On Sunday, the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House. Chairman Franklin Foil says that includes the measure that replaces the current income tax structure with a flat tax and a higher standard deduction.

Cut 9 (06)  “…income tax rate.”

As for making up for the loss of revenue, Landry has proposed imposing sales taxes on 41 services not being taxed. That measure has stalled in the House.

Lainey Wilson, the Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, is performing at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend. These concerts are part of her “Country’s Cool Again Tour.”  Discovery West Monroe CEO Alana Cooper says she’s excited for the star’s return home.

Cut 6 (11) “…a little easier.”

The shows mark the final stop on her tour and promise to feature her chart-topping hits.

LSU looks to end its two-game losing streak on Saturday and keep alive its slim chance of playing in the SEC Championship game.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Lawmakers delay a vote on a crucial sales tax bill within Governor Landry’s ambitious tax reform plan. The House did approve a bill making a temporary point-4-5-percent sales tax permanent and reducing it to point-4-0-percent, which is expected to generate $820 million annually. Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s good news for taxpayers.

Cut 11 (07) “…good news for consumers.”

Landry has denied a lack of support, urging patience.

The Office of Motor Vehicles has reset all outstanding fees and fines to their original amounts. The office says some fees that went to the Office of Debt Recovery ended up spiraling out of control, beyond the control of the person owing it. All unresolved fees more than 180 days past due will be referred back to the ODR.

Today marks the third anniversary of the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, said in those three years, Louisiana has received ten-billion dollars…

Cut 3 (15) “…for airport improvements.” 

Senator Cassidy says most recently, he announced more than 63-million dollars from the infrastructure law for railroad investments.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is set to visit the UK. While there, he will be promoting Louisiana spices, meeting with agricultural officials, and touring farms and other agricultural sites. Strain notes that the UK’s top export is:

Cut 7 (06) “…a few other things.”

Meet the new House speaker – same as the old House speaker. House Republicans have unanimously selected Shreveport-area Congressman Mike Johnson as speaker of the 119th Congress. LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says it’s no surprise that Johnson was voted unanimously by his fellow Republicans as speaker.

Cut 5 (08) “…the Republican Party.” 

In a news conference, Speaker Johnson said House Republicans are gearing up to act on their agenda on Day One of the new Congress.

Cut 4 (14) “…on January 3rd.”

Johnson said Republicans got a loud and clear mandate from the American people on Election Day.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites a Vermilion Parish man for hunter harassment. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana has the second lowest rate of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says last year, Louisiana’s private sector reported 19-thousand nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, down from 21-thousand the year before. Only the District of Columbia had a lower rate.

On a 16-to-2 vote, the House Ways and Means Committee advanced a bill that would apply sales taxes to 41 services currently not taxed. This would generate 500 million dollars in tax revenues and help offset the loss of tax dollars from a proposed cut to income taxes. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry was one of the two “no” votes; she rattled off several services that would be taxed because of this legislation…

Cut 4 (16) “…taxes on them.”

Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says the plan also calls for the elimination of sales taxes on prescription drugs…

Cut 7 (07) “…as well.”

The measure could receive a vote on the House floor by the end of the week.

Change is on the way in the weather here in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is going to drop temperatures considerably; and with those low overnight temperatures will come lower daytime high temperatures, making for an absolutely delightful weekend.

Cut 13 (08)  “…very nice out.”

Two women are found dead inside a home in Lake Charles in an incident believed to be either a murder-suicide or a double suicide. The women are identified as Dahlen Semar and Madison Guillory, both 23 years old. Sheriff Stitch Guillory – no relation to one of the victims – says 24-year-old Gabriel Williams was the one who contacted authorities, and he provided false and misleading information to deputies.

Cut 10 (11) “…inside the residence.”

Williams was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center; his bond is pending.

A bill that would apply sales taxes to 41 services currently not taxed moves to the full house. This would generate 500 million dollars in tax revenues and help offset the loss of tax dollars from a proposed cut to income taxes. The vote in the House Ways and Means Committee was 16-to-2, with New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry casting one of the two “no” votes. She says it would tax several services, including home repair…

Cut 5 (08) “…raising taxes.” 

The bill’s author, Columbia Representative Neil Riser, says the expansion of the sales tax base is part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. And the entire plan will result in more money in the pockets of Louisiana residents…

Cut 6 (07) “…is greater.”

The plan also calls for the elimination of sales taxes on prescription drugs. The measure could receive a vote on the House floor by the end of the week.

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two young women inside a home in Lake Charles. The women are identified as Dahlen Semar and Madison Guillory, and they were both 23 years old. Sheriff Stitch Guillory – no relation to one of the victims – says even though this appears to be either a murder-suicide or a double-suicide given the fact that the women were the only ones inside, the investigation is still ongoing.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the same gun.”

For the second time in three years, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has landed the nation’s top recruiting class, as four, five-star prospects signed with the Lady Tigers on National Signing Day. Matthew Brune (BREW-knee) covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger and says among the class is a big time scorer out of New Mexico in Bella Hines.

Cut 15 (15) “…out of California.”

