07:30 LRN Newscast June 22nd

The Louisiana House is struggling to reach an agreement on renewing a portion of an expiring one-cent sales tax that’s needed in order to avoid cuts to state services. A proposal to renew half a cent failed by 10 votes last night. So does the most recent vote come off as a failure? LA-Politics-dot-com Publisher Jeremy Alford says not necessarily…
cut 15 (12) “…wait and see”
Alford says the governor and Democrats prefer the half-a-cent sales tax renewal, while Republicans are digging in at four-tenths of a cent.

The state Revenue Deparment says it’s too soon for a definitive estimate on how much revenue the state will receive as a result of a US Supreme Court ruling that allows states to collect sales taxes from online purchases. L-D-R says the state currently receives sales tax from big internet retailers, like Amazon.

The statewide average for regular gasoline is down three-cents from a week ago, but AAA is anticipating a rise in prices at the pump, because demand is growing and inventories are decreasing. AAA fuel analyst Don Redman says OPEC meets today and they will discuss increasing oil production….
cut 11 (11) “….such as russia
The current statewide average is $2.59 a gallon for regular gasoline.

An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend. The Emerge Louisiana event will honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training. Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states…
Cut 4 (08) “…a 70% win rate.”
Oubre says two women in this graduating class will be on ballots this fall and the others plan on running for an office next year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast June 22nd

The Pelicans used their only draft pick last night to select former Penn State guard Tony Carr in the second round. He led the Big Ten in scoring last season at nearly 20 points a game. The 20-year-old from Philadelphia is six-foot-five. General Manager Dell Demps says they think he can play multiple positions, but how he fits in with next year’s team is uncertain…
cut 30 (23) “…he’s not”
Two players from Louisiana were selected in the first round last night. Boston with the 27th pick selected former North Caddo star Robert Williams and Baton Rouge native Jacob Evans gets a chance to play with the defending camps as Golden State selected the small forward who played at Cinncinnati.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without Quarterback Jameis Winston for the first three games as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports the signal caller is facing a suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. And the Saints host the Bucs in the season opener. There was a report last November that Winston groped a Uber driver in Scottsdale, Arizona in March of 2016. A formal announcement on the suspension could come down today.

6:30 LRN Newscast June 22nd

The House failed to pass a proposal to renew half a cent of an expiring one cent sales tax, as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services. The measure received 60 votes, but it needs 70 for passage.

House Speaker Taylor Barras addressed the lower chamber before they convened for the night and said legislators are deadlocked. Barras says he plans to keep talking with the caucus chairs in the hopes an agreement can be reached….
cut 16 (12) “….impasse is”
LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the governor and Democrats want the half-a-penny renewal, while Republicans would prefer four-tenths…
cut 13 (07) “…foreseeable futrure”
The House is set to come back in at 9:30 this morning and another vote on a sales tax renewal bill is expected.

Louisiana’s Republican Delegation in Washington DC says the Farm Bill approved by the House protects farmers and improves the food stamp program. Michael Farrar has the story…
voicer 2 (31) “…I’m Michael Farrar”

LRN AM Newscall June 22nd ###Final Version###

A group called Emerge Louisiana says they have successfully trained 22 women who plan to run for political office and they will graduate from their program on Saturday. Becca Dill has more…

Cut 1 (29)  I’m Becca Dill.“

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Louisiana’s Republican Delegation in Washington DC says the Farm Bill approved by the House protects farmers and improves the food stamp program. Michael Farrar has the story…

Cut 2 (31) ”  I’m Michael Farrar” 

____________________________________________________

Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (27) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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An organization dedicated to preparing Democratic women for the challenge of running for office will hold its inaugural graduation this weekend.  The Emerge Louisiana event will  honor 22 class members who completed 70 hours of in-depth candidate training.  Executive Director Melanie Oubre, says the program has a history of favorable outcomes for graduates in other states…

Cut 4  (08) “…a 70% win rate.”

Oubre says woman can look forward to learning many important factors of running for office.

