More groups are praising the tax reform package that the legislature agreed to. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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If you’re traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, you will by no means be the only one. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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The U.S. Gymnastics Championship is coming back to New Orleans for the first time since 1995.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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You can add the Council for a Better Louisiana to the groups hailing the tax reform package. CABL President Barry Erwin says the lowering of personal and corporate income taxes and the elimination of the franchise tax will make Louisiana a better place to live and to do business.

Cut 4 (11) “…and for people.”

Erwin says he hopes that the new tax structure will encourage people to consider moving to Louisiana.

Cut 5 (14) “…that does it.”

Erwin, however, says it’s unfortunate that sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation, are increasing even further, with the state rate going up to five-percent as of January 1st.

Cut 6 (12) “…citizens the most.”

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If you’re heading out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, you will be in good company.

Cut 7 (08) “…airplane or cruising.”

Don Redman with Triple-A says nationwide, almost 80-million people are expected to head out of town this week; almost 72-million by car. As such, you should plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get to wherever you’re going, regardless of the mode of transportation.

Cut 8 (14) “…busy airports.”

If you’re traveling by car, you’ll enjoy some of the cheapest gas prices in the nation here in Louisiana, with regular unleaded averaging just over $2.70 a gallon. Redman says it’s the same story throughout much of the Gulf Coast region.

Cut 9 (06)  “…dollars a gallon.”

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The U.S. Gymnastics Championships will return to New Orleans for the first time in 30 years. The event will be held August 7th through the 10th at the Smoothie King Center. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says the Smoothie King Center will showcase the nation’s top gymnasts competing for national titles and spots on the U.S. National Team, which will help determine the roster for the 2025 World Championships in Jakarta.

Cut 10 (08) “…back here.”

Cicero emphasized New Orleans’ reputation for hosting world-class events and the importance of the post-Olympic year as athletes began preparing for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and emphasized the local excitement for gymnastics due to LSU’s national success.

Cut 11 (15) “…for this event.”

New Orleans previously hosted the championships in 1995, and Baton Rouge hosted it in 1977. Cicero says this event promises to bring significant energy and interest to the Crescent City.

Cut 12 (09) “…what LSU has done.”

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A growing number of airports across the country, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, are rolling out new technology to make getting through security a little easier. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says it’s called CAT-2 technology, and it uses travelers’ IDs.

Cut 13 (15)  “…flying that day.”

Koshetz says if your TSA line has CAT-2 technology, there will be no need to show the agent your boarding pass.

Cut 14 (09) “…flying that day.”

And Koshetz says soon, you’ll be able to use your digital ID with the CAT-2 machines.

Cut 15 (07) “…mobile driver’s license.”

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The LSU football team missed out the number one high school prospect in the Class of 2025, but Bryce Underwood’s decision to sign with Michigan, allows for the NIL dollars dedicated for Underwood to be spent elsewhere. Coach Brian Kelly said on Monday the Tigers will be very aggressive in the transfer portal, especially after not being aggressive last year…

Cut 16 (17) “…very aggressive.”

LSU has played most of its season without junior linebacker Harold Perkins. Although Perkins is eligible for the draft, Kelly hopes he returns for his senior season.

Cut 17 (17) “…and his family” 

Saturday’s game marks the final regular-season game of the year, and it’s Senior Night. Kelly and the program will say goodbye to 21 seniors.

Cut 18 (20)   “…great things.”

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ULM can become bowl-eligible with a win over in-state rival U-L Lafayette on Saturday in Monroe. The Warhawks are also looking to snap a five-game losing streak. Coach Bryant Vincent says his team will be ready…

Cut 19 (15) “..long time.”  

Kick off is at 11 AM on ESPN U. Vincent says the morning kick-off should not bother his team…

Cut 20 (13) “…ask for.”

Governor Landry is speaking out about the tax reform package that the legislature passed during the special session. The legislature cut income taxes and eliminated the franchise tax. However, it opted to raise the state sales rate instead of adding additional services to the tax base. Landry says the special session fulfills a campaign promise of growing Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 11 (14) “…Louisiana home.”

Business groups are hailing the tax reform package. Will Green, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, says Louisiana’s corporate income tax rate will now be lower than those in neighboring states.

Cut 4 (11) “…and for talent.”

The legislature last week approved two bills to make temporary pay raises for public K-12 teachers and support staff permanent, pending voter approval of a constitutional amendment in March.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

McNeese has fired head football coach Gary Goff after three seasons. Jim Gazzolo covers McNeese for the American Press and says two former McNeese players – Slade Nagle and Kerry Joseph – are possible replacements…

Cut 13 (08)  “…rally around.”

