Lawmakers could be heading into a special session in November to hash out tax reform. Louisiana Secretary of Revenue Richard Nelson says they’re mainly looking to reform three types of taxes – sales tax, personal income tax and corporate income and franchise tax. He says the state could update the tax code to capture taxes from online transactions…

Cut 5 (08) “…tax at all.”

Nelson says the current tax code is one of the main reasons Louisiana is the only state in the South losing population.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is going straight to the voters in her bid for re-election to Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District. In her newly launched 60-second ad, Letlow outlines her vision.

Cut 14 (08) “…thrive and prosper.”

Also vying for the seat are Democrat Michael Vallien and Republican Vinney Mendoza. Election Day is November 5th and Early Voting begins on October 18th.

A tropical storm is developing in the Gulf of Mexico this week that is expected to be a Category 2 Hurricane later this week, but not expected to hit Louisiana.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins tore his ACL while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says LSU’s defense has been a work in progress this year and the Tigers could not afford to lose one of its best athletes…

Cut 9 (14)  “…both of them are gone.”

The Tigers lost veteran defensive tackle Jacobian Guillory to an Achilles tendon injury in the home opener to Nicholls.

This week Louisiana weather is relatively calm so far. However, LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Kein says future Tropical Storm Helene could bring more significant activity. He says impacts to Louisiana should be minimal, with Alabama and Florida likely in the storm’s crosshairs bringing us a cold front and welcome fall weather…

Cut 12 (10) “…obviously change.”

LSU football has lost one of its best players for the season as linebacker Harold Perkins tore an ACL in his knee while making a tackle in Saturday’s win over UCLA. Perkins has not forced any turnovers this season and has zero sacks, but LRN sports director Jeff Palermo says his loss will be felt

Cut 8 (10)  “…the quarterback.”

Lawmakers could soon be headed back to Baton Rouge to hash out tax reform. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Congresswoman Julia Letlow is making the case for her re-election directly to voters in Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District this week with the launch of her first ad for the 2024 election cycle.

Cut 13 (12) “…hardworking people.” 

She says she’s worked for billions in investments for Louisiana.

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves and his Democratic colleague from Virginia Abigail Spanberger have secured enough votes to bring a bill to the House floor that would change a decades old law that calls for millions of police officers, firefighters, teachers and government officials to receive reduced Social Security benefits…

Cut 4 (09) “…been the effect”

Graves is hopeful a vote will take place in November.

Louisiana State Police partners with Federal and Local Agencies to address school threats Nationwide. LSP says they’re not aware of any credible threats to schools within the state, but they are reminding everyone that making false threats against schools is a crime.  If found guilty of intentional communication of false information regarding the existence of a bomb or other explosive device, or threats of violence against person or property, one could face up to 15 years in prison and significant fines. To report suspicious activity, you can go to la-safe.org.

New Orleans hosts the Super Bowl in about four and a half months.  Is the city ready? Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Saturday is another big day of college football in Louisiana. It starts at 11 AM in Lafayette as the Ragin Cajuns host Tulane. It’s the first time the two schools have met on the Gridiron since 2018 and the Green Wave have won the last two matchups. U-L Lafayette Coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo)…

Cut 12 (13) “…we want to be.”

At 2:45, LSU will host UCLA for the first time in football.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Congressman Graves says the bill removes the penalty for those who work in the public sector.

Cut 3 (13) “…in public service.”

Graves says the bill has 328 co-sponsors – more than enough for the bill to sail through the House. Graves and Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger got lawmakers to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill, which should happen sometime in the coming weeks.

Louisiana Nonfarm jobs grew in August. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the adjusted numbers show an increase of 2500 jobs over July and Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August is tied for the third-lowest rate in series history at 3.9 percent.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says getting the French Quarter ready needs to be the top priority in preparing to host the Super Bowl in just about four and a half months.  He says specifically, the streets in the French Quarter need work.

Cut 6 (11) “…in horrible shape.”

Saints Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak is quickly becoming the toast of the town, with his team putting up 91 points over their first two games. The first team offense scored on 15 consecutive drives to start the season. Kubiak knows, however, that this is not a sprint – this is a marathon.

Cut 14 (11) “…I’m not satisfied.”

Kickoff at the Superdome is noon Sunday.

Louisiana State Police partners with Federal and Local Agencies to address school threats Nationwide. LSP says they’re not aware of any credible threats to schools within the state, but they are reminding everyone that making false threats against schools is a crime.  If found guilty of intentional communication of false information regarding the existence of a bomb or other explosive device, or threats of violence against person or property, one could face up to 15 years in prison and significant fines. To report suspicious activity, you can go to la-safe.org.

Fall enrollment is up four-percent over the last year at ULM fall. It’s one of the largest increases in the school’s history. Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller says this is driven by a remarkable 22% jump in first-time freshmen, reflecting strong recruitment efforts.

Cut 9 (10)  “…faculty and staff.”

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass House leadership and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In about four and a half months, the Super Bowl will be coming to New Orleans. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says getting the French Quarter ready needs to be the top priority in preparing to host the big game.

Cut 8 (14)  “…keep it safe.”

Nungesser applauded the city’s efforts to reduce crime, with police officers using technology to take a proactive approach to prevent crimes before they’re committed.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves teams up with one of his Democratic colleagues to bypass Speaker Mike Johnson and force a vote on the Social Security Fairness Act. He says public sector workers have seen their Social Security benefits reduced by as much as two-thirds, forcing them to turn to public assistance.

Cut 5 (09) “…make ends meet.”

