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.”

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.”