The Louisiana Senate is expected to vote on the tax reform bills that made it through the Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee. The committee kept the income tax plan at a flat three-percent, but restored the historic preservation and film tax credits. Sales taxes appear to be the big sticking point to the whole plan, and Foil says there are two options on the table.  Committee Chairman Franklin Foil.

Cut 5 (12) “…make everything work.”

For the third year in a row, Louisiana’s statewide school performance score has increased, and it is now at its highest level under the current scoring system. State Superintendent Cade Brumley says the state is clearly going in the right direction.

Cut 11 (07) “…keep pushing forward.”

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A five-billion-dollar artificial intelligence data center that Facebook parent company Meta is planning in Holly Ridge, near Monroe, would be a huge economic boost to the region. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Baton Rouge General Hospital now ranks in the top ten nationwide for fewest return days following a heart attack. Chief Medical Officer Keith Kellum says the hospital also goes to great lengths on after a heart attack end to set patients up for success when they leave the hospital.

Cut 15 (05) “…leave the hospital.”

With just a week left in the special session, Louisiana Senators will take up Governor Landry’s tax plan beginning today. Lobbying is underway to prevent the elimination of the state’s film tax credit program and tax credit to restore historic buildings. Senate President Cameron Henry says they are listening to Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois on whether these tax break programs make sense for the state…

Cut 12 (10) “….she’s there”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is not a fan of eliminating the state’s film incentive program nor does he want to see historic building tax credits go away.  Nungesser says these programs have proven their value.

Cut 5 (14) “…preserves the history.”

Lawmakers have until Midnight next Monday to wrap up the special tax session.

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The LSU Student Senate unanimously passes a resolution urging the university never to have a live tiger brought into Tiger Stadium before a football game again.  Ariana Tashakkori, a member of the school’s chapter of the Wildlife Society, says she was disheartened to see LSU cave under pressure from the governor.

Cut 9 (09)  “…involvement with LSU”

The Saints make it two in a row under interim coach Darren Rizzi as they beat the Cleveland Browns at the Superdome, 35-14. After the game, Rizzi said his team played a complete game.

Cut 19 (14) “…all three things.”  

The Saints improve to 4-and-9 on the season as they enter their bye week. Their next game is Sunday, December 1st against the Rams  at the Superdome.

The House and Senate are set to convene this afternoon as the work continues with the rewrite of the state’s tax code. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The LSU Tigers dropped their third straight game on Saturday losing to Florida Gators 27 to 16. LSU won nearly every statistical category in the box score, but it didn’t show on the scoreboard. Coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 17 (11) “…explosive plays.” 

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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser has raised concerns over proposed tax reform measures that would eliminate Louisiana’s film incentive program and historic building tax credits. Nungesser argues that cutting these programs entirely could harm the state’s economy.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the credit.”

Nungesser says these programs have proven their value. But Carencro Representative Julie Emerson, a proponent of the reforms, contends that eliminating these credits is a necessary step to balance the state’s budget.

Cut 6 (08) “…roughly a tradeoff.”

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser is concerned about proposed tax reforms that would eliminate Louisiana’s film inventive program and historic building tax credits. Here’s Sean Richardson.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Senate gets its turn this week to debate and vote on parts of Governor Landry’s tax plan. The bills up for discussion would cut individual and business taxes and there’s a revenue raising bill which would make the state’s sales tax 4.40 percent. Senate President Cameron Henry.

Cut 11 (08) “…bills forward.”

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The LSU Student Senate unanimously passes a resolution urging the university never to have a live tiger brought into Tiger Stadium before a football game again. Speaker Pro Tempore Ethan Elme authored the resolution,

Cut 8 (13) “…related to that.”

Louisiana Tech kept its bowl chances alive by upsetting Western Kentucky 12 to 7. Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie’s defense, which has been strong all season, shut down one of the best offenses in Conference USA…

Cut 15 (15) “…offense down.”

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts tomorrow hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House.  That includes changing the income tax to a flat tax and imposing sales taxes on 41 services that are not taxed now. Chairman Franklin Foil.

Cut 10 (12) “…strategic about it.”

The LSU Tigers will try to end their two-game losing streak this afternoon when they visit the Florida Gators. Coach Brian Kelly says the team has a had a good week of practice…

Cut 12 (07) “…got to be better.”

Kick-off is this afternoon at 2:30.

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A federal appeals court in New Orleans on Friday temporarily limited the scope of a ruling that Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles’ ruling remains in effect under the order from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. But, the appellate court temporarily blocked a part of the ruling that requires state education officials to notify public schools statewide that the law has been struck down.

Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native Lainey Wilson is performing two live concerts in Monroe this weekend. at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend. The shows mark the final stop on her “Country’s Cool Again Tour” tour. Discover West Monroe CEO Alana Cooper says Monroe is thankful to have Wilson come back home and perform at the Civic.

