11:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate gets its turn this week to debate and vote on the various bills that make up Governor Landry’s tax plan. Senate President Cameron Henry feels good.

Cut 11 (08) “…bills forward.”

The proposed tax reform measures that would eliminate Louisiana’s film incentive program and historic building tax credits concern Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU Student Senate unanimously passes a resolution urging the university never to have a live tiger brought into Tiger Stadium before a football game again. Speaker Pro Tempore Ethan Elmer authored the resolution.

Cut 8 (13) “…related to that.”

The resolution will be sent to University President William Tate, Athletic Director Scott Woodward, Governor Landry and others.

Taysom Hill had a game for the ages in leading the Saints to a 35-14 win over the Browns. Hill became the first player since Ed Podolak (POE-do-lack) of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1971 to have three rushing touchdowns, 50 yards receiving and at least one passing completion. Hill said he’s honored to be mentioned in such elite company.

Cut 20 (12) “…lot to me.”

10:30 LRN Newscast

The House and Senate are set to convene this afternoon as the work continues with the rewrite of the state’s tax code. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU Tigers dropped their third straight game on Saturday losing to the Florida Gators 27 to 16. LSU won nearly every statistical category in the box score, but the Tigers only scored one touchdown and continued to give up big plays on defense. LSU has been eliminated from an opportunity to play in the SEC Championship game and can no longer win ten games this season.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser has raised concerns over proposed tax reform measures that would eliminate Louisiana’s film incentive program and historic building tax credits. Nungesser says these programs have proven their value, pointing out that the film incentive program has brought significant investment and jobs to Louisiana, while historic tax credits preserve our unique cultural heritage and revitalize communities.

Cut 5 (14) “…preserves the history.” 

Carencro (KAREN-crow) Representative Julie Emerson supports the reforms, saying by cutting these incentives, they can reduce taxes for every business in the state.

Cut 7 (08) “…business in Louisiana.”

The special session must end one week from today.

9:30 LRN Newscast

The Louisiana Senate gets its turn this week to debate and vote on the various bills that make up Governor Landry’s tax plan. The Senate has not yet received a bill from the House, though, that extends sales taxes to services that are currently not taxed. Senate President Cameron Henry says they will wait and see what the House does.

Cut 13 (10)  “…it all.”

The state senate WILL take up a measure that would eliminate the state’s film tax incentive program and historic building tax credits. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is expressing concern, saying eliminating those programs could hurt the state’s economy.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the credit.”

The special session must end one week from today.

The LSU Student Senate unanimously passes a resolution urging the university never to have a live tiger brought into Tiger Stadium before a football game again. The resolution will be sent to University President William Tate, Athletic Director Scott Woodward, Governor Landry and others. But Donna Long with the LSU Wildlife Society says she would be shocked if university leadership acknowledged their concerns.

Cut 10 (12) “…lipped about it.”

The Ragin Cajuns failed to lock up a Sun Belt Western Division title as they were upset at home on Saturday, losing to South Alabama 24 to 22. The Jaguars led 24 to 3 at halftime and Coach Michael Desormeaux (Dez-er-mo) blames himself for not having the team ready to play…

Cut 14 (15) “…of us.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House on Sunday. For now, it will not include a measure that expands the sales tax base. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil says that would include services being taxed in other states.

Cut 10 (12) “…strategic about it.”

In the three years since the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law, Louisiana has received more than ten-billion dollars for various projects. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, says he’s proud to have secured this money for Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…economy for 2050.”

Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, Lainey Wilson is performing two sold out shows at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Ragin Cajuns can win a Sun Belt West title with a victory against South Alabama on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is 8-and-1 and Cajun fans believe their team should be ranked in the Top 25. But Coach Michael Desormeaux (Dez-er-mo) says that doesn’t matter when they line up against the Jaguars…

Cut 14 (07) “…come and win”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

4:30 LRN Newscast

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

Cut 9 (06)  “…income tax rate.”

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

It’s now been three years since the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, said in those three years, Louisiana has received ten-billion dollars…

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

A Dequincy man is cited for alleged deer hunting violations that include dumping deer carcasses from a bridge in the Calcasieu Parish town of Starks. 62-year-old Ronald Owens was cited on four charges. Lieutenant Wendel Vaughn with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says dumping carcasses improperly brings potential health and environmental issues.

Cut 16 (13) “….landfills.”

The Saints will try to win their second straight on Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. The defense put together a good performance last week in a win over Atlanta. Linebacker Demario Davis would like to see that again

Cut 13 (12)  “…improvement.”

2:30 LRN Newscast

On Sunday, the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House. For now, it will not include a measure that expands the sales tax base. Committee Chairman Franklin Foil says they include services being taxed in other states.

Cut 10 (12) “…strategic about it.”

Today marks the third anniversary of the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, said he recently announced more than 63-million dollars from the infrastructure law for railroad investments.

Cut 4 (14) “…62-mile network.”

Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native Lainey Wilson is performing at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend. Discover West Monroe CEO Alana (ah-LANE-uh) Cooper says the arena typically hosts religious concerts or an upcoming rising star, and are thankful to have Wilson come back home.

Cut 8 (05) “…in the Country genre.”

The shows mark the final stop on her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” and promise to feature her chart-topping hits.

The LSU Tigers will try to end their two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon when they visit the Florida Gators. Coach Brian Kelly says the team has had a good week of practice…

Cut 12 (07) “…got to be better.”

LSU’s defense has struggled the last six quarters and six turnovers by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier have also been a detriment.

On the flip side of the coin, the Saints will try to make it two in a row when they host the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kickoff at the Superdome is at noon.

12:30 LRN Newscast

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

Cut 9 (06)  “…income tax rate.”

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

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

Cut 6 (11) “…a little easier.”

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

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

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

11:30 LRN Newscast

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

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

Landry has denied a lack of support, urging patience.

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

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

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

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

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

Cut 7 (06) “…a few other things.”

5:30 LRN Newscast

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

Cut 5 (08) “…the Republican Party.” 

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

Cut 4 (14) “…on January 3rd.”

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

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

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

10:30 LRN Newscast

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

Cut 4 (16) “…taxes on them.”

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

Cut 7 (07) “…as well.”

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

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

Cut 13 (08)  “…very nice out.”

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

Cut 10 (11) “…inside the residence.”

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