The long-anticipated tax reform special session is here. Governor Landry wants to lower the state income tax for most Louisiana residents and expand the sales tax base and eliminate dozens of sales tax exemptions. Landry is also looking to renew a temporary point-four-five-percent sales tax, extend the sales tax to 40 activities that are untaxed and eliminate the film tax credit program. LaPolitics-dot-com editor Jeremy Alford says it will be interesting to see if Landry gets what he wants…

Cut 5 (05) “…Jeff Landry.”

The special session must end by 5 PM on November 25th.

It looks like Louisiana may be spared the brunt of Hurricane Rafael’s wrath. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Rafael will enter the gulf sometime tonight likely as a major hurricane.

Cut 6 (10) “…very slow decline.”

The first College Football Playoff rankings are out. LSU is number 15, and Alabama is number 11. The two teams face one another at Tiger Stadium Saturday night. College football analysts say for all intents and purposes, this is a playoff game with the loser eliminated from CFP contention. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says the teams at the top of the SEC standings understand what’s at stake…

Cut 14 (10) “…matter.”

Kick-off Saturday is at 6:30.

This year’s presidential election was a record-breaker here in Louisiana. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says almost 850-thousand voters cast ballots in early voting, including more than 100-thousand on the final day of early voting, and more than one-million voters casting ballots on election day. All those results were posted onto the department’s website less than three hours after the polls closed last night.

A special session on tax reform gets underway this afternoon in Baton Rouge. Governor Landry wants to establish a flat state income tax of three percent, which will result in lower state income taxes for most Louisianians. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says to make up for some of that lost tax revenue, the state would broaden the state sales tax base.

Cut 13 (13)  “…lot of those.”

La-Politics-dot-com Jeremy Alford says it might be a tough sell to the Republican-dominated legislature.

Cut 4 (08) “…this entire process.” 

Critics are concerned the governor’s tax plan will lead to higher taxes for low-income residents and a big tax cut for the wealthy. The special session must end by November 25th.

It looks like Louisiana may be spared the brunt of Hurricane Rafael’s wrath. The National Hurricane Center now says Rafael will head towards the Texas-Mexico coast after striking Cuba. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says Rafael will enter the gulf sometime tonight likely as a Category Two hurricane.

Cut 6 (10) “…very slow decline.”

The original forecast track had Rafael turning north and heading straight towards Louisiana.

Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville celebrated the opening of a new all-inclusive playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local officials, park representatives, and community members highlighted the playground’s importance as a community resource that supports inclusion and outdoor play. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says this is only the beginning…

Cut 9 (09)  “…for that community.”

A two and a half weeklong special session on tax reform gets underway this afternoon as Governor Jeff Landry is asking legislators to make sweeping changes to the state’s tax code. La-Politics-dot-com editor Jeremy Alford says tax reform has been a buzz word at the capitol for decades, so it’s monumental to a session devoted to it

Cut 3 (09) “…pretty big push.” 

He wants to lower the state income tax for most Louisiana residents, but also expand the sales tax base and eliminate dozens of sales tax exemptions. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says they also want to eliminate the tax on prescription drugs. He says Louisiana is one of a few states that have a tax on prescription drugs.

Cut 15 (08) “…versus their medicine.”

The special session must end on Monday November 25th.

House Speaker Mike Johnson easily won re-election, beating a challenge from a fellow Republican. Johnson addressed his supporters after securing his win.

Cut 12 (15) “…to do that.” 

Whether Johnson remains speaker depends on what happens in the House races across the country yet to be called.

Investigators in Morgan City solve a murder from a quarter century ago. Amber Lynn Jenkins Garcia’s body was found on October 8th, 1998. After resubmitting evidence to the Acadiana Criminalistics Lab, investigators were led to John Willis Pittman Jr., who’s already serving a prison sentence for an unrelated murder. Police Chief Chad Adams says Garcia’s family is relieved and very grateful that her murder has finally been solved.

Cut 6 (07) “…make an arrest.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new all-inclusive playground at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is happening today.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Practically no drama in Louisiana’s elections. Andrew Greenstein has the rundown.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform special session gets underway this afternoon. Jeff Palermo looks at what the Landry administration is proposing…

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Investigators in Morgan City solve a murder from a quarter century ago and didn’t have to go far to find their suspect. The body of Amber Lynn Jenkins Garcia was found on October 8th, 1998, behind Youngs Park. Evidence collected at the time failed to yield a suspect; but at the start of this year, investigators resubmitted evidence to the Acadiana Criminalistics Lab. Police Chief Chad Adams says that led investigators to John Willis Pittman Jr.