Starting January 1st, Louisiana residents will pay lower income taxes. In exchange, the state sales tax rate will increase to five-percent on that date. But Governor Landry says in the end, Louisiana residents will pay less taxes…

Cut 10 (15) “…against you.”

Business groups are hailing the tax reform package. Will Green, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, says the new tax structure will entice more companies into doing business here in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (13) “…income tax rate.” 

And now, that corporate income tax rate is lower than those in many neighboring states.

Pending voter approval, teachers will see their temporary pay raises become permanent. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala (BACK-ah-la) says shifting money from protected education trusts would free up approximately 287-million dollars annually for local school districts, enabling a two-thousand-dollar raise for teachers and a one-thousand dollar raise for support staff.

Cut 6 (12) “…give pay raises.”

LSU snaps its three-game losing streak by beating Vanderbilt Saturday night, 24-17. In the week leading up to the game, Josh Williams, Greg Penn, Will Campbell and Garrett Nussmeier called a players-only meeting. Williams discussed the nature of the meeting after the game. 

Cut 16 (10) “…out for us.”

The state Legislature has approved a major change to Louisiana’s tax laws, which will result in a cut in income taxes in exchange for higher sales taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. Everyone across the state will be voting on four constitutional amendments, and there are also a handful of runoffs to be decided, including the race for mayor-president in Baton Rouge. Polls will be closed Sunday, Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving. Early voting ends November 30th.

A prison escapee’s run for freedom comes to an end. 20-year-old Jamarcus Cyprian escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail back on May 16th; and on Wednesday, he was arrested at an apartment complex in Hammond. Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff Gerald Sticker says Cyprian was going to great lengths to change his appearance so that he would not get caught.

Cut 7 (07) “…of his hair.”

Cyprian was serving time for armed robbery.

A Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being shot by a patient at a psychiatric treatment facility. It started as a disturbance between the patient and hospital employees. Tommy Carnline with the sheriff’s office says the patient shot a deputy who was trying to de-escalate the situation, and another deputy returned fire, hitting the suspect.

Cut 10 (11) “…of this time.”

Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says what’s unique about this early voting period is that it goes straight through Thanksgiving; and as such, there are some days when the polls will be closed.

Cut 3 (11) “…their voice heard.” 

Early voting ends Saturday, November 30th.

The Alliance for Affordable Energy has voiced concerns about the Meta data center project near Monroe. Executive Director Logan Burke argues that the facility contradicts the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and could impose significant costs on Louisiana ratepayers.

Cut 11 (11) “…it isn’t necessary.”

Entergy claims the data center would bring jobs and economic benefits to the region.

Governor Landry had some choice words about the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. Speaking before the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee, Landry said the project would destroy Coastal Louisiana’s culture.

Cut 8 (14) “…to oyster fish.”

Amanda Moore, the senior director of the gulf program for the National Wildlife Federation, disagrees with Landry’s assertion that the project would destroy the culture of Coastal Louisiana and says without it, communities along the coast would be more vulnerable.

Cut 10 (13) “…from storm surge.”

The project broke ground last year but has been stalled by litigation at both the state and federal levels.

The police superintendent in New Orleans is assuring people that the city is safe following the second deadly mass shooting in a five-day span. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Landry had some choice words about the massive coastal restoration project. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Collen Crain.”

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As the proposed five-billion-dollar Meta A-I Data Center near Monroe gets closer to final approval, it is receiving some pushback. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The police superintendent in New Orleans is assuring people that the city is safe following the second deadly mass shooting in a five-day span. Yesterday, one person was killed and three others were hurt in what investigators say was a targeted shooting in the French Quarter. Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says while violence usually picks up during the holiday season, murders are still down in New Orleans compared to last year.

Cut 4 (10) “…us to nine.”

Kirkpatrick says, however, that she’s still concerned about the recent uptick in violence.

Cut 5 (10) “…were last year.”

The latest shooting happened at the intersection of Iberville and Royal, just one block south of Bourbon Street and, thus, from all the tourists. Kirkpatrick has a message for tourists visiting the French Quarter.

Cut 6 (07) “…not look random.”

A suspect is in custody in connection with yesterday afternoon’s shooting.

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Governor Landry had some choice words about the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project. Speaking before the Senate Transportation, Highways and Public Works Committee, Landry said the project would cost the state a lot of money.

Cut 7 (15) “…the whole coast.”

Landry said it would also destroy Coastal Louisiana’s culture.

Cut 8 (14) “…to oyster fish.”

Amanda Moore, the senior director of the gulf program for the National Wildlife Federation, disagrees with Landry’s assertion that the project would destroy the culture of Coastal Louisiana.

Cut 9 (14)  “…of Coastal Louisiana.”

And Moore says without the project, communities along the coast would be more vulnerable.

Cut 10 (13) “…from storm surge.”

