The latest campaign finance report shows Attorney General Jeff Landry at the top with $6.3 million on hand in his bid for governor. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry’s finances and endorsements make him the frontrunner.

Cut 3 (10) “…so far.”

And Landry will launch a statewide TV ad campaign tomorrow, six months before the primary.

This week it’s actually appropriate to talk trash in Louisiana because it’s Love the Boot Week. It’s a week dedicated to cleaning up trash along roadways and public spaces. Keep Louisiana Beautiful spokesperson, Melissa Kenyon, says when you look at the numbers from a recent study, the amount of litter is staggering…

Cut 15 (10) “…to address.”

For more information go to Keep Louisiana Beautiful-dot-org.

It’s finally that dreaded day on the calendar, federal tax day, and if you’re one of the estimated 31 percent of taxpayers who wait until the last minute to file, Teiko Foxx has some advice…

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx”

And if you need to call the IRS today about your taxes, you’ll be relieved to know the average wait time is four minutes versus the average 27 minutes last year. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act, the IRS has improved customer service.

Tax day is here and if you’re not prepared an automatic six-month extension of time to file is available. Metairie CPA Gina Rachel says filers should also remember today is also the deadline to take advantage of tax deductions and tax credits.

Cut 6 (07)  “…contributions later.”

The sum of estimated taxes owed must be paid by today. If an extension is requested, the federal tax return will be due on Oct. 16.

A Senate committee is scheduled to hear legislation that would require social media companies like TikTok to secure parental consent before minors can download the apps today. Covington Senator Patrick McMath says his bill would affect platforms with 5 million users or more:

Cut 7 (10) “…16 and under.”

McMath’s SB 162 – the “SOCIAL Act” – would impose an “online curfew” for minors and fines of $2500 for violations…:

Cordish Companies is the new prospective buyer for the former Diamond Jack’s Casino in Bossier City. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Cordish Companies – the owner of Texas Live in Arlington – plans to renovate the property that’s been closed since the pandemic.

Cut 12 (12)    financially strong.” 

The property is expected to be operational in 2025.

The statewide initiative to clean up trash and curb the state’s ongoing litter problem –  “Love the Boot” week is in full swing. Keep Louisiana Beautiful spokesperson Melissa Kenyon says the mission of the project was to motivate individuals to clean areas in their communities.

Cut 13 (07) “…this week.” 

The event takes place in conjunction with both Earth and Volunteer Week.

Legislation aimed at protecting kids from some of the darker sides of social media will be heard by a Senate committee.  Kevin Gallagher has more:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A 14-year-old who admitted to shooting a St. Tammany Parish Deputy Sheriff last May was sentenced to serve four years in juvenile detention. Prosecutors say the shooting happened as Deputy Kenneth Doby was responding to a burglary call on Highway 21 in Bush. Doby was shot in the back but was still able to restrain the teen.  The unnamed teenager, who was 13 years old when he shot Doby on May 25 – has been incarcerated in the Florida Parishes Detention Center since being arrested. The teen was charged with several offenses including attempted first-degree murder of a peace officer and illegal possession of a handgun by a juvenile.

It’s tax day and if you’ve been waiting until the last minute to file your federal tax return – you have until midnight to meet the deadline. Metairie CPA Gina Rachel says get an extension if you need more time but file electronically is the more efficient route so you have proof.

Cut 5 (12) “…taxpayer.”

Failure to file a return on time is 5% of your tax bill each month but can increase to $425.

The statewide effort – “Love the Boot” week -is underway and Louisianans are encouraged to pick up trash and help with the state’s litter problem. Keep Louisiana Beautiful spokesperson Melissa Kenyon says around 280 clean-up events took place around the state last year and over 500 events are scheduled for this year.

Cut 14 (11)  “…by Sunday.”

The project was developed to get boots on the ground and to motivate individuals to clean areas in their neighborhoods and businesses.

If you’re one of the estimated 31-percent of taxpayers who wait until the last minute to file your taxes, the deadline is here.
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

A suspect was fatally shot by police in Alexandria yesterday afternoon during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement near Rapides Avenue and 12th street. The shootout occurred after an attempted traffic stop by Alexandria P-D. No officers were injured and the suspect’s identity has not been released.