A House committee approves legislation to apply local and state sales taxes on 41 services that are currently not taxed. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two women found inside a home in Lake Charles. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU football has a rare two game losing streak, so is a change at quarterback needed? Sean Richardson has the story…

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The House Ways and Means Committee approved legislation that would apply sales taxes to 41 services currently not taxed. This would generate 500 million dollars in tax revenues and help offset the loss of tax dollars from a proposed cut to income taxes. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry voted against the bill and rattled off several services that would be taxed because of this legislation…

Cut 4 (16) “…taxes on them.”

House Ways and Means approved the bill to expand the sales tax base on a 16 to 2 vote. Landry was one of the two lawmakers who voted against it because it would tax several services, including home repair…

Cut 5 (08) “…raising taxes.”

The bill’s author, Columbia Representative Neil Riser, says the expansion of the sales tax base is part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. And the entire plan will result in more money in the pockets of Louisiana residents…

Cut 6 (07) “…is greater.”

Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson also says the plan also calls for the elimination of sales taxes on prescription drugs…

Cut 7 (07) “…as well.”

The measure could receive a vote on the House floor by the end of the week. The Louisiana House on Wednesday approved a bill to charge sales taxes on digital items, including Netflix.

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The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two young women inside a home in Lake Charles. Sheriff Stitch Guillory says deputies arrived at a home and heard gunfire. That’s when they called in the SWAT team.

Cut 8 (10) “…of gunshot wounds.”

The women are identified as Dahlen Semar and Madison Guillory – no relation to the sheriff – and they were both 23 years old. Sheriff Guillory says even though this appears to be either a murder-suicide or a double-suicide given the fact that the women were the only ones inside, the investigation is still ongoing.

Cut 9 (06)  “…the same gun.”

Sheriff Guillory says 24-year-old Gabriel Williams was the one who contacted authorities, and that he provided false and misleading information to deputies.

Cut 10 (11) “…inside the residence.”

Williams was arrested and booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center; his bond is pending. Sheriff Guillory says Williams has been ruled out as the shooter.

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Change is on the way in the weather here in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with our recent rains, we’re at a heightened risk for flash flooding.

Cut 11 (11) “…state right now.”

And Keim says a cold front is going to drop temperatures considerably.

Cut 12 (10) “…for low temperatures.”

And with those low overnight temperatures will come lower daytime high temperatures, making for an absolutely delightful weekend.

Cut 13 (08)  “…very nice out.”

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For the second time in three years, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has landed the nation’s top recruiting class. This time it’s for the 2025 recruiting class, as four, five-star prospects signed with the Lady Tigers on National Signing Day. Matthew Brune (Brew-knee) covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger and says high school players are drawn to Mulkey, because she’s a winner…

Cut 14 (07) “…win championships.”

Brune says LSU got a big time scorer out of New Mexico in Bella Hines and signed three other players

Cut 15 (15) “…out of California.”

Grace Knox averaged 17 points and 12 rebounds as a junior. Hines, a combo guard from Albuquerque, averaged 32 points a game last season. The other two signees are Iowa’s player of the year, Divine Bourrage and Zakiyah Johnson, who has three state high school championships in Kentucky.

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier is still the starting quarterback for the Fighting Tigers despite committing six turnovers over the last six quarters. The mistakes have contributed to the Tigers two-game losing streak,  but Kelly says they have not considered making a change at quarterback…

Cut 16 (13) “….we believe in him.” 

Redshirt freshman Rickie Collins and Vanderbilt transfer AJ Swann would be the other options, if Kelly wanted to make a change. Swann started 12 games for the Commodores, But Kelly says they still believe in Nussmeier…

Cut 17 (17) “…we’ve had.” 

Nussmeier was having a very good season, until throwing three interceptions in the second half against Texas A-and-M on October 26^th. Nuss threw two more interceptions and lost a fumble against Alabama. Kelly says they are looking at simplifying things for their first-year starter at quarterback…

Cut 18 (12)   “…less is more.”

Kelly says they are also working on improving Nussmeier’s footwork. He says footwork forces you into right decisions. The 22^nd ranked Tigers at Florida on Saturday.

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Louisiana Tech has a tough test this Saturday as the Bulldogs travel to Western Kentucky. The Hilltoppers are 5-and-0 in Conference USA and they have one of the top quarterbacks in the league in six-foot-six Cade Veltkamp who has thrown for nearly two-thousand yards and 19 touchdowns. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie…

Cut 19 (19) “…in our conference.”  

The Bulldogs lead Conference USA in total defense as Tech is allowing just 312 yards a game. LSU transfer Kolbe Fields has led this unit as he leads the team in tackles, tackles for a loss and forced fumbles. Cumbie says the former Rummel star is exactly the type of player they expected to get…

Cut 20 (16) “…has that.”

Optimism among small businesses in Louisiana is up – but so is uncertainty. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says while the optimism index remains below the 50-year average, there are encouraging signs.

Cut 10 (06) “…to look like.”

As for the increase in the uncertainty index, Long says you can blame the debate in Baton Rouge over tax reform.

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The bill that passed 327 to 75 eliminates the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset. Graves says Louisiana has been among the most impacted by these two provisions.

