The presidential election is 33 days away.  Sean Richardson has key dates and deadlines Louisiana voters need to know.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A TikTok influencer is charged in the murder of a Baton Rouge therapist. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Louisiana voters have key deadlines approaching for the presidential election. In addition to voting for President, Congressional and local races are also on the ballot. Deputy Secretary for the Secretary of State’s Office, Joel Watson, says the Geaux Vote Mobile app can be your guide for the November fifth election…

Cut 3 (09) “…voting booth with you.”

The deadline to register in person, by mail, or at the Office of Motor Vehicles is Monday. The deadline to register online using the GeauxVote Online Registration System is October 15th. Watson says early voting is from October 18th to the 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.…

Cut 4 (05) “…no Sunday voting.”

Absentee voting is underway, and the deadline to request an absentee ballot is November 1st by 4:30 p.m. The deadline for registrars to receive absentee ballots is November 4^th by 4:30 p.m.  Watson says the sooner you can request an absentee ballot the better…

Cut 5 (09) “…return that ballot.”

On Election Day, Nov. 5, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Voters are encouraged to verify their registration status and view sample ballots using the GeauxVote portal.

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The Louisiana Lottery expands its retail base to include Walmart and Smoke’n Go stores. Kimberly Chopin (show-PAN) with the Louisiana Lottery says the lottery has installed equipment in 56 Walmart locations across the state.

Cut 6 (09) “…allowed by law.”

Chopin says that will be a huge help for lottery players.

Cut 7 (09) “…they’re already shopping.”

Winnings over 600 dollars will need to be redeemed at the lottery office due to tax implications. Chopin says the addition of Walmart and Smoke’n Go boosts its retailer base to more than 28-hundred.

Cut 8 (05) “…mom and pops.”

There’s an incentive for retailers to join the lottery’s retail base, since they earn a five-percent commission on ticket sales and bonuses for selling large winning tickets.

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The Louisiana House Ways and Means State Tax Structure Subcommittee heard from the Tax Foundation during its hearing on tax reform. Manish Bhatt (“Bot”), the senior policy analyst at the foundation’s Center for State Tax Policy, testified on Louisiana’s current ranking in its annual State Business Tax Climate Index, rating Louisiana on five weighted factors.

Cut 9 (06)  “…unemployment insurance taxes.”

Bhatt says due in large part to the complexity of Louisiana’s current tax code, Louisiana’s overall national competitiveness ranking is rather low.

Cut 10 (05) “…of our index.”

Bhatt says Governor Landry’s tax reform plan is very ambitious; but if it was in place, Louisiana’s ranking would be much higher.

Cut 11 (10) “…a huge leap.”

Among other things, the Tax Foundation’s report says Louisiana’s lack of a uniform sales tax administration disproportionately affects small businesses.

The chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus apparently is not a fan of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard says 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.

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 says students will have access to academic success partners

Cut 6 (10) …presentation skills.”

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

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

A Tik Tok influencer 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. The relationship between the two is unclear; investigators say there’s no evidence to suggest that Thomas was Abraham’s client.

It appears that Governor Landry will have a hard sell of his tax reform plan, including his call for a flat three-percent tax on income over 12-thousand-500 dollars, to Democrats in the legislature. New Orleans Representative Matthew Willard, the chairman of the Louisiana House Democratic Caucus, says that will only benefit only one group of taxpayers.

Cut 8 (13) “…first tax bracket.”

Violent crime in Louisiana and across the country are significantly down. AH Datalytics co-founder Jeff 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.”

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.”

The guardians of a non-verbal child with intellectual disabilities are arrested for allegedly failing to care for the child. Concordia Parish deputies arrested 32-year-old Laurie Stewart and 27-year-old Tony Williams of Vidalia on child desertion charges. The sheriff’s office received several 911 calls, and deputies arrived to find the child nude, dirty, emaciated and home alone.

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.