Will there be a live tiger in Tiger Stadium for LSU’s huge game against Alabama? That’s what the Louisiana Illuminator is reporting, saying it will NOT be Mike the Tiger who’s housed in the habitat outside the stadium. Ponchatoula Senator Bill Wheat tells the Illuminator that the tiger is being brought in from another state, with sources saying the state is Florida. At this time, we have not been able to independently verify the report or whether LSU will even allow the tiger into the stadium. Multiple attempts to reach the university have gone unanswered.

President-Elect Donald Trump holds a strong mandate and influence over the Republican-controlled Senate. With the GOP’s majority in the Senate, Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy will play a significant role in tax policy and trade, potentially impacting both domestic economic policies and international trade relations.

Cut 4 (09) “…achieve their goals.”

Debate is underway at the State Capitol on Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Lawmakers have until November 25th to consider Governor Landry’s tax overhaul proposal in this special legislative 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.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan to lower income taxes for most Louisianans is being debated in the Special Session and during discussion on a bill to create a flat three-percent income tax, State Representative Matthew Williard, a Democrat from New Orleans, says Landry’s plan does not provide substantial tax savings for low-income workers…

Cut 10 (14) “…a year.”

Louisiana Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson countered Williard’s argument by saying the proposed tax changes would improve the state’s economy if enacted as it will attract more jobs to Louisiana…

Cut 11 (08) “…see that.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approved the bill to reduce the personal income taxes on a 15 to 3 vote.

Lawmakers have until November 25th to consider Governor Landry’s tax overhaul proposal

One component of the proposal is to make optional the inventory tax – taxes imposed on companies on their inventory stockpiles. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham notes many parishes rely on that tax.

Cut 8 (17) “…middle class people.”

Louisiana breathes a sign of relief with reports that Hurricane Rafael is no longer expected to make landfall in the Bayou State. The National Hurricane now says he is headed towards the Bay of Campeche. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says there’s still great uncertainty where the storm will ultimately go, if anywhere at all.

Cut 15 (13) “…the Caribbean.”

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.”

Though there is a Republican supermajority in both houses of the legislature, it’s not a slam-dunk that Landry will get everything he’s asking for. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says some aspects will require a rewrite of the state constitution; and as such, the voters will have the final say.

Cut 7 (09) “…say in this.”

The U.S. political landscape remains in flux as the House of Representatives awaits resolution, but President-Elect Donald Trump holds a strong mandate and influence over the Republican-controlled Senate. With the GOP’s majority in the Senate, Republican U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy is positioned to chair the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension (HELP) committee. Cassidy says even with control of the Senate, they will still need to reach across the aisle…

Cut 3 (11) “…than the minority.”

Hurricane Rafael appeared to be headed for Louisiana but fortunately for us, he now is reportedly heading towards the Bay of Campeche, Mexico. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says while forecast tracks are always subject to change, it’s highly unusual for a track to change as drastically as Rafael.

Cut 14 (12) “…northwestern track.”

Cleo Fields is headed back to Washington. He won the District 6 seat outright last night with more than 50-percent of the vote. During his watch party, the Democrat said he’s ready to get to work for the people of the district, who he says have some very important needs.

Cut 15 (15) “…so many people.”

A special session on tax reform gets underway this afternoon in Baton Rouge. Among the sweeping changes Governor Landry wants is switching to a flat state income tax of three percent while adding sales tax to some currently untaxed services. 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.”

Today U-S markets rose as Donald Trump wins the white house.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

It looks like Louisiana may be spared from Hurricane Rafael. The National Hurricane Center now says Rafael will head towards the Texas-Mexico coast after striking Cuba. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a mid-level ridge will push the storms track more westward.

Cut 8 (13) “…of anybody’s guess”

U-S markets surged today, as Donald Trump’s win will return him to the presidency, marking a major rebound from his 2020 loss. the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq reached record highs, driven by expectations of tax cuts and deregulation under Trump. Dent Wealth Advisors Founder Fred Dent said…

Cut 9 (13)  “…euphoria will dissipate.”

Governor Jeff Landry’s special session on tax reform gets underway this afternoon. He’s asking legislators to make sweeping changes to the state’s tax code. La-Politics-dot-com Jeremy Alford says tax reform has been a buzz word at the capitol for decades…

Cut 3 (09) “…pretty big push.”

The special session must end by 5 PM on November 25th.

The original forecast track of Hurricane Rafael had it turning north and heading straight towards Louisiana. It now appears Louisiana will be spared. The National Hurricane Center now says Rafael will head towards the Texas-Mexico coast after striking Cuba. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim…

Cut 7 (15) “…a northwesterly track.”

Rafael is expected to enter the gulf sometime tonight, likely as a Category Two hurricane.

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. Head Coach Brian Kelly says it’s good to be in contention

Cut 13 (12)  “…of the season.”

There was no drama in Louisiana in the federal races. Donald Trump carried the state by about 20 percentage points, and all six congressional races went as expected. That includes District 6, where Cleo Fields won the seat with 51-percent of the vote and avoided a runoff. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Fields was set up to win from the start.

Cut 10 (12) “…and they did.”

