Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This is a ten-day deployment; and Captain Nick Manale (mah-NAAL-ee) says if further relief efforts are needed beyond that, State Police may consider sending more troopers there.

Cut 6 (11) “…continue that deployment.”

Troopers are handing out supplies at distribution sites, staffing medical and evacuation shelters and manning roadblocks for impassible and dangerous roads.

Nearly 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Dr. Phillip Conner attributes this to the state’s prevalent industries where residents work long, irregular hours in energy, oil fields, offshore rigs, or casinos, leading to “shift worker syndrome,”

Cut 7 (10) “…ongoing struggle.”

The organization that bills itself as Louisiana’s business roundtable calls Governor Landry’s tax reform plan ambitious, but one with many benefits. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The mayor of Pineville is staying in office for two more weeks. Rich Dupree’s resignation was originally scheduled to take effect today. But in order to avoid a special election, he’s delaying it to October 18th due to a new law establishing closed primaries which is moving the 2026 election by a couple weeks.

The Tax Foundation is endorsing several components of Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan. Senior Policy Analyst Manish Bhatt (Bot) says transitioning Louisiana’s tax code from the current graduated-rate income tax to a single rate is sound tax policy. Bhatt says if Louisiana enacts comprehensive tax reform, the state will increase its competitiveness and cultivate a pro-growth environment…

29 (09) “…huge leap”

Committee of 100 for Economic Development CEO Adam Knapp says tax reform can position Louisiana for better outcomes, but the changes cannot come at the expense of the state’s education system…

Cut 12 (11) “…for the economy”

Twenty State Troopers are assisting in storm response efforts in North Carolina. Captain Nick Manale says the team is assisting first responders in Buncombe (buhng-kuhm) County, handing out supplies, staffing shelters and manning roadblocks. Manale says the level of devastation troopers are seeing is mind boggling…

Cut 5 (07) “…our state”

Helene has killed at least 213 and the death toll in Buncombe County is 72 and authorities say the number of people reported missing in that county stands at over 200.

A Louisiana delegation featuring members of the Council for the Development of French and the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development are at the Francophone (frank-o-phony) Summit in Paris. Jonathan Oliver with CODOFIL says the summit promotes the French language and international cooperation…

Cut 13 (100 “….a world stage”

The Committee of 100 for Economic Development says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan would boost investment and economic growth at a time when Louisiana could really use both. CEO Adam Knapp says the committee studied this issue in 2015, and many of the things that Landry is proposing are the same as the committee proposed back then. Among them is simplifying the business tax code to lower taxes while removing loopholes.

Cut 10 (12) “…the tax code.”

Landry is proposing a flat three-percent tax on incomes over 12-thousand-500 dollars.

Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Captain Nick Manale….

Cut 4 (09) “…and dangerous roads.”

Just about 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night and a lack of sleep poses a risk to physical and mental health. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Hundreds of dock workers at the Port of New Orleans and Port of Greater Baton Rouge return to work today as the International Longshoremen’s Association has suspended it’s strike after three days until January 15th. The union is seeking higher wages and the ports have reportedly increased their wage offer.

The Committee of 100 for economic development is optimistic Governor Jeff Landry’s plan to dramatically change the state’s tax code will result in a better Louisiana. CEO Adam Knapp says lower income taxes and corporate taxes will spur economic development and will boost population.

Cut 11 (15) “…higher population growth.”

The major concerns are over the elimination of certain tax breaks and increasing the sales tax base, taxing services that are currently not taxed.

Louisiana is a state where many have trouble getting quality sleep. Doctor Phillip Connor, who just opened a second Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana in Lafayette says sleep apnea is linked to obesity, smoking, and pollution and can cause serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cut 8 (10) “…drivers for it.”

Troopers from Louisiana State Police are helping with relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A Natchitoches Police officer is on administrative leave after he was arrested for allegedly selling anabolic steroids. The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office booked 36-year-old Jonas McFerrin on two drug charges and one count of malfeasance in office. Natchitoches Police Chief Nikeo Collins says the actions of any law enforcement officer that violate the law and abuse the public trust’s are unacceptable and require swift action.

Troopers from the Louisiana State Police are helping with relief efforts in North Carolina following Hurricane Helene. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Just about 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night lack of sleep poses a risk to physical and mental health. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The organization that bills itself as Louisiana’s business roundtable calls Governor Landry’s tax reform plan ambitious, but one with many benefits. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Twenty Louisiana State Police officers are in North Carolina helping with relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Cut 4 (09) “…and dangerous roads.”