Cut 5  (09)  “…in their campaign.”

In addition to the classes that take place in the program, Oubre says participants can expect to have a supportive community from Emerge Louisiana in the time beyond graduation.

Cut 6 (09) “…and the national level.”

Oubre says that two women in this graduating class have already announced they will be on ballots this fall and she says others will soon be announcing their candidacy for elections happening in 2019.

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Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham calls the passage of the Farm Bill in the US House a great days for America’s farmers. Abraham, who is the only member of Louisiana’s delegation on the agriculture committee, says it help farmers recover from natural disasters…

Cut 7 (06)  “…one more time.”

Abraham says the legislation heading to the Senate also requires able-body adults to either work or participate in a job training program for 20 hours per week in order remain eligible for food stamps. The Republican from  Richland Parish says job training is guaranteed in the bill….

Cut 8 (12)  “…this training”

Abraham says the House version of the Farm Bill also has provisions in it to help Louisiana dairy farmers. He says its an industry that has seen a sharp decline over the last decade as they’ve had trouble competing against the big dairy producers in Wisconsin…

Cut 9 (11)  “…sometime”

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Although average gas prices in Louisiana are lower this week than they were last, the current average is still forty-nine cents higher than this time last year.  AAA Fuel Analyst Don Redmond says soon those prices may be on the rise again.

Cut 10 (13)   “…going back up.”

How much could the price be increasing?  Redmond says the prices may be influenced by several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…such as Russia.”

Redmond says this time of the year does prove to put gas in high demand, and this year may very well see extreme masses of travelers hitting the roadways.

Cut 12 (09) “…to be a record-breaker.”

Some reports indicate OPEC could be looking at an increase in production which would likely help ease the global crude prices.

______________________________________________

The House failed to pass a proposal to renew half a cent of an expiring one cent sales tax, as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services.  The measure received sixty votes, but it needs seventy in order to receive passage and head to the Senate.  LAPolitics.com publisher Jeremy Alford says the governor and Democrats want the half-a-penny renewal, while Republicans would prefer four-tenths….

Cut 13 (07)  “…in to the foreseeable future.” 

Alford says much of the dispute comes down to the goal of downsizing the government.

Cut 14 (11) “…there going to do.”

So does the most recent vote come off as a failure?  Alford says that depends on one’s views on budget cuts.

Cut 15 (12) ” …wait and see.”

House Speaker Taylor Barras addressed the lower chamber before they convened for the night and said legislators are deadlocked between four-tenths and half a penny on a sales tax renewal bill. Barras says he plans to keep talking with the caucus of chairs in the hopes an agreement can be reached…

Cut 16 (12) “…impasse is”

The House concluded its official business around 8:30 after a long day of behind the scenes negotiations. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle expressed her frustration…

Cut 17 (04)  “…out of time”

6:30 PM Newscast

The House failed to approve a proposal to renew a half cent of an expiring one cent sales tax as a way to generate revenue to avoid cuts to state services.  The measure received sixty votes, but it needs seventy in order to receive passage and head to the Senate.  The legislation can be brought up for reconsideration.  And it can be amended to lower the amount that is renewed.  But time is ticking as the special session is set to end Wednesday.

The US Supreme Court ruled today that state can go after online retailers for sales taxes on purchases made by consumers. Jeff Palermo ahs the story…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”
Louisiana no longer holds the distinction as the prison capital of the nation. According to the latest data made public by the Advocate Newspaper, Oklahoma incarcerates more people per 100-thousand residents than Louisiana. When running for office, Governor Edwards promised to reduce the state’s prison population and last year the legislature approved 10 criminal justice reform bills to jump-start the process.
Cut 10 (03) “…better direction.”
Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains well above the national average.

The Mighty Lions of Lafayette High School are working out in their new weight room today, thanks to a generous donation by former NBA superstar Shaquille O’ Neal who helped fund the project that cost a little more than $40,000. Football coach Rob Pool believes Shaq’s donation sparked other contributions to get the weight room put together. Without his help, it would have been another two years before they could have raised the necessary money.
Cut 7 (10) “…helped as well.”
O’Neal’s donation was part of South Louisiana Giving Day.

