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 a drop in income tax rates. It had the support of Pineville Representative Mike Johnson.

Cut 6 (14) “…of the kids.”

Keep Louisiana Beautiful is hosting Regional Litter Summits this week to address the state’s litter problem. Executive Director Susan Russell says they want to engage local communities…

Cut 9 (13)  “…roads clean.”

The House overwhelmingly passes the Social Security Fairness Act, which would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Penalty and the Government Pension Offset. Those two provisions had the effect of reducing benefits for people who worked in the public sector. Congressman Garret 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.

A State Senate committee will soon take up a measure to move Louisiana to a flat income tax after getting the okay from the house.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Governor Landry is defending his push to bring a live tiger into Death Valley prior to LSU’s blowout loss to Alabama. During an event in Metairie, Landry said Omar, which was brought in from Florida, was the only tiger to show up that night.

Both sides are reacting after a federal court judge in Baton Rouge put a halt to the state’s Ten Commandments law. Jabarie Walker, the political director at the ACLU of Louisiana, hailed Judge John deGravelles’ (de-GRAVEL) ruling, saying separation of church and state means keeping religion out of public schools.

Cut 5 (12) “…fight it there.” 

And that’s exactl\y what the state will do. In a statement, Attorney General Liz Murrill said she strongly disagrees with the decision and will immediately appeal.

A woman is behind bars for allegedly endangering her young son. Investigators in St. Landry Parish say Artasia Viges (VEE-zhees) told them that people in an older model truck kidnapped her son, who’s less than five years old, as she was tending to a flat tire. Major Mark LeBlanc said investigators determined it to be something else entirely..

Cut 10 (09) “…the child’s knees.”

Viges is behind bars on 200-thousand dollars bond.

A federal judge’s commandment to the state: Do not post the Ten Commandments in classrooms. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Judge John DeGravelles’ decision is a preliminary ruling and will quickly be appealed…

Cut 7 (09) “…take the matter up.”

Judge DeGravelles said the posters have an overtly religious purpose, which is a constitutional no-no.

The Louisiana Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses is speaking out against House Bill 9 in the special session, which calls for sales taxes to be imposed on 41 new services as a way to make up for the loss of revenue from lowering income taxes. State Director Leah Long says that will force small businesses that have never had to collect sales tax before to start doing so.

Cut 9 (06)  “…for these businesses.”

Long says her organization is working with the Landry Administration and the Department of Revenue to tweak some language in the bill to make it more friendly for small business owners.

Several media outlets are projecting Republicans to retain control of the U-S House completing the GOP trifecta in Washington. In a press conference today on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says Republicans are ready to deliver on Donald Trump’s agenda…

Cut 12 (12) “…in America.”

Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) does not envision State Treasurer John Fleming joining the new administration, even though he had held three different positions in the previous Trump administration.

Cut 4 (09) “…be enticing enough.”

Sadow says the most likely Louisianian to join the administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

A federal judge in Baton Rouge issues a temporary injunction against Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A woman claimed that her son had been kidnapped. Investigators in St. Landry Parish, however, determined that the woman actually abandoned the little boy. Investigators say the woman and her son had a disagreement; and as she pulled the vehicle over, he jumped out before it came to a complete stop. They say the woman, Artasia Viges, made no effort to rein him back in and let him run off into the night along major roadways.

The Louisiana Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses is speaking out against House Bill 9 in the special session, which calls for sales taxes to be imposed on 41 new services as a way to make up for the loss of revenue from lowering income taxes. State Director Leah Long says it’s not necessarily the passing along of the sales tax to the customer as much as it is the bookkeeping that will complicate things for these small business owners.

Cut 10 (07) “…tax every month.”

Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says the most likely one to join the new Trump administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

Cut 3 (09) “…here in Louisiana.”

Which Louisianians could be up for cabinet roles in the new Trump administration? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Baton Rouge Judge issued a temporary injunction against Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says the most likely one to join the new Trump administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

Cut 3 (09) “…here in Louisiana.”

As for other named being floated for cabinet positions, Sadow says he does not envision State Treasurer John Fleming joining the new administration, even though he had held three different positions in the previous Trump administration.

Cut 4 (09) “…be enticing enough.”

Sadow says another one potentially under consideration would be former Governor Bobby Jindal, who has been critical of Trump in the past.

Cut 5 (10) “…bit farther down.”

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A Federal Judge in Baton Rouge issued a temporary injunction against Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, preventing it from taking effect. This ruling from Judge John deGravelles (de-GRAVEL) follows a lawsuit filed by parents and clergy opposing the measure. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the endgame is getting this case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 6 (08) “…establishment clause.”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office voiced strong disagreement with the court’s decision, announcing plans to appeal. Judge deGravelles deemed the law “facially unconstitutional,” though he has not issued a final ruling. Ciolino says its preliminary ruling and will quickly be appealed…

Cut 7 (09) “…take the matter up.”

Ciolino noted that while this is an initial ruling at the district level, both sides are likely to treat it as such to expedite the appeals process. Ciolino added that, if appealed, the U.S. Supreme Court is unlikely to review the case for some time.

Cut 8 (07) “…year from now.”

