LRN PM Newscall May 10

Louisiana is experiencing good fiscal times now and the Louisiana House votes for a proposal to help the next legislature deal with the loss of a temporary sales tax. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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CLECO customers might be eligible for a discount on their utility bills during the hot summer months. David Grubb has more…

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. The tax generates over 400-million dollars in revenues a year and Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill will begin the phase-out in 2023 so the state doesn’t face a fiscal cliff in 2025…

Cut 3 (11) “…appropriate word.”

Democrats are concerned the legislation will result in budget cuts. Shreveport Representative Sam Jenkins believes the Legislature should wait until next year’s fiscal session to discuss this temporary sales tax…

Cut 4  (09) “…be cut”

Despite Jenkins’ objection, the bill passed on a 67-40 vote in the House.  Bacala says this temporary sales tax is set to expire in June 2025 and 2023 is the time to start reducing the sales tax, so budget planners face a soft landing instead of a fiscal cliff…

Cut 5  (08) “…long-term”

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Gas prices are up, and with temperatures on the rise, utility bills will be soaring throughout the summer months. To help provide some relief, CLECO is spreading the word about its Cleco Alternative Rate for Electricity discount program for eligible low-income families. Here’s spokesperson Fran Phoenix…

Cut 6  (11) “…assistance program.” 

If eligible, the discount is applied to the customer’s bills for July, August, and September. Phoenix says to receive the discount, customers must enroll before May 30 through their local community action agency.

Cut 7 (11) “…started breathing again.” 

A list of those agencies is available on the Louisiana Housing Corporation website, l-h-c-dot-la-dot-gov.

The CARE program has been in place for eight years, and more than five thousand eligible customers took advantage last year. If you meet the guidelines for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP, you automatically qualify for these savings during the hottest months of the year.

Cut 8 (08) “…that discount.” 

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Optimism among small businesses continues to decline. According to the April survey by the National Federation of Independent Business, small business owners who are expecting better conditions over the next six months decreased by one point. State Director Dawn McVea says in their 48-year history of the survey…

Cut 9 (07) “…will improve.”

It’s the fourth consecutive month that optimism has declined among independent business owners. McVea says the driving factor for the net negative 50-percent outlook for the future is record inflation.

Cut 10 (07) ” ….operating right now.” 

McVea says ongoing supply chain issues, rising fuel costs, and inflation continue to compound earnings among small business owners. She says 70-percent of independent businesses have had to raise prices.

Cut 11 (10)  “…on record.” 

Another reason small businesses are having to increase prices, McVea says is due to having to pay more in wages. And 93-percent of those surveyed report few or no qualified applicants for positions they were trying to fill.

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Senator Bill Cassidy introduces a bill to reauthorize the bipartisan Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 that provides crucial programs to improve the nation’s mental health infrastructure. Cassidy says current legislation is set to expire in September and the new bill also focuses on mental health programs for children.

Cut 12 (10) “…support children.”  

Cassidy says the 2022 Reauthorization Act not only provides mental health services for children in schools but also for those who find themselves in juvenile detention centers. He says some teens are denied services while they await sentencing.

Cut 13 (10) “…might be.”

Since the Reform Act of 2016, Cassidy says the pandemic has only worsened the mental health of Americans of all ages, particularly children with school closings and disruptions in academic and social development.

Cut 14 (10)  “…a stretch.”

Cassidy and Connecticut Democrat Senator Chris Murphy introduced the Mental Health Reform Act of 2016 and again joined forces for the Reauthorization Act of 2022.

11:30 LRN Newscast May 10

Today marks the third anniversary of the death of Ronald Greene. His death has put State Police under a microscope for a possible cover-up as Greene’s family was originally told he died in a crash, but body camera video shows he was involved in a violent encounter with State Troopers. Paramedic Cindy Ott described what she saw when she arrived on the scene…
cut 10 (09) “….his head”
A federal civil rights investigation is underway, but no charges have been handed down.

The Louisiana House backs a proposal that will phase out a temporary sales tax that’s set to expire in 2025. The tax generates over 400-million dollars in revenues a year and Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala’s bill will begin the phase-out in 2023 so the state doesn’t face a fiscal cliff in 2025…
cut 3 (11) “…appropriate word”
Democrats are concerned the legislation will result in budget cuts. The measure still needs Senate approval.