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Meta cleared its first hurdle Wednesday on moving forward with its five-billion-dollar A-I Data Center in Richland Parish.  The Alliance for Affordable Energy, though, has voiced concerns about the project.  Executive Director Logan Burke argues that the facility contradicts the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels and could impose significant costs on Louisiana ratepayers.

Cut 11 (11) “…it isn’t necessary.”

Entergy claims the data center would bring jobs and economic benefits to the region, but critics like Burke highlight the potential for increased electricity bills if costs are not absorbed by Meta. Alternatives, such as renewable energy with battery storage, are being sidelined in favor of the gas plant. Burke stresses that prioritizing clean energy could better serve both the climate and residents.

Cut 12 (13) “…in our state.”

The controversy underscores tensions around energy infrastructure in Louisiana, with advocates like Burke pushing for transparency and renewable energy solutions in state energy planning.

Cut 13 (09)  “…the opinions are.”

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They’re not on LSU’s football schedule, but the Tigers lost to Michigan last night. The nation’s top recruit for next season, quarterback Bryce Underwood, has decommitted from LSU and will instead play for the Wolverines. Todd Horne, the vice president and executive editor of Tiger Rag magazine, says Underwood’s move came down to just one thing – money.

Cut 14 (10) “…next four years.”

Underwood was at LSU’s game against Alabama earlier this month – a game in which LSU got hammered, 42-13, with fans throwing debris on the field at one point in the game, drawing a hefty fine from the SEC. Horne says nothing about that game was a factor in Underwood’s decision.

Cut 15 (08) “…it’s just money.”

The early signing period is less than two weeks away.

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LSU will host Vanderbilt tomorrow as they look to bounce back from a three-game losing streak. Head Coach Brian Kelly says his team and coaching staff have been just as disappointed as Tiger fans, but his team is committed to playing better…

Cut 16 (17) “…Vanderbilt team.”

From second half meltdowns to turnover problems and red zone inefficiency, the LSU offense has struggled to put points on the board like they did the first six weeks of the season. Kelly says they need to connect on open deep balls…

Cut 17 (17) “…our scoring” 

The Commodores have exceeded expectations this season and clinched their first bowl appearance since 2018. Vandy Head Coach Clark Lea isn’t banking on the Tigers’ struggles to continue….

Cut 18 (19)   “…hostile environment.”

Kickoff in Tiger Stadium is at 6:45

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UL-Monroe will hope to earn the school’s second ever bowl berth and first appearance since 2012 with a win at Arkansas St tomorrow. The Warhawks exceeded early expectations starting the season 5-and-1 under first-year Head Coach Bryant Vincent, but four straight losses leave ULM’s postseason hopes uncertain. Vincent says the 6-and-4 Red Wolves will be a challenge…

Cut 19 (17) “…physical game.”  

Vincent says his team is remaining positive, even amid a four-game skid.

Cut 20 (16) “…front of us.”

Kickoff is at 2:00.

For the second time in five days, there has been a deadly shooting in broad daylight in New Orleans. The latest one happened this afternoon in the French Quarter, just one block south of Bourbon Street. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says this was not a random shooting.

Cut 15 (13) “…a confirmed homicide.” (One killed, three others injured)

Kirkpatrick says a person of interest is in custody.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is sleeping outside tonight to draw attention to youth homelessness in the city, the state and the country. Congressman Carter is participating in the Covenant House Sleep Out tonight.

Cut 6 (09) “…issue of homelessness.”

Louisiana voters will decide on four constitutional amendments in a Dec. 7 election, two of the amendments address legislative budgeting.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Researchers at LSU are developing a hand-held device to better detect cancer cells during surgery. It’s called SafeMargin, and the purpose of the device is to quickly detect a clean margin during cancer surgeries. The team, led by electrical engineering associate professor Dr. Jian Xu (JAN ZHOO), hopes to bring it to market by the end of the decade.

The Louisiana Senate is expected to vote on the tax reform bills that made it through the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The committee kept the income tax plan at a flat three-percent, but it restored the historic preservation and film tax credits, and they inserted an option for local governments to tax pharmaceuticals. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil, a Republican, says tax reform is always a tricky thing to accomplish.

Cut 4 (07) “…run their cities.”

Democrat Jay Luneau says he proposed a bill to make corporate tax credits non-refundable.

Cut 7 (11) “…back to you.”

The biggest question is regarding sales taxes. One idea is to add fewer services to the sales tax base and raise the state sales tax to up to five-percent. The special session must end Monday evening.

For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says the state is clearly going in the right direction.

Cut 11 (07) “…keep pushing forward.”

Brumley says the steady rise is a testament to the work of everyone involved.

A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Economist Loren Scott described the project as transformative for northeastern Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…real game changer.”

