LRN AM Newscall April 18

The day many Americans dread has arrived. 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. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33)  “I’m Teiko Foxx”

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A Senate committee will hear a bill aimed at protecting kids from some of the darker sides of social media. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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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.” 

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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 her number one tip for filers is if you’re not prepared to file, request more time.

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.Rachel says the more efficient route is to file electronically.

Cut 5 (12) “…taxpayer.”

Rachel says the deadline to file IRA contributions, health savings contributions, and deductions for 2022 is also today and suggestions tax preparers take advantage of every deduction and tax credit that they qualify for.

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.

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A Senate Committee is scheduled today to take up a bill to establish certain controls to protect minors on social media. Covington Republican Senator Patrick McMath calls his SB 162 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…:

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 $2500 per occurrence for violations…:

Cut 8 (11) “…does become law.”

McMath says a former Facebook employee testified to Congress that they knew their platform could be psychologically harmful to kids, yet they did nothing. He says he’s aware that some will oppose his bill as an infringement on Free Speech, but he stands behind the idea…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…protecting the public.”

McMath’s SOCIAL Act is scheduled before the Senate Committee on Commerce & Consumer Protection today.

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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.” 

Johns says Cordish is the owner of Texas Live in Arlington, that’s located next to Cowboy Stadium. He says it’s a large entertainment venue and they are doing a billion-dollar expansion at that property which had about 9 million visitors last year.

Cut 11 (11)  “…approved it.”

Johns says Cordish plans to remove the riverboat and will build a new land-based casino on the existing property which has approximately 400 hotel rooms. He says they will completely renovate the shuttered property that’s been closed for more than two years.

Cut 12 (12)    financially strong.” 

The property is expected to be operational in 2025 and Johns says the transition from Foundation to Cornish will be seamless. In the meantime, Foundation continues demolition efforts.

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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.” 

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

In 2022 for the inaugural Love the Boot week Kenyon says they had about 280 clean-up events and this year even more participation with over 500 events.

Cut 14 (11)  “…by Sunday.”

Kenyon says it’s easy to get involved, you can register for your own clean-up event or find one near you at LoveTheBoot.org. You can enter your zip code on the site and locate existing events. Kenyon says when you look at the numbers from a recent study, the amount of litter is staggering.

Cut 15 (10)  “…to address.”

The first 250 organizations that register their Love the Boot Week events will receive cleanup kits, shirts, and supplies.

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The Ragin Cajuns will head across the Atchafayla Basin today to take on the top ranked LSU Tigers. UL-Lafayette is looking to bounce back from a series loss to Troy and Coach Matt Deggs says tonight’s game allows his team to make a statement…

Cut  16 (15)  “…for us.” 

LSU continues to see the injuries pile up. Coach Jay Johnson says they are getting closer to getting relief pitcher Nate Ackenhausen on the mound and Johnson is hopeful starting second baseman Gavin Dugas will return this weekend after injuring his shoulder diving for a ball last Thursday…

Cut 17 (19) “…fielding” 

LSU’s weekend rotation is becoming a question mark. Friday night starter Paul Skenes has been sensational, but Saturday starter Ty Floyd has given up 13 runs in his last three starts and could not preserve a four-run lead last Friday. But Johnson reminds Floyd still has a 5-and-0 win-loss record…

Cut 18 (19) “…has pitched.”

LSU third baseman Tommy White was named SEC Hitter of the Week yesterday, but freshman first baseman Jared Jones has been equally hot. Jones was 7-for-14 at the plate last week with three doubles, two homers, 5 RBI, and six runs scored. Johnson says Jones is quickly getting acclimated to college baseball…

Cut 19 (24) “…that plan”

4:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team continues to be ranked number one in all of the major polls after taking two of three from Kentucky this past weekend.

Bryce Collins was the winning pitcher in the series finale. After a rough start to the season, Collins has now earned wins in his last two outings. The transfer from Arizona says he’s feeling more comfortable on the mound…
cut 17 (17) “…..as a team”
LSU third baseman Tommy White has been named SEC Player of the Week. In four games last week, White was 7 of 18 at the plate with one home run, 11 RBIs. The Florida native leads the nation in RBIs with 62. He also has 12 home runs and is hitting .366. The Tigers host the Cajuns tomorrow night.

