The tax reform special session is scheduled to start next Wednesday, and Governor Jeff Landry’s plan focuses on tax cuts, income tax reductions, and increased take-home pay. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Governor Landry and state economic Development officials are in South Korea. According to the governor’s office the delegation is there to cultivate business and diplomatic ties describing South Korea as one of the state’s most important trading partners and foreign direct investors.

We’re learning new information on a deadly shooting that canceled a homecoming football game in St. Martinville last Friday night. 22-year-old Deondre Benjamin was shot dead outside the stadium where St. Martinville was set to host Erath. St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin says the people involved had nothing to do with any players on either team.

Cut 10 (11) “…a third party.”

Chief Martin says the city has been installing a city-wide camera system, and that system was instrumental in capturing 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner, who’s charged with second-degree murder.

The LSU School of Nursing in New Orleans has received the National League for Nursing Award for the third time. Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing Jenna Martin says The NLN award highlights the school’s strong curriculum, which integrates cutting-edge teaching methods…

Cut 8 (12) “….TRYING TO IMPROVE”

Martin says the award enhances the school’s reputation, making it a more attract option for prospective students.

The tax reform special session is scheduled to start next Wednesday, and Governor Jeff Landry’s plan focuses on tax cuts, income tax reductions, and increased take-home pay. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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We’re learning new information about a shooting that ruined a homecoming football game Friday night. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you’re looking for a spooky place to celebrate Halloween, look no further than the Baton Rouge area. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has called a special legislative session a day after the presidential election to address tax reform aimed at boosting the state’s economy and making it more family- and business-friendly. Landry’s plan focuses on tax cuts, income tax reductions, and increased take-home pay. Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says reactions are very positive…

Cut 4 (11) “…competing interest.”

The reforms aim to broaden Louisiana’s tax base, following models from other states like North Carolina. The Public Affairs Research Council projects that higher-income residents will receive around 54% of total tax cuts, though lower-income earners could see proportional relief, with some households under $35,000 potentially experiencing a 50% tax cut. Nelson says this is a bipartisan plan…

Cut 5 (11) “…more competitive.”

Additional proposals include doubling senior tax deductions, raising teacher pay, and dedicating 15% of corporate tax revenues to a “rainy day” fund. Nelson says there seems to be agreement that we’re moving in the right direction…

Cut 6 (13) “…can get behind.”

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The LSU School of Nursing in New Orleans has once again been recognized for its outstanding nursing education, receiving the National League for Nursing (NLN) award for the third time. Assistant Professor of Clinical Nursing Jenna Martin says this award underscores the school’s unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in nursing education.

Cut 7 (12) “…students and colleagues.”

The NLN award highlights the school’s strong curriculum, which integrates cutting-edge teaching methods and hands-on clinical experiences. Martin says this recognition not only honors the hard work of the faculty and students but also enhances the school’s reputation, making it a more attractive option for prospective nursing students.

Cut 8 (12) “…trying to improve.”

Martin noted with its strong emphasis on quality education and student success, the LSU School of Nursing remains a valuable institution in shaping the future of nursing in Louisiana and beyond.

Cut 9 (15)  “…future nurses.”

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We’re learning new information on a deadly shooting that canceled a homecoming football game in St. Martinville last Friday night. 22-year-old Deondre Benjamin was shot dead outside the stadium where St. Martinville was set to host Erath. St. Martinville Police Chief Ricky Martin says the people involved had nothing to do with any players on either team.

Cut 10 (11) “…a third party.”

Chief Martin says the city has been installing a city-wide camera system, and that system was instrumental in capturing 22-year-old Zackyric Gardner, who’s charged with second-degree murder.

Cut 11 (11) …Bridge to I-10.”

Police in Beaumont, Texas, were waiting for the vehicle to cross into that city, and the vehicle drove straight into that trap, and police arrested Gardner and two others. All are being held in Beaumont and are awaiting extradition back to St. Martin Parish. Martin says the collateral damage was that the shooting ruined what was supposed to be a festive atmosphere at the stadium for the homecoming game.

Cut 12 (13) “…not the same.”

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If you’re looking for a spooky place to celebrate Halloween, forget Transylvania – in fact, you don’t even have to go out of state. Travel experts at Planet Cruise have named The Myrtles in St. Francisville, near Baton Rouge, as the sixth spookiest place in the world, based on the number of times the word “spooky” appeared in TripAdvisor reviews. Mary Glen Miller, the director of sales and marketing at The Myrtles, says it has quite the history.

Cut 13 (15)  “…throughout the years.”

Miller says the resort, which was once a plantation, does not intentionally try to be spooky.

Cut 14 (10) “…while they’re here.”

