On March 29th, voters will once again head to the polls – this time to decide on some aspects of the tax reform package passed in the special session. Steven Procopio, the president of the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, says among other things, the rewritten law includes options for local governments.

Cut 5 (09) “…effects of that.” 

PAR will release a voter guide on the amendment vote, but it will take a couple months to sift through everything.

Today is Giving Tuesday in Louisiana. It’s the day when people are urged to support charitable causes and to engage in acts of generosity. United Way Southeast Louisiana CEO Michael Williamson says donating one dollar can have a 14-dollar impact on our communities.

Cut 11 (16) “…14-dollar impact.”

The Holidays should be a time for joy and happiness; but for many it’s a difficult time marked by stress, loneliness, and depression. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…Sean Richardson.”

Meet the new boss – same as the old boss. McNeese tapped Matt Viator (VEE-uh-tore) as its new – make that returning – head football coach. Viator previously coached the team from 2006 to 2015, racking up 78 wins, four Southland Conference titles and five playoff appearances.

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says it positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything that the state has to offer naturally.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

President Biden makes it official – the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville is now known as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Letlow’s widow, Congresswoman Julia Letlow, says she is flooded with emotion

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois is hailing the tax reform package. She says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois said Louisiana was one of a small handful of states that still have a franchise tax, but that will go away on January 1st.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.” 

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

If you’re planning on bringing food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on the airplane, keep in mind that you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Those include cranberry sauce, gravy, beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and soup. On the other hand, baked goods, meats, stuffing, casseroles and fresh produce can go into your carry-on bag.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and many people are going out and finding that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

More groups are hailing the tax reform package. The Council for a Better Louisiana says the lowering of personal and corporate income taxes and the elimination of the franchise tax will make Louisiana a better place to live and to do business. President Barry Erwin, however, says it’s unfortunate that sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation, are increasing even further.

Cut 6 (12) “…citizens the most.”

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships will return to New Orleans for the first time in 30 years. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says this event promises to bring significant energy and interest to the Crescent City.

Cut 12 (09) “…what LSU has done.”

The event will be held August 7th through the 10th at the Smoothie King Center.

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Avoyelles Parish. It happened on Scallan Street near MLK Drive in Marksville. State Police did not release any information on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, only to say that the subject is hospitalized in critical condition. No officers were hurt during the incident.

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

Cut 1 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 4 (11) “…and for people.”

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

Cut 5 (14) “…that does it.”

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

Cut 6 (12) “…citizens the most.”

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

Cut 7 (08) “…airplane or cruising.”

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

Cut 8 (14) “…busy airports.”

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

Cut 9 (06)  “…dollars a gallon.”

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

Cut 10 (08) “…back here.”

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

Cut 11 (15) “…for this event.”

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

Cut 12 (09) “…what LSU has done.”

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

Cut 13 (15)  “…flying that day.”

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

Cut 14 (09) “…flying that day.”

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

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

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

Cut 16 (17) “…very aggressive.”

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

Cut 17 (17) “…and his family” 

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

Cut 18 (20)   “…great things.”

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

Cut 19 (15) “..long time.”  

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

Cut 20 (13) “…ask for.”

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

Cut 11 (14) “…Louisiana home.”

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

Cut 4 (11) “…and for talent.”

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

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 13 (08)  “…rally around.”

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

Cut 10 (15) “…against you.”

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

Cut 3 (13) “…income tax rate.” 

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

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

Cut 6 (12) “…give pay raises.”

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

Cut 16 (10) “…out for us.”

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

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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

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

Cut 7 (07) “…of his hair.”

Cyprian was serving time for armed robbery.

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

Cut 10 (11) “…of this time.”

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

Cut 3 (11) “…their voice heard.” 

Early voting ends Saturday, November 30th.

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

Cut 11 (11) “…it isn’t necessary.”

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

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

Cut 8 (14) “…to oyster fish.”

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

Cut 10 (13) “…from storm surge.”

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