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

Cut 11 (07) “…national in scope.”

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

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

Cut 15 (15) “…here in Louisiana.”

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

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

Cut 7 (18) “…no longer be receiving.”

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

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

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

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 4 (12) “…mission here.”

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

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

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

Cut 6 (10) …presentation skills.”

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

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

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

Cut 7 (18) “…no longer be receiving.”

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

Cut 8 (13) “…first tax bracket.”

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

Cut 9 (14)  “…in their pocket.”

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

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

Cut 10 (11) “…this huge decline.”

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

Cut 11 (07) “…national in scope.”

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

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

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

Cut 13 (12)  “…Gulf of Mexico.”

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

Cut 14 (09) “…last several days.”

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

Cut 15 (15) “…here in Louisiana.”

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

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

Cut 16 (11)   “…to that.”

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

Cut 17 (18) “…that way.”

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

Cut 18 (09)  “…for sure.”

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

Cut 19 (22) “….as well.”  

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

Cut 20 (25) “…assignment correct” 

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

Cut 14 (06) “…for example.”

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

Cut 4 (09) “…deal with that.”

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

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

Cut 7 (12) “…in those communities.”

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

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

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

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

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

Cut 13 (07) “…this plan.” 

The special session is expected to get underway next month.

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

A small business group is reacting to Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

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

Long gives an example of how a small business owner would be affected.

Cut 4 (09) “…deal with that.”

Long says while lowering personal income taxes is certainly a good thing, it shouldn’t be done at the expense of small business owners.

Cut 5 (05) “…small business owners.”

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

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The American Red Cross of Louisiana is urgently seeking volunteers to support emergency shelters for national disaster relief efforts, with a focus on Hurricane Helene’s recovery. Regional CEO Dr. Kenneth St. Charles says candidates must complete training and commit to a two-week deployment. Those with management, organizational, or supervision skills are encouraged to apply.

Cut 6 (08) “…skills as well.”

St. Charles emphasizes volunteers’ vital role, who comprise 90% of the Red Cross workforce. During disasters, they provide necessities and support services in shelters.

Cut 7 (12) “…in those communities.”

Currently, over 1,000 responders are deployed across 10 states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. St. Charles emphasized more than 2,500 people are in 82 emergency shelters, with needs expected to grow as more areas become accessible.

Cut 8 (12) “…can really help.”

Visit red-cross-dot-org to learn how you can volunteer.

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Governor Landry signs an executive order requesting that the Board of Regents make recommendations on improving free speech on po-secondary public college campuses. In a speech at LSU, Landry says some students feel that they’re not at liberty to freely discuss their beliefs.

Cut 9 (12)  “…with this country.”

Landry noted that at several college campuses across the country, conservative personalities, including Charlie Kirk, Riley Gaines, Allen West and others have been, in his word, cancelled because of their viewpoints – and he says that’s wrong.

Cut 10 (12) “…rather than indoctrinated.”

Landry says his executive order asks the Board of Regents to clearly establish a free speech policy.

Cut 11 (11) “…not consistently changing.”

Landry’s event was held in conjunction with the school’s chapter of Turning Point USA, a conservative group founded by Charlie Kirk.

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A major component of Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan is lowering the state’s income tax rate. The highest tax rate in Louisiana is 4.25 percent for workers who earn 50-thousand dollars or more. Landry is proposing a flat three-percent tax for everyone who earns above $12,500

Cut 12 (07) “…income tax.”

Anyone who makes less than $12,500 dollars would not pay any income taxes.

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

Cut 13 (07) “…this plan.” 

To offset the loss of revenue from lower income taxes, the Landry administration is proposing to expand the sales tax base. Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says they are looking at several services that are currently not taxed…

Cut 14 (06) “…for example.”

TV Streaming services is another service that could potentially face a state tax under this plan.

A small business group is expressing concern about the effects that Governor Landry’s tax reform plan will have on small businesses. Landry’s plan calls for drastically reducing income taxes and making up for the lost revenue by taxing services like lawn care and pet grooming. Leah Long, the state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses in Louisiana and Mississippi, says that would create an extra burden on those owners.

