Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the Nov. 5 presidential election. In addition to voting for the next U.S. president, residents will choose all six of the state’s U.S. House members and participate in local races. Deputy Secretary of Communication Joel Watson reminds voters to download the free Geaux Vote Mobile app…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register online using the GeauxVote Online Registration System is October 15th.

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

Cut 6 (09) “…allowed by law.”

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.

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus apparently is not a fan of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says the tax cuts that Landry is proposing are skewed very heavily towards the wealthiest people in the state.

Cut 9 (14)  “…in their pocket.”

Landry has proposed making up for lost income tax revenue by taxing services that have previously gone untaxed.

A New Library Learning Commons is coming to LSU, and it will be more than just a replacement for the current Library that has long had millions of dollars in deferred maintenance.  Interim Executive Director of Planning, Design, and Construction, Paul Favalora says students will have access to academic success partners

Cut 6 (10) …presentation skills.”

Violent crime rates are dropping across the state as well as across the country. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Tik Tok influencer is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Baton Rouge mental therapist William Abraham. 20-year-old Terryon Thomas was arrested in Dallas on an unrelated charge. The relationship between the two is unclear; investigators say there’s no evidence to suggest that Thomas was Abraham’s client.

It appears that Governor Landry will have a hard sell of his tax reform plan, including his call for a flat three-percent tax on income over 12-thousand-500 dollars, to Democrats in the legislature. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard, the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus, says that will only benefit only one group of taxpayers.

Cut 8 (13) “…first tax bracket.”

Violent crime in Louisiana and across the country are significantly down. AH Datalytics co-founder Jeff Asher says we need to look at 2022-23 for specific factors and that can rain on the parade of officials looking to take credit for violent crime reduction in the state.

Cut 12 (09) “…beyond anyone’s control.”

Faculty and students have said for years it’s time for a new library on LSU’s campus and there are now plans to build one. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The guardians of a non-verbal child with intellectual disabilities are arrested for allegedly failing to care for the child. Concordia Parish deputies arrested 32-year-old Laurie Stewart and 27-year-old Tony Williams of Vidalia on child desertion charges. The sheriff’s office received several 911 calls, and deputies arrived to find the child nude, dirty, emaciated and home alone.

Violent crime rates in Louisiana and across the country are significantly down. AH Datalytics co-founder Jeff Asher says it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific cause.

Cut 11 (07) “…national in scope.”

Rape down over 25-percent, robbery down over 17 percent, and aggravated assault down 12.5-percent.

The National Hurricane Center is now saying there’s a low chance of a storm forming in the Caribbean over the next seven days. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says even if something does brew up there, there’s little to no chance it will affect Louisiana.

Cut 15 (15) “…here in Louisiana.”

That cold front would push any potential storm towards Florida, which has seen more than its fair share of severe tropical weather this year.

Don’t count the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus as among the supporters of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says the big question is how to make up for revenue the state will not be receiving by cutting income and corporate taxes.

Cut 7 (18) “…no longer be receiving.”

Landry has proposed making up for lost income tax revenue by taxing services that have previously gone untaxed.

A Tik Tok personality is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Baton Rouge mental therapist William Abraham. 20-year-old Terryon Thomas was arrested in Dallas on an unrelated charge, and investigators have since connected him with Abraham’s murder. The relationship between the two is unclear; investigators say there’s no evidence to suggest that Thomas was Abraham’s client.

Governor Jeff Landry says his plan to overhaul of the stat’s tax laws will provide immediate increases in take home pay for every Louisiana taxpayer. But House Democratic Caucus Chairman Matthew Willard says higher income residents will see greater benefits…

Cut 9 (14) “….in their pocket”

Landry plans to call a special session next month for legislators to debate and vote on his tax reform plan. Voters will get their chance to approve in March.

LSU announced plans this week that it will build a new library that will open in the Spring of 2029. Interim Executive Director of Planning, Design and Construction, Paul Favalora, says the new building will have the latest technology even when it comes to checking out books and research materials…

Cut 5 (09) “….store books robotically”

Violent crime rates are dropping across the state as well at the country. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Natchitoches Parish Journal is reporting a Natchitoches Police officer has been arrested by sheriff deputies for selling drugs from his police car. The N-P-J has identified the officer as Jonas McFerrin and no other information is available.

