Debate is underway at the State Capitol on Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan that seeks to lower income taxes for all workers but sales taxes would be added to 41 activities currently not taxed. Landry went before the House Ways and Means Committee today, urging them to pass his plan…

Cut 9 (12)  “…this state.”

State Representative Matthew Williard, a Democrat from New Orleans, is concerned Landry’s tax plan will result in less available tax dollars for the state to spend. He’s concerned about future tax cuts…

Cut 12 (16) “…deal with.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill to reduce the personal income taxes on a 15 to 3 vote. The measure could go before House Appropriations, before a vote on the House floor.

It looks like Louisiana’s record of never having a hurricane making landfall in the state in the month of November will remain intact, at least for the time being. Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center had Hurricane Rafael turning north in the Gulf of Mexico and straight towards Louisiana, albeit weakening to below hurricane strength. But LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the forecast track has done a complete 180, now headed towards the Bay of Campeche in Mexico.

Cut 13 (11)  “…steering currents whatsoever (2x).”

And Keim says there’s a chance that the storm could dissipate altogether before reaching Mexico.

We’re getting new information on a tiger en route to Baton Rouge to reportedly take the field for Saturday’s LSU game against Alabama. The tiger is reportedly named Omar Bradley, and he’s a one-and-a-half-year-old bengal tiger owned by a man near Orlando. Governor Landry has been pushing LSU to revive its tradition of having a live tiger on the field that was halted in 2015. So far, the university has not confirmed whether the tiger will indeed take the field.

The legislature is debating Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal on this, the second day of the special session. A flat income tax rate of three-percent is at the center of Landry’s proposal. He says it would result in the biggest tax cut in Louisiana’s history as the income taxes would be lowered for most working citizens…

Cut 11 (11) “…our labor.”

To offset the loss of tax revenue from lower income taxes, the governor is proposing, among other things, to tax many services that are not taxed. Lawmakers have until November 25th to consider the proposal during this special session. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says given the complexity of the proposal and all of its components, that likely will not be enough time to consider everything.

Cut 6 (07) “…in the state.”

The U.S. political landscape remains in flux as the House of Representatives awaits resolution, but former President and President-elect Donald Trump holds a strong mandate and influence over the Republican-controlled Senate. Senator Bill Cassidy says even with G-O-P control, he and other members of his caucus will still need to reach across the aisle…

Cut 3 (11) “…than the minority.” 

Louisiana’s oil and gas industry is hailing Donald Trump’s re-election. Mike Moncla, the president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says it will be good to have a President who will ease up on regulations, since according to him the Biden administration was not friendly to the industry.

Cut 4 (14) “…off-shore leasing plan.”

It’s day two of the special session on tax reform. Governor Landry told the legislature that the ultimate goal is to create a tax structure that will put more money in people’s pockets and attract businesses to the state.

Cut 12 (12) “…your hardwork.” 

Landry’s plan includes lowering the income tax rate to a flat three-percent across the board and boosting the standard deduction to 12-thousand-500 dollars, compensating for it by taxing services not currently taxed. Some groups, like Invest in Louisiana, are sounding the alarm. Director Jan (YAHN) Moeller is concerned the governor’s tax plan will dramatically reduce what the state collects in taxes, resulting in fewer dollars for the state to spend on public services, like higher education. He says that means tuition will go up at Louisiana colleges and universities…

Cut 14 (08) “…what we pay.”

Senator Bill Cassidy has congratulated Donald Trump on his re-election to a second non-consecutive term. Cassidy, who voted to convict Trump in his impeachment trial following the January 6th riot at the Capitol, says he’s looking forward to the Trump Administration unlocking domestic energy production, which will create jobs and provide economic security…

Cut 9 (11)  “…energy insecurity.”

Another group hailing Trump’s return to the White House is the state’s oil and gas industry. Mike Moncla, the president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says President Biden’s policies, including putting a pause on issuing export permits for liquefied natural gas, stifled business in the state.