Cut 4 (09) “…Miss Garcia’s death.”

Pittman is already serving a 40-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to an unrelated 1998 murder – that of Jennifer Vedol, whose body was found on Duke Street.

Cut 5 (07) “…of Miss Garcia.”

Chief Adams says Garcia’s family is relieved and very grateful that her murder has finally been solved.

Cut 6 (07) “…make an arrest.”

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Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville celebrated the opening of a new all-inclusive playground with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says this playground is designed to be accessible for children of all abilities, providing a safe and welcoming space for everyone to play together.

Cut 7 (12) “…our state parks.”

The playground includes features like wheelchair-accessible swings, sensory play panels, and various play structures, promoting inclusivity and fun for children with different needs. Nungesser says it’s part of a larger mission to make all parks accessible and inviting to everyone….

Cut 8 (13) “…special needs community.”

Local officials, park representatives, and community members attended the event, highlighting the playground’s importance as a community resource that supports inclusion and outdoor play.  Nungesser says this is only the beginning…

Cut 9 (09)  “…for that community.”

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There was no drama in Louisiana in the federal races in Louisiana. Donald Trump carried the state by about 20 percentage points, and all six congressional races went as expected. That includes District 6, where Cleo Fields won the seat with 51-percent of the vote and avoided a runoff. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Fields was set up to win from the start.

Cut 10 (12) “…and they did.”

Fields’ win flips the seat from Republican to Democrat, and Pinsonat says that could alter the balance of power in the House.

Cut 11 (11) “…from the Republicans.”

While Mike Johnson’s speakership hangs in the balance, his seat never did. He easily won re-election, beating a challenge from a fellow Republican. Johnson addressed his supporters after securing his win.

Cut 12 (15) “…to do that.”

Steve Scalise, Julie Letlow, Clay Higgins and Troy Carter also won re-election. For Public Service Commission District 2, Jean-Paul Coussan beat fellow Republican Julie Quinn and Democrat Nick Laborde. And Constitutional Amendment 1 passed by about a three to one spread.

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Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform special session gets underway today at the state capitol at three PM. The governor wants to establish a flat state income tax of three percent, which will result in lower state income taxes for most Louisianans. Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says to make up for some of that lost tax revenue, the state would broaden the state sales tax…

Cut 13 (13)  “…lot of those.”

Nelson says services that are currently not taxed would be taxed. For example dog grooming, landscaping, and storage services. Nelson says this much needed tax reform would put more money in people’s pockets and make the state more competitive in attracting businesses

Cut 14 (10) “…to everybody.”

Critics of the plan are concerned the governor’s tax plan will lead to higher taxes for low-income residents and a big tax cut for the wealthy.

Nelson says they also want to eliminate the tax on prescription drugs. He says Louisiana is one of a few states that have a tax on prescription drugs

Cut 15 (08) “…versus their medicine.”

The special session must end on Monday November 25^th.

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The Saints have traded Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a 2025 fifth round pick to the Washington Commanders for a third, fourth and a sixth round selection next year. WWL Radio Saints analyst Mike Detillier says the Saints are trying to get younger and shed salary, but they need to make sure this trade brings in new talent…

Cut 16 (09) “….younger players.” 

Detillier believes Lattimore goes down as the Saints best cornerback in franchise history….

_Cut 17 (15) “…draft choices.”

The Saints fired Dennis Allen on Monday. Could General Manager Mickey Loomis be next. Detillier says it’s Loomis’ decision…

Cut 18 (11)   “…National Football League.”

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The LSU Tigers continue to prepare for Alabama. Both teams had a bye week. The Crimson Tide’s last game was a win over Missouri, while the Tigers lost at Texas A&M. LSU Coach Brian Kelly says they spent the extra time learning from their mistakes…

Cut 19 (19) “….Alabama team.”  

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The Ragin Cajuns, who are closing in on a Sun Belt West Title, will host Arkansas State this Saturday. The Cajuns are big favorites to win and it’s Homecoming. But Coach Michael Desormeaux says none of that other stuff matters…

Cut 20 (20) “..intend on doing”

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they’re expecting a huge overall voter turnout.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

Will there be another change to the 6th Congressional District? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says depending on how the court rules, the lines could be redrawn by the next congressional election in 2026.

Cut 5 (07) “…by mid-2025.”