State Police Captain Nick Manale (mah-NAAL-ee) says the level of devastation that the troopers are seeing is mind-boggling, even for those coming from a state accustomed to devastating hurricanes.

Cut 5 (07) “…in our state.”

The troopers are in North Carolina for a ten-day deployment; and Captain Manale says if further relief efforts are needed beyond that, State Police may consider sending more troopers there.

Cut 6 (11) “…continue that deployment.”

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Nearly 40-percent of Louisiana residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep per night. Dr. Phillip Conner, whose Sleep Disorder Center of Louisiana recently opened a new location in Lafayette, attributes this to the state’s prevalent industries where residents work long, irregular hours in energy, oil fields, offshore rigs, or casinos, leading to “shift worker syndrome,”

Cut 7 (10) “…ongoing struggle.”

In addition to shift work, Connor says conditions like sleep apnea—linked to obesity, smoking, and pollution—are common and can cause serious health issues, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes.

Cut 8 (10) “…drivers for it.”

Conner urges those experiencing chronic fatigue or poor performance in daily tasks to evaluate their sleep patterns.  Connor emphasized a big indicator is how you’re feeling in the morning…

Cut 9 (13)  “…not where it should be.”

The Sleep Disorder Center collaborates with the Veterans Administration and accepts various insurance plans, aiming to be a full-service provider.

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The Committee of 100 for Economic Development says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan would boost investment and economic growth at a time when Louisiana could really use both. CEO Adam Knapp says the committee studied this issue back in 2015, and many of the things that Landry is proposing are the same things the committee proposed back then. Among them is simplifying the business tax code to lower taxes while removing loopholes.

Cut 10 (12) “…the tax code.”

Knapp says lower income taxes and corporate taxes will spur economic development and will boost population.

Cut 11 (15) “…higher population growth.”

But Knapp says any changes cannot come at the expense of the state’s education system.

Cut 12 (11) “…for the economy.”

Knapp acknowledges that this is an ambitious plan set forth by the governor, with more than a dozen moving parts. Some parts of the tax plan would require voter approval should they be passed by the legislature.

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Louisiana delegates, including members of the Council for the Development of French in Louisiana (CODOFIL), the Office of Cultural Development, and Senator Jeremy Stine, will attend the 19th Francophone Summit in Paris today and tomorrow. Hosted by the International Organization of the Francophonie (frank-o-phony).  CODOFIL Business and International Specialist Jonathan Oliver says the summit promotes the French language and international cooperation in culture, education, commerce, and politics.

Cut 13 (10)  “…a world stage.”

The summit’s theme, “Create, Innovate, and Do Business in French,” aligns with Louisiana’s efforts to highlight its French heritage and promote economic and tourism opportunities. Olive says the delegation re-signed the France-Louisiana Cooperation Accords for 2025-2030, originally established in 1968, to support French immersion programs in Louisiana schools.

Cut 14 (09) “…the French language.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser emphasized the value of OIF membership in promoting Louisiana’s culture globally. Oliver views these initiatives as key to preparing future generations for a globalized world.

Cut 15 (08) “…their professional career.”

Louisiana has been an observing member of the OIF since 2018.

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The Ragin Cajuns leave for Hattiesburg today for their Sun Belt opener tomorrow night against Southern Miss. U-L Lafayette is 3-and-1, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says a new season begins on Saturday night…

Cut 16 (14)   “…as well.”

This is the 55th meeting between the two schools on the football field. The Golden Eagles are 1-and-3, while the Cajuns are coming off an impressive win over Wake Forest. Desormeaux says in order to win the Sun Belt championship, they have to take care of business on Saturday

Cut 17 (15) “…probably out.”

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The Saints are back at practice getting ready for Monday night’s game against the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. K-C is 4-and-0, while the Saints are 2-and-2. Coach Dennis Allen’s team had the opportunity to be undefeated, but failed to hold on to late leads the last two weeks…

Cut 18 (20)  “…done that yet.”

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ULM will welcome undefeated James Madison into Malone Stadium on Saturday night. The Dukes are 4-and-0 and lead the Sun Belt in points allowed per game, giving up just 18 points a contest. Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent says J-M-U presents a tough challenge for ULM’s offense…

Cut 19 (15) “….we do.”  

Vincent is hoping for a big crowd on Saturday night…

Cut 20 (21) “…this town” 

The Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee heard from the Tax Foundation during its hearing on tax reform. Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at the foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, said due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code, Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is rather low.

Cut 10 (05) “…of our index.”