Governor Jeff Landry has begun the process of getting state lawmakers behind his proposed major overhaul of the state’s tax code . Andrew Greenstein reports the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus is NOT in support…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

A legislative committee meets this morning at the state capitol to hear from state and national organizations regarding the state’s tax and fiscal policies. The Public Affairs Research Council is one of the groups who will testify. PAR applauds Governor Landry’s attempt to reform the state’s tax structure. They say the state’s tax burden is low compared to other states, but the tax structure is unnecessarily complex.

A much-needed new Library is coming to LSU, and it will be more than just a replacement for the current Library that has long had millions of dollars in deferred maintenance.  Interim Executive Director of Planning, Design, and Construction, Paul Favalora…

Cut 4 (12) “…mission here.”

LSU’s current library will be demolished taking the Quad back to its original design. The Construction on the new Library Learning Commons is expected begin in 2026.

The National Hurricane Center has lowered the chances to 30-percent that we’ll see a tropical depression form in the Gulf of Mexico early next week. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says forecasters have been watching an area of disorganized showers and thunderstorms, but it’s struggling to get its act together…

Cut 13 (07) “….see what happens”

Governor Landry has begun pitching his tax overhaul plan to state lawmakers. The governor believes lower individual and corporate income taxes in exchange for keeping a temporary sales tax that will expire in July and expanding the state sales tax base will be better for Louisiana businesses and its residents. But Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus Matthew Williard says a proposed flat three-percent tax on all income over 12-thousand-500 dollars benefits just one group of taxpayers…

Cut 8 (13) “….first tax bracket”

Violent crime rates are dropping in Louisiana, but what is the reason? Co-founder of AH Datalytics Jeff Asher says it’s difficult to say why????

Cut 10 (11) “….this huge decline”

New FBI data shows a three-percent drop in violent crime across the country,

Faculty and students have said for years it’s time for a new library on LSU’s campus and there are now plans to build one. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Concordia Parish deputies have arrested two Vidalia residents for allegedly failing to take care of a non-verbal young child with intellectual disabilities. After receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls, deputies found the child nude, dirty, emaciated and home alone. The child’s guardians, 32-year-old Laurie Stewart and 27-year-old Tony Williams were arrested on child desertion charges.

Faculty and students have said for years it’s time for a new library on LSU’s campus and there are now plans to build one. Colleen Crain has the details.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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We’re getting reaction to Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal from the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Violent crime rates are dropping across the state as well at the country. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A New Library Learning Commons is coming to LSU, and it will be more than just a replacement for the current Library that has long had millions of dollars in deferred maintenance.  Interim Executive Director of Planning, Design, and Construction, Paul Favalora…

Cut 4 (12) “…mission here.”

Favalora says the new facility will still have study rooms and will feature an automated system for checking out books and research materials allowing check-out online and pick-up by appointment…

Cut 5 (09) “…store books robotically.”

In the new Learning Commons, Favalora says, students will have access to academic success partners

Cut 6 (10) …presentation skills.”

The Library Learning Commons will be located between South Campus Drive and South Stadium Drive near Field House Drive and Favalora says the location is better for the future growth of the campus.

LSU’s current library will be demolished taking the Quad back to its original design. The Construction on the new Library Learning Commons is expected begin in 2026 and open in the spring of 2029.

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The chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus is reacting to Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says the big question is how to make up for revenue the state will not be receiving by cutting income and corporate taxes.

Cut 7 (18) “…no longer be receiving.”

Landry is calling for a flat three-percent tax on all income over 12-thousand-500 dollars a year. Willard says that will only benefit one group of taxpayers.

Cut 8 (13) “…first tax bracket.”

Willard is concerned that the tax cuts that Landry is proposing are skewed very heavily towards the wealthiest people in the state.

Cut 9 (14)  “…in their pocket.”

Landry has proposed making up for lost income tax revenue by taxing services that have previously gone untaxed, such as streaming TV, lawn care services and pet grooming. Small business groups say that would put an undue burden on those small mom-and-pop businesses.

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Louisiana violent crime rates have significantly decreased, with rape down over 25-percent, robbery down over 17 percent, and aggravated assault down 12.5-percnet. Property crimes also declined by over 15-percent. According to co-founder of AH Datalytics  Jeff Asher, these are some of the lowest violent crime rates seen since the early 1970s, and difficult to say what is causing the drop…

Cut 10 (11) “…this huge decline.”

New FBI data shows a three-percent drop in violent crime across the country, marking the third consecutive year of decline since the spike in 2020.  Asher says it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific cause for this nationwide decrease…

Cut 11 (07) “…national in scope.”

When looking at causation Asher says, we need to look at 2022-23 for specific factors and that can rain on the parade of officials looking to take credit for violent crime reduction in the state.