The current lines will likely result in a Democratic pickup today that could alter the balance of power in the House.

A legendary figure in Louisiana sports history has passed away. William “Dub” Jones of Ruston died at the age of 99…one month shy of his 100th birthday. Jones played eight seasons of professional football and in 1951, he scored six touchdowns in a game against the Chicago Bears. Only three other players, including Alvin Kamara, have scored that many TDs in a game. One of his sons, Ben Jones, says his father was an old-school player all the way.

Cut 13 (13)  “…talking for you.”

Another of Dub Jones’ sons was Bert Jones, who was an NFL quarterback for ten seasons and was the NFL MVP in 1976.

Here we go again – we could be in for another severe storm. Tropical Storm Rafael’s path has the storm hitting the southern Louisiana Gulf Coast Sunday afternoon.

We could be in for more severe weather. Tropical Storm Rafael’s path has it slamming into the Louisiana Coast Sunday afternoon. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannon anticipates Rafael will become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba.

Cut 6 (09) “…Wednesday evening.”

Rafael is expected to weaken from there.

Will the Sixth Congressional District lines need to be changed again? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says how the conservative court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 4 (11) “…in education, employment.”

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has passed away. William “Dub” Jones died over the weekend at the age of 99. In 1951, Jones tied the NFL record with six touchdowns – a feat since equaled by Gayle Sayers and Alvin Kamara. Son Ben Jones said quarterback Otto Graham was determined to get his father the record when coach Paul Brown called a running play late in the game.

Cut 12 (14) “…sixth touchdown pass.”

Jones was just one month shy of his 100th birthday.

Just a few hours to go for voting in the presidential election. Nearly a million voters cast ballots in early voting, and that many are expected to vote on Election Day. Secretary of State Nancy Landry expects total turnout to be around 70-percent. The polls will be open until eight o’clock tonight.

Will we have our first female president, or will we have our second president to serve non-consecutive terms? Americans are deciding that issue even as we speak. Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”

Polls close at eight tonight; those already in line at that time will be allowed to vote.

Will the 6th Congressional District need to be redrawn again? The Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says the case could have additional ramifications.

Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.”

Looks like Mother Nature isn’t done with us this year after all. Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to become a hurricane, and while uncertain at this point, the current path takes the storm straight to the Louisiana coast. National Weather Service Meteorologist Christopher Bannon says residents along the Gulf Coast should keep an eye on the storm.

Cut 8 (10) “…over the Central Culf.”

If Rafael makes landfall on the Louisiana Gulf Coast Sunday afternoon as currently forecast, it would do so as a tropical storm. 

Five school buses from St. Bernard Parish are involved in a crash on westbound I-10 in Lafayette. Lafayette Police say one of the buses rear-ended another bus, causing the chain-reaction collision. Six students were taken to hospitals with minor injuries. A truck pulling a band trailer was also involved in the crash.

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they’re expecting a huge overall voter turnout.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

Will there be another change to the 6th Congressional District? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says depending on how the court rules, the lines could be redrawn by the next congressional election in 2026.

Cut 5 (07) “…by mid-2025.”

The current lines will likely result in a Democratic pickup today that could alter the balance of power in the House.

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has died. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  Rafael will likely become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba. As it approaches the Gulf of Mexico, Rafael’s path remains uncertain. Despite that, Louisiana is expected to experience some rain starting later this week with a moderate risk of flash flooding in some areas.

Will Kamala Harris be the country’s first female president, or will Donald Trump be the second person to be elected to two non-consecutive terms? Polls show the answer at this point is anyone’s guess. Results will start to pour in early this evening, and John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says he’s focusing on two states in the early going.

Cut 12 (13) “…those two states.

Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District race has gained national attention after redistricting transformed it into a majority-Black district. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat considers Democrat Cleo Fields to be the frontrunner.

Cut 7 (11) “…cuts into him.”

A Democratic win could hand the balance of power in the House to the Democrats.

Before you head to the polls today, keep in mind that there is a dress code of sorts. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says electioneering is not allowed within 600 feet of the polling place – the distance of two football fields.

Cut 6 (14) “…before you vote.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

Darren Rizzi is now the Saints’ interim head coach after the team fired Dennis Allen amid a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi says this is not a day for celebration, and that everyone – not just Allen – is to blame.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that we’re in.”

Rizzi says everyone and everything will be evaluated, and changes will be coming.

