A federal judge in Baton Rouge says, “Thou shalt not post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.” Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is speaking out against the bill in the special session that would impose sales tax on 41 services not currently being taxed. The association says it’s not necessarily the passing along of the sales tax to the customer as much as it is the bookkeeping that will complicate things for these small business owners.

Several media outlets are projecting Republicans to retain control of the U-S House completing the GOP trifecta in Washington. In a press conference today on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says Republicans are ready to deliver on Donald Trump’s agenda…

Cut 12 (12) “…in America.”

Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) does not envision State Treasurer John Fleming joining the new administration, even though he had held three different positions in the previous Trump administration.

Cut 4 (09) “…be enticing enough.”

Sadow says the most likely Louisianian to join the administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda gets approval from the House Ways and Means committee and moves to the House Floor for debate.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The spectacle is over, but questions about the tiger brought into Death Valley linger on. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The high school football playoffs kick off Friday and the division one brackets are loaded with great teams. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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The Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee approved several bills central to Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda, moving them to the House floor for further debate. Key elements include a corporate income tax rate of 3.5-percent, which would replace the current 7.5%.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the question becomes how do we replace that revenue?

Cut 4 (15) “…talking about 70.”

Another major proposal seeks to repeal the state’s corporate franchise tax, which currently imposes additional costs on large businesses operating in Louisiana. Pinsonat says supporters believe eliminating this tax will attract more businesses to the state, fostering job growth and economic expansion.

Cut 5 (12) “…population exodus.”

The upcoming House debates will address both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this substantial tax overhaul.  Pinsonat says all signs point to the bills passing.

Cut 6 (10) “…be so certain.”

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The live tiger spectacle at Death Valley came and went, but many questions remain – including who paid to import the tiger into Louisiana from Florida. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator has been following this story since she broke it last Thursday, and she says she’s been told that no public money was used.

Cut 7 (09) “…the governor’s spokesperson.”

Over the weekend, PETA claimed in a press release that the importing of the tiger into Louisiana was illegal, since the tiger’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson of Maitland, Florida, did not have a specific exemption. Hutchinson is not aware of any potential criminal ramifications.

Cut 8 (09) “…into what happened.”

The tiger, named Omar Bradley, was wheeled out onto the field about 15 minutes prior to kickoff and was wheeled out a few minutes later and was about two miles from the stadium by the time the team took the field to pyrotechnics. Hutchinson said Omar appeared visibly uncomfortable.

Cut 9 (14)  “…was very startled.”

LSU has not said a word about the spectacle and has ignored all requests for comment.

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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is out with its biggest current concerns for the trucking industry. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says at the top of the list is soaring insurance premiums.

Cut 10 (08) “…next year’s vehicles.”

And Amar says that’s driving them right out of the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…and monthly basis.”

She says that’s why it’s imperative that the legislature tackle this in the next session. The other top concerns are lawsuit abuse and medical costs.

Cut 12 (10) “…up on us.”

Other concerns include the economy, driver shortages, fuel prices and driver distraction.

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The high school football playoff brackets are out and there are 208 schools who have visions of making it to the state championship game. LHSAA Network reporter Spencer Verrett (veh-RET) says the division four select bracket, which has Vermilion Catholic as the top seed, looks extremely tough…

Cut 13 (12)  “…get to the dome.”

In Division One select, Edna Karr and Alexandria Senior High are the top two seeds, but Verrett says three are three schools from the Lafayette area that could play in the prep Classic…

Cut 14 (14) “…Acadiana.”

In Division Two select, Shaw, University, E-D White and Haynes Academy are the top four seeds. Verrett says the seventh seeded Wampus Cats of Leesville are a sleeper…

Cut 15 (06) “…the state.”

In the second round, Leesville will play the winner of this Friday’s game between Loyola Prep and Sophie B Wright.

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LSU Coach Brian Kelly says lack of consistency is what sticks out the most after breaking down the tape of Saturday night’s 42-13 loss to Alabama. The loss to the Crimson Tide likely knocked the Tigers out of playoff contention, but Kelly says the focus for his team the rest of the way is to be more consistent

Cut 16 (14) “….important thing.” 

Saturday night’s loss to Alabama was the worst loss the Tigers have suffered since Kelly took over as coach of LSU. There are concerns among the fan base on whether Kelly can make the Tigers a championship contender. But Kelly says despite the loss to Alabama, this is a program headed in the right direction…

Cut 17 (17) “…have here” 

LSU’s defense has struggled the last six quarters, the second half against Texas A&M and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ran over the Bayou Bengals. With three regular season contests and a bowl game left, freshmen can play in these upcoming games and not lose their red shirt. Kelly says you might see some new jersey numbers on the field…

Cut 18 (23)   “…red shirt”

Components of Governor Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.” 

