The National Average for a gallon of regular gas has decreased by a penny to $3.41. The decrease in demand has led to a slight price relief. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says with holidays around the corner he’s hoping the slight decrease is a sign that prices might be stabilizing for the winter at least…

Cut 6 (11) “…going up.” 

Crude oil prices remain above $80 a barrel.

Sticker shock is not only an issue putting fuel in your car but also shopping for a vehicle and most anything these days. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says there are factors involved, also because of inflation and supply chain problems, that are certain to keep food prices higher for a while.

Cut 6 (09) “…this forward, unfortunately.”

He says meat, poultry, eggs and fish are up 19 percent from a year ago.

Governor Edwards returns to DC next week to lobby for additional relief funding for southwest Louisiana for recovery from Laura and Delta. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President, Brian Abshire says while he appreciates what the governor has helped with so far, they along with other parts of southwest Louisiana need an additional 600-million dollars in disaster relief funding.

Cut 15 (10)  “…of our residents.”

It was August 2020 when Laura made landfall.

Virtual learning is under the microscope after becoming mainstream during the pandemic. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana Policy Director Steven Procopio says when they examined high school level charter schools and their virtual learning especially among Black and economically disadvantaged students, charter schools outperformed state schools.

Cut 8 (10) “..during the pandemic.”

They are hoping to help set a best practices for virtual learning going forward.

A Constitutional Amendment on Saturday’s ballot – to alter state income taxes – draws support and opposition from interest groups. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

State Police are investigating a home invasion in Grant Parish that resulted in the shooting of the suspect, 39-year old Chad Scott of Pollock Wednesday night. Police say the suspect entered the home of an off-duty wildlife agent, an altercation ensued, and the homeowner fired shots. Scott was transferred to a local hospital and the case remains under investigation.

Governor Edwards returns to DC next week in hopes of garnering more relief funds for southwest Louisiana. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President, Brian Abshire says while things have improved in the area months after the storms, that’s not the case for everyone and every location.

Cut  16 (09) “..on their own”

Abshire says the 600-million-dollars in long-term disaster relief doesn’t go far enough

Steven Procopio, Policy director at the Public Affairs Research Council says they are making recommendations for virtual education that should increase transparency, more accurate data on student performance, improved outcomes, and a funding structure to cover the cost of virtual education after the pandemic forced many educators and students to use the platform.

Cut 9 (09)  “…outcomes are.”

Four amendments to the state Constitution will be decided Saturday. Amendment One would establish a centralized state sales & use tax collection authority. Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says our current system doesn’t have a mechanism for collecting Internet sales taxes and millions are being left un-collected…:
Cut 10 (11) “…our sales tax over time.”
McVea says NFIB also supports Amendment Two which would lower income tax rates, but eliminate the federal tax deduction for state individual income tax filers. Supporters say the tax reform would be revenue-neutral. But Louisiana Budget Project Executive Director Jan Moller disagrees and…
cut 13 (08) “….tax structure”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana’s study of virtual learning hopes to help create best practices for remote education in the future. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says meat, fish and poultry prices are up 19-percent over last year. Strain says power and transportation costs are leading to higher prices in the grocery store…
cut 5 (10) “…up 12-percent”
As for used car prices, Strain says they are up a whopping 58 percent.

Tomorrow is election day and Constitutional Amendment Two on the ballot seeks to reduce state income tax rates, but it also takes away a tax break. The ability to deduct federal income taxes paid on your state income tax returns. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says this would benefit small businesses and most individual taxpayers…
cut 11 (08) “…21st century”
But the Louisiana Budget Project says the well-intended tax reform preserves the status quo where the richest Louisianans pay taxes at a lower rate than families that struggle to make ends meet.

The Public Affairs Research Council is calling on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education to increase oversight on virtual learning. PAR Policy Director Steven Procopio…
cut 7 (09) “….as well”

The new normal of inflationary prices doesn’t seem destined to fade away anytime soon. More from Dave Brannen.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

The Louisiana Gaming Control Board has issued two more sports betting licenses, Margaritaville in Bossier City and Boomtown, also in Bossier City. Margaritaville plans to open its sports book today. Five more licenses are pending State Police and Gaming Control Board approval. So far nine casinos in Louisiana are taking legal sports.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says inflation and the messed up supply chain train is hitting hard at the grocery store these days.
Cut 4 (08) “…up six percent “
And, Strain says that’s compared to year-ago prices. He says, for now, the price hikes seen almost everywhere, are the new normal, but suggests prices are expected to reverse course in the long term as the pandemic eases further and supply chain problems are addressed.

Governor John Bel Edwards will head back to Washington next week in hopes of gaining support for more disaster relief funds for southwest Louisiana. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President, Brian Abshire, appreciates what the governor has achieved thus far, but says the 600-million-dollars in long-term disaster relief doesn’t go far enough.
Cut 14 (05) “…as a whole.”
The area was hit by four major weather events in a year’s time, including Hurricane Laura that came ashore in August 2020.