Cut 8 (05) “…in the Country genre.”

And Cooper says with both concerts sold out, the local economy will see a big boost.

Cut 7 (06) “…weekend to come in.”

Replacing Louisiana’s current income tax structure with a flat tax and imposing sales taxes on 41 services not being taxed now will get a look from the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee tomorrow.  They’ll also hear a measure that removes the sunset for the temporary 0.45–percent sales tax increase and lowers it to 0.40-percent. Chairman Franklin Foil says the biggest challenge is pleasing everyone.

Cut 11 (12) “…pay for it.”

A federal appeals court in New Orleans on Friday temporarily limited the scope of a ruling that Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge John deGravelles’ ruling remains in effect under the order from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. But, the appellate court temporarily blocked a part of the ruling that requires state education officials to notify public schools statewide that the law has been struck down.

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It’s been three years now since the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, said in those three years, Louisiana has received ten-billion dollars, most recently,  more  than 63-million dollars for railroad investments.

Cut 4 (14) “…62-mile network.”

The Saints will try to win their second straight on Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. The defense put together a good performance last week in a win over Atlanta. Linebacker Demario Davis would like to see that again

Cut 13 (12)  “…improvement.”

The bipartisan infrastructure law turns three years old today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

On Sunday, the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House. Chairman Franklin Foil says that includes replacing the current income tax structure with a flat tax and a higher standard deduction.

Cut 9 (06)  “…income tax rate.”

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A Dequincy man has been cited for alleged deer hunting violations that include dumping deer carcasses from a bridge in the Calcasieu Parish town of Starks.  LDWF Lt. Wendel Vaughn says 62-year-old Ronald Owens was cited for failing to tag deer, failing to validate deer harvest, failing to comply with harvest card requirements and gross littering

Cut 15 (13) “…the carcasses there.”

The Ragin Cajuns can win a Sun Belt West title with a victory against South Alabama on today. U-L Lafayette is 8-and-1 and Cajun fans believe their team should be ranked in the Top 25. But Coach Michael Desormeaux (Dez-er-mo) says won’t matter when they line up against the Jags.

Cut 14 (07) “…come and win”

Kick off is tonight at six.

The Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts tomorrow hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House.  That includes changing the income tax to a flat tax and imposing sales taxes on 41 services that are not taxed now. Chairman Franklin Foil says those services are being taxed in other states, including our neighbors.

Cut 10 (12) “…strategic about it.”

Today marks the third anniversary of the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, said in those three years, Louisiana has received ten-billion dollars…

Cut 3 (15) “…for airport improvements.”

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Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, Lainey Wilson is performing two sold out shows at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The LSU Tigers will try to end their two-game losing streak this afternoon when they visit the Florida Gators. Coach Brian Kelly says the team has a had a good week of practice…

Cut 12 (07) “…got to be better.”

The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating the deaths of two women found inside a home in Lake Charles. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Change is on the way in the weather here in Louisiana. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says a cold front is going to drop temperatures considerably with some lows in the 40’s and lower daytime temperatures too.
Cut 13 (08)  “…very nice out.”

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House Ways and Means approved the bill to expand the sales tax base on a 16 to 2 vote. Two Lawmakers voted against it because it would tax several services, including home repair.  Governor Jeff Landry has said his tax reform plan will result in more money in the pockets of Louisiana residents. And Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says the plan also calls for the elimination of sales taxes on prescription drugs…

Cut 7 (07) “…as well.”

The measure could receive a vote on the House floor by the end of the week.

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier is still the starting quarterback for the Fighting Tigers despite six turnovers over the last six quarters. Kelly says they are looking at simplifying things for their first-year starter at quarterback…

Cut 18 (12)   “…less is more.”

The 22^nd ranked Tigers at Florida on Saturday.

A House committee approves legislation to apply local and state sales taxes on 41 services that are currently not taxed. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson is on track to keeping his job as House Speaker after winning the House Republican nomination yesterday.  President Donald Trump endorsed Johnson ahead of a full House vote in the new year.  Johnson has no serious challenger, but there is dissent from hard-right conservatives. Johnson will need majority support of the full House to take hold of the gavel on January3 when the new Congress convenes.

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For the second time in three years, LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey has landed the nation’s top recruiting class. This time it’s for the 2025 recruiting class, as four, five-star prospects signed with the Lady Tigers on National Signing Day. Matthew Brune (Brew-knee) covers LSU for the Bengal Tiger and says high school players are drawn to Mulkey, because she’s a winner…

Cut 14 (07) “…win championships.”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says Garrett Nussmeier is still the starting quarterback for the Fighting Tigers despite committing six turnovers over the last six quarters. The mistakes have contributed to the Tigers two-game losing streak,  but Kelly says they have not considered making a change at quarterback…

Cut 16 (13) “….we believe in him.”