To make up for the loss of revenue, the legislation calls for, among other things, the elimination of the film tax credit program.

DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project. This week, I-20 westbound will close nightly from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange. DOTD says it’s to allow contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.

The state’s unclaimed property program adds almost nine-million dollars in unclaimed state income tax refunds. State Treasurer John Fleming says his office has a lot of unclaimed money, and that money belongs to their rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

The Saints’ seven-game losing streak is over. They beat the Falcons at the Superdome yesterday, 20-17, with Derek Carr throwing two touchdown passes. The veteran Q-B says interim head coach Darren Rizzi gave a simple message to the team and that is just go out there and play, even if something bad happens…

Cut 13 (07)  “…everybody.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this coming Sunday against the Browns in the Superdome.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that slashes the corporate income tax from 7.5 to 3.5 percent, but it means some popular tax breaks would go away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The major I-20 project in Bossier Parish is entering a new phase. On Saturday, traffic will shift to new travel lanes from I-220 to Airline Drive, with the remainder of the shift extending toward Hamilton Road in the following weeks.

The state treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added 8.7-million dollars in uncashed state income tax refund checks. Treasurer John Fleming says all unclaimed money belongs to its rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

Those uncashed checks were sent out to almost 30-thousand taxpayers. If you think some of that money is yours, log on to l-a-cash-claim-dot-org to find out.

A huge milestone during the Saints’ win yesterday as running back Alvin Kamara became the team’s all-time leading rusher. Kamara says it’s a huge honor…

Cut 14 (14) “…in New Orleans.”

The win snapped the Saints’ seven-game losing streak.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that slashes the corporate income tax from 7.5 to 3.5 percent, but it means some popular tax breaks would go away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you think you have money that should be coming to you, it’s just as well to double check. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Components of Governor Jeff Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive favorable approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (BOORZ-wah) says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.”

To make up for the loss revenue, the legislation calls for the elimination of the film tax credit program and a tax credit for digital media and software companies. Chris Reade, who owns software development companies in New Orleans, urged the panel not to get rid of the digital media and software tax credit, because it’s a job creator…

Cut 4 (08) “…sector.”

The legislation also eliminates tax credits for those involved in the renovation of historic buildings. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson argued these tax credits are not bring more jobs to the state….

Cut 5 (10) “…not working.” (2x) 

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If you think you should have money coming to you, look into it. The state treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added a lot of money in uncashed state income tax refunds.

Cut 6 (15) “…29,441 separate checks.” ($8.7 million)

State Treasurer John Fleming says if some of that money is yours, claiming it is easy.

Cut 7 (13) “…owed to them.”

Fleming says his office has a lot of unclaimed money, and that money belongs to their rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

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DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project. Starting tonight, I-20 westbound from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange will close nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. for five nights. This closure allows contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.  DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says it’s a milestone for the project…

Cut 9 (09)  “…able to do that.”

On Saturday, traffic will shift to new travel lanes from I-220 to Airline Drive, with the remainder of the shift extending toward Hamilton Road in the following weeks. Buchanan says the transition will take time.

Cut 10 (08) “…the right place.”

Buchanan advises drivers to exercise caution in construction zones, stay alert for work crews, and allow adequate following distance.  During nightly closures, westbound traffic will detour to I-220 and  Airline Drive ramps will remain open.

Cut 11 (10) “…kind of shift.”

. For ongoing updates, visit the I-20 project webpage.

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Darren Rizzi was a winner in his first game as a head coach in the NFL. Rizzi helped lead New Orleans to a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons to end a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi received a game ball during the postgame locker room celebration, but he says everyone in the organization deserves a game ball…

Cut 12 (11) “…heard a complaint.”

Saints Quarterback Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes in the win. The veteran Q-B says Rizzi gave a simple message to the team and that is just go out there and play, even if something bad happens…

Cut 13 (07)  “…everybody.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara became the team’s all-time leading rusher, surpassing Mark Ingram. Kamara says it’s a huge honor…

Cut 14 (14) “…in New Orleans.”

The Louisiana Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added 8.7-million dollars in uncashed state income tax refunds. State Treasurer John Fleming says if some of that money is yours, claiming it is easy.

Cut 7 (13) “…owed to them.”