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The Louisiana Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses is speaking out against House Bill 9 in the special session, which calls for sales taxes to be imposed on 41 new services as a way to make up for the loss of revenue from lowering income taxes. State Director Leah Long says that will force small businesses that have never had to collect sales tax before to start doing so.

Cut 9 (06)  “…for these businesses.”

Long says it’s not necessarily the passing along of the sales tax to the customer as much as it is the bookkeeping that will complicate things for these small business owners.

Cut 10 (07) “…tax every month.”

Supporters of the bill say some of these businesses are equipped to handle the collection and payment of sales taxes. But Long says not all of them are.

Cut 11 (07) “…compliance every month.”

Long says her organization is working with the Landry Administration and the Department of Revenue to tweak some language in the bill to make it more friendly for small business owners.

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Several media outlets are reporting Republicans will retain control of the U-S House completing the GOP trifecta in Washington. In a press conference today on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says Republicans are ready to deliver on Trump’s agenda…

Cut 12 (12) “…in America.”

There are still a number of Congressional races undecided, but Johnson expects Republicans majority will be larger than what they have in the current Congress. Johnson says he did more than 360 campaign events in over 250 across 40 states to secure a GOP majority in the House…

Cut 13 (11)  “…this majority.”

Johnson says Republicans in the House and Senate have a mandate. He says the American people want secure borders, lower costs for groceries and gasoline, and return to common sense in classrooms and government agencies. He says they will be ready on day one to deliver on America’s mandate. Johnson says they were not ready at the start of Trump’s first term…

Cut 14 (05) “…prepared this time.”

A federal judge in Baton Rouge says, “Thou shalt not post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.” Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is speaking out against the bill in the special session that would impose sales tax on 41 services not currently being taxed. The association says it’s not necessarily the passing along of the sales tax to the customer as much as it is the bookkeeping that will complicate things for these small business owners.

Several media outlets are projecting Republicans to retain control of the U-S House completing the GOP trifecta in Washington. In a press conference today on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says Republicans are ready to deliver on Donald Trump’s agenda…

Cut 12 (12) “…in America.”

Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) does not envision State Treasurer John Fleming joining the new administration, even though he had held three different positions in the previous Trump administration.

Cut 4 (09) “…be enticing enough.”

Sadow says the most likely Louisianian to join the administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda gets approval from the House Ways and Means committee and moves to the House Floor for debate.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The spectacle is over, but questions about the tiger brought into Death Valley linger on. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The high school football playoffs kick off Friday and the division one brackets are loaded with great teams. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee approved several bills central to Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda, moving them to the House floor for further debate. Key elements include a corporate income tax rate of 3.5-percent, which would replace the current 7.5%.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the question becomes how do we replace that revenue?

Cut 4 (15) “…talking about 70.”

Another major proposal seeks to repeal the state’s corporate franchise tax, which currently imposes additional costs on large businesses operating in Louisiana. Pinsonat says supporters believe eliminating this tax will attract more businesses to the state, fostering job growth and economic expansion.

Cut 5 (12) “…population exodus.”

The upcoming House debates will address both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this substantial tax overhaul.  Pinsonat says all signs point to the bills passing.

Cut 6 (10) “…be so certain.”

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The live tiger spectacle at Death Valley came and went, but many questions remain – including who paid to import the tiger into Louisiana from Florida. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator has been following this story since she broke it last Thursday, and she says she’s been told that no public money was used.

Cut 7 (09) “…the governor’s spokesperson.”

Over the weekend, PETA claimed in a press release that the importing of the tiger into Louisiana was illegal, since the tiger’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson of Maitland, Florida, did not have a specific exemption. Hutchinson is not aware of any potential criminal ramifications.

Cut 8 (09) “…into what happened.”

The tiger, named Omar Bradley, was wheeled out onto the field about 15 minutes prior to kickoff and was wheeled out a few minutes later and was about two miles from the stadium by the time the team took the field to pyrotechnics. Hutchinson said Omar appeared visibly uncomfortable.

Cut 9 (14)  “…was very startled.”

LSU has not said a word about the spectacle and has ignored all requests for comment.

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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is out with its biggest current concerns for the trucking industry. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says at the top of the list is soaring insurance premiums.

Cut 10 (08) “…next year’s vehicles.”

And Amar says that’s driving them right out of the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…and monthly basis.”

She says that’s why it’s imperative that the legislature tackle this in the next session. The other top concerns are lawsuit abuse and medical costs.

Cut 12 (10) “…up on us.”

Other concerns include the economy, driver shortages, fuel prices and driver distraction.

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The high school football playoff brackets are out and there are 208 schools who have visions of making it to the state championship game. LHSAA Network reporter Spencer Verrett (veh-RET) says the division four select bracket, which has Vermilion Catholic as the top seed, looks extremely tough…

Cut 13 (12)  “…get to the dome.”

In Division One select, Edna Karr and Alexandria Senior High are the top two seeds, but Verrett says three are three schools from the Lafayette area that could play in the prep Classic…

Cut 14 (14) “…Acadiana.”