 

17:30 LRN Newscast June 21st

A U-S Supreme Court ruling issued today gives states the authority to collect sales taxes on online purchases. Previously, Louisiana and other states couldn’t collect taxes on items bought from a warehouse or store that didn’t have a physical presence in their state. Global Tax Consultant Jason DeCuir says today’s ruling changes those rules…
cut 11 (11) “….taxes”
DeCuir says Louisiana will collect more tax revenue, but it may take months and possibly legislation passed on the state level to get it done.

Meanwhile, at the state capitol there’s been very little movement towards passing a sales tax bill in the House to address the fiscal cliff that arrives July 1st. The Supreme Court ruling on internet sales tax collections has some lawmakers wondering if the state will soon collect more revenue. The special session must end next Wednesday and the Fiscal cliff arrives July 1.

A video of Mike the Tiger has spread across the web and has led his caretakers to set expectations on how visitors should interact with LSU’s live mascot.
Cut 1 (26) “I’m Becca Dill”

Louisiana Congressman Ralph Abraham calls the passage of the Farm Bill in the US House a great days for America’s farmers. Abraham, who is the only member of Louisiana’s delegation on the agriculture committee, says it help farmers recover from natural disasters…
cut 7 (06) “…one more time”
Abraham says the legislation heading to the Senate also requires able-body adults to either work or participate in a job training program for 20 hours per week in order remain eligible for food stamps.

16:30 LRN Newscast June 21st

A US Supreme Court ruling has paved the way for Louisiana and other states to collect online sales taxes when it comes to purchases made with vendors or companies that do not have a presence in that state. The potential of Louisiana receiving more tax revenue in the future from online sales has worked its way into the debate at the state capitol as lawmakers debate sales tax bills that would be used to close a budget deficit that hits on July 1st. But Tax Consultant Jason Decuir says additional revenues from online sales taxes are still months away from happening…
Cut 13 (07) “…couple of weeks”

We were expecting a big day of votes on the House floor regarding sales tax bills that would generate hundreds of millions of dollars that could be used to soften proposed cuts to higher ed, TOPS and public safety programs. But the online sales tax ruling by the Supreme Court has postponed those votes.

LSU’s live mascot, Mike the Tiger, has gone viral after a video was posted of him slowly stalking several guests visiting his habitat. The guests had their backs to Mike which prompted him to approach the glass enclosure before pouncing against it. LSU Veterinary school spokesperson Ginger Guttner asks Mike’s visitors to not turn their backs to him.
Cut 3 (08) “…looks like prey.”
Guttner says this precaution is taken because of the potential harm Mike could suffer from hitting the glass.

The Mighty Lions of Lafayette High opened their new weight room today, thanks to a generous donation by former NBA superstar Shaquille O’ Neal to help fund the project that cost a little more than $40,000. Football coach Rob Pool says he was stunned when Shaq stepped in to help.
Cut 6 (11) “…more grateful.”
Shaq’s donation was part of South Louisiana Giving Day, which was organized by the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

16:45 LRN Sportscast

Tonight is the NBA draft, but the Pelicans do not hold a first round pick. They traded it last season to acquire Nikola Mirotic from the Chicago Bulls. So New Orleans has just one selection and that’s in the second round, the 51st overall pick.

Former North Caddo prep star Robert Williams could be a lottery pick. Mock drafts have the former Texas A-and-M standout going anywhere from 13th to 19th overall. Jacob Evans who played at St. Michael High in Baton Rouge is also a potential first round pick.

The Mighty Lions of Lafayette High opened their new weight room today, thanks to a generous donation by former NBA superstar Shaquille O’ Neal to help fund the project that cost a little more than $40,000. Football coach Rob Pool says he was stunned when Shaq stepped in to help.
Cut 6 (11) “…more grateful.”
Shaq’s donation was part of South Louisiana Giving Day, which was organized by the Community Foundation of Acadiana.