Graves says it has 328 co-sponsors – more than enough for the bill to sail through the House. Graves and Virginia Democrat Abigail Spanberger got lawmakers to sign a discharge petition to force a vote on the bill, which should happen sometime in the coming weeks.

Louisiana Nonfarm jobs grew in August. According to the Louisiana Workforce Commission, the adjusted numbers show an increase of 2500 jobs over July and Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for August is tied for the third-lowest rate in series history at 3.9 percent.

New Orleans hosts the Super Bowl in about four and a half months.  Is the city ready? Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (26) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The University of Louisiana Monroe says Fall enrollment is up four-percent over the last year, one of largest increases in the school’s history. Vice President of Enrollment Management Lisa Miller says this past year was the first time since Covid-19 the university was able to get back to recruitment, and ULM has been working to rebound from the decreased enrollment that the pandemic caused.

Cut 11 (08) “…the university.”

Iberia Parish jail inmate Kristian Broussard escaped custody on Wednesday afternoon Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says within four minutes deputies were on the scene, deploying resources to track him down. The manhunt lasted several hours, culminating in Broussard’s capture later that same evening around 11:45 p.m.

Cut 9 (10)  “…aggravated escape.”

Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder.

In Alexandria, there has been a second arrest in the murder of the 12-year-old girl shot on Cypress Street Saturday.  31-year-old Deroyce May II turned himself into the Alexandria Police Department Thursday morning. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten of Alexandria was arrested Wednesday. APD is searching for a 3^rd suspect, Latraykus May who is considered armed and dangerous. Little information has been released regarding the shooting that sent another victim to the hospital Saturday morning.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, and the Office of Tourism, are heading to Mumbai, India to promote Louisiana tourism internationally.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The St. Tammany Parish community responded in a big way to adopt animals after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter DIrector Rob Bremer…

Cut 6 (13) “…the perfect storm.”

Authorities are investigating how Iberia Parish Jail inmate Kristian Broussard was able to escape Wednesday. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says they want to know what security lapses, if any, may have occurred.

Cut 11 (09) “…situation like this.”

Broussard’s initial incarceration stemmed from his alleged involvement in a shooting that occurred in New Iberia in January 2019. Breaux says authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the manhunt that lasted several hours before Broussard was captured.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip and Nungesser says the goal is to increase tourism from India to Louisiana…

Cut 3 (10) “…coming to Louisiana.”

The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state.

Louisiana’s state government has accepted its first cryptocurrency payment, signaling a step toward modernizing the state’s financial systems. State Treasurer Dr. John Fleming aims to modernize both the state government and the Louisiana economy. By incorporating cryptocurrency, Louisiana seeks to embrace emerging technologies that can enhance convenience, efficiency, and transparency in its transactions.

Cut 10 (09) “…bitcoin lightning.”

St. Tammany Parish is responding in a big way to help shelter pets after the parish animal shelter became overcrowded. Shelter Director Rob Bremer says people are showing up in droves to adopt animals during the shelter’s extended hours.

Cut 8 (08)  “…over capacity anymore”

Bremer says the key to ensuring that shelters don’t get overrun is responsible pet ownership, which includes spaying or neutering them.

There has been a second arrest in the murder of the 12-year-old girl shot on Cypress Street in Alexandria Saturday.  31-year-old Deroyce May II turned himself into the Alexandria Police Department Thursday morning. 38-year-old Kayla Wooten of Alexandria was arrested Wednesday. APD are searching for a 3^rd suspect, Latraykus May who is considered armed and dangerous. Little information has been released regarding the shooting that sent another victim to the hospital Saturday morning.

Iberia Parish jail inmate Kristian Broussard escaped custody on Wednesday evening. Broussard was being held on charges of second-degree murder for his alleged involvement in a 2019 shooting in New Iberia. Spokesperson Katherine Breaux says the manhunt lasted several hours while authorities worked diligently to ensure public safety during the search.

Cut 10 (1=07) “…of a mile.”

Breaux says authorities are now investigating how Broussard managed to escape from the facility.

The St. Tammany Parish Animal Shelter puts out an urgent request, and the community responds in a big way. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser along with the Louisiana Office of Tourism leave tomorrow (Friday) for India. The delegation’s goal is to showcase Louisiana’s rich culture, heritage, and tourism opportunities to boost international visitors to the state. Nungesser says India and the Middle East are emerging markets for tourism, and Louisiana’s unique offerings present a compelling case for international travelers.

Cut 4 (10) “…business here.”

A $300,000 grant from the U.S. Commerce Department is paying for the trip.

Entergy says they’ve restored power to virtually all customers who can safely receive electric service after Hurricane Francine. Vice President of Customer Service, Michelle Bourge (BERG) says nearly half of the 300,000 customers who lost power had it restored one day after the storm. She credits the upgrades and improvements to infrastructure after the devastating storms of the last few years…

Cut 26 secret sauce.

Senator Bill Cassidy joins seven fellow Republican U.S. senators in calling for the Secret Service to beef up protection for former President Donald Trump after a second assassination attempt in a two-month span. Cassidy says he wants answers from the Secret Service as to how a second assassination attempt could have happened in the first place.

Cut 14 (12) “..this stops now.”

Pelicans fans can now watch their favorite team on TV for free. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The White House has approved Governor Landry’s request for a major disaster declaration, following Hurricane Francine. The governor’s office says this declaration will unlock federal assistance to support recovery efforts in affected areas. GOHSEP External Affairs director Scott Adams says Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Mary, and Terrebonne Parishes will receive federal assistance.

Cut 9 (09)  “…22 parishes.”