President Biden’s team moves forward with the first-ever Gulf of Mexico offshore wind sale. Teiko Foxx has more…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Tax reforms passed in 2021 now have Louisiana ranked among the lowest state income tax rates, where they were once among the highest. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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After being canceled in 2021 and smaller parade routes in 2022 how was Mardi Gras this year? Brooke Thorington asks Mardi Gras Guide Publisher Arthur Hardy.

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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President Biden’s administration moved closer to meeting its offshore wind energy goals by announcing lease sales for developments in the Gulf of Mexico yesterday. Interim Executive Director of the Center of LSU Energy Studies, Greg Upton says the move is promising for investors.

Cut 4 (10)  “…that project.”

A proposed sale for offshore acreage off of Lake Charles, LA, and two areas near Galveston, Texas offshore lines will allow Gulf Coast companies to build closer to home.

Cut 5 (09) “…wind farm.”

Upton says the workforce availability may be limited short term.

Cut 6 (08)  “…in particular.” 

Although an operational wind turbine in the Gulf of Mexico is still a few years out – The Gulf auction would be the fourth offshore wind sale since Biden took office.

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Now that tax reforms passed by lawmakers a few years ago have kicked in, Louisiana now has the 6^th-lowest state income tax rate in the country. That data comes from a new report by the Tax Foundation. Baton Rouge tax attorney and consultant Jason DeCuir (“de-KWEER) says our state was among the highest (6-percent) until recently…:

Cut 7 (08) “…where we have been.”

DeCuir says the 2021 Legislature passed a so-called tax swap reform package, which removed taxpayers’ ability to deduct their annual federal taxes paid….:

Cut 8 (08)  “…4.25-percent.”

DeCuir says lowering the state tax burden will almost certainly help Louisiana with future economic development…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…one of the highest.”

Despite the now lower tax rates, Louisiana is still on track to collect about 40-percent of its annual revenue from income taxes and other declaration and withholding taxes. Legislative efforts are expected this spring to end state income tax altogether.

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Now that the 2023 carnival season is in the books, how did it compare to Mardi Gras last year and those before? Mardi Gras Guide publisher Arthur Hardy gives it two thumbs up and says Mardi Gras as we know it in New Orleans is back.

Cut 10 (10)  “…normal is good.”

Another bonus this year was the return to previous parade routes. Hardy says he was very pleased, as were others, to learn in late January that the city was able to secure enough law enforcement so parades could return to their previous routes.

Cut 11 (13)  “…just wonderful.”

In 2021 when Mardi Gras was canceled several homeowners in New Orleans elaborately decorated their homes similar to parade floats. Hardy says that’s a new trend that might be here to stay.

Cut 12 (06) “…of the streets.”

And because Mardi Gras will come early in 2024 on February 13^th Hardy says he’s already working on next year’s guide.

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Since a petition allegedly met its signature goal in New Orleans to recall Mayor LaToya Cantrell, we asked ULM Political Science Professor Pearson Cross if he believes it will spark other recall campaigns around the state He believes it will.

Cut 13 (14) “…representatives.” 

Cross says a recall isn’t cheap, and it’s a huge undertaking. He says signatures are usually collected by pay-for-play people who make 75 cents to $2 per signature. Cross says if it’s not a grassroots movement, in order to be successful, it takes donors with deep pockets that are deeply dissatisfied with an elected official.

Cut 14 (11)  “…an election.”

In California, a recall effort was responsible for the removal of Governor Gray Davis which allow Arnold Schwarzenegger to be elected, so it can happen Cross says when a higher threshold of valid signatures is required.

And because you’re required to have a certain percentage of signatures from the number of registered voters, Pearson says it’s not as difficult in small cities and towns.

Cut 15 (12)  “…in small towns.”

And Pearson says many times a recall is a statement of dissatisfaction versus we’re going to remove someone from office. Before a recall election can be called, signatures from the petitioned must be validated.

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The fifth-ranked LSU women’s basketball team is in Nashville tonight to face Vanderbilt. After giving up 79 points in Sunday’s win at Florida and 88 points in a recent loss to South Carolina, Coach Kim Mulkey is looking for better field goal percentage defense…

Cut  16 (21)  “..get their attention.” 

In the win over the Gators a few role players stepped up as Jasmine Carson knocked down a career-high seven three-pointers and LaDazhia Williams had a double-double. Mulkey says they’ll need more from their supporting cast…

Cut 17 (19) “…this league.” 

If your cell phone was stolen while partying in New Orleans, the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office may have it. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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The deadline to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has arrived. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (30)  “….I’m Teiko Foxx” 

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The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested 11 people this week involved in the theft of dozens of cell phones from people celebrating Mardi Gras festivities in New Orleans. Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says the suspects are members of a Colombian theft ring and they are trying to return stolen phones to the owners…

Cut 3 (09) “…bring your phone” 

Phone numbers are listed on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Facebook page.

Deputies recovered the phones from a short term rental complex in Tickfaw. Four people were arrested Sunday and 40 cell phones were recovered. Another seven individuals were arrested Monday and additional 122 cell phones recovered. Travis says they might have your phone, but the case is gone…

Cut  4 (09)  “…after the theft” 

Travis says if you lost your cell phone in New Orleans do not call their office unless you see your number listed on their Facebook page.

He says the thieves used Faraday Bags to get the phones out of New Orleans and bring them to the Northshore…

Cut 5 (12) “…or whatever”

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After criticizing Attorney General Jeff Landry and his gubernatorial run Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says they’ve mended fences. Nungesser who’s decided to run for re-election instead of the governor had some harsh words against Landry and the state GOP for endorsing Landry, but the two met recently and made amends.