A Constitutional Amendment on Saturday’s ballot – to alter state income taxes – draws support and opposition from interest groups. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The new normal of inflationary prices doesn’t seem destined to fade away anytime soon. More from Dave Brannen.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Dave Brannen.”

___________________________________

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana’s study of virtual learning hopes to help create best practices for remote education in the future. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

___________________________________

A Constitutional Amendment on Saturday’s ballot – to alter state income taxes – draws support and opposition from interest groups. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

_________________________________________

Sticker shock is not only an issue while shopping for a vehicle these days, but Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says inflation and the messed up supply chain train is also hitting hard at the grocery store these days.

Cut 4 (08) “…up six percent “

And, Strain says that’s compared to year-ago prices. He says, for now, the price hikes seen almost everywhere, are the new normal, but suggests prices are expected to reverse course in the long term as the pandemic eases further and supply chain problems are addressed.

Strain says that inflation has really taken a hit on power alternatives and transportation. For example:

Cut 5 (10) “…up 12 percent.“

As for used car prices, Strain says they are up a whopping 58 percent.

Strain says there are factors involved, also because of inflation and supply chain problems, that are certain to keep food prices higher for a while.

Cut 6 (09) “…this forward, unfortunately.”

___________________________________________

Virtual learning was used as a means to educate students due to COVID, now there’s a call to improve the medium. Even before the pandemic, the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says they were studying how charter schools used virtual learning. PAR Policy Director Steven Procopio says they want to help create best practices for virtual learning.

Cut 7 (09) “…as well.”

In the study entitled Louisiana Virtual: Facing the Reality of Online Schooling, Procopio says when they examined high school level charter schools and their virtual learning especially among Black and economically disadvantaged students, it was interesting because the charter schools outperformed state schools.

Cut 8 (10) “..during the pandemic.”

Procopio says PAR is making recommendations for virtual education that should increase transparency, more accurate data on student performance, improved outcomes, and a funding structure to cover the cost of virtual education.

Cut 9 (09)  “…outcomes are.”

Procopio says they are in favor of educational options but when adding others like virtual learning, BESE needs to make sure standards for quality, accountability, and transparency are set.

___________________________________________

Four amendments to the state Constitution will be decided Saturday. Amendment One would establish a centralized state sales & use tax collection authority, instead of the many local systems we have now. Dawn McVea, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, urges a yes vote here as a vote for tax reform. She says our current system doesn’t have a mechanism for collecting Internet sales taxes and millions are being left un-collected…:

Cut 10 (11)  “…our sales tax over time.” 

McVea says Amendment One levels the playing field for small businesses against Big Box and online retailers. Amendment Two on the ballot Saturday is a somewhat complicated tax swap; lowering state income tax rates & setting a cap on the highest brackets. It would also take away the deduction for federal incomes taxes paid. Again McVea says this would benefit small businesses and most individual taxpayers…:

Cut 11 (09) “…with the 21st Century.”

However, the Louisiana Budget Project disagrees on Amendment Two, and urges voters to say “no.” Spokesman Jan Moller says A-2 is being pitched as revenue-neutral, but in reality, it will create bigger state budget deficits…:

Cut 12 (15) “…corporate income taxes.”

Moller says passing A-2 will mean less money to fund state universities, health initiatives for the less fortunate, and more worthwhile endeavors…:

Cut 13 (08) “…of our tax structure.”

_____________________________________

Governor John Bel Edwards will head back to Washington next week in hopes of gaining support for more disaster relief funds for southwest Louisiana. Calcasieu Parish Police Jury President, Brian Abshire, appreciates what the governor has achieved thus far, but says the 600-million-dollars in long-term disaster relief doesn’t go far enough.

Cut 14 (05)  “…as a whole.”

The area was hit by four major weather events in a year’s time, including Hurricane Laura that came ashore in August 2020.

Abshire on why Calcasieu and other parts of southwest Louisiana need an additional 600-million dollars in disaster relief funding.

Cut 15 (10)  “…of our residents.”

Abshire says while things have improved in the area months after the storms, that’s not the case for everyone and every location.

Cut  16 (09) “..on their own”

________________________________________

The Saints could be without running back Alvin Kamara for Sunday’s game at Tennessee. Karma has not practiced the last two days because of a knee injury. 31-year-old Mark Ingram says he’s ready for a full workload…

Cut 17 (15) “ daily.” 

Ingram had nine carries for 43 yards last Sunday. He’s 20 yards away from breaking the Saints career rushing yards record, which is currently held by Deuce McCallister. Ingram says it would be a blessing to be the Black and Gold’s all-time leading rusher…

Cut 18 (21) “…this point.”  

_________________________________________________

ULM looks to snap a two-game losing streak on Saturday when they host Arkansas State for the Warhawks final home game of the season. After not scoring a touchdown in the second half in a loss to Texas State last Saturday, ULM Coach Terry Bowden wants to see more big plays from his offense…

Cut 19 (13)  ” the football.” 

Arkansas State has just one win on the year, but Bowden says the Red Wolves are not to be taken lightly…

Cut 20 (21) “…passing games.” 