Bhatt says if Governor Landry’s tax reform plan was in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the presidential election. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s Office says the Geaux Vote Mobile app can be your guide for the November fifth election…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register in person, by mail, or at the Office of Motor Vehicles is Monday. The deadline to register online is October 15th.

A Natchitoches police officer is under arrest for allegedly selling anabolic steroids from his squad car. 36-year-old Officer Jonas McFerrin is booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on a total of three charges. The arrest comes on the heels of a two-month-long investigation. McFerrin is currently on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state, and they have agreed to cash winnings of up to 600 dollars.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re already shopping.”

Winnings over 600 dollars will need to be redeemed at the lottery office due to tax implications. There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.

The presidential election is 33 days away.  Sean Richardson has key dates and deadlines Louisiana voters need to know.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A TikTok influencer is charged in the murder of a Baton Rouge therapist. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the presidential election. In addition to voting for President, Congressional and local races are also on the ballot. Deputy Secretary for the Secretary of State’s Office, Joel Watson, says the Geaux Vote Mobile app can be your guide for the November fifth election…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register in person, by mail, or at the Office of Motor Vehicles is Monday. The deadline to register online using the GeauxVote Online Registration System is October 15th. Watson says early voting is from October 18th to the 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.…

Cut 4 (05) “…no Sunday voting.”

Absentee voting is underway, and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 1st by 4:30 p.m. The deadline for registrars to receive absentee ballots is November 4^th by 4:30 p.m.  Watson says the sooner you can request an absentee ballot the better…

Cut 5 (09) “…return that ballot.”

On Election Day, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and view sample ballots using the GeauxVote portal.

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The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…allowed by law.”

Chopin says that will be a huge help for lottery players.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re already shopping.”

Winnings over 600 dollars will need to be redeemed at the lottery office due to tax implications. Chopin says the addition of Walmart and Smoke’n Go boosts its retailer base to more than 28-hundred.

Cut 8 (05) “…mom and pops.”

There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.

____________________________________

The Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee heard from the Tax Foundation during its hearing on tax reform. Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at the foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, testified on Louisiana’s current ranking in its annual State Business Tax Climate Index, rating Louisiana on five weighted factors.

Cut 9 (06)  “…unemployment insurance taxes.”

Bhatt says due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code, Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is rather low.

Cut 10 (05) “…of our index.”

Bhatt says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is very ambitious; but if it was in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Cut 11 (10) “…a huge leap.”

Among other things, the Tax Foundation’s report says Louisiana’s lack of a uniform sales tax administration disproportionately affects small businesses.

Testifying before the Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at Tax Foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy said

Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is low but if Governor Landry’s ambitious tax reform plan had been in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Cut 11 (10) “…a huge leap.”

Among other things, the Tax Foundation’s report says Louisiana’s lack of a uniform sales tax administration disproportionately affects small businesses.

Absentee voting for the November 5^th election is underway, and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 1st by 4:30 p.m. The deadline for registrars to receive absentee ballots is November 4^th by 4:30 p.m.  Deputy Secretary for the Secretary of State’s Office, Joel Watson says the sooner you can request an absentee ballot the better…

Cut 5 (09) “…return that ballot.”

On Election Day, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and view sample ballots using the GeauxVote portal.

A Natchitoches police officer has been arrested for allegedly selling anabolic steroids from his police car. The Natchitoches Parish Journal reports after a two-month-long investigation Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested 36-year-old Officer Jonas McFerrin Wednesday morning. McFerrin was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on two charges of Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance Schedule III and one count of malfeasance in office. He is currently on administrative leave pending internal investigation.

The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…allowed by law.”

Chopin says that will be a huge help for lottery players.

A Natchitoches police officer was arrested for allegedly selling anabolic steroids from his police car.  The Natchitoches Parish Journal reports after a two-month long investigation into the illegal distribution of anabolic steroids Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s deputies arrested. 36-year-old Officer Jonas McFerrin Wednesday morning. McFerrin was booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on two charges of Distribution of Controlled Dangerous Substance Schedule III and one count of malfeasance in office. He is currently on administrative leave pending internal investigation.

During a House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee meeting Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), senior policy analyst at Tax Foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, testified saying Louisiana ranked low in its annual State Business Tax Climate Index, based on five factors.

Cut 9 (06)  “…unemployment insurance taxes.”

Bhatt says Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness is low due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code.

The presidential election is 33 days away.  Sean Richardson has key dates and deadlines Louisiana voters need to know.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores making it more convenient for winners of under 600 dollars to redeem winnings. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery Chopin says the addition of Walmart and Smoke’n Go boosts its retailer base to more than 28-hundred.

Cut 8 (05) “…mom and pops.”

There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.