Cut 5 (05) “…small business owners.”

Currently, the highest income tax rate in Louisiana is 4.25 percent for workers who earn 50-thousand dollars or more. Landry is proposing a flat three-percent tax for everyone who earns above $12,500.

Cut 12 (07) “…income tax.”

Anyone who makes less than $12,500 dollars would not pay any income taxes.

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

Cut 7 (12) “…in those communities.”

Currently, over 1,000 responders are deployed across 10 states, including North Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia.

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

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

Cut 4 (09) “…deal with that.”

Landry, meanwhile, signed an executive order requesting that the Board of Regents make recommendations on improving free speech on po-secondary public college campuses. In a speech at LSU, Landry says some students feel that they’re not at liberty to freely discuss their beliefs.

Cut 9 (12)  “…with this country.”

The American Red Cross of Louisiana needs disaster shelter volunteers for relief efforts focusing on Hurricane Helene’s recovery.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

In the next two years, Louisiana could see more than 58-thousand new jobs, potentially surpassing the 2 million employment mark for the first time. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Now that Governor Landry has unveiled his tax reform plan, now the challenge begins. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is again expressing his desire to see a live Tiger in Tiger Stadium. Colleen Crain has more…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Louisiana could see more than 58-thousand new jobs in a two year period, potentially surpassing the 2 million employment mark for the first time. However, the upcoming presidential election will likely affect the economic outlook, according to Economist Loren Scott’s latest Louisiana Economic Forecast…

Cut 4 (10) “…areas of the state.”

Scott views the November election as “highly consequential” for Lake Charles’ economy, given the contrasting positions of the candidates on fossil fuels, which are critical to the state’s industries like chemical manufacturing and LNG exports. Any regulatory changes could significantly affect utility costs and economic growth.

Cut 5 (08) “…but have not.”

Scott says Shreveport and Monroe area is ripe for data centers, due to the area’s access to reliable electric power and open spaces…

Cut 6 (10) …600 new jobs.”

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Now that Governor Landry has unveiled his tax reform plan, what are its chances of passing in the legislature? Jeremy Alfred, the publisher of LaPolitics Weekly, says now Landry’s task is to gain enough support from the legislature.

Cut 7 (13) “…from Governor Jeff Landry.”

Park of Landry’s plan is to eliminate certain tax breaks and tax incentives as a way of making up for the revenue lost through cutting personal and business income taxes across the board. Alfred says that might be a hard sell.

Cut 8 (09) “…much larger businesses.”

Alfred says those business groups will have their lobbyists out in full force as the legislature considers changes to their tax breaks.

Cut 9 (11)  “…their own turf.”

Alfred says even though Landry is a conservative Republican and Republicans have a supermajority in the legislature, getting this tax reform plan passed is not a foregone conclusion.

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The Governor wants to see a live Tiger in Tiger Stadium. Governor Landry made his desire known again Tuesday to mixed reaction on LSU’s campus.

Cut 10 (08) “…(crowd cheering).”

Landry didn’t specifically ask for Mike VII to be brought into the stadium, saying only “a tiger.” In 2017, LSU agreed it would not take the new tiger, Mike VII, into the stadium on game days.

Landry has received push-back from animal rights groups and some veterinarians but he says Tigers in sanctuaries live much better lives that those in the wild.

Cut 11 (09) “…academically and athletically.”

Landry reminisced about Mike VI who died in 2016 after the tiger’s cancer returned…

Cut 12 (10) “…(clapping).”

LSU has said that responsible care for live exotic animals has evolved throughout the years.

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Starting January 1st, thanks to a new federal policy, phone calls to and from Louisiana jails and prisons will drop from 25 cents per minute to six cents per minute. Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell welcomes the change, saying sheriffs were taking advantage of the inmates and their families.

Cut 13 (13)  “…had somebody incarcerated.”

Campbell says until the FCC stepped in and established the maximum per-minute rate, sheriffs had no motivation to make any changes themselves.