There’s one more week left of spring practice for the LSU Tigers. One of the big additions is linebacker Omar Speights who transferred in from Oregon State. Last season Speights was named first-team All-Pac 12 after recording 83 tackles. Speights on why he chose to come to LSU…
Cut 19 (18) “…ultimate factor”
Speights had 304 tackles in four seasons with Oregon State.

LSU men’s basketball announced today seven foot forward Will Baker has officially transferred to the Tigers. Baker will be a redshirt senior next season after spending the last two seasons at the University of Nevada. Last season he averaged 14 points and five rebounds a game and shot 56-percent from the floor. Excellent free throw shooter at 86-percent.

LRN PM Newscall

Authorities say a Winn parish softball coach was fatally shot by his son after being questioned about returning home late. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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With legislation to make tax incentives for the film industry permanent, a poll indicates there’s widespread support for them. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “….I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Baton Rouge Police have arrested three 19-year-old men in the murder of a pregnant woman and her unborn child early Sunday morning. Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says minutes before the shooting – the victim dropped off teens at a party in the area.

Cut 3 (11) “…them up.”

36-year-old Kerisha Johnson – who was nine months pregnant – heard gunfire in the area after dropping off the teens and returned to pick them up. McKneely says while Johnson was sitting in her vehicle waiting for the teens to come out of the party, the three suspects fired at her car.

Cut 4 (09)  “…been her.” 

McKneely says one of the shooters was injured by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital and was booked upon his release into Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Cut 5 (09) “…year old.”

19-year-old Marques Porch, 19-year-old Gregory Parker, and 19-year-old Derrick Curry were charged with second-degree murder and first-degree feticide. The investigation is ongoing.

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The Winn Parish Sheriff is investigating a murder that claimed the life of a Calvin High School softball coach who was fatally shot by his son after an altercation Saturday. Sheriff Cranford Jordan (Jur-dan) says 51-year-old Kevin Chad Camp was pronounced dead on the scene.

Cut 6 (09)  “…gunshot wound.” 

Camp’s 17-year-old son – whose name has not been released – shot his father at a residence on LA 501 north of Calvin after an argument about returning home late. Jordan says this is an unfortunate incident-Camp was an upstanding individual.

Cut 7 (08)  “…last year.” 

Camp coached the Cougars to the 2022 LHSAA Class C state title with an 11-1 win over Harrisonburg in the title game.  Calvin is scheduled to host Castor High in the opening round of the LHSAA Division 5 playoffs today. Jordan says the teenager has been charged with manslaughter in the death of his father.

Cut 8 (08)  “…man with.” 

The teenager is in custody of the Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office.

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Legislation to keep film tax incentives in place permanently in Louisiana will be heard in House Ways and Means tomorrow 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.

Cut 9 (07) “…the numbers.”

The data indicates there is broad support for the Louisiana film industry.

The survey also found that 78 percent of those polled are more likely to watch a movie if it was filmed in Louisiana. Burvant says seeing familiar places on the screen gives viewers a sense of belonging and it also brings visitors to the state.

Cut 10 (11) “…years later.” 

The poll also asked which industry is the most deserving of tax incentives. Healthcare was ranked first with 25 percent, followed by Agriculture and Seafood with 21 percent and the Film Industry ranked 3rd with 14 percent. Film incentives ranked higher than the petrochemical sector.

Cut 11 (09)  “…positive it is.”

Current Film Tax Incentives in Louisiana will sunset in 2025, House Bill 562, authored by House Speaker Clay Schexnayder’s, would remove the sunset date.

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Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax is likely dead for the session. Nelson’s major tax reform idea is to phase out income taxes and replace the revenue lost by eliminating dozens of sales tax exemptions and lowering the homestead exemption. But Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel says her constituents like the 75-thousand dollar homestead exemption

Cut 12 (10) “…oppose.” 

Nelson’s main argument for getting rid of the state’s income tax is that it will make Louisiana a more attractive state to businesses and people. He believes it would stop the brain drain…

Cut 13 (12) “…fix it”

Nelson also proposes to do away with ITEP, a lucrative property tax break that manufacturers can receive. But Sulphur Representative Les Farnum says that tax break has helped out southwest Louisiana…

Cut 14 (10)  “…in your area”

After discussing the legislation for about an hour, the proposal was tabled. Nelson who is running for governor, believes he would have a better chance at getting this tax reform effort passed if he was in the Governor’s Mansion.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team came away with another series victory over the weekend as they defeated Kentucky two games to one. The Tigers had to rally to win the series finale on Saturday. Down six to four in the seventh inning, LSU came back to win seven to six. Coach Jay Johnson says it was an impressive victory….
Cut 16 (16) “…anybody else.”
LSU is now 29-6 overall, 9-5 in the SEC and they’ll host the Ragin Cajuns tomorrow night.