The Cordish Companies is attempting to buy the former Diamond Jacks’s Casino in Bossier City. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says Cordish owns Texas Live in Arlington, Texas. Johns says it’s a large entertainment venue and they are doing a billion dollar expansion on that property which had about nine million visitors last year….
cut 11 (11) “…approved it”
State Police is still examing Cordish’s financial records before the sale goes through.

It’s Love the Boot Week, a week long intensive effort to clean up trash along Louisiana highways and public spaces. Keep Louisiana Beautiful spokesperson, Melissa Kenyon, says when you look at the numbers from a recent study, the amount of litter is staggering…
cut 15 (10) “….to address”
For more information go to Keep Louisiana Beautiful-dot-org.

The deadline to file your federal tax return is today and if you’ve been procrastinating, you’re not alone. Metairie CPA Gina Rachel says if you’re not prepared to file, then you can request an extension….
Cut 4 (09) “…to pay.”
Failure to file a return on time is 5% of your tax bill each month but can increase to $425.

In Senate Commerce this afternoon, Covington Senator Patrick McMath’s bill that would make it a state law for a social media company to require parental consent for a minor to have an account will be heard. McMath knows there’s opposition to his legislation but he believes social media sites are detrimental for juveniles…
cut 9 (08) “…..protecting the public”

It’s Love the Boot Week and that means it’s time to talk trash about the state’s litter problem. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

An emotional high school softball game took place yesterday in Winn Parish as Calvin High School defeated Castor 13 to 3. On Saturday, Calvin’s head coach, Chad Camp, was fatally shot. Authorities have arrested Camp’s 17-year-old son for manslaughter. Sheriff Jordan Cranford says the juvenile shot his Dad during an argument.

After receiving a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee, Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson has decided not to move forward with his plan to eliminate the state’s income tax. But Nelson says if elected governor this fall, he’ll make that his priority during his time as the state’s highest elected official.

A Senate committee will hear a bill this afternoon aimed at protecting kids from some of the darker sides of social media. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

There’s news of a prospective buyer for the former Diamond Jack’s Casino in Bossier City. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says a few months ago Foundation Gaming was approved to build a land-based casino at the property. And now Foundation has been approached by The Cordish Companies and they plan to invest more than $250 million to transform the site.
Cut 10 (11) “…Bossier market.”
Cordish’s gaming division generates more than one-billion in annual revenue and has casinos in Maryland, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Tampa and Hollywood, Florida.

It’s “Love the Boot” week, a statewide initiative to clean up trash and bring about awareness of the state’s ongoing litter problem. Keep Louisiana Beautiful spokesperson Melissa Kenyon says the project was developed to get boots on the ground and to motivate individuals to clean areas in their neighborhoods and businesses.
Cut 13 (07) “…this week.”
Kenyon says there are over 500 clean-up events this week.

A Senate Committee will discuss a bill to establish certain controls to protect minors on social media Tuesday. Covington Republican Senator Patrick McMath calls his legislation the “SOCIAL Act.” SOCIAL being an acronym for Secure Online Child Interaction and Age Limitation. McMath says his bill would affect any platform with 5 million or more users…:

AM Cut 7 (10) “…16 and under.”

McMath’s bill would require social media platforms to restrict certain content from the view of minors and impose an “online curfew” for youths on such apps and websites. He says his bill would impose fines of $2,500 per occurrence for violations…:

AM Cut 8 (12) “…does become law.”

Legislation to keep film tax incentives in place permanently in Louisiana will be heard in House Ways and Means Tuesday and a recent poll indicates 66 percent of residents are in favor of those incentives. Acting President of the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association Trey Burvant says they commissioned the JMC Analytics Poll of 600 residents.

PM Cut 9 (07) “…the numbers.”

And a bill to do away with state income tax appears to have been defeated. The House Ways & Means Committee voted to table Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s bill. Among his proposal to offset lost revenues, the bill would have lowered homestead exemptions and removed dozens of sales tax exemptions.  Sulphur Representative Les Farnum says those exemptions are good for his district…:

Cut 14 (10)  “…in your area”