The state Supreme Court hears arguments today over pre-2019 non-unanimous jury verdicts, and whether those convicted should be eligible for a new trial…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Arguments are underway in a federal court in Baton Rouge as a coalition of civil rights groups seek to toss out the Congressional district map approved by Republican lawmakers in February. The plaintiffs say there should be a second majority-Black congressional district, but GOP legislators say the Black population is too spread out to have two majority-minority districts.

10:30 LRN Newscast

Today is the three-year anniversary of the death of Ronald Greene, a black motorist who led State Police on a high-speed chase. When the chase ended, body camera video shows State Troopers punching and tasing Greene, who later died in custody. Federal prosecutors have been looking into whether civil rights violations occurred and local district attorney John Belton says he plans to convene a grand jury once he receives investigative files from the U-S Attorney’s Office…
cut 11 (14) “….of Louisiana”
Belton says he’ll provide an update on the case to the Greene family at 1 PM today.

Also at one o’clock today, funeral services begin for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier, who died last week. Six years ago he was shot multiple times during an ambush on Baton Rouge law enforcement.

The Louisiana Supreme Court will hear arguments today over whether prisoners convicted by a non-unanimous verdict should get a new trial. The state’s highest court is looking at the case of Reginald Reddick, he was convicted in 1997 in Plaquemines Parish for murder on a 10-2 jury vote. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says what the court decides will set a huge precedent…
cut 5 (08) “….requiring unanimity”
There are about 15-hundred inmates behind bars as a result of a non-unanimous jury verdict.

The CDC reports that the recent outbreak of bird flu seen in wild birds in 34 states, including Texas and Alabama, has not been detected in Louisiana. Department of Wildlife and Fisheries State Veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour…
Cut 13 (11) “…it in Louisiana.”
At this time L-D-W-F says there is no reason for anyone to change or limit their outdoor or bird-related activities.

9:30 LRN Newscast May 10

Today is the third anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. The 49-year-old black man was punched and tased following a high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. No charges have been handed down related to his fatal arrest and a legislative committee continues to look into accusations of a cover-up. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle…
cut 12 (13) “….questions”

The Louisiana Supreme Court hears arguments today over whether the state should grant new trials to prisoners convicted on non-unanimous verdicts. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the case involves Reginald Reddick, who was convicted on a 10-2 jury verdict in 1997 for killing another man in Plaquemines Parish…
cut 6 (11) “…..criminal procedure”

The bird flu is migrating across the country, but so far Louisiana has a clean bill of health. David Grubb has the story…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Gas prices are soaring above four dollars a gallon. According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $4.04, 17-cents higher than a week ago. AAA says the increase is primarily due to the high cost of crude oil, which is selling for over 100-dollars a barrel.

8:30 LRN Newscast

Today marks the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. Still no charges against the State Troopers who were seen on body camera video beating Greene before he died. Kevin Gallagher has more…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

Today is the funeral services for East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Deputy Nick Tullier, who died last week after he was shot multiple times six years ago during an ambush on law enforcement officers in Baton Rouge. Governor John Bel Edwards is one of the scheduled speakers.

The state Supreme Court will hear arguments today about whether those who were convicted by a non-unanimous jury verdict deserve a new trial. In 2018, voters passed a Constitutional Amendment ending convictions with as many as two jurors voting no. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says in 2020, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that convictions must be unanimous, but did not call for new trials.…:
Cut 4 (13) “…from decades ago.”

Meanwhile at the state capitol lawmakers, have been given an additional 454 million dollars that can be spent over the next 14 months. The governor’s office says some of the funds should go towards a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
cut 9 (12) “….dollars are available”
The Edwards administration is pushing for 500-million dollars for a new Mississippi River Bridge, but state lawmakers have yet to agree on that type of allocation.

7:30 LRN newscast

The state Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments today over pre-2019 non-unanimous jury verdicts, and whether retrials for all those convicted are required. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments from plaintiffs yesterday who are asking the courts to toss out the Congressional district map approved by Republican lawmakers in February. A coalition of civil rights groups say there should be a second majority-Black congressional district, but GOP legislators say the Black population is too spread out to have two majority-minority districts.