LSU’s 2019 recruiting class received a huge bump yesterday with the verbal commitment of consensus five-star cornerback Derek Stingley Junior from Baton Rouge. Tiger Rag Editor Cody Worsham says the class now features two five-star prospects, the other is Southern Lab offensive guard Kardell Thomas…
cut 17 (19) “….do now”
At the College World Series tonight, Florida faces Texas Tech in an elimination game. The winner advances to play Arkansas tomorrow. The Razorbacks are 2-0 in Omaha after beating Texas Tech seven to two yesterday. Mississippi State meets Oregon State tomorrow. A win for the Bulldogs and they advance to the championship series of the College world Series.

Big upset at the World Cup, Crotia stunned Argentina three-nothing, so Argentina is in jeopardy of not reaching the Round 16.

LRN PM Newscall June 21

A video of Mike the Tiger has been spread across the web in recent days and has led his caretakers to set expectations on how visitors should interact with our beloved tiger.

Cut 1 (26) “I’m Becca Dill”

______________________________________________

The US Supreme Court ruled today that state can go after online retailers for sales taxes on purchases made by consumers. Jeff Palermo ahs the story…

Cut 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo” 

 

Louisiana no longer leads the nation for its incarceration rate. Governor John Bel Edwards says that unwanted distinction goes to Oklahoma…

cut 9 (11)  “…incarceration rate”

According to the latest data made public by the Advocate Newspaper,  Oklahoma incarcerates 719 people per 100-thousand residents, while Louisiana is at 712 inmates per 100-thousand citizens. When running for office, Edwards promised to reduce the state’s prison population and last year the legislature approved 10 criminal justice reform bills to jump-start the process.

Cut 10 (03) “…better direction.”

__________________________________________________

A U-S Supreme Court ruling issued today gives states the authority to collect sales taxes on online purchases. Previously, Louisiana and other states couldn’t collect taxes on items bought from a warehouse or store that didn’t have a physical presence in their state. Global Tax Consultant Jason DeCuir says today’s ruling changes those rules

Cut 11 (11) “…taxes”

DeCuir says Louisiana will collect more tax revenue, but there’s not a firm timeline on when that will happen.

Cut 12 (13)   “…sales tax.”

The potential of Louisiana receiving more tax revenue in the future from online sales has worked its way into the debate at the state capitol as  lawmakers debate sales tax bills that would be used to close a budget deficit that hits on July 1st. But Decuir says additional online sales taxes are still months away

Cut 13 (07) “…couple of weeks” 

3:30 LRN Newscast June 21st

The US Supreme Court ruled today that state can go after online retailers for sales taxes on purchases made by consumers. Jeff Palermo ahs the story…
voicer 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A lot of behind scense discussions have been taking place at the State Capitol today. The House was scheduled to vote on three different sales tax bills that would generate revenue to address a looming 500-million dollar budget deficit. But so far no votes and the bill that many Democrats supported has been pulled from consideration.
Louisiana no longer holds the distinction as the prison capital of the nation. According to the latest data made public by the Advocate Newspaper, Oklahoma incarcerates more people per 100-thousand residents than Louisiana. When running for office, Governor Edwards promised to reduce the state’s prison population and last year the legislature approved 10 criminal justice reform bills to jump-start the process.
Cut 10 (03) “…better direction.”
Louisiana’s incarceration rate remains well above the national average.

The Mighty Lions of Lafayette High School are working out in their new weight room today, thanks to a generous donation by former NBA superstar Shaquille O’ Neal who helped fund the project that cost a little more than $40,000. Football coach Rob Pool believes Shaq’s donation sparked other contributions to get the weight room put together. Without his help, it would have been another two years before they could have raised the necessary money.
Cut 7 (10) “…helped as well.”
O’Neal’s donation was part of South Louisiana Giving Day.