Cut 12 (09) “…beyond anyone’s control.”

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We’re keeping an eye on the tropics for the possibility of another storm developing. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim:

Cut 13 (12)  “…Gulf of Mexico.”

Keim says the National Hurricane Center has been sounding like a broken record with that forecast.

Cut 14 (09) “…last several days.”

Keim says even if something does brew up in the Gulf of Mexico, there’s little to no chance it will have big impacts on Louisiana.

Cut 15 (15) “…here in Louisiana.”

Keim says there’s a good chance an approaching cold front would push any potential storm towards Florida next week, which has seen more than its fair share of severe tropical weather this year.

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Wide receiver Davante Adams has asked for a trade out of Las Vegas and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports New Orleans is one of Adams preferred destinations. Adams and Saints quarterback Derek Carr were teammates at Fresno State and for one season in Las Vegas. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked on Saints Podcast, says based on previous trades involving star receivers, it will take at least a second round pick to acquire Adams

Cut 16 (11)   “…to that.”

If Adams is dealt this week, he’s owed 13.5 million dollars for the rest of the season. According to the NFPA’s salary cap database, the Saints only have 3.2 million dollars available in cap space. But Jackson says that should not prevent a trade with Las Vegas for the talented wide out…

Cut 17 (18) “…that way.”

Adams other reported top destination is New York so he can play again with Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two were sensational together in Green Bay. Jackson says several other teams are also likely interested in Adams, so it’s far from a guarantee that he ends up in New Orleans…

Cut 18 (09)  “…for sure.”

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Through four games of the NFL season, LSU Heisman winning trophy quarterback Jayden Daniels has emerged as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Daniels has led the Commanders to a 3-and-1 start and he’s completed 82-percent of his passes for nearly 900 yards. He’s also accounted for seven touchdowns, four of them on the ground. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly credits Daniels work ethic

Cut 19 (22) “….as well.”  

LSU defensive back Javien Toviano hasn’t played much this season. But Kelly says Toviano has been practicing at the Star position in their defense, which could allow him to see the field more…

Cut 20 (25) “…assignment correct” 

Plenty of buzz surrounding Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. Among other things, Landry is proposing overhauling the income tax system, changing it to a flat three-percent tax on incomes over 12-thousand-500 dollars. To offset the loss of revenue from lower income taxes, Landry is proposing to expand the sales tax base. Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says they are looking at several services that are currently not taxed…

Cut 14 (06) “…for example.”

TV Streaming services is another service that could potentially face a state tax under this plan. Small business groups are sounding the alarm over potential new sales taxes.  Leah Long, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi, says small business owners would be greatly burdened.

Cut 4 (09) “…deal with that.”

The special session to tackle Landry’s tax reform plan is expected to get underway next month.

The American Red Cross of Louisiana is urgently seeking volunteers to support emergency shelters for national disaster relief efforts, with a focus on Hurricane Helene’s recovery. Regional CEO Dr. Kenneth St. Charles says volunteers provide necessities and support services in shelters.

Cut 7 (12) “…in those communities.”

Currently, over 1,000 responders are deployed across 10 states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. To learn how you can volunteer, visit red cross-dot-org.

A 16-year-old shot in Natchitoches last week has died. The teen was shot last Tuesday evening in a subdivision. Detectives intercepted a private vehicle rushing the teen to the hospital and drove the teen the rest of the way. Investigators found more than 40 bullet casings at the scene. The shooters left by the time they arrived; and so far, no arrests have been made.

A small business group is reacting to the tax reform plan that Governor Landry outlined in his news conference yesterday. Part of his plan would be to tax services that hadn’t previously been taxed, in an effort to make up for any shortfall caused by lowering or eliminating income taxes. Leah Long, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi, says that would present a challenge for small business owners.

Cut 3 (09) “…business sometimes doesn’t.”

The governor says the state’s ranking with the Tax Foundation is getting worse and if this tax reform plan is approved, it would move Louisiana into the Top 10. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says that will help Louisiana compete with other southern states for jobs.

Cut 13 (07) “…this plan.” 

The special session is expected to get underway next month.

The American Red Cross of Louisiana needs disaster shelter volunteers for relief efforts focusing on Hurricane Helen’s recovery.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A toddler is among two people killed in a mobile home fire in Catahoula Parish this morning. The State Fire Marshal’s Office says firefighters learned that there were eight people in the home at the time and that a man and the toddler were trapped inside and were unable to escape. Unfortunately, they did not survive. The cause of the fire is under investigation.