Cut 6 (17) “…our state’s GDP.”

Louisiana’s oil and gas industry is hailing the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy congratulates President-Elect Donald Trump on his victory and says the future looks bright for the country and Louisiana. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana’s special session is underway, with Governor Jeff Landry making the case for significant tax reform. Andrew Greenstein has more…

Cut 3 (38) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

Louisiana’s oil and gas industry is hailing the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. Mike Moncla, the president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association, says it will be good to have a President who will ease up on regulations, since according to him the Biden administration was not friendly to the industry.

Cut 4 (14) “…off-shore leasing plan.”

Moncla says the Biden administration finally came up with a plan guaranteeing anywhere from zero to 11 leases.

Cut 5 (08) “…a lease sale.”

Moncla says Biden’s other policies, including the pause on liquefied natural gas, stifled business in the state.

Cut 6 (17) “…our state’s GDP.”

_____________________________________________

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy has congratulated President-elect Donald Trump. It’s the first time in over 100 years a president has won after being out of office for four years, taking the Electoral College and the popular vote.  Cassidy says the future looks bright for the country and Louisiana…

Cut 7 (11) “…see becoming reality.”

Cassidy voted in February 2021 to convict Trump of inciting a riot on the U.S. Capitol building in January of that year.

The Louisiana Republican Party censured Cassidy for that vote. Earlier this year Trump called Cassidy one of the worst U.S. Senators and said he was total flake.

Cassidy says despite what many think, he and Trump have been closely aligned on many issues Including healthcare and energy…

Cut 8 (10) “…point that out.”

Cassidy says he’s looking forward to the Trump Administration unlocking domestic energy production, which will create jobs and provide economic security…

Cut 9 (11)  “…energy insecurity.”

______________________________________________________

Governor Jeff Landry opened a special session on tax reform by making the case the state’s current tax code is the reason why Louisiana ranks last on so many lists. Landry says change is desperately needed…

Cut 10 (13) “…state back.”

Landry says his tax reform plan would produce the biggest tax cut in Louisiana’s history. A flat income tax rate of three percent is at the center of Landry’s proposal. He says it would result in the biggest tax cut in Louisiana’s history as the income taxes would be lowered for most working citizens…

Cut 11 (11) “…our labor.”

To offset the loss of tax revenue from lower income taxes, the governor is proposing to tax many services that are not taxed. He’s also proposing to eliminate several sales tax exemptions. He says this will create a tax structure that will put more money in people’s pockets and attract businesses to the state. He promises this tax plan will transform Louisiana

Cut 12 (12) “…your hard work.”

The special session must end at 6 PM on November 25^th.

______________________________________________________

Invest in Louisiana has real concerns about Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan. Director Jan (YAHN) Moeller says it will result in the poor paying a higher percentage of their income taxes…

Cut 13 (11)  “…in the budget.”

Moeller is concerned the governor’s tax plan will dramatically reduce what the state collects in taxes, resulting in fewer dollars for the state to spend on public services, like higher education. He says that means tuition will go up at Louisiana colleges and universities…

Cut 14 (08) “…what we pay.”

Landry cites North Carolina as an example of a state that modernize its tax code and it’s resulted in thousands of new jobs and more income for the state’s citizens. But Moeller says tax reform did not improve North Carolina’s economy, instead it was investment in higher education…

Cut 15 (11) “…to that state.”

_______________________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech returns to playing football on the weekends as they’ll host Jacksonville State on Saturday. The Gamecocks are 4-and-0 and they are led by Tre Stewart, who has 914 yards rushing and 15 touchdowns. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says Stewart will be tough to stop…

Cut 16 (14) “….on defense.” 

Tech enters the game with a 3-and-5 record, 2-and-3 in Conference USA. Cumbie and the Bulldogs are trying to win their final four games to finish with a winning record…

Cut 17 (11) “…our football team.”