Cut 3 (11) “…40 years now.”

The two provisions had the effect of reducing Social Security benefits for people who worked in the public sector, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters.

A bill that would drastically increase the tax rate for online sports betting from 15% to 51% has been shelved for the session.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has signed the nation’s number one recruiting class. All four of the signees are five-star prospects. The highest ranked prospect according to ESPN is Grace Knox, a six-foot-three forward from Las Vegas.

A bill that would have dramatically increased the tax rate for online sports betting to offset the loss of revenue from lower income tax rates is on hold. Supporters, like Louisiana Progress Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown, say there is clear evidence of an increase of domestic violence as a result of an increase in online sports betting…

Cut 7 (12) “…making it easier.”

Opponents say the bill would have a negative effect on brick-and-mortar casinos in the state.

Optimism among small businesses in Louisiana is up – but so is uncertainty. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says you can blame the uncertainty on the debate in Baton Rouge over tax reform

Cut 12 (11) “…affect my business?”

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. It now goes to the Senate, which has only a limited amount of time to pass it so that it can get onto President Biden’s desk. Graves says the House spoke loud and clear, and that should force the Senate’s hand.

Cut 5 (13) “…behind this effort.” 

Opponents say eliminating the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset would put additional strain on the already-strained Social Security.

An LSU student has been arrested for threatening to kill Governor Jeff Landry. Authorities say 21-year-old Jackson Pemberton posted on the social media website “X” – quote – I am going to kill you Jeff Landry – end quote. WBRZ-TV reports Pemberton was upset about the governor arranging for a live tiger to be brought into Tiger Stadium.

A bill that would have dramatically increased the tax rate for online sports betting to offset the loss of revenue from lower income tax rates is on hold. Supporters, like Louisiana Progress Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown, say there is clear evidence of an increase of domestic violence as a result of an increase in online sports betting…

Cut 7 (12) “…making it easier.”

Louisiana Casino Association director Wade Duty warns the higher tax could discourage online betting platforms, potentially impacting brick-and-mortar casinos, which often partner with online sportsbooks.

Cut 8 (12) “…business as usual.”

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The bill that passed 327 to 75 eliminates the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset. Graves says Louisiana has been among the most impacted by these two provisions.

Cut 3 (11) “…40 years now.”

The two provisions had the effect of reducing Social Security benefits for people who worked in the public sector, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters.

Optimism among small businesses in Louisiana is up – but so is uncertainty. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says while the optimism index remains below the 50-year average, there are encouraging signs.

Cut 10 (06) “…to look like.”

As for the increase in the uncertainty index, Long says you can blame the debate in Baton Rouge over tax reform.

Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A bill that would drastically increase the tax rate for online sports betting from 15% to 51% has been shelved for the session. Sean Richardson says the House Ways and Means Committee still discussed the legislation…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act. The bill that passed 327 to 75 eliminates the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset. Graves says Louisiana has been among the most impacted by these two provisions.

Cut 3 (11) “…40 years now.”

The two provisions had the effect of reducing Social Security benefits for people who worked in the public sector, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters. Graves and co-sponsor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat from Virginia, filed a discharge petition to force a vote, and a strong majority signed on to it.

Cut 4 (13) “…for a vote.”

The bill now goes to the Senate, which has only a limited amount of time to consider the bill and pass it so that it can get onto President Biden’s desk. Graves says the House spoke loud and clear, and that should force the Senate’s hand.

Cut 5 (13) “…behind this effort.” 

Opponents say eliminating those two provisions would put additional strain on the already-strained Social Security.

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Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder has decided not to move forward with a bill that would dramatically increase the tax rate for online sports betting, from 15% to 51%.  Wilder filed the bill to boost state revenue by an estimated $150 million dollars a year to help offset legislation to reduce income tax rates for both individuals and corporations. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson supported the higher tax on sports wagering…

Cut 6 (14) “…take care of the kids.”

Other proponents, like Louisiana Progress Executive Director Peter Robins-Brown says there is clear evidence of an increase of  domestic violence as a result of the recent increase in online sports betting…

Cut 7 (12) “…making it easier.”

Louisiana Casino Association director Wade Duty warns the higher tax could discourage online betting platforms, potentially pushing customers to illegal options and impacting brick-and-mortar casinos, which  partnered with online sportsbooks.

Cut 8 (12) “…business as usual.”

Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad says the tax increase is being done in bad faith with expectations being set for when casinos initially invested in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “…to operate in.”

Online sports betting, legalized in 2021, is now a major revenue source in Louisiana.

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Optimism among small businesses in Louisiana is up – but so is uncertainty. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says while the optimism index remains below the 50-year average, there are encouraging signs.

Cut 10 (06) “…to look like.”

Long says while this year’s holiday shopping season will be of the shortest possible length, when defined as between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, it’s a season that small businesses are looking towards for strong sales.

Cut 11 (10) “…out and about.”

As for the increase in the uncertainty index to its highest level ever, Long says you can blame the debate in Baton Rouge over tax reform, especially when it comes to businesses not currently subject to sales taxes that may have to start collecting them.

Cut 12 (11) “…affect my business?”