Still, resort staff take the notoriety in stride. Normally, The Myrtles is booked several months out. But if you’d like to stay there on Halloween night, you’d better plan ahead – way ahead.

Cut 15 (08) “…a Halloween destination.”

The spookiest place in the world, according to Planet Cruise – Mary Kings Close in Edinburgh, Scotland. The spookiest place in the U.S. is the Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.

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The Ragin Cajuns will look to stay unbeaten in Sun Belt play tonight when U-L Lafayette takes on Texas State in San Marcos. The Cajuns are 6-and-1, 3-and-0 in conference play and they are consistent quarterback play from Ben Woolridge. Woolridge was named the starter after preseason camp and Coach Michael Desormeaux says he takes his job very seriously…

Cut 16 (20)   “…all down.”

Texas State is 4-and-3, 2-and-1 and led by quarterback Jordan McCloud who has 20 touchdown passes on the season. Desormeaux says McCloud has a lot of weapons…

Cut 17 (11) “…play sound football.”

Kick off is at 6:30 PM.

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Louisiana Tech plays its third and final Tuesday night game of the year tonight as they visit Sam Houston for a 7 PM kick off on ESPN U. The Bulldogs are 3-and-4, while the Bearkats are 6-and-2 and average over 200 yards rushing a game. Bulldogs linebacker Kolbe Fields leads Tech in tackles with 52…

Cut 18 (14)   “…be beat.”

Louisiana Tech quarterbacks have been sacked 23 times this season and that’s tied for most in Conference USA. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says one of their concerns is Sam Houston’s pass rush…

Cut 19 (25) “….quickly.”  

A special session on tax reform is set for November 6th but there is more on the agenda than just tax reform.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Small business groups say there are pluses and minuses to the plan. NFIB State Director Leah Long says it will require a lot more administrative work by small business owners.

Cut 8 (10) “…to do it.”

A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance.

Cut 12 (10) “…of simple battery.”

York’s attorney, Mike Small, says York was given a six-month suspended sentence and a one-thousand-dollar fine.

The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has died. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion was with the parish for 31 years, the last 28 of which as OHSEP director.

Cut 9 (12)  “…been here for.”

Hoefer said while Gremillion had health issues, his passing on Saturday was unexpected.

Calcasieu Parish officials are discussing how they will honor their former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away Saturday. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion had health issues, but his passing was unexpected.

Cut 11 (06) “…away so quickly.”

Gremillion served the parish for 31 years, the last 28 as OHSEP director.

Work is underway on the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project in Lake Charles. Senior Project Manager Micki Meier says this will bring protection from flooding to homes and businesses in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermillion parishes.

Cut 26 (10)  “…floodproof them.”

Governor Jeff Landry has officially called for a special legislative session to begin next Wednesday. LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford…

Cut 3 (12) “…state sales tax structure.”

A small business group says Landry’s tax reform plan has pluses and minuses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A special session on tax reform is set for November 6^th but there is more on the agenda than just tax reform.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A small business group says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan has pluses and minuses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry has officially called for a special legislative session, set to start on November 6, the day after the presidential election. LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford says this session will focus on a proposed tax overhaul to reduce income tax rates while expanding the state’s sales tax structure.

Cut 3 (12) “…state sales tax structure.”

In addition to tax reforms, Landry’s agenda includes significant changes to the judicial system, juvenile court procedures, vocational education, and property insurance. Alford says by including these additional issues, Landry hopes to secure broader legislation.

Cut 4 (13) “…not related to taxes.”

These reforms, Landry argues, would make Louisiana more competitive with states like Florida and Texas, which do not impose income taxes. Alford says any proposed changes passed by the Republican-controlled legislature would require voter approval in March 2025 for a rewrite of Article 7 of the state constitution…

Cut 5 (08) “…used to seeing”

This session marks Louisiana’s third special legislative session of the year.

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Small business groups say there are pluses and minuses for small business owners to Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says on the plus side, the proposed reduction in income taxes will ultimately mean more money that the small business owners will get to keep.

Cut 6 (10) “…these business owners.”

Long says the state needs to lower income tax rates to remain competitive with neighboring states.

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

On the flip side of the coin, Landry’s tax plan will mean additional services, including those performed by small business, would be subject to sales tax. Long says that will require a lot more administrative work by the business owners.

Cut 8 (10) “…to do it.”

So all that said, Long says if those businesses do indeed become subject to sales tax, she hopes the state will do everything it can to educate those owners on how to do it.

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The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has died. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion was with the parish for 31 years, the last 28 of which as OHSEP director.

Cut 9 (12)  “…been here for.”