That money consists of unclaimed refunds owed to almost 30-thousand Louisiana taxpayers.

DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project. This week, I-20 westbound will close nightly from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange. DOTD spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says it’s to allow contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the right place.”

The Department of Veterans Affairs is marking Veterans Day today. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The House Ways and Means Committee gives the thumbs-up to more components of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. To make up for the loss revenue, the legislation calls for the elimination of the film tax credit program and a tax credit for digital media and software companies.

Today is Veterans Day. Retired Air Force Colonel Charlton Meginley, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs, says this day means a lot to veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam who came home unappreciated.

Cut 11 (14) “…served in Vietnam.”

Tax credits that Louisiana’s film industry currently enjoys could be on the chopping block as the legislature continues to debate tax reform. Trey Burvant of Secondline Studios says the film industry delivers a lot of the results in tax reform that Louisiana is looking for. Burvant noted that film workers earn an average annual wage of more than 65-thousand dollars.

Cut 9 (08)  “…how film works.”

If you think you should have money coming to you, look into it. The state treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added a lot of money in uncashed state income tax refunds.

Cut 6 (15) “…29,441 separate checks.” ($8.7 million)

State Treasurer John Fleming says if some of that money is yours, go to l-a-cash-claim-dot org to claim it.

Their long, national nightmare is over. The Saints ended their seven-game losing streak yesterday by beating the Atlanta Falcons 20-17. It comes in the wake of the team firing Head Coach Dennis Allen. His interim replacement is Darren Rizzi…

Cut 19 (16) “…this week” 

Components of Governor Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.” 

To make up for the loss revenue, the legislation calls for the elimination of the film tax credit program. Jason Waggenspack of Film Louisiana argued against cutting the tax credit, highlighting that the program contributes around one-billion dollars in annual sales and 360-million dollars in local payroll.

Cut 8 (12) “…state of Louisiana.”

Governor Landry is reportedly being considered for attorney general in Donald Trump’s administration. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Landry has a great relationship with the former president and president-elect.

Cut 5 (13) “…to do it.” 

In July, Landry expressed reluctance about leaving his post early, but Trump’s recent win could shift his stance.

For LSU, dreams of the College Football Playoff are over. For the second game in a row, LSU could not stop a running quarterback as Alabama pounded the Tigers, 42-13. After the game, Coach Brian Kelly said what he thought would be an exciting evening turned out to be a disappointing evening.

Cut 13 (14)  “…right way tonight.”

PETA is speaking out against plans for a live tiger to be trotted onto the field before tomorrow night’s LSU game. Klayton Rutherford with the PETA foundation says tigers do not belong in 100-thousand-seat football stadiums.

Cut 4 (11) “…drop this idea.”

The tiger is a Bengal being brought in from Florida. It’s owned by a man named Mitchel Kalmanson, who PETA says has more than three-dozen USDA violations since 2000.

Several Black people across the country, including here in Louisiana, have been receiving hate-filled spam text messages referencing slavery. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says her investigators have traced the messages to an encrypted virtual network in Poland. But she says that doesn’t necessarily pinpoint the perpetrator there.

Cut 15 (05) “…to investigate it.”

The GOP Leadership election is set for next week and with House control still not clear, Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise push to secure their leadership roles in the House.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Could Governor Landry be headed to Washington after just a year as governor? The New York Post is reporting that former President and President-elect Donald Trump is considering Landry for U.S. Attorney General, citing his involvement in a lawsuit that claimed that the Biden administration worked to silence conservative voices on social media.

The university is so far tight-lipped about it, but there are reports that LSU will have a live tiger on the field for tomorrow night’s game against Alabama. Todd Horne from Tiger Rag magazine says the governor has been pushing for this for months.

Cut 4 (09) “…LSU home games.”

The tiger is coming in from Florida and is owned by a man named Mitchel Kalmanson, who according to PETA has been cited by the Department of Agriculture more than three-dozen times for various violations since 2000. Kalmanson had no comment when we reached out to him, and multiple attempts to reach LSU have been unsuccessful.

Still no final call on which party will control the House starting in January. New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter, who easily won re-election, says it’s time to turn the page.

Cut 14 (10) “…job of governing.”

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children’s Parent Poll for 2024 is live.  Sena Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Several Black people across the country, including here in Louisiana, have been receiving hate-filled spam text messages referencing slavery. In a statement, State Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed her disgust over the text messages and said she has directed the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation to investigate where the texts are coming from. The FBI is also investigating.