Today is a day for celebration for us here at Louisiana Radio Network. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
_______________________________________________
One of the components of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal is a flat income tax. Is that a good idea or a bad idea? Colleen Crain reports it depends on who you ask.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
____________________________________________
North Carolina is still dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and with the Presidential election around the corner, the Tar Heel State is asking Louisiana for help.
Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardosn.”
_____________________________________________
Today is a day of celebration for us at Louisiana Radio Network, as today marks our 50th anniversary. LRN had its first broadcast on October 7th, 1974, and has been providing news and programming to radio stations across the state ever since. Jim Engster started in 1983 as an anchor and reporter; today, he’s the owner of the company. He says the network has grown tremendously over the last 50 years.
Cut 4 (16) “…one-half century.”
Engster says LRN, which is based in Baton Rouge, provides a very important service for radio stations that might not have the means to send staffers to cover the Capitol.
Cut 5 (14) “…away from us.”
Engster says no matter where in the state news is happening, LRN is there to cover it.
Cut 6 (11) “…and parts unknown.”
LRN was one of a very small number of statewide radio networks when we started 50 years ago; today, there are 32 of them.
__________________________________________________
One main component of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is a flat three-percent tax on incomes of over 12-thousand-500 dollars. Whether or not that’s a good idea depends on who you ask. Jan (YAHN) Moller, the executive director of Invest in Louisiana, is among those opposed to the idea. He says that would cost the state more than a billion dollars in lost tax revenue, and that would have a devastating effect.
Cut 7 (12) “…to budget cuts.”
Landry’s plan would make up that lost tax revenue by taxing services that are not currently being taxed. Moller says sales taxes in the state are already disproportionately high.
Cut 8 (12) “…in the country.”
On the other hand, Daniel Erspamer (ERS-pah-mer), the CEO of the Pelican Institute, says dropping income and corporate taxes will increase jobs and, in effect, population.
Cut 9 (11) “…down over time.”
Erspamer says broadening the sales tax base will have great benefits, including eventually simplifying the sales tax system itself.
Cut 10 (12) “…time as well.”
As for the notion that the income tax cut would only benefit the wealthiest of Louisiana taxpayers, Erspamer notes that it will also benefit lower earners, with the lowest earners not paying any income tax at all.
_____________________________________________________
Following Hurricane Helene, election officials in North Carolina are turning to Louisiana for guidance on handling displaced voters, as Louisiana has extensive experience implementing emergency voting procedures after natural disasters. Louisiana Election Commissioner Sherri Wharton-Hadskey has been consulting with them on strategies and best practices, stresses the importance of acting quickly to meet voter needs in emergencies…
Cut 11 (06) “…anyone else.”
In 2020, Louisiana adapted its election processes after Hurricanes Laura and Delta and introduced new protocols during the pandemic. Hadskey says Louisiana learned that speed was key…
Cut 12 (08) “…emergency circumstance.”
North Carolina lawmakers, aiming to ensure a safe and secure election on November 5, are seeking to implement similar procedures. Hadskey says North Carolina will have a special session next week that will address new legislation for emergency voting procedures, and it’s never an easy endeavor…
Cut 13 (08) “…get it done.”
_____________________________________________________
Big challenge for the Saints tonight as they face the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in their home stadium. K-C is 4-and-0 and the Saints have lost their last two, failing to hold on to late leads. New Orleans Quarterback Derek Carr says the team is confident they can win close games…
Cut 14 (07) “…right now.”
Winning at Arrowhead Stadium is not easy for visitors. Carr is one and eight lifetime playing against the Chiefs in Kansas City…
Cut 15 (10) “…huge challenge.”
Kick off is at 7:15
________________________________________________
The Ragin Cajuns won for the first time in Hattiesburg since 1993 as U-L Lafayette upended Southern Miss 23-13 on Saturday. The win snapped U-S-M’s 11-game home winning streak in the series. Coach Michael Desormeaux says his team was highly motivated to return to Lafayette with a win…
Cut 16 (11) “…do that.”
The Cajuns defense was the story in this game as they held Southern Miss to 17 total yards in the final 30 minutes and pitched a shutout. Sophomore linebacker Cameron Whitfield had a school-record tying four sacks and forced a fumble. Desormeaux says the pressure on USM quarterback Tate Rodemaker was the key…
Cut 17 (29) “…by them.”
The Cajuns are back home this Saturday night against App State.
______________________________________________
ULM is 4-and-1 for the first time since 1993 after they shocked James Madison on Saturday night, pulling off a stunning 21 to 19 victory over the Dukes. J-M-U nearly had 400 yards of offense, but the Warhawks had a defensive touchdown, a long TD run by freshman Ahmad Hardy and Jake Godfrey caught a touchdown pass. Coach Bryant Vincent…
Cut 18 (10) “…saw tonight.”
ULM is also now 2-and-0 in the Sun Belt and one of the biggest surprises in all of college football. Vincent says Warhawk nation will come together again next Saturday night to host Southern Miss for homecoming…
Cut 19 (21) “….all come together.”