Louisiana had a tough series against Troy losing two out of three. ULM won the first game of its series against South Alabama, but dropped the next two. Louisiana Tech swept FIU as the Bulldogs. McNeese won two of three from Southeastern, while Northwestern lost its series at Houston Christian.

There’s one more week left of spring practice for the LSU Tigers. One of the big additions is linebacker Omar Speights who transferred in from Oregon State. Last season Speights was named first-team All-Pac 12 after recording 83 tackles. Speights on why he chose to come to LSU…
Cut 19 (18) “…ultimate factor”
Speights had 304 tackles in four seasons with Oregon State.

Eagles Quarterback Jalen Hurts is now the highest paid player in the NFL according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter after agreeing to a five-year, 255-million dollar contract.

And the New York Post is reporting ESPN has resigned former LSU Tiger and now NFL analyst Marcus Spears to a multi-million dollar, four year contract. Spears is seen on NFL Live, First Take and Get Up giving his takes on professional football.

11:30 LRN Newscast

Winn Parish deputies are investigating a murder that claimed the life of the Calvin High School softball coach who was fatally shot by his son after an altercation Saturday. Sheriff Cranford Jordan (Jur-dan) says 51-year-old Kevin Chad Camp was pronounced dead on the scene.
Cut 6 (09) “…gunshot would.”
Camp’s 17-year-old son has been charged with manslaughter.

A 36-year-old pregnant woman is dead and three 19-year-olds have been charged in her death. Baton Rouge Police Sergeant L’Jean McKneely says Kerisha Johnson was sitting in a vehicle waiting to pick up family members from a party, when shots rang out and then shots were returned towards her vehicle….
cut 4 (09) “…been her”
One of the suspects is reportedly a deputy at the West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s office.

Legislation to keep film tax incentives in place permanently in Louisiana will be heard in House Ways and Means tomorrow and a statewide poll conducted last month indicates 66 percent of residents are in favor of those incentives. Acting President of the Louisiana Film Entertainment Association Trey Burvant says they commissioned JMC Analytics to poll 600 residents.
Cut 9 (08) “…the numbers.”
The survey also found that 78 percent of those polled are more likely to watch a movie if it was filmed in Louisiana.

LSU baseball remains ranked number one in the polls after taking two of three from Kentucky. Tigers Coach Jay Johnson says winning a series against a team that had the best R-P-I in the country is huge…
Cut 18 (19) “…to.the players.”
The Tigers are back home tomorrow night to host U-L Lafayette.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The House Ways and Means Committee is expected to hear this morning Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson’s legislation to eliminate the state income tax. To make up for that lost revenue, Nelson proposes lowering the Homestead Exemption and eliminating several different sales tax exemptions….
cut 5 (11) “….sales tax right now”
Nelson’s bill faces long odds of passing.

As the session moves along, lawmakers will look at ways to improve the state’s property insurance market. Independent candidate for governor, Hunter Lundy, says he would like to see legislation that would give the consumer more rights against adjusters who do not do their job…
cut 11 (12) “…moisture meters”

With Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s announcement he’s not running for re-election, only two of seven current statewide elected officials will be on the ballot in October.
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A search party is looking for a missing special needs teen, 15-year-old Amariya Alise Lewis who was last seen on Thursday morning leaving Bolton High School in Alexandria. Lewis is a Black female, with black hair with long braids and brown eyes. She’s about five-foot-five, 150 pounds. Officials say Lewis left the school on foot after a brief encounter with the school’s administration.

8:30 LRN Newscast

A bill that would end state income tax in Louisiana goes before the House Ways & Means Committee today. Republican Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson says his HB 424 would phase out taxes collected on the income of persons, estates, and trusts. Nelson says Louisiana needs this if it wants to compete with neighboring states with NO income tax, like Florida, Texas, and Tennessee…:
Cut 4 (07) “…compared to Louisiana.”
Nelson says the revenue lost would be offset by lowering the homestead exemption on property taxes and eliminating a number of exemptions to the state sales tax.