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 802-million dollars in better-than-expected-tax revenues. 454-million dollars of that money will be available for legislators to spend over the next 14 months. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says the governor is asking legislators to put some of that cash towards a new Mississippi River Bridge in Baton Rouge…
cut 7 (12) “….bridge in Baton Rouge”
Lawmakers have been hesitant to allocate 500-million dollars for a new bridge when a placement for the bridge has yet to be finalized.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says an outbreak of bird flu has not been detected in the Bayou State. Bird flu has been found in wild birds in 34 states, the closest in Texas and Alabama. Only one human case of bird flu has been confirmed by the CDC. LDWF State Veterinarian Doctor Jim LaCour…
cut 15 (08) “….in that case”

6:45 LRN Sportscast

The 17th-ranked LSU baseball team is back home tonight to host Southeastern Louisiana. The Tigers are coming off a series victory over Alabama as Dylan Crews had seven hits and drove in seven runs and was named co-SEC Player of the Week. The Lions are coming off a sweep of Houston Baptist. Fifth-year senior Preston Faulkner drove in 10 runs and was named Southland Conference Hitter of the Week.

The Ragin Cajuns will spend the week in Texas. They begin a two-game series tonight in Houston against Rice and then they head to San Marcos to face Texas State. U-L Lafayette has won eight of its last nine.

In the SWAC, Southern is at Lamar and Grambling visits Stephen F Austin.

The Southland Conference Softball Tournament gets underway today in Hammond. Southeastern Louisiana is the second seed and hosts Nicholls at 5 PM. At noon, fourth-seeded Northwestern State faces 5th seeded UIW.

College athletes have been profiting off of their name, image, and likeness since July and now the NCAA says it’s beginning a crackdown on booster involvement. The new NIL guidelines attempt to stop boosters from being involved in recruiting and the NCAA says it will investigate those who violate the rules. Sports Illustrated had a report that showed how booster-led collectives are using the NIL deals to sign prospects with their school.

In NFL news, a potential back-up to Saints running back Alvin Kamara, Sony Michel, has signed with the Dolphins. That’s according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Michel has played on two Super Bowl teams, the Patriots and the Rams.

Former LSU wide receiver Jarvis Landry remains a free agent and the Ravens are reportedly showing interest in the veteran pass-catcher. Baltimore can use a receiver after trading Marquise Brown to the Arizona Cardinals.

6:30 LRN Newscast

Today marks the three-year anniversary of Ronald Greene’s death. The 49-year-old Black man died following a lengthy high-speed chase that ended in Union Parish. Two years later body camera video was released, showing Troopers stunning and punching Greene as he apologized. Paramedic Cindy Ott recently described what she saw when she arrived on the scene
Cut 10 (09) “…his head”
None of the troopers involved in Greene’s arrest has been charged criminally.

The governor’s office is pushing for a bigger pay raise for teachers now that the Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized the state has an extra 454 million dollars over this fiscal year and next. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne…
cut 8 (08) “….a thousand dollars”
Lawmakers seem to be in support of a 15-hundred dollar raise for teachers. The budget bill is currently in Senate finance and we’ll see if they seek to raise teacher salaries by another two-thousand dollars.

The bird flu is migrating across the country, but so far Louisiana has a clean bill of health. David Grubb has the story…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m David Grubb.”

State Police has canceled an Amber Alert issued last night involving two children taken from a home in Mandeville. Authorities say they were abducted by Sergio Hernandez, the father of the youngest child. Hernandez was arrested last night in Crystal Springs, Mississippi. Officials say the girls were found safe and sound. Hernandez faces criminal charges.

LRN PM Newscall May 9

Louisiana lawmakers will have more money to spend as the state continues to report better than expected revenues. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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A Wildlife and Fisheries agent rescues nine from a capsized boat this weekend and saves the life of a young girl…David Grubb has the story.

Cut 2 (35)…I’m David Grubb.”  

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The Revenue Estimating Conference increased income projections for this fiscal year by 350-million dollars today, giving state lawmakers additional money to spend. Economists are reporting better-than-expected tax collections from sales and personal income taxes. Chief legislative economist Deborah Vivien

Cut 3 (10) “…approaching it.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference is also increasing revenues for the fiscal year that starts July 1st by more than 100 million dollars. Viven expects spending will drop off in 2023

Cut 4  (09) “…economic influences.”