Governor Jeff Landry is asking legislators to make sweeping changes to the state’s tax code in a two and a half weeklong special session that gets underway this afternoon. Not only does Landry want to create a flat income tax rate, to raise the standard deduction to $12,500 and eliminate the corporate franchise tax. He’s also looking to renew a temporary .45 percent sales tax, extend sales tax to 40 activities that are currently untaxed, and eliminate the film tax credit program. La-Politics-dot-com 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 now appears that Louisiana will not be impacted by Hurricane Rafael at all. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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

Cut 12 (12) “…the gates.”

The Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge to the redistricting of Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has died. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

______________________________________

The 6th Congressional District was redrawn to make it the second majority-Black district in the state. The question is – will it stay that way? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says the case could have additional ramifications.

Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.” (Does Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act violate the 14th Amendment?)

Ciolino says how the conservative court will rule is anyone’s guess.

Cut 4 (11) “…in education, employment.” (The court has been skeptical about race-based preferences.)

The court will hear a one-hour oral argument early this winter, and the court will issue its ruling towards the end of June of next year. And Ciolino says depending on how the court rules, the lines could be redrawn by the next congressional election in 2026.

Cut 5 (07) “…by mid-2025.”

But for now, the lines as redrawn will remain in place, very likely resulting in a Democratic pickup today that could alter the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

______________________________________

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon anticipates Rafael will become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba.

Cut 6 (09) “…Wednesday evening.”

Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek, with two potential scenarios. One model predicts a northward track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, while another suggests a westward turn that could send Rafael toward northeastern Mexico.

Cut 7 (12) “…anything significant.”

Despite the path uncertainty, Louisiana is expected to experience some rain starting later this week with a moderate risk of flash flooding in some areas. Bannon says residents along the Gulf Coast are advised to monitor updates as forecasts should become clearer within the next two days.

Cut 8 (10) “…over the Central Culf.”

________________________________________________________

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they’re expecting a huge overall voter turnout.

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”

Polls close at eight tonight; those already in line at that time will be allowed to vote.

________________________________________________________

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has passed away. William “Dub” Jones died over the weekend at the age of 99 – just one month shy of his 100th birthday. One of his sons, Ben Jones, says his father was an amazing man.

Cut 11 (10) “…so many people.”

Jones spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of both the All-American Football Conference and later the NFL, leading them to two AAFC titles and three NFL titles. On November 25th, 1951, against the Chicago Bears, he scored six touchdowns, tying an NFL record set in 1929 by Ernie Nevers and has since been equaled by Gayle Sayers and Alvin Kamara. Son Ben said with five touchdowns already under his belt, quarterback Otto Graham was determined to get his father the record when coach Paul Brown called a running play late in the game.

Cut 12 (14) “…sixth touchdown pass.”

Ben says his father was an old-school player all the way.

Cut 13 (13)  “…talking for you.”

Another of Dub Jones’ sons was Bert Jones, who was an NFL quarterback for ten seasons and was the NFL MVP in 1976.

Louisiana set early voting records in these elections and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.

Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”

The US Supreme Court will hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in drawing Louisiana’s 6^th Congressional district and if it violated the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at Loyola University Law School…

Cut 4 (11) “…in education, employment.”

For now, the redrawn lines will remain in place, very likely resulting in a Democratic pickup in this election that could alter the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek, with two potential scenarios. One model predicts a northward track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, while another suggests a westward turn that could send Rafael toward northeastern Mexico.

Cut 7 (12) “…anthing significant.”

A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has passed away. William “Dub” Jones died over the weekend at the age of 99 – just one month shy of his 100th birthday. One of his sons, Ben Jones, says his father was an amazing man.

Cut 11 (10) “…so many people.”

Jones spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of both the All-American Football Conference and later the NFL, leading them to two AAFC titles and three NFL titles.

Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry…

Cut 9 (12)  “…to 71-percent.”

The 6th Congressional District was redrawn to make it the second majority-Black district in the state. The question is – will it stay that way? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law…

Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.”

The Court is expected to hear arguments in early Winter.

Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean.  NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon anticipates Rafael will become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba.

Cut 6 (09) “…Wednesday evening.”

Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek.

A tornado touched down in Evangeline Parish this morning and two people have reportedly been injured. Preliminary reports from the National Weather Service say the twister touched down on Highway 190 near Basile around 8:30 this morning. Fortunately, the injuries that occurred appear to be minor. A tornado was spotted on the ground in Acadia Parish.

The Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge to the redistricting of Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

As you head to the polls today, be assured that the State of Louisiana goes to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the election. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says only certain people are allowed to handle the voting equipment, which is sealed before the election to ensure that it is not tampered with ahead of time.
Cut 26 (09) “…before every election.”

Analysts say today could be a big day for Republicans, based on early voting totals. Louisiana’s early voting turnout set records for in-person voting, with almost a million ballots cast early. JMC Analytics highlighted a drop in Black voter participation, especially in East Baton Rouge Parish. Owner John Couvillon says in 2020, Black voters comprised 30% of early voters; in 2024, they make up only 25% — numbers that he says should bode well for Donald Trump.

Cut 10 (14) “…60 percent.”

Polls will stay open until eight p-m; anyone still in line at that time will indeed be able to vote.