____________________________________________________________

A big key for LSU this Saturday when they face Alabama is to keep Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe from beating the Tigers with his legs. In last year’s game against LSU, he rushed for 155 yards and four touchdowns. And  two weeks ago in a loss to Texas A&M, LSU couldn’t stop a running quarterback. Bama coach Kalen DeBoer expects LSU will be prepared…

Cut 18 (17)   “…their best.”

_____________________________________________________________

The Darren Rizzi era for the Saints is underway. The Saints held their first practice today led by their new interim head coach after Dennis Allen was fired. Rizzi, who was the special teams coordinator, says the new role will take a little getting used to.

Cut 19 (15) “…the same page.”  

Rizzi was selected to be the interim head coach, in part because of the relationships he has built with the players, including Quarterback Derek Carr.

Cut 20 (17) “…to your face.”

Rizzi, Carr and the rest of the Saints will try to snap a seven-game losing streak Sunday against the Falcons. Kickoff at the Superdome is at noon.

Governor Landry opened a special session on tax reform by making the case that the state’s current tax code is the reason why Louisiana ranks last on so many lists. Landry says change is desperately needed…

Cut 10 (13) “…state back.”

It’s now possible that Hurricane Rafael could miss the U.S. altogether. The original forecast track had Rafael turning north and heading straight towards Louisiana. But LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says that has now changed.

Cut 7 (15) “…a northwesterly track.”

Rafael made landfall in Cuba this evening as a Category Three hurricane.

Stock markets rose sharply after Donald Trump won re-election last night to a second non-consecutive term. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you have an EBT card, the Department of Children and Family Services is urging you to change your PIN immediately. This, after several skimming devices were discovered at various retail locations across the state. DCFS says as a precaution, it’s sending text alerts to cardholders, urging them to change the PINs right away. Local and federal authorities are investigating the incidents.

The eagerly-awaited special session on tax reform is underway. Governor Landry wants to lower income taxes through a flat three-percent tax rate and make up for some of that lost revenue by broadening the state sales tax base. La-Politics-dot-com editor Jeremy Alford says it might be a tough sell to the Republican-dominated legislature.

Cut 4 (08) “…this entire process.” 

U-S financial markets surged today with Donald Trump’s win in the Presidential race. Dent Wealth Advisors Founder Fred Dent says the focus will shift to Trump inheriting an economy that is robust, with inflation back to around the 2-percent range; and what tariffs he will enforce…

Cut 11 (12) “…consumer pricing.”

The first college football playoff rankings of the season are out, and LSU is ranked 15th. With 12 teams set to make the playoffs this year, the Fighting Tigers have more work to do in order to be in the field. Coach Brian Kelly says there’s a month left in the regular season, and a lot can change…

Cut 12 (12) “…the gates.”

LSU can show it deserves to be in the College Football Playoff by beating Alabama on Saturday night and then winning its final three games on the schedule.

The path of Hurricane Rafael is moving farther and farther from Louisiana. Just yesterday, the National Hurricane Center had the path taking a turn to the north and heading straight for Louisiana. Now, it’s entirely possible that the storm could miss the U.S. altogether. The current track has the storm veering straight to the west, making landfall south of the U.S.-Mexico border.

The special session is here. Governor 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.” 

The special session must end by five p-m November 25th.

Cleo Fields will head back to Capitol Hill, this time representing the Sixth District, and will do so as the Supreme Court gets ready to hear a legal challenge to the district’s lines, which were drawn in a way that created a second majority Black district in the state. Fields says he’s confident that the district will stand as is.

Cut 16 (12) “….based on politics.” 

Stock markets rose sharply after Donald Trump won re-election last night to a second non-consecutive term. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

It appears that Louisiana will be spared the brunt of Hurricane Rafael’s wrath. Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center put the storm on a path to take a turn to the north and head straight for Louisiana. Now, it’s forecasting that the storm will not take a turn and will instead head to the area of the Texas/Mexico border. It is expected to strike Cuba later today as a major hurricane.

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.”