Cut 6 (08)  “…elected governor.” 

The former Plaquemines Parish President who’s seeking his third term as Lt. Governor, says they also discussed projects that are important to him.

Cut 7 (11)  “…work with him.” 

Nungesser, who serves on the Louisiana Seafood Promotion and Marketing Board, has been vocal about his opposition to the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion project and says while he and Landry disagree on the project, he says Landry did agree to listen to all sides of the issue.

Cut 8 (11)  “…our fisheries.” 

The primary is October 14th.

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Today organizers of the recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell petition will submit signatures to the  Orleans Parish of Registrar of Voters office. They needed about 50-thousand signatures to trigger a recall election. UNO Political Science Professor Ed Chervenak expects Cantrell’s campaign to dispute the legality of many of the signatures…

Cut 9 (05) “…the signatures”

Once the signatures have been counted, the process moves forward. Governor John Bel Edwards will have nearly a week and a half to set a date for an election.

Cut 10 (8) “…that election.” 

Nearly 20% of recall signatures are declared invalid across the nation. Chervenak says the organizers came in and did what they had to do.

Cut 11 (8)  “…these signatures.”

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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says he’s getting closer to a decision on whether he’ll run for governor this year. Graves says he was busy during the first six weeks of the year with issues in Washington D-C, but he’s had more time lately to contemplate a possible run

Cut 12 (07) “…going to be doing.”

Graves has represented Louisiana Sixth Congressional District area since 2015. But there are Republicans who feel he would make a great governor. Graves says he still hasn’t made up his mind…

Cut 13 (07) “..to the state.” 

Graves says he continues to be asked if he’ll run for governor…

Cut 14 (04)   “… we have”

With the start of 40 days of Lent, we look in on the Louisiana seafood industry. How ready are they for the additional demand…?

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Alexandria Representative Jay Luneau is hoping this year lawmakers will approve his legislation to keep auto insurers from discriminating against females by charging them more. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 2 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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A recall petition has garnered enough signatures to oust New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Teiko Foxx has the story…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish make numerous arrests of what they say are a gang of pickpockets and cell phone thieves; here to prey on Mardi Gras visitors. Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says they received a text tip and tracked a stolen phone to a short-term rental in the Tickfaw area. That led to four persons being arrested, and 40 phones being recovered. He says two days later they arrested 7 more people and seized over 100 more phones. Travis says all the suspects were living in Miami and were an organized group that came to Louisiana to take advantage of Carnival…:

Cut 4 (10)  “…in the United States.”

Travis says deputies discovered the first stash of stolen phones in a box that was sealed up and ready to be shipped somewhere…:

Cut 5 (11) “…phones to a brick.”

Travis says, only days later, they followed another lead to another Air BNB and found more suspected pickpockets and a bigger stash of stolen phones…:

Cut 6 (08)  “…to be stolen.” 

Travis says they are working to determine each phone’s number, and they are posting those on the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Facebook page, so victims may hopefully reclaim their stolen phones.

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Lent begins today, and many Louisianans will be eating mostly seafood for the next 40 days (or more.) How is the state’s seafood industry shaping up to meet the demand? Gulf Seafood Institute chairman and owner Harlon’s LA Fish, in Kenner. Harlon Pearce…:

Cut 7 (04) “…great year coming up.”

Pearce says he and fellow seafood professionals are excited for what looks to be an abundant year ahead. He says the seemingly early arrival of spring is a good thing for the seafood industry…:

Cut 8 (07)  “…in full swing.”

Pearce says wild-caught catfish is “exploding” right now, crawfish are big and abundant and crabs are about to start coming ready to harvest. He says whatever you prefer, you’ll have no trouble finding your seafood favorites at the market and restaurants…:

Cut 9 (07)  “…to go around.”

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Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau is hoping the second time is the charm as he reintroduces legislation to keep auto insurance companies from unfairly discriminating price-wise against one’s gender. Luneau says over the years they’ve found some providers charge females more than they do male drivers.

Cut 10 (12)  “…than males.”

Last time the bill failed to make it out of committee. Luneau says some members opposed the legislation believing it would cause insurance rates for men to increase.

Cut 11 (05)  “…that way.”

The Alexandria Democrat says a few years ago an insurance actuary priced insurance for fictitious persons by the name of Chris.  Same address, and the same kind of car, the female Chris paid more than the male Chris. Even when it was added that the male Chris had a DUI, his rate was still less than the females.

Luneau says it’s really hard to get some legislators to consider the cost involved in paying for coverage and that it could be a product of the insurance company as well as any other factor.

Cut 12 (10) “…insurance rates.”

The regular legislative session begins on April 10^th.

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On the day of prayer and fasting – Ash Wednesday 49,976 signatures will be submitted to the Orleans Parish Registrar of voter’s office to recall New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Cantrell, the first black woman elected as Mayor of New Orleans, has faced constant accusations and impropriety while in office. Vice Chair of Nolatoya Recall, Eileen Carter, says the time is now to be held accountable.

Cut 13 (10) “…a good thing.” 

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards will issue an election proclamation once the petition is certified. Carter says

Cut 14 (07)  “…can do.”

Cantrell recently went viral for making an obscene gesture at float riders in the Krewe of Tucks parade. Carter says the city is not expecting perfection – just do the right thing.

Cut 15 (08)  “…your job.”