Cut 14 (06) “…run the jail.”

Campbell says sheriffs were motivated by just one thing.

Cut 15 (10) “…G-R-E-E-D, greed.”

The upcoming change comes after Congress unanimously passed the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act, named after the crusading grandmother of an inmate in Virginia. Along with setting rates, the act added intrastate calls to the FCC’s jurisdiction over interstate calls.

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Training camp is underway for the New Orleans Pelicans. This year’s Pelicans team lacks a true big man, but general manager Bryson Graham says they make up for it, with size at the wing and guard positions…

Cut 16 (22)   “…athleticism.”

Graham says 24-year-old Zion Williamson had a great offseason and is hungry to appear in his first postseason.

Cut 17 (20) “…driving him.”

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LSU may have a bye week this week, but you wouldn’t know it by watching practice yesterday. Coach Brian Kelly said the team was on the field in full pads.

Cut 18 (12)  “…to be done.”

Kelly says the players will have some off time on Friday – but until then, practices will be intense, even though their next game isn’t for another week and a half.

Cut 19 (15) “….of this week.”  

True freshman Caden Durham had a big game last week, scoring two touchdowns, including on the first offensive play from scrimmage. He nearly had another one on the team’s second offensive play, but he was stopped a yard short of the goal line. Kelly says Durham is making the most of his opportunity.

Cut 20 (19) “…given to him” 

The SEC has announced that next Saturday’s game against Ole Miss at Death Valley will kick off at 6:30.

With Louisiana facing a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall, Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan. In a news conference at the Capitol, Landry said in order to compete economically with states like Texas and Tennessee, which have no state income tax, Louisiana needs to eliminate the income tax.

Cut 7 (10) “…free by 2033.”

Beginning today, a person could face a five-thousand-dollar fine or up to five years in prison for possessing mifepristone and misoprostol without a prescription. Despite concerns from opponents, Attorney General Liz Murrill says the law includes protections for pregnant women obtaining these drugs for personal use.

Cut 11 (11) “…violating federal law.”

Union dockworkers went on strike this morning at ports across the country.  Experts say we could see similar supply chain issues like we did during Covid.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (00) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Southeastern Louisiana University celebrates a major milestone today – its 100th year. University President William Wainwright says there will be a special beer to celebrate the occasion.

Cut 5 (05) “…few short weeks.”

The school put on a big celebration in the Student Union breezeway, including a video message from one of its most famous alumni – Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts.

With Louisiana facing a 700-million-dollar budget shortfall, Governor Landry unveils his tax reform plan. In a news conference at the Capitol, Landry said in order to compete economically with states like Texas and Tennessee, which have no state income tax, Louisiana needs to eliminate the income tax.

Cut 7 (10) “…free by 2033.”

Landry’s plan involves lowering income taxes across the board and imposing new taxes on services not previously taxed.

Beginning today, a person could face a five-thousand-dollar fine or up to five years in prison for possessing mifepristone (miff-uh-PRISS-tone) and misoprostol (mize-uh-PROSS-tall) without a prescription. Opponents have expressed concern this will negatively impact the health care of pregnant women, but Attorney General Liz Murrill says this is fearmongering from the pro-abortion activists…

Cut 9 (09)  “…for women.”

Union dockworkers hit the picket lines early this morning, including those at the Port of New Orleans. The International Longshoremen’s Association is demanding better pay for workers and a complete ban on automated cranes, gates and container-moving trucks. Some 25-thousand workers at 36 ports, including New Orleans, have walked off the job.

Southeastern Louisiana University celebrates a major milestone today – its 100th year. To mark the centennial, the school is putting on a big celebration in the Student Union breezeway with several speakers, along with a video message from one of its most famous alumni – Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts. University President William Wainwright says you’ll be able to drink to the milestone too!

Cut 5 (05) “…few short weeks.”

And soon, the school will award its 100-thousandth degree. The celebration was originally scheduled for the middle of September, but Hurricane Francine forced those plans to change.