Shreveport-area Congressman Mike Johnson was unanimously elected as speaker of the 119th Congress.  In a news conference, Speaker Johnson said House Republicans are unified in working on their agenda for the American people.

Cut 3 (14) “…of all that.”

LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow says while Johnson goes into the new Congress with a more unified Republican caucus, he still will have very little leeway, with the G-O-P only holding a slim majority, which will be made slimmer with at least three resignations by those tapped to serve in President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet.

Cut 6 (11) “…a little easier.”

In 2023, Louisiana’s private sector reported 19 thousand nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, down from 21 thousand in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Susan Schowen (sha-o-wen) attributed these improvements to employer and worker commitment to safety. She highlighted the state’s achievement as a standard for further progress in creating safe work environments.

Cut 8 (08) “…in the future.”

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent cited a Vermilion Parish man for alleged hunter harassment. LDWF Sgt. Justin Sonnier says 71-year-old Ernest Patin (pa-tan) admitted to these actions, explaining that he aimed to scare deer away from his neighbor’s hunting area due to a personal dispute.

Cut 11 (12) “…ruining somebody’s hunt.”

Hunter Harassment carries up to a $350 fine.

House Republicans have unanimously selected Shreveport-area Congressman Mike Johnson as speaker of the 119th Congress.  LSU Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says it’s no surprise that Johnson was voted unanimously by his fellow Republicans as speaker.

Cut 5 (08) “…the Republican Party.” 

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent cited a Southwest man for alleged hunter harassment in Vermilion Parish. LDWF Sgt. Justin Sonnier says this citation followed a complaint filed on October 24 by a resident of Gueydan (Gay-daan), who reported that 71-year-old Ernest Patin (pa-tan) had repeatedly fired a shotgun and revved an ATV while the resident was deer hunting.

Cut 10 (05) “…other disputes.”

Hunter harassment carries a fine of up to $350.

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 26 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Tropical Depression 19 formed in the Caribbean Thursday morning. The system is not expected to bring impacts to Louisiana thanks to a cold front moving in this week.  However, the system is expected to rapidly intensify into Hurricane Sara. Models are showing Florida could see major impacts from the storm with Louisiana  only seeing some possible rain.

Louisiana Congressman Garret Graves is hailing the overwhelming House passage of the Social Security Fairness Act.  The two provisions had the effect of reducing Social Security benefits for people who worked in the public sector, such as teachers, police officers and firefighters. Graves and co-sponsor Abigail Spanberger, a Democrat from Virginia, filed a discharge petition to force a vote, and a strong majority signed on to it.

Cut 4 (13) “…for a vote.”

Optimism among small businesses in Louisiana is up – but so is uncertainty. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Businesses, says while this year’s holiday shopping season will be of the shortest possible length, when defined as between Black Friday and Christmas Eve, it’s a season that small businesses are looking towards for strong sales.

Cut 11 (10) “…out and about.”

Denham Springs Representative Roger Wilder has decided not to move forward with a bill that would dramatically increase the tax rate for online sports betting, from 15% to 51%.  Wilder filed the bill to boost state revenue by an estimated $150 million dollars a year to help offset legislation to reduce income tax rates for both individuals and corporations. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson supported the higher tax on sports wagering…

Cut 6 (14) “…take care of the kids.”

Caesars New Orleans General Manager Samir Mowad says the tax increase is being done in bad faith with expectations being set for when casinos initially invested in Louisiana…

Cut 9 (10)  “…to operate in.”

A Federal Judge in Baton Rouge issued a temporary injunction against Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, preventing it from taking effect. This ruling from Judge John deGravelles (de-GRAVEL) follows a lawsuit filed by parents and clergy opposing the measure. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino says the endgame is getting this case to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Cut 6 (08) “…establishment clause.”

Several media outlets are reporting Republicans will retain control of the U-S House completing the GOP trifecta in Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans in the House and Senate have a mandate. He says the American people want secure borders, lower costs for groceries and gasoline, and return to common sense in classrooms and government agencies. He says they will be ready on day one to deliver on America’s mandate. Johnson says they were not ready at the start of Trump’s first term…

Cut 14 (05) “…prepared this time.”

Which Louisianians could be up for cabinet roles in the new Trump administration? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

In a tight mayoral race in the village of Tangipahoa, Shelia Martin lost her seat to Virginia Gray by just one vote. Gray won with 118 votes to Martin’s 117. As the only two candidates in the race, no runoff will take place.

A Federal Judge in Baton Rouge issued a temporary injunction against Louisiana’s law requiring the posting of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms, preventing it from taking effect.  The Louisiana Attorney General’s office voiced strong disagreement with the court’s decision, announcing plans to appeal. Judge deGravelles deemed the law “facially unconstitutional,” though he has not issued a final ruling. Ciolino says its preliminary ruling and will quickly be appealed…

Cut 7 (09) “…taket he matter up.”

The Louisiana Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses is speaking out against House Bill 9 in the special session, which calls for sales taxes to be imposed on 41 new services as a way to make up for the loss of revenue from lowering income taxes. State Director Leah Long says that will force small businesses that have never had to collect sales tax before to start doing so.

Cut 9 (06)  “…for these businesses.”

Which Louisianians could be up for cabinet roles in the new Trump administration? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Components of Governor Jeff Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive favorable approval from the House Ways and Means Committee. The panel has approved legislation to lower the corporate income tax businesses have to pay from 7.5 percent to 3.5 percent. Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois (Boorz-wah) says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.”

Darren Rizzi was a winner in his first game as a head coach in the NFL. Rizzi helped lead New Orleans to a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons to end a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi received a game ball during the postgame locker room celebration, but he says everyone in the organization deserves a game ball…

Cut 12 (11) “…heard a complaint.”

If you think you have money that should be coming to you, it’s just as well to double-check. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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.”

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. Advertising and public relations manager Shelli Murphy is inviting everyone interested in working at the resort to apply, regardless of experience – or the lack thereof.

Cut 11 (07) “…you don’t know.”

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.”

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

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

DCFS urges all EBT cardholders to change their PIN immediately after the discovery of multiple skimming devices at various retail locations across the state.  Local and federal authorities have been notified and are investigating these incidents.  DCFS recommends changing your PIN every 30 days to help safeguard your accounts.

As a senior Republican, Bill Cassidy will be part of a bipartisan committee focused on developing family leave policies, reflecting the growing demand for more comprehensive family support systems. Cassidy says this committee aims to bridge the gap between parties on key issues affecting American families, balancing economic growth and workers’ rights.

Cut 5 (12) “…see it get done.”

With these leadership roles, Cassidy says he’s ready to influence multiple areas that affect everyday Americans.

Louisiana’s record of never having a hurricane making landfall in November will remain intact, at least for the time being. Earlier this week, the National Hurricane Center had Hurricane Rafael turning north in the Gulf of Mexico and straight towards Louisiana, albeit weakening to below hurricane strength. But LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says the forecast track has done a complete 180, now headed towards the Bay of Campeche in Mexico.

Cut 13 (11)  “…steering currents whatsoever (2x).”