The Louisiana secretary of state wants you to know that the state goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of its elections. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The race for Louisiana’s 6^th Congressional District is a close one with Democrat Cleo Fields, Republican Elbert Guillory and three others vying for the redrawn congressional seat.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Saints make a coaching change amid a seven-game losing streak. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment.

Cut 4 (12) “…touch our equipment.”

And the voting equipment is sealed before the election to ensure that it is not tampered with ahead of time.

Cut 5 (09) “…before every election.”

And despite what certain people may try to lead you to believe, the voting machines are never connected to the internet. Landry reminds you that in the State of Louisiana, electioneering is not allowed within 600 feet of the polling place – the distance of two football fields – and as such, there is a dress code of sorts when you cast your ballot.

Cut 6 (14) “…before you vote.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.

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Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District race has gained national attention after redistricting transformed it into a majority-Black district, with potential implications for the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives. The election on November 5 features five candidates vying for the seat: four Democrats – State Senator Cleo Fields, Political newcomer from Baton Rouge, Quentin Anderson, Wilken Jones, and Peter Williams, and Republican, Former State Senator Elbert Guillory. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat considers Cleo Fields, the frontrunner.

Cut 7 (11) “…cuts into him.”

With a majority-Democrat voter base in the redrawn district, a Democratic win is anticipated, which could shift the seat from Republican to Democratic control, but Pinsonat questions whether Quentin Anderson will take enough votes away to force a runoff…

Cut 8 (12) “…win in the primary.”

Republican, Elbert Guillory poses some threat to Fields, but Pinsonat says Guillory’s chance of beating Fields is very doubtful.

Cut 9 (12)  “…is highly unlikely.”

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Analysts say today could be a big day for Republicans, based on early voting totals. Louisiana’s early voting turnout set records for in-person voting, with almost a million ballots cast early. JMC Analytics highlighted a drop in Black voter participation, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish. Owner John Couvillon says in 2020, Black voters comprised 30% of early voters; in 2024, they make up only 25% — numbers that he says should bode well for Donald Trump.

Cut 10 (14) “…tomorrow night.”

A notable trend is the Republican advantage in early voting. Historically, early voting leaned Democratic, but this year, Republicans led all ten days, achieving a nine-point advantage. Louisiana’s Secretary of State reported that almost 850-thousand voters cast their ballots in person, with more than 103-thousand voting on the final day alone. Couvillon says we should have a pretty clear picture this evening of how Louisiana voted.

Cut 11 (15) “…in our state.”

Nationwide trends show a tighter race. Around 55 million have voted early in the U.S., with Democrats holding only a three-point lead—compared to a 14-point lead four years ago. Couvillon says he’s focused on two states…

Cut 12 (13) “…those two states.

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Dennis Allen is out, and Darren Rizzi is in. The special teams coordinator takes over as the Saints’ interim head coach after the team fired Allen amid a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi says this is not a day for celebration, and that everyone – not just Allen – is to blame.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that we’re in.”

Rizzi says everyone and everything will be evaluated, and changes will be coming.

Cut 14 (09) “…along the way.”

Saints Tight End Foster Moreau says it’s a shame that the team couldn’t win more for Dennis Allen.

Cut 15 (10) “…to be done.”

Rizzi will coach his first game for the Saints Sunday against the Falcons in the Superdome.

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The 14th-ranked LSU Tigers are gearing up to host 11th-ranked Alabama in what has been dubbed a playoff elimination game. Both teams have lost two games this season, and it’s expected that a three-loss team will not make the 12-team College Football Playoff. Coach Brian Kelly does not want his team to focus on the playoff implications of this game…

Cut 16 (20) “….best is needed” 

For LSU to be its best, it needs a balanced offense. The Tigers used the bye week to work on the rushing attack. LSU enters the game ranked 111^th in the country in rush offense, averaging 115 yards a game. Kelly says it will take a team effort to get the ground game going…

Cut 17 (19) “…people miss.”

LSU will not have one of its starting offensive lineman for Saturday. Garrett Dellinger, who has started 25 games at left guard, will miss the game after undergoing tight rope surgery for a sprained ankle. The surgery will allow Dellinger to return the following week against Florida, but he’ll miss the Bama.

Redshirt freshman Paul Mubenga replaced Dellinger when he went down in the Texas A&M loss. Mubenga grew up in Africa before moving to Georgia in 2017. Kelly says Mubenga has picked up the game quickly and has spent the last year and a half on his technique

Cut 18 (21)   “…to do it”