A bill that will be debated on later in the session is a measure to make Insurance Commissioner an appointed position instead of elected. Gubernatorial candidate Hunter Lundy opposes the legislation…
cut 12 (11) “…the consumer”
Outgoing Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon also opposes the bill.

Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan has legislation that would establish the Center for Safe Schools within the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Milligan says the center can help schools develop plans to respond to active shooter situations, even during times when students are changing classes…
cut 14 (11) “….save lives”
Milligan says the Center for Safe Schools can also help assist schools and non-profits to apply for grants that can be used to increase security.

We’re less than four months away from qualifying for the statewide elections and only two statewide elected officials are running for re-election, Billy Nungesser and Mike Strain. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says the open statewide elected positions are drawing lots of candidates…
cut 9 (05) “…a position”
Multiple candidates are running for governor, attorney general, Secretary of State and State Treasurer.

7:30 LRN Newscast

Of the seven statewide elected positions in Louisiana, only two are seeking reelection this fall. ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross says every now and then we see a big shake up when it comes to these positions…
Cut 7 (10) “…little while.”
Only Billy Nungesser and Mike Strain are running for re-election this year.

Mandeville Representative Richard Nelson is running for governor and the House Ways and Means Committee will hear his bill that would get rid of the state income tax. To replace the revenue, Nelson is proposing higher property taxes and doing away with numerous sales tax exemptions….
cut 6 (12) “….looking to do”
Today’s Ways and Means Committee will begin at 9 AM.

Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan wants to make the Louisiana Commission on School and Nonprofit Safety to be permanent. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New Orleans Senator Gary Carter says he will not move forward with his proposal that would open the door for gun owners to be sued if their gun was stolen from a vehicle and then used in a felony crime. Carter says he’s pulling his bill from consideration because it could result in unintended consequences. Carter says he filed the legislation to address the supply of stolen guns from unlocked vehicles that were later used in murders, armed robberies and other felonies.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The top ranked LSU baseball team took two of three from Kentucky this past weekend, winning the series on Saturday with a come from behind seven to six win. Coach Jay Johnson says winning a series against a team that had the best R-P-I in the country is huge…
cut 18 (19) “….to the players”
LSU will host the Ragin Cajuns tomorrow night.

UL Lafayette split a doubleheader with Troy yesterday, but lost the series to the Trojans. ULM lost a series to South Alabama. Louisiana Tech swept FIU as Jorge Corona and Ethan Bates homered yesterday. McNeese took two of three from Southeastern Louisiana by beating the Lions three to two in ten innings yesterday.

There is one week left of spring football for the LSU Tigers who bolstered their linebacker unit by signing Omar Speights out of the transfer portal. Speights was an All-Pac 12 performer at Oregon State and recorded 304 tackles in four seasons with O-S-U. Speights is expected to be a starter and a leader for the Tigers in 2023….
cut 20 (20) “…some things too”

In other sports news….LSU gymnastics finished fourth at the NCAA Championships. Kyle Larson won at Martinsville Speedway, while Matt Fitzpatrick was this weekend’s winner on the PGA Tour. This week its the Zurich Classic of New Orleans at the TPC Louisiana.

6:30 LRN Newscast

A House bill aimed at ending state income tax gets its first hearing by lawmakers today. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Winn Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a 17-year-old male in the fatal shooting of 51-year-old Kevin Chad Camp, who was the girls softball coach at Calvin High School. The teenager has been charged with manslaughter. Calvin High won the Class C title last year and is scheduled to play a playoff game today.

Independent candidate for Governor Hunter Lundy is keeping an eye on what the Louisiana Legislature will do to fix the state’s property insurance crisis. Lundy is concerned lawmakers will approve legislation that will restrict the ability to sue insurance companies….
cut 10 (12) “…unfair.”

After creating a commission to assist schools and nonprofits with guidance and training for crisis management last year, Shreveport Senator Barry Milligan wants to make it a permanent entity, and establish the Center for Safe Schools within the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and Senate Bill 207 does just that.
cut 13 (11) “…protect ourselves.”
Another reason Milligan says it’s important to have a central point of reference is to assist schools and non-profits with resources and how to apply for grants to increase security.