Meta chose the area due to its location out of the hurricane zone, available land and electricity. The data center would create up to 500 jobs, many of which would pay in six figures, and it could be up and running in three years.

The State Senate is slated to vote on pieces of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan that made it out of the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The biggest question, though, is regarding sales taxes. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil says one idea is to add fewer services to the sales tax base and raise the state sales tax to up to five-percent.

Cut 23 (06) “…those small adjustments.”

Democrat Jay Luneau says raising sales taxes is not a guarantee that any revenue loss would be made up.

Cut 24 (06) “…in the past.”

For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says it’s a testament to the work of everyone involved.

Cut 13 (12)  “…teachers are doing.”

A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Baton Rouge General Hospital ranks in the top ten nationwide for fewest return days following a heart attack. Chief Medical Officer Keith Kellum says the hospital places a strong emphasis on physical therapy following a heart attack.

Cut 16 (08) “…with heart conditions.”

The State Senate is slated to vote on several pieces of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana continues rising in the national rankings of K-through-12 education. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Louisiana Senate is expected to vote on the tax reform bills that made it through the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The committee kept the income tax plan at a flat three-percent, but it restored the historic preservation and film tax credits, and they inserted an option for local governments to tax pharmaceuticals. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil, a Republican, says tax reform is always a tricky thing to accomplish.

Cut 4 (07) “…run their cities.”

Sales taxes appear to be the big sticking point to the whole plan, and Foil says there are two options on the table.

Cut 5 (12) “…make everything work.”

If they go the latter route, the state sales tax rate being floated is five-percent. Democrat Jay Luneau says he has concerns about raising sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation.

Cut 6 (11) “…clean it up.”

Luneau says he proposed a bill to make corporate tax credits non-refundable.

Cut 7 (11) “…back to you.”

The special session must end by six Monday evening.

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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Meta chose the area due to its location out of the hurricane zone, available land and electricity. Economist Loren Scott described the project as transformative for northeastern Louisiana.

Cut 8 (06) “…real game changer.”

The planned data center will occupy the state-owned 1,440-acre Franklin Farms Megasite. Scott says the big reason behind selecting Richland Parish is electricity…

Cut 9 (11)  “…user they are.”

Scott says the one of the biggest impacts the data center will bring is job growth, with the average salary will be around 130-thousand dollars and the ripple effect will be felt to the much needed community of Richland Parish.

Cut 10 (09) “…shot in the arm.”

Entergy plans to build three natural gas power plants at a cost of 3.2 billion dollars to support the A.I. data centers.

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For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says the state is clearly going in the right direction.

Cut 11 (07) “…keep pushing forward.”

In the U.S. News and World Report states ranking, Louisiana has earned its highest national ranking ever, moving up from 46th to 40th, so Brumley says the job isn’t even close to being done yet.

Cut 12 (06) “…work to do.”

According to the nation’s report card, Louisiana 4th graders led the country in reading growth, and economically disadvantaged 4th graders moved from 42nd all the way to 11th. Brumley says the steady rise in school performance is a testament to the work of everyone involved.

Cut 13 (12)  “…teachers are doing.”

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A tremendous achievement for Baton Rouge General Hospital, as it ranks in the top ten nationwide for fewest return days following a heart attack. Chief Medical Officer Keith Kellum says when it comes to the heart, time is muscle.

Cut 14 (08) “…may be necessary.”

Kellum says the hospital also goes to great lengths on the back end to set patients up for success when they leave the hospital.

Cut 15 (05) “…leave the hospital.”

And Kellum says the hospital places a strong emphasis on physical therapy following a heart attack.

Cut 16 (08) “…with heart conditions.”

Baton Rouge General’s ranking is based on data collected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

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The River Bell Classic is tonight in Thibodaux as Nicholls hosts Southeastern Louisiana at 6 PM. The all-time series is tied at 17. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says it’s a game fans of the respective schools look forward to each year…

Cut 17 (17) “…about it” 

Nicholls is 4-and-7, while S-L-U is 6-and-5 and need to win for a chance at making the F-C-S playoffs

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The Ragin Cajuns will host Troy on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is 5-and-1 and looking to stay in first place in the Sun Belt West and move another step towards clinching the division championship. Troy is 3-and-7 overall, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says the Trojans have won their last two games…

Cut 18 (18)   “…work for them.”

Kick off is at 4 PM.

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly is getting a lot of the blame for the Tigers’ current three-game losing streak. But LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell says it’s the players who are not getting the job done. He says self-inflicted wounds and not finishing games are the biggest problems…

Cut 19 (20) “…football games.”  

Campbell says the team is disappointed the Tigers will not play in the SEC Championship game, but it’s important to finish the season strong…

Cut 20 (20) “…job done.”