Business groups are applauding the tax reform package approved by the legislature in the just-ended special session. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Two bills have been approved by the Louisiana Legislature to make temporary pay raises for public K-12 teachers and support staff permanent, pending voter approval of a constitutional amendment in March.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Business groups are hailing the tax reform package passed by the legislature in the just-concluded special session. Will Green, the president and CEO of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, says the new tax structure will entice more companies into doing business here in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (13) “…income tax rate.” 

Green says now, thanks to the reform, Louisiana’s corporate income tax rate is lower than those in neighboring states.

Cut 4 (11) “…and for talent.”

And Green says Louisiana’s lower income tax rate will make it a more attractive state for people to move to.

Cut 5 (08) “…jobs and talent.”

As of January 1st, the income tax rate will be a flat three-percent with a 12-thousand-500-dollar standard deduction.

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The Louisiana Legislature approved two bills to make temporary pay raises for K-12 teachers and support staff permanent, pending voter approval of a constitutional amendment in March. The legislation allocates funds from protected education trusts to reduce nearly $2 billion in teacher retirement system debt. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala (back-a-la)says this shift would free up approximately $287 million annually for local school districts, enabling a $2,000 raise for teachers and $1,000 for support staff.

Cut 6 (12) “…give pay raises.”

Bacala says both amendments allow surplus savings to fund early childhood education and address staff shortages.

Cut 7 (09) “…bigger raise.”

Bacala’s bill, which unanimously passed the House and the Senate requires school districts to use the savings created by the retirement debt payment in Emerson’s Bill to fund the permanent raise.

Cut 8 (12) “…on the local side.”

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Starting January 1^st, Louisiana residents will pay lower income taxes. It’s the result of the legislation approved by lawmakers in the tax reform special session. Governor Jeff Landry says the state’s three-tiered income tax system will be replaced by a flat three-percent tax and the standard deduction will be increased to $12.500 in 2026

Cut 9 (11)  “…working poor.”

To pay for the lower income taxes, legislators raised the state sales tax rate to five-percent, beginning on January 1^st. But Landry says in the end, Louisiana residents will pay less taxes…

Cut 10 (15) “…against you.”

Landry says another goal of the special session was to make the state more competitive, so it can attract more jobs and higher wages. The governor says that was accomplished with the Legislature’s decision to by eliminating the corporate franchise tax on businesses. He believes this special session fufills a campaign promise of growing Louisiana’s economy…

Cut 11 (14) “…Louisiana home.”

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Head coach Gary Goff didn’t win enough football games at McNeese and after three seasons he was fired today. The Cowboys went six and six this season after failing to win a game on the field last year. Jim Gazzolo covers McNeese for the American Press and says there were many who thought Goff won enough games this season to keep his job…

Cut 12 (11) “…little surprised.”

Gazzolo says two former McNeese players, Slade Nagle, who is an assistant coach at LSU and Kerry Josephy, who is the quarterbacks coach for the Chicago Bears are two possible replacements…

Cut 13 (08)  “…rally around.”

Goff was 10-and-23 and had one year left on his contract. He arrived in Lake Charles in 2022 after leading Valdosta State to the Division Two national championship game in 2021. Gazzolo says despite inheriting a program that was not in good shape, he didn’t win enough games fast enough

Cut 14 (12) “…up to that.”

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner will put less strain on your wallet this year. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Is the tax reform package that the legislature overwhelmingly passed a good thing or a bad thing? Jeanne (ZHAHN) Burns reports it depends on who you ask.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeanne Burns.”

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LSU football won its first game in five weeks. Andrew Greenstein has this report from Tiger Stadium.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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This year, you can host a Thanksgiving feast for ten for relatively little money. Avery Davidson with the Louisiana Farm Bureau says the price of Thanksgiving dinner has gone down this year.

Cut 4 (11) “…was last year.”

Furthermore, that’s more than 12 dollars less than the national average. Davidson says that low cost is spurred in large part by a drop in the price of turkeys.

Cut 5 (14) “…$25.67 this year.” 

Davidson says part of the reason for our comparatively low price is the fact that it costs less to transport the goods to your local supermarkets.

Cut 6 (12) “…all come through.”

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After a hiatus of more than 20 years, Northwestern State University is restarting its rodeo program. Faculty advisor Dr. Michelle Morris, a professor of educational psychology, says a huge outpouring of support from the community led to the resumption of the program.

Cut 7 (05) “…are actively recruiting.”

One of the riders that the school recruited was McKenzie Davis, who had participated in barrel racing her entire life. Davis, an accounting major from Pollock, had previously been enrolled at LSU Alexandria. She says Northwestern State’s resumption of their rodeo program got her to transfer. 

Cut 8 (14) “…back to Northwestern.”

When Northwestern State ended their rodeo program in the mid-1990s, the school sold all the property that it had used for training. Morris says the community is stepping up in providing the school’s rodeo riders places to train.

Cut 9 (13)  “…can train physically.”

There are five rodeos in the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association each semester, and the national finals are held in the summer.

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Is the overall tax reform package passed by the legislature good or bad for Louisianians? It depends on who you ask. Invest Louisiana director Jan Moeller says raising the state sales tax will hurt low-income workers

Cut 10 (11) “…up even higher.”