Hoefer says when Gremillion said to evacuate, you did exactly what he said.

Cut 10 (10) “…rather than fear.”

Hoefer said while Gremillion had health issues, his passing on Saturday was unexpected.

Cut 11 (06) “…away so quickly.”

Hoefer says Calcasieu Parish officials are currently discussing how to honor Gremillion.

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A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance. His attorney is Mike Small.

Cut 12 (10) “…of simple battery.”

Small says York pleaded no contest so that it couldn’t be used against him in his civil case, which is still pending and which Small is not involved in. In his criminal case, York was handed his sentence following his no contest plea.

Cut 13 (09) “…one-thousand dollars.” 

York will also serve one year probation, and he will have to perform 160 hours of community service. If he violates his probation, he will be required to serve his prison sentence. Small says while he was confident that he could have gotten an acquittal on all charges, his client did not want to take any chances.

Cut 14 (13) “…all eight counts.”

Prosecutors had previously dropped the most serious charge of negligent homicide.

In a plea deal, former state trooper Kory York has pleaded no contest to 8 counts of simple battery in the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance. His attorney Mike Small says while he was confident that he could have gotten an acquittal on all charges, his client did not want to take any chances.

Cut 14 (13) “…all eight counts.”

York was sentenced to one year probation, a one thousand dollar fine, and 160 hours of community service.

Work is underway on the Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project in Lake Charles. The goal is to protect homes and businesses from flooding in Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermillion parishes. Senior Project Manager Micki Meier says part of the project involves building levies around certain properties.

Cut 26 (09) “…dry-floodproof them.”

The third special legislative session of the year is set to begin next Wednesday. In addition to tax reforms, Governor Landry’s agenda includes significant changes to the judicial system, juvenile court procedures, vocational education, and property insurance. La Politics dot com editor, Jeremy Alford says by including these additional issues, Landry hopes to secure broader legislation.

Cut 4 (13) “…not related to taxes.”

Small business groups say there are pluses and minuses for small business owners to Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says on the plus side, the proposed reduction in income taxes will ultimately mean more money than the small business owners will get to keep.

Cut 6 (10) “…these business owners.”

The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion will be missed.

Cut 10 (10) “…rather than fear.”

Calcasieu Parish officials are discussing how they will honor Gremillion.

A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York’s attorney Mike Small says York pled to 8 counts of simple battery and was handed his sentence following his no contest plea.

Cut 13 (09) “…one-thousand dollars.” 

Small says while he was confident that he could have gotten an acquittal on all charges, but his client did not want to take any chances.

A special session on tax reform is set for November 6^th but there is more on the agenda than just tax reform.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says

The state needs to lower income tax rates to remain competitive with neighboring states.

Cut 7 (07) “…to do that.”

A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance. His attorney is Mike Small.

Cut 12 (10) “…of simple battery.”

Small says York pleaded no contest so that it couldn’t be used against him in his civil case, which is still pending and which Small is not involved in

Calcasieu Parish officials are discussing how they will honor their former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) who passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion had health issues but his passing on Saturday was unexpected.

Cut 11 (06) “…away so quickly.”

Gremillion served the parish for 31 years, the last 28 as OHSEP director.

Governor Landry has officially called for Louisiana’s third special legislative session of the year. The session on tax reform and other issues will begin next Wednesday and Landry says the proposed reforms would make Louisiana more competitive with states like Florida and Texas, which do not impose income taxes. Editor of La Politics dot com, Jeremy Alford says any proposed changes passed by the legislature would change article 7 of the state’s constitution and require voter approval.

Cut 5 (08) “…used to seeing”

Some say the tax reform plan has pluses and minuses. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A former state trooper reaches a plea deal in connection with the death of Ronald Greene. Kory York pleaded no contest to eight misdemeanor counts of civil battery in Union Parish this morning. He was given a six-month suspended sentence, a one-thousand-dollar fine and one year probation, and he will have to perform 160 hours of community service. If he violates his probation, he will be required to serve his prison sentence. York was originally charged with one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance. Prosecutors had previously dropped the most serious charge of negligent homicide.

The former director of the Calcasieu Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has died. Dick Gremillion (GREM-ee-ahn) passed away over the weekend. Tom Hoefer (HAY-fur) with the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury says Gremillion was with the parish for 31 years, the last 28 of which as OHSEP director.

Cut 9 (12)  “…been here for.”

Governor Jeff Landry has officially called for a special legislative session, set to start on November 6, the day after the presidential election. LaPolitics.com Editor Jeremy Alford says this session will focus on a proposed tax overhaul to reduce income tax rates while expanding the state’s sales tax structure.

Cut 3 (12) “…state sales tax structure.”