In Division Two select, Shaw, University, E-D White and Haynes Academy are the top four seeds. Verrett says the seventh seeded Wampus Cats of Leesville are a sleeper…

Cut 15 (06) “…the state.”

In the second round, Leesville will play the winner of this Friday’s game between Loyola Prep and Sophie B Wright.

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly says lack of consistency is what sticks out the most after breaking down the tape of Saturday night’s 42-13 loss to Alabama. The loss to the Crimson Tide likely knocked the Tigers out of playoff contention, but Kelly says the focus for his team the rest of the way is to be more consistent

Cut 16 (14) “….important thing.” 

Saturday night’s loss to Alabama was the worst loss the Tigers have suffered since Kelly took over as coach of LSU. There are concerns among the fan base on whether Kelly can make the Tigers a championship contender. But Kelly says despite the loss to Alabama, this is a program headed in the right direction…

Cut 17 (17) “…have here” 

LSU’s defense has struggled the last six quarters, the second half against Texas A&M and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ran over the Bayou Bengals. With three regular season contests and a bowl game left, freshmen can play in these upcoming games and not lose their red shirt. Kelly says you might see some new jersey numbers on the field…

Cut 18 (23)   “…red shirt”

Components of Governor Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.” 

To make up for the loss of revenue, the legislation calls for, among other things, the elimination of the film tax credit program.

DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project. This week, I-20 westbound will close nightly from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange. DOTD says it’s to allow contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.

The state’s unclaimed property program adds almost nine-million dollars in unclaimed state income tax refunds. State Treasurer John Fleming says his office has a lot of unclaimed money, and that money belongs to their rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

The Saints’ seven-game losing streak is over. They beat the Falcons at the Superdome yesterday, 20-17, with Derek Carr throwing two touchdown passes. The veteran Q-B says interim head coach Darren Rizzi gave a simple message to the team and that is just go out there and play, even if something bad happens…

Cut 13 (07)  “…everybody.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this coming Sunday against the Browns in the Superdome.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that slashes the corporate income tax from 7.5 to 3.5 percent, but it means some popular tax breaks would go away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The major I-20 project in Bossier Parish is entering a new phase. On Saturday, traffic will shift to new travel lanes from I-220 to Airline Drive, with the remainder of the shift extending toward Hamilton Road in the following weeks.

The state treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added 8.7-million dollars in uncashed state income tax refund checks. Treasurer John Fleming says all unclaimed money belongs to its rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

Those uncashed checks were sent out to almost 30-thousand taxpayers. If you think some of that money is yours, log on to l-a-cash-claim-dot-org to find out.

A huge milestone during the Saints’ win yesterday as running back Alvin Kamara became the team’s all-time leading rusher. Kamara says it’s a huge honor…

Cut 14 (14) “…in New Orleans.”

The win snapped the Saints’ seven-game losing streak.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that slashes the corporate income tax from 7.5 to 3.5 percent, but it means some popular tax breaks would go away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you think you have money that should be coming to you, it’s just as well to double check. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Components of Governor Jeff Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive favorable approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOORZ-wah) says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.”

To make up for the loss revenue, the legislation calls for the elimination of the film tax credit program and a tax credit for digital media and software companies. Chris Reade, who owns software development companies in New Orleans, urged the panel not to get rid of the digital media and software tax credit, because it’s a job creator…

Cut 4 (08) “…sector.”

The legislation also eliminates tax credits for those involved in the renovation of historic buildings. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson argued these tax credits are not bring more jobs to the state….

Cut 5 (10) “…not working.” (2x) 

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If you think you should have money coming to you, look into it. The state treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added a lot of money in uncashed state income tax refunds.

Cut 6 (15) “…29,441 separate checks.” ($8.7 million)

State Treasurer John Fleming says if some of that money is yours, claiming it is easy.

Cut 7 (13) “…owed to them.”

Fleming says his office has a lot of unclaimed money, and that money belongs to their rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

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DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project. Starting tonight, I-20 westbound from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange will close nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for five nights. This closure allows contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.  DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says it’s a milestone for the project…

Cut 9 (09)  “…able to do that.”

On Saturday, traffic will shift to new travel lanes from I-220 to Airline Drive, with the remainder of the shift extending toward Hamilton Road in the following weeks. Buchanan says the transition will take time.

Cut 10 (08) “…the right place.”

Buchanan advises drivers to exercise caution in construction zones, stay alert for work crews, and allow adequate following distance.  During nightly closures, westbound traffic will detour to I-220 and  Airline Drive ramps will remain open.

Cut 11 (10) “…kind of shift.”

. For ongoing updates, visit the I-20 project webpage.

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Darren Rizzi was a winner in his first game as a head coach in the NFL. Rizzi helped lead New Orleans to a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons to end a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi received a game ball during the postgame locker room celebration, but he says everyone in the organization deserves a game ball…

Cut 12 (11) “…heard a complaint.”

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes in the win. The veteran Q-B says Rizzi gave a simple message to the team and that is just go out there and play, even if something bad happens…

Cut 13 (07)  “…everybody.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara became the team’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Mark Ingram. Kamara says it’s a huge honor…

Cut 14 (14) “…in New Orleans.”