9:30 LRN Newscast

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.

8:30 LRN Newscast

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.

7:30 LRN Newscast

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Tonight at Alex Box Stadium, the top ranked LSU baseball team hosts the Ragin Cajuns. Both teams are dealing with injury issues. Tigers second baseman Gavin Dugas will likely miss his third consecutive game with a bruised shoulder, but Coach Jay Johnson says Dugas could return for this weekend’s series at Ole Miss…
cut 17 (19) “….fielding”
Cajuns starting shortstop Kyle DeBarge has a hand injury. U-L Lafayette Coach Matt Deggs says DeBarge is day to day…
cut 20 (13) “…bit even”
First pitch is at 6:30.

After sweeping F-I-U over the weekend, Louisiana Tech will host former Conference USA foe Southern Miss tonight. The Golden Eagles are ranked 25th and coming off a sweep of James Madison in Hattiesburg. Southern Miss designated hitter Slade Wilks is swinging a hot bat with 14 home runs, nine of the home runs have come in the last 14 day. The Bulldogs are 19-and-8 and Logan McLeod has a 23-game on-base streak.

Also tonight, Nicholls hosts Mississippi Valley State, Southeastern Louisiana hosts Jackson State. Tulane is at UNO.

In softball, LSU is at McNeese while the Cajuns host Southeastern.

In high school softball action, Calvin High School in Winn Parish beat Castor 13 to 3 in a Division five non-select playoff game. The victory came two days after Calvin’s head coach Chad Camp was fatally shot. Authorities say Camp’s 17-year-old son shot his father during an argument. Calvin won the Class C Championship last season.

6:30 LRN Newscast

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.

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.”

_______________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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.

____________________________________________________

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”

5:30 LRN Newscast and Legislative Report

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”

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.

4:30 LRN Newscast April 17

A Winn Parish softball coach was shot and killed over the weekend; allegedly by his own son. Winn Sheriff Cranford Jordan says 51-year-old Calvin High Coach Kevin Camp was pronounced dead at the scene Saturday and his 17-year-old son is now in custody. He says Camp was an outstanding person…:

CUT 07  (08)         “…last year.”

Calvin is scheduled to host Castor High in the opening round of state Division 5 playoffs. The school says the game WILL go on. Sheriff Jordan says father and son had a bad argument that led to the shooting.

Cops in Baton Rouge arrest three 19-year-old men for shooting and killing a pregnant woman and her unborn baby. Spokesman Sgt. L’Jean McKneely says Kerisha Johnson was sitting in her car, waiting to pick up some kids from a party, when gunfire erupted…:

CUT 04  (09)         “…been her.”

All three men are in parish prison; charged with murder and infanticide.

 

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 two-thirds of Louisiana taxpayers are in favor of them. Trey Burvant, with Louisiana Film Entertainment, says a poll by JMC Analytics ranked film incentives higher than tax breaks for oil, gas and chemicals…:

CUT 11(09)      “…positive it is.”

Current film & TV incentives end in 2025. This bill would end the sunset date altogether.

One bill NOT moving forward is Mandeville Rep. Richard Nelson’s proposal to end state income tax. It would have done so by lowering your homestead exemption and eliminating a lot of sales tax exemptions. After an hour of discussion, the committee agreed to table Nelson’s bill with no “yes or no” vote; meaning it is effectively dead for this year. Nelson says he will campaign for Governor on a platform of ending income taxes.

3:30 LRN Newscast April 17

A proposed bill to eliminate state income tax has been stymied by lawmakers. The House Ways & Means Committee voted to table Mandeville Rep. Richard Nelson’s bill without an up or down vote. Nelson says ending income tax would draw more businesses and people to the state. He says it would also help stop outmigration of the best and brightest…:

CUT 13  (12)         “…fix it.”

The bill is effectively dead for the session, but Nelson says he’ll campaign for Governor this fall on a platform of ending state income tax.

A Winn Parish high school sports coach is shot to death – allegedly by his own son. Winn Parish Sheriff Cranford Jordan says the 51-year-old victim was found dead at the scene of the shooting Saturday…:

CUT 06  (09)         “…gunshot wound.”

Camp’s 17-year-old son has been arrested. Jordan says the two had an argument.

 

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

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

If you’re looking for something fun and unusual to do this weekend, travel to Evangeline Downs in Opelousas for real live camel and zebra races. The races are scheduled for 5:30 this Saturday and will be free to the public. For information, visit Evangeline Downs on Facebook.