At the state capitol today, a Senate committee advanced a bill that would create a Task Force to review protocols and safety for officers involved in high-speed police pursuits. The resolution is in response to a high-speed chase on New Year’s Eve in West Baton Rouge Parish that resulted in the deaths of two innocent teen girls. Bill sponsor and Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter says there needs to be a determination of when pursuing a suspect is worth risking a person’s life…:

CUT 07(06)      “…bright future”

The measure was approved and heads now for the Senate floor.

Another senate bill moving forward increases jail time for those caught manufacturing drugs containing fentanyl. A minimum ten years would be the punishment for a 1^st offense. Private citizen Bruce Riley testified against the bill; saying stiffer penalties are NOT a good solution to the fentanyl crisis..:

CUT 11(11)      “…family members.”

Despite his feelings, the bill moves to the Senate floor.

The latest campaign finance reports show Attorney General Jeff Landry has a clear financial advantage in the governor’s race, with $6 million on hand for his campaign…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Nationwide chain David’s Bridal – with five locations in Louisiana – has filed for bankruptcy protection. The chain says it could be forced to lay off over 9000 of its 11-thousand employees. No word yet on whether any Louisiana stores will be closing. David’s Bridal says it will fulfill any and all outstanding orders, so tell the bride to relax.

Headed for the Senate floor, a bill that mandates stronger penalties for those convicted of producing the killer drug fentanyl…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A House Committee will take up a bill that proposes dyslexia testing for all Louisiana kindergartener. Gretna Representative Joe Marino says a new testing system could directly impact test scores and improve graduation rates. Testing would cost the state less than $100-thousand a year. House Education will consider Marino’s bill Thursday.

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 03(09)      “…so far.”

State Treasurer John Schroder is in 2^nd place with $2.4-million.

Legalized sports betting has been very good for Louisiana. The state Gaming Control Board reports $44-million in tax revenue has come in from sports betting in the 17 months it’s been legal. Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says that and mobile sports betting have been very profitable…:

CUT 13(10)      “…successful program.”

Johns says the haul from legal sports betting has been better than was expected.

The latest campaign finance reports show Attorney General Jeff Landry with a clear financial advantage in the governor’s race; about $6-million in on-hand campaign cash….:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

The state’s largest National Guard facility is getting a new name. Camp Beauregard, in Pineville, will be officially re-dubbed the Louisiana National Guard Training Center at Pineville at a ceremony to be held this fall. The renaming is to remove the name of General P.G.T. Beauregard, who fought for the South. Fort Polk in Vernon Parish will become Fort William Johnson; also later this year.

Louisiana has received 44-million dollars in tax revenue from sports betting since it became legal in Louisiana 17 months ago. Gaming Control Board Chairman Ronnie Johns says that’s a little more than what they expected…:

CUT 12(09)      “…sports betting revenue.”

Johns says gamblers have placed three-billion dollars’ worth in legal sports bets in the last 17 months.

A Senate committee advances a bill to increase penalties for producing drugs with fentanyl in them. Bill sponsor and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says harsher punishment will decrease dealership. She says the same thing worked when heroin was a problem decades ago…:

CUT 10(08)      “…someplace else.”

The bill gives a minimum 10 years for a first conviction. Unopposed in committee, it moves to the Senate floor.

The Senate Judiciary C Committee approves legislation to increase penalties for individuals convicted of producing drugs containing fentanyl. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says the current penalty of 5 to 15 years in prison is not enough.

Cut 9 (11) “….your first conviction”

A second conviction calls for a minimum sentence of 30 years and a third conviction will result in at least a 99-year prison sentence.

Baton Rouge Police have arrested a second woman in the Nathan Millard case, the Georgia businessman who went missing, and his body was found 12 days later in what the coroner has ruled an overdose death from a combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and ethanol. 33-year-old Tabbetha Barner faces prostitution charges and failure to seek assistance in Millard’s death. 27-year-old Tiffany Guidry and 45-year-old Derrick Perkins were previously arrested in the case.

The latest campaign finance report for the governor’s race has Jeff Landry with $6.3 million followed by John Schroder with $2.4 million. And with the next finance report, due mid-July, Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says it will be an indicator of who’s Landry’s main Republican competitor.

Cut 5 (06) “…Jeff Landry.”

After a high-speed police chase killed two teens on New Year’s Eve when a responding officer ran a red light, a resolution to review such protocols is being discussed by a Senate Committee. The chase across multiple parishes involved a suspect who stole his father’s vehicle. Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter says the task force would produce guidelines on when a high-speed chase is appropriate.

Cut 8 (12)  “…turned on.” 

The resolution heads to the Senate floor.

Attorney General Jeff Landry’s campaign finance reports pushes him to the front of the governor’s race with  $6.3 million. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Schroder is in a close second with $2.4 million, however…

Cut 4 (12)  “…tough money.” 

Landry’s finances and endorsements make him the frontrunner in the race.

A resolution to create a Task Force to review protocols and safety for officers involved in high-speed police pursuits was approved today by Senate Committee. Port Allen Senator Caleb Kleinpeter says many law enforcement officers agree guidelines are needed to set policies for chases.

Cut 6 (08)  “…of hand.” 

Members of the Dunn and Gill family attended the meeting. The measure now goes to the Senate Floor for approval.

The statewide clean-up initiative – Keep Louisiana Beautiful – is off to a trashy start as residents connect to beautify and show love for the boot this week. Keep Louisiana Beautiful spokesperson Melissa Kenyon says the number of participants will more than triple last year’s numbers which means more trash.

Cut 14 (11)  “…by Sunday.”

Kenyon encourages everyone to recycle or place trash in its proper place. Polluting is a danger to the environment.

The Senate Judiciary C Committee approves legislation that increases the penalties for individuals convicted of producing drugs containing fentanyl. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt says the current penalty of 5 to 15 years in prison is not enough

Cut 9 (11) “….your first conviction”

The measure heads to the Senate floor for more discussion.

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.