Business groups are hailing the tax reform package passed last week. Will Green, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, says thanks to the reform, Louisiana’s corporate income tax rate is lower than those in neighboring states.

Cut 4 (11) “…and for talent.”

Governor Landry says Louisiana is made more competitive and can attract more jobs and higher wages because of the reforms including the elimination of the corporate franchise tax on businesses. He believes this special session fulfills a campaign promise of growing Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 11 (14) “…Louisiana home.”

Two bills have been approved by the Louisiana Legislature 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.”

Louisianans are spending less than other state residents for their Thanksgiving dinner this year. A classic turkey dinner with vegetables, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie costs just under 46 dollars compared to the cost for the rest of the country at just over 58 dollars. The American Farm Bureau reports Grocery prices have dropped for the second year in a row, but they are still historically high.

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a tax reform package that will result in lower income taxes for working individuals, but a higher state sales tax rate. The film tax credit program has been capped at 125-million dollars, down from 150 million. Legislators also voted to repeal the corporate franchise tax. Senator Franklin Foil says this tax penalized businesses

Cut 14 (07) “…concerned.”

The tax section of Louisiana’s constitution has also been changed, which will require voter approval in March.

Today is the first day of Early voting for the December seventh election. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says turnout is expected to be low, which would be unfortunate since everyone will have something on their ballot…

Cut 4 (10) “…big mayor’s race”

Early voting will continue through November 30^th, but polls will be closed on Sunday, Thanksgiving Day and next Friday.

As the proposed five-billion-dollar Meta A-I Data Center near Monroe gets closer to final approval, it is receiving some pushback. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 26 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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

Cut 9 (12)  “…shot the suspect.”

Both were taken to hospitals. The deputy was treated and released. The psychiatric patient remains hospitalized

A disturbance at a psychiatric treatment facility led to a Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy and a patient being shot. Tommy Carnline with the sheriff’s office says while the deputy was trying to de-escalate the situation, the patient started fighting obtaining the deputy’s weapon and shooting the deputy in the leg. Another deputy then returned fire hitting the patient. They were both taken to hospitals.

Cut 10 (11) “…of this time.”

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

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. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says deputies were executing a search warrant in connection with a shooting at another apartment complex.

Cut 6 (06) “…with a gun.”

Louisiana lawmakers have approved a tax reform package that will result in lower income taxes for working individuals, but a higher state sales tax rate. The individual income tax rate would be a flat three percent. Even though the state sales tax rate will increase from 4.45 percent to five percent for the next five years, most Democrats also supported the tax code overhaul. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux is the Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus

Cut 13 (12)  “…additional adjustments.”

The film tax credit program has been capped at 125-million dollars, down from 150-million and Legislators also voted to repeal the corporate franchise tax.

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 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. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says the Baton Rouge mayor’s race may be the highest profile runoff race, but it’s not the only high-profile item on the ballot.

Cut 5 (08) “…debt amount.”

Early voting ends Saturday, November 30th.

A prison escapee who was serving time for armed robbery has been recaptured. 20-year-old Jamarcus Cyprian escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail back on May 16^th. He was found Wednesday, hiding in a Hammond apartment. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says during his six months on the lam, Cyprian was traveling in and out of Louisiana.

Cut 8 (11) “…some family there.”

And Sticker says Cyprian was likely committing several crimes in Dallas while he was there.

A Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy was shot in the leg when a patient disarmed him while he was trying to de-escalate a disturbance at a psychiatric treatment facility. The Patient was shot, and both were taken to the hospital. Tommy Carnline with the sheriff’s office says this could have ended much worse for everyone involved.

Cut 11 (03) “…injured too bad.”

The patient remains hospitalized. The deputy was treated and released. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

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

Cut 9 (12)  “…shot the suspect.”

Both were taken to hospitals. The deputy was treated and released. The psychiatric patient remains hospitalized

He escaped the Tangipahoa Parish jail 6 months ago but Jamarcus Cyprian is back behind bars. He was discovered Wednesday hiding in a closet in Hammond. He was serving time for armed robbery and Sheriff Gerald Sticker says while out, Cyprian was traveling in and out of Louisiana likely committing crimes in Dallas. He adds, Cyprian was going to great lengths to change his appearance.

Cut 7 (07) “…of his hair.”

Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The tax reform package is heading to the governor’s desk after the house approved it today. Working individuals will see lower income taxes, but a higher state sales tax rate. The individual income tax rate would be a flat three-percent rate. The standard deduction would triple $12,500 dollars. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says this tax change will help grow the economy…

Cut 12 (06) “…in this state.”

The state sales tax rate will go up from 4.45 percent to five percent for the next five years.

A deadly midday shooting in the French Quarter has left one person is dead, and 3 others injured. New Orleans Police Superintendent, Anne Kirkpatrick says they have video showing a vehicle driving up to a group and opening fire.

Cut 16 (13) “…person of interest.”

The shooting occurred around 12:30 at the intersection of Iberville and Royal streets.

Alexandria International Airport hopes to lure United Airlines back using one-million dollars from the Small Community Air Service Development Program. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says they will ask United to operate three daily non-stop flights to and from Houston. He says United returning to Alexandria will benefit passengers.

Cut 14 (05) “…other two airlines.”

American and Delta are the other two airlines that fly out of Alexandria.