Administration economist Manfred Dix says the state is having a good year when it comes to better than expected revenues. He wonders if it could last beyond this calendar year…

Cut 5  (11) “…fiscal year”

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Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sgt. Stephen Rhodes was patrolling the beach at Grand Isle Saturday when he noticed a boat taking on water before capsizing. After getting help from some nearby beachgoers, Rhodes sprang into action said spokesperson Adam Einck…

Cut 6  (12) “…still in the water.” 

Rhodes was able to find and resuscitate the girl, and she was transported to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She is expected to make a full recovery.

—

Saturday afternoon, while patrolling along the beach at Grand Isle, Sgt. Stephen Rhodes saw a boat capsizing. Rhodes was able to get eight people into his patrol vessel when he was told a young girl was still missing. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says Rhodes then dove into the water to locate the girl.

Cut 7 (11) “…started breathing again.” 

—

Once everyone was on board, Sgt. Rhodes brought the people to the Bridgeside Marina. EMS crews were standing by, and they were able to stabilize the girl before airlifting her to Children’s Hospital in New Orleans. She is expected to make a full recovery. Einck says Rhodes did everything right, but couldn’t have been the hero without assistance from people nearby.

Cut 8 (08) “…as well.” 

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The statewide average for a regular gallon of gasoline has reached four dollars again. Triple-A fuel analyst Don Redman says prices at the pump have jumped 13-cents since last Monday to reflect last week’s ten-percent increase in crude oil prices

Cut 9 (09) “…crude.”

After hitting a record high of $4.15 a gallon on March 11th, gas prices went down to about $3.85. But they shot up last week and Redman says four-dollar a gallon gasoline is not going away…

Cut 10 (09) ” ….near term” 

OPEC is not ready to boost the production of crude oil because China is weighing down the demand because of COVID lockdowns in that country. Redman says AAA expects oil prices to remain above 105-dollars a barrel as the supply remains tight and could get tighter later this summer

Cut 11 (10)  “…prices.” 

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One of Louisiana’s strongest pro-life lobbies comes out AGAINST a bill that would make having or performing an abortion punishable with prison time. Caddo Parish Representative Danny McCormick’s bill would define a procedure to terminate a pregnancy as murder. Louisiana Family Forum President Gene Mills says it’s unneeded because the state already has a trigger bill that will render abortions illegal, should the Supreme Court overturn Roe versus Wade…:

Cut 12 (10) “…favorable Dobbs opinion.”  

Last week’s leaked Justice Alito opinion draft references the case of Dobbs versus Jackson Women’s Health, of Jackson Mississippi, and indicates a majority of justices support upholding it and returning control of abortion law to the states. Mill says McCormick’s bill has some “language problems” and needlessly punishes the mother…:

Cut 13 (11) “…trying to accomplish.”

McCormick’s bill, HB813, has cleared a House committee and is scheduled for floor debate Thursday. Mills says Louisiana Family Forum does not support the bill and feels the U.S. Supreme Court WILL toss “Roe” soon. He says when that happens, the state and private sector need to be ready to step up for expectant mothers…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…or chemical abortions.”

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11:30 LRN Newscast

The Revenue Estimating Conference increased income projections for this fiscal year by 350-million dollars today, giving state lawmakers addtional money to spend. Economists are reporting better-than-expected tax collections from sales and personal income taxes. Chief legislative economist Deborah Vivien…
cut 3 (10) “…approaching it”
Governor John Bel Edwards believes the additional revenues should go towards giving teachers a two-thousand dollar raise.

An anti-abortion group says it opposes a controversial bill that would charge a woman with murder if they have an abortion. Louisiana Right to Life Executive Director Ben Clapper says abortion-vulnerable women should not be treated as criminals
Cut 12 (10) “…the abortion”
The bill’s author, Oil City Representative Danny McCormick told the USA Today Network that if you believe abortion is murder then you must call it that. The Louisiana House is scheduled to vote on the bill on Thursday.

New data from the state Department of Health indicates fewer pregnant women are needing cesarean sections for the delivery of their babies. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

After hitting a record high of $4.15 a gallon for regular gasoline on March 11th, gas prices went down to about $3.85, but Triple-A’s Don Redman says the statewide average is back at four dollars a gallon…
cut 10 (10) “…certiainly”