
Governor John Bel Edwards is once again asking lawmakers to increase the state’s minimum wage and guarantee equal pay for equal work.
![Legislation Filed To Stop Growing Opioid Epidemic](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/08/Pills-from-Search.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Legislation Filed To Stop Growing Opioid Epidemic
The legislation would limit first time opioid prescriptions for acute pain to a seven day supply.
![WalletHub Finds Louisiana Second Most Stressed State](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2012/08/anxiety.jpg?w=980&q=75)
WalletHub Finds Louisiana Second Most Stressed State
Louisiana is the second most stressed state, according to a report by WalletHub.
![Recovery Begins For Parishes Affected By Severe Weather](http://townsquare.media/site/33/files/2017/04/louisiana-tornado.png?w=980&q=75)
Recovery Begins For Parishes Affected By Severe Weather
Recovery efforts are underway from the severe weather that damaged homes and killed two people.
![Survey Finds Trump’s Approval Rating In Louisiana Is Same Now As In November](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/12/GettyImages-628142312.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Survey Finds Trump’s Approval Rating In Louisiana Is Same Now As In November
A University of New Orleans poll finds President Donald Trump approval rating in Louisiana is at 58%, which equals the 58% received from the state’s voters in November.
![State Audit: Revenues Lacking To Keep Pace With Water System Infrastructure](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2017/01/GettyImages-457754105.jpg?w=980&q=75)
State Audit: Revenues Lacking To Keep Pace With Water System Infrastructure
The state conducted an audit looking at water rates in Louisiana and found the rates many rural communities are paying, don’t produce enough revenue to keep up with the water system, leading to poor drinking water quality.
![Louisiana Has 10th Highest Rate Of Black Homicide Victimization](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2014/07/crime-scene-tape-Getty.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Louisiana Has 10th Highest Rate Of Black Homicide Victimization
Louisiana has the 10th highest black homicide victimization rate in the nation, according to the Violence Policy Center.
Measure Filed That Would Increase Cigarette Tax By 22 Cents
A measure has been filed for the upcoming legislative session that would increase cigarette taxes by 22-cents.
![DOE: Families Are Satisfied With Early Childhood Providers](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/03/Classroom-Debbie-Ray-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
DOE: Families Are Satisfied With Early Childhood Providers
Most families are satisfied with their child’s early childhood provider. That’s according to a recent survey from the Department of Education, which finds 90 percent of respondents are likely to choose their program again.
![Survey Finds Public Does Not Support Lowering TOPS Award Amount To Save Money](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/12/OPS-e1481926942761.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Survey Finds Public Does Not Support Lowering TOPS Award Amount To Save Money
Most Louisianans oppose reducing the amount of the TOPS scholarship award to cut costs, according to a recent survey from LSU.
![BR Lawmaker Proposes Funding TOPS With Gambling Funds](http://townsquare.media/site/36/files/2016/02/TOPS-CUTS.jpg?w=980&q=75)
BR Lawmaker Proposes Funding TOPS With Gambling Funds
A bill filed for the regular session seeks to fully fund the TOPS scholarship program with gambling franchise fees.