A Louisiana congressman will be sleeping outside tonight to shed light on a growing problem. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The December 7 election includes four constitutional amendments addressing judicial ethics, legislative budgeting, and property tax processes. Amendment 1 proposes adding five appointees to the Judiciary Commission, expanding its current nine-member structure, and giving the Supreme Court authority to initiate investigations and discipline judges. Public Affairs Research Council President Dr. Steven Procopio explains that the Judiciary Commission investigates judges…

Cut 3 (12) “…Judiciary Committee.”

There has been a deadly shooting in broad daylight in the French Quarter. It happened at the intersection of Iberville and Royal, a block south of Bourbon Street. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says this was not a random shooting.

Cut 15 (13) “…a confirmed homicide.” (One killed, three others injured)

Kirkpatrick says a person of interest is in custody.

Researchers at LSU are developing a hand-held device to better detect cancer cells during surgery. SafeMargin, was invented by LSU electrical engineering professor Dr. Jian Xu (JAN ZHOO). He says the purpose of the device is to quickly detect a clean margin during cancer surgeries saving time and lives.

Cut 11 (04) “…globally every year.”

Current technology to identify clean margins would cost close to 42-hundred dollars, SafeMargin could cost only about 100 dollars per surgery. Xu hopes to bring it to market by the end of the decade.

The December 7 ballot will have four constitutional amendments that Louisiana Voters will vote on, addressing judicial ethics, legislative budgeting, and property tax processes. Amendment 4 proposes replacing Louisiana’s tax sale process for delinquent property taxes with a tax lien auction. Public Affairs Research Council President Dr. Steven Procopio says it addresses potential due process violations highlighted in recent court rulings.

Cut 5 (15) “…debt amount.”

Alexandria International Airport is using a million-dollar federal grant to attract United Airlines back. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy explains how the Small Community Air Service Development Program will be used…

Cut 13 (12)  “…into the market.”

Hennessy says it will ask United to operate three daily non-stop flights to and from Houston.

One person is dead, and 3 others injured in a shooting in the French Quarter this afternoon. New Orleans Police Officers say they have good video of the incident. The shooting appears to be targeted as the video shows a vehicle holding 3 individuals pulled up to the group and opened fire. The vehicle has been recovered and a person of Interest has been taken into custody. The shooting occurred around 12:30 at the intersection of Iberville and Royal streets. The identity of the person killed has not yet been released. One of the other victims was taken to surgery.

To draw attention to youth homelessness, New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter is participating in the Covenant House Sleep Out by sleeping outside tonight. He says by sleeping outside, he and other participants can feel the pain that homeless people go through every night.

Carter says tonight’s frigid weather will further shed light on the issue.

Cut 8 (07) “…with being unhoused.”

Louisiana voters will decide on four constitutional amendments in a Dec. 7 election, two of the amendments address legislative budgeting.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Alexandria International Airport is using a federal grant to lure United Airlines back. The airport is receiving one-million dollars through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says they’ve wanted to lure United back ever since the airline left in 2022 due to the effects of the COVID pandemic.

Cut 12 (08) “…new air service.”

Currently American and Delta airlines serve the airport in Alexandria.

One person is dead after a shooting in the French Quarter this afternoon. The New Orleans Police Department is investigating the shooting of four people that occurred at the intersection of Iberville and Royal streets. Few details have been released. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the person killed or the condition of the other three victims.

New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter hopes to draw attention to youth homelessness tonight. He will be sleeping outdoors as he participates in the Covenant House Sleep Out. He says the problem of homelessness is growing.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana and America.”

Carter says by sleeping outside, he and other officials who will be joining him can feel the pain that homeless people, especially children, go through on a nightly basis and work to bring resources to help get them off the streets. Overnight lows in New Orleans are expected to be in the upper 40s to lower 50s

Four constitutional amendments are on the December 7^th ballot. In response to rushed budget approvals in 2023, Amendment 2 would mandate a 48-hour review period for budget bills. Amendment 3 complements Amendment 2 as it would allow lawmakers to extend sessions by up to six days to finalize budgets. Extensions would require a two-thirds vote. Public Affairs Research Council President Dr. Steven Procopio says a rush to finalize is often an issue.

Cut 4 (11) “…end of the session.”

A potentially life-saving hand-held device that could better detect cancer cells during surgery is under development at LSU. Inventor of SafeMargin, electrical engineering professor Dr. Jian Xu (JAN ZHOO) says there are still many steps before it can gain FDA approval…

Cut 10 (05) “…this into market.”

Starting May 7th, you will need a Real ID to board a flight. Dan Casey, the commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles, says getting a Real ID is easy at your local OMV office. A birth certificate or passport and two pieces of mail, are needed to obtain a Real ID.

Cut 7 (10) “…they meet requirements.”

With Real IDs, verification records will be kept by the state. There is no additional charge to update your ID to a Real ID.

Starting in May, nonstop flights between Shreveport and Nashville will begin. Mark Crawford, the airport business and development manager for the Shreveport Airport Authority, says Allegiant Airlines will begin a trial run offering the flights on Thursdays and Sundays. And he says if you plan properly, you can get a round-trip flight for less than 100 dollars.

Cut 14 (04) “…for that price”

The flights begin May 22nd

Two Louisiana high school football teams have been disqualified from the playoffs. Kace Kieschnick tells us why…

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick”

There’s an effort to preserve film tax credits, which are being threatened in Governor Landry’s tax reform package. Film industry leaders have told legislators if the film tax credit program is eliminated, hundreds of jobs will go away. But Marrero Senator Patrick Connick says these tax credits mostly benefit producers who do not live in Louisiana…

Cut 5 (13) “…and New York.”