After LSU brought a live tiger into Tiger Stadium Saturday, PETA is questioning the legality of bringing the animal from Florida to Louisiana.  PETA claimed in a press release that it was illegal, since the tiger’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson of Maitland, Florida, did not have a specific exemption. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator has been following this story.

Cut 8 (09) “…into what happened.”

LSU has not yet commented.

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 reducing corporate income tax to 3.5-percent and repealing the state’s corporate franchise tax. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says supporters believe eliminating this tax will attract more businesses to the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…population exodus.”

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.”

Members of the trucking industry are leaving Louisiana on a weekly and monthly basis says Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar). She says among their concerns are soaring insurance premiums, lawsuit abuse and medical costs.

Cut 12 (10) “…up on us.”

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

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.”

Concerns including soaring insurance premiums are driving truckers out of Louisiana says Renee Amar (AY-mar), Executive Director of The Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

Cut 11 (09) “…and monthly basis.”

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

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.”

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 (08) “….important thing.” 

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.”

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.”

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.”

LSU has not yet commented.

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.

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 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 Saints snapped a seven-game losing streak yesterday and running back Alvin Kamara became the team’s all-time leading rusher. He says it’s a huge honor…

Cut 14 (07) “…in New Orleans.”

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved components of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan that would lower the corporate income tax. The legislation also eliminates tax credits for the film industry, digital media, software companies, and those involved in the renovation of historic buildings. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson argued these tax credits are not bringing more jobs to the state….

Cut 5 (10) “…not working.” (2x) 

I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City is transitioning into Phase 3 of its 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. 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. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan…

Cut 10 (08) “…the right place.”

Apparently, many Louisianans are owed money. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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.”

As the special legislative session continues, the House Ways and Means Committee approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax 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. Chris Reade, who owns software development companies in New Orleans…

Cut 4 (08) “…sector.”

Apparently, many are still owed tax refunds. State Treasurer John Fleming says the state treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added money in uncashed state income tax refunds.

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

To find out if you’re owned visit “LA Cash Claim dot org”

DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project.  DOTD Spokesperson Erin 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.

Darren Rizzi won his first game as an NFL head coach Sunday. The Saints bested the Falcons 20-17 to end a seven-game losing streak. Saints Quarterback Derek Carr threw two touchdown passes. Carr said 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.

Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are seeking reelection to their House leadership roles in advance of the GOP’s internal elections scheduled for next week. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says their requests come as Republicans face uncertainty over control of the House.

Cut 6 (12) “…national politics.”

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.”

An Arizona jockey has been arrested in Opelousas. Louisiana State Troopers with the Gaming Enforcement Division found 5 horse shocking devices when they took Jockey, Martain Osuna into custody at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino. Authorities say Osuna falsified information on a racing document prompting the arrest warrant and when he arrived at Evangeline Downs to participate in a race he was detained. He was taken to the St. Landry Parish Jail and booked on falsifying information on a racing document, injuring public records, and five counts of laws against unnatural stimulation of horses.

The Ragin Cajuns can take firm control of the western division of the Sun Belt Conference with a homecoming win over Arkansas State on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is trying to improve 5-and-0 in the league and 8-and-1 overall. They are a 15 point favorite to beat the Red Wolves, but Coach Michael Desormeaux doesn’t care about the point spread…

Cut 13 (10)  “…for the birds.”

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.”

A new casino resort in Bossier City set to open early next year has the help wanted sign out. Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana is looking to fill more than 750 positions. Human Resources Director Wesley Garcia says the jobs run the gamut.

Cut 9 (11)  “…leadership-level positions.”

Governor Jeff Landry has been pushing for LSU to bring back an old tradition by bringing their live mascot, Mike the Tiger, back into the stadium and tomorrow a one-and-a-half-year-old Bengal tiger named Omar will reportedly be in Tiger stadium before the game against Alabama. Klayton Rutherford, with the PETA Foundation, says he’s disappointed that the school appears to be caving to Landry’s request, despite advice from its school of veterinary medicine.

Cut 5 (10) “…into the stadium.”

11^th ranked Alabama meets 15th ranked LSU on Saturday night in what amounts to a College Football Playoff elimination game. The loser will suffer its third loss. Bama quarterback Jalen Milroe ran wild on LSU last year with 155 rushing yards and four touchdowns. LSU Coach Brian Kelly on keeping Milroe contained

Cut 12 (12) “…back end.”

An Arizona jockey has been arrested in Opelousas. Louisiana State Troopers with the Gaming Enforcement Division found 5 horse shocking devices when they took Jockey, Martain Osuna into custody at Evangeline Downs Racetrack and Casino. Authorities say Osuna falsified information on a racing document prompting the arrest warrant and when he arrived at Evangeline Downs to participate in a race he was detained. He was taken to the St. Landry Parish Jail and booked on falsifying information on a racing document, injuring public records, and five counts of laws against unnatural stimulation of horses.

Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise are seeking reelection to their House leadership roles. Though some races have still not been called, ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley believes Republicans will remain in control.

Cut 8 (12) “…Mike Johnson and Steve Scalise.”

We’re learning new information about the tiger being brought into Baton Rouge for LSU’s game tomorrow – along with its owner. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints will try to end their seven-game losing streak on Sunday when they host the Falcons. Darren Rizzi will serve as the interim head coach and running back Alvin Kamara hopes the change at head coach will lead to a victory…

Cut 14 (09) “…some of that.”

Trying to bring back an old tradition, a one-and-a-half-year-old Bengal tiger named Omar will reportedly be in Tiger stadium before tomorrow night’s game against Alabama. Klayton Rutherford, the associate director of captive wildlife research at the PETA Foundation, says tigers do not belong in 100-thousand-seat football stadiums.

Cut 4 (11) “…drop this idea.”

This tiger’s name is not Mike. It’s Omar.

Disturbing spam text messages are targeting several Black people across the country, including here in Louisiana. The messages reference slavery. State Attorney General Liz Murrill says if you receive one…

Cut 16 (04) “….to my office.”

Murrill says the messages originate from an encrypted virtual network in Poland, but they don’t know who is behind them.

With 25 congressional seats in the U S House still not called, Speaker Mike Johnson is not waiting to campaign to remain in his House leadership role. He outlined his agenda to advance conservative policies aligned with President-elect Trump’s administration, emphasizing plans to prioritize American interests, strengthen border security, reduce regulations, promote energy independence, and expand school choice. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley…

Cut 7 (06) “…for the state.”

Bossier City is getting a new casino resort opening early next year and Live! Casino and Hotel Louisiana is looking to fill more than 750 positions. Human Resources Director Wesley Garcia says

most of these jobs are career-level positions with an average pay including salaries, wages and tips of about 45-thousand dollars a year.

Cut 10 (15) “…of those gaps.”