Governor Edwards officially dedicated the Never Forget Garden this Veteran’s Day. The dedication of the garden adjacent to the State Capitol grounds also commemorates the 100^th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Edwards, who served in the Army himself, reminded attendees to remember family members of vets who often miss having their vet present for the holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions because they are off serving.

Cut  11 (09)  “…as well.”  

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and LSU are joining together to survey the commercial seafood industry about the economic impacts suffered during the last two hurricane seasons. LDWF administrator, Jason Froeba says it’s important they get a good reading on the economic impacts of the storms from a variety of folks working in the commercial seafood industry.

Cut 5 (11) “…commercial fishing industry.”

He says at this point there is no dollar estimate of the damage done to the industry.

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is suggesting you honor a veteran by casting your ballot Saturday. Ardoin says you can also display your appreciation with their Honor Vets Vote Program by visiting sos.la.gov/honorvets. And, in addition to sharing your participation on social media, Ardoin says you can also show your appreciation for vets in other ways too.

Cut 7 (07) “….lapel pin.”  

Polls open at 7 AM Saturday.

McNeese State’s decision to stay in the Southland Conference will provide a positive economic impact for the Lake Charles area. McNeese considered joining the Western Athletic Conference because the WAC would help the school become an FBS football institution. AS Heath Schroyer says that’s still the goal, but by staying in the Southland they can help the Lake Charles community.

Cut 14 (09) “..pass up.” 

McNeese will host the Southland basketball, baseball, and softball tournaments from 2023 to 2026.

In honor of Veterans Day, Governor John Bel Edwards officially dedicated the new Never Forget Garden; right next to the State Capitol grounds. The event also commemorates 100 years since the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was established in D.C. The Governor, who is an Army vet himself, says it’s not just the men and women who served, but the families who support them – often not being with their loved ones for holidays, birthday and other key events…:

CUT 11(09)      “…as well.”

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says – if you wish to honor veterans – get out and cast your vote Saturday. Ardoin says you can also display your appreciation with their Honor Vets Vote Program by visiting “sos.la.gov/honorvets”…:

CUT 06(12)      “…social media.”

The state has put out a survey to learn the true economic impact to Louisiana’s commercial seafood industry from the last two years of hurricanes. More from Dave Brannen…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Brannen.”

Shreveport Police name their suspect in the shooting last Friday night at the Louisiana State Fair that left one victim fighting for their life. A reward is offered for information leading to the arrest of 17-year-old Donald Ray Jackson, who should be considered armed and dangerous. Once caught, he’ll face attempted murder charges.

To honor veterans and the 100^th anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Governor Edwards dedicates the Never Forget Garden; adjacent to the State Capitol grounds. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(29)      “…Thorington.”

A Lake Charles family is crediting their “fur baby” with saving them from a house fire. Homeowner Denise Ackley says their dog Gracie would not stop barking in the middle of the night. She got up to deal with the dog and noticed an electrical fire had started in the bathroom. The home was an almost total loss, but everyone – including Gracie – made it out safely.

Today is Veteran’s Day and Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin suggests you honor a vet by casting your ballot Saturday…:

CUT 08(06)      “…a right to vote.”

The polls open Saturday morning at 7 and close at 8 p.m. Four important constitutional Amendments and other local races and issues are to be decided.

McNeese state’s decision to remain in the Southland Conference will provide a positive economic impact for the Lake Charles area. The school WAS considering a move to the Western Athletic Conference. Staying put assures McNeese will host multiple conference tournament championship events over a four-year period. Athletic Director Heath Schroyer says revenue generated by those will help the region’s recovery…:

CUT 13(11)      “…a year ago.”

Today is Veteran’s Day; a day to honor those who’ve served in our military and have lived to tell the tale. How to do that? Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin says simply post something from the heart on your social media, or another way is a memorium; available through the Secretary of State website…:

CUT 07  (07)        “…lapel pin.”

He says another way is exercise your right to vote this Saturday. Polls open and 7 and close at 8.

Governor Edwards dedicated the Never Forget Garden today. The garden is right next to the State Capitol grounds. The Governor says the garden includes the Louisiana Gold Star Families Memorial that was dedicated in 2018 and the Minute Men Monument; honoring fallen members of the Louisiana National Guard that was placed in 2019…:

CUT 10  (10)        “…our freedoms.”

Cops in Shreveport are seeking a juvenile suspect for the shooting that took place last Friday at the Louisiana State Fairgrounds. He’s identified as 17-year-old Donald Ray Jackson and is from Bossier City. SPD says a cash reward is offered for information that helps nab Jackson, and you should consider him dangerous. Once caught, he’ll face attempted murder charges.

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and LSU are teaming to survey the commercial seafood industry and the economic impacts suffered over these past two hurricane seasons. LDWF administrator Jason Froeba says participants will be asked, foremost, were losses over the two years large or small..?

CUT 04(09)      “…across very well.”

They hope to get useful data from seafood producers, harvesters, dealers and charter boat operators.