Louisiana’s sales tax rate is 4.45 percent. It will go up to five percent on January 1st and drop to 4.75 percent in 2030. Moeller is not a fan of this plan…

Cut 11 (11) “…them are temporary.”

On the other hand, Daniel Erspamer (ERS-pah-mer), the CEO of the Pelican Institute, calls it a great day for the people of Louisiana.

Cut 12 (14) “…here in Louisiana.”

Governor Jeff Landry originally proposed to tax 41 services that are currently not taxed., but that bill did not pass. Erspamer says the debate over sales taxes is not over yet.

Cut 13 (12)  “…up in April.”

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For the first time in more than a month, LSU is in the win column. The Tigers beat Vanderbilt Saturday night, 24-17, snapping a three-game losing streak. Adding to the turmoil of a three-game losing streak that took LSU out of playoff contention was the news days earlier that they lost the nation’s top recruit, quarterback Bryce Underwood, to Michigan. After the game, Coach Brian Kelly said he’s proud of how his team tuned out all the chatter and focused on the job at hand.

Cut 14 (20) “…this football team.”

LSU simplified its defense. Defensive End Bradyn Swinson, who assisted on four tackles and one sack, said that game plan paid off.

Cut 15 (10) “…probably ran today.”

In the week leading up to the game, Josh Williams, Greg Penn, Will Campbell and Garrett Nussmeier called a players-only meeting. Williams discussed the nature of the meeting after the game. 

Cut 16 (10) “…out for us.”

With the win, LSU improves to 7-and-4 on the season. They wrap up the regular season next Saturday at home against Oklahoma, then they’ll await their bowl destination.

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The Ragin Cajuns are one win away from a Sun Belt Western division championship with a 51 to 30 win over Troy on Saturday. Coach Mike Desormeaux’s team is now 9-and-2 overall and 6-and-1 in league play…

Cut 17 (20) “…part of it” 

Redshirt senior Chandler Fields made his first start of the season for the injured Ben Woolridge and threw for a career-high 323 yards and two touchdowns. Fields on his team’s big day…

Cut 18 (11)   “…excited about it.”

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Louisiana Tech fell to 4-and-7 on the season and will not go to a bowl game after losing to Arkansas 35-14. Coach Sonny Cumbie’s offense could only muster 43 yards in the first half and could not take advantage of two turnovers forced by the defense…

Cut 19 (21) “…overcome that.”  

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ULM’s losing streak is now up to five after losing to Arkansas State 28 to 21. The Warhawks have one more chance to reach bowl eligibility and they will need to beat the Cajuns this Saturday. ULM Coach Bryant Vincent…

Cut 20 (13) “…embrace that.”

Kick-off against the Cajuns is at 11 AM.

Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The state Legislature has approved a major change to Louisiana’s tax laws, which will result in a cut in income taxes in exchange for higher sales taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Early voting is underway in the December 7th election. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says what’s unique about this early voting period is that it goes straight through Thanksgiving; and as such, there are some days when the polls will be closed.

Cut 3 (11) “…their voice heard.” 

Watson says turnout is expected to be low, which would be unfortunate since everyone will have something on their ballot.

Cut 4 (10) “…big mayor’s race.”

Watson says the Baton Rouge mayor’s race may be the highest profile runoff race, but it’s not the only high-profile item on the ballot.

Cut 5 (08) “…in the state.”

Early voting ends Saturday, November 30th.

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A prison escapee’s run for freedom comes to an end. 20-year-old Jamarcus Cyprian escaped from the Tangipahoa Parish Jail back on May 16th; and on Wednesday, he was arrested at an apartment complex in Hammond. Cyprian was serving time for armed robbery. Sheriff Gerald Sticker says deputies were executing a search warrant in connection with a shooting at another apartment complex, in which he was identified as a person of interest.

Cut 6 (06) “…with a gun.”

Sheriff Sticker says Cyprian was going to great lengths to change his appearance so that he would not get caught.

Cut 7 (07) “…of his hair.”

Sticker says Cyprian was traveling out of and back to Louisiana during his six months on the lam. 

Cut 8 (11) “…some family there.”

And Sticker says Cyprian was likely committing several crimes in Dallas during the times he went to that city. It was ten days before jail employees realized that Cyprian was gone, only discovering this after three other inmates escaped. Those three were quickly recaptured.

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A Rapides Parish Sheriff’s deputy is recovering after being shot by a patient at a psychiatric treatment facility. Tommy Carnline with the sheriff’s office says there was a disturbance between the patient and hospital employees, and the patient started fighting with a deputy who was trying to de-escalate the situation.

Cut 9 (12)  “…shot the suspect.”

Carnline says both the deputy and the suspect were taken to hospitals.

Cut 10 (11) “…of this time.”

Carnline says this could have ended much worse for everyone involved.

Cut 11 (03) “…injured too bad.”

The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.

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Louisiana lawmakers have approved a tax reform package that will result in lower income taxes for working individuals, but a higher state sales tax rate. The individual income tax rate would be a flat three-percent rate. The standard deduction would triple $12,500 dollars. Leesville Senator Mike Reese says this tax change will help grow the economy…

Cut 12 (12) “…to our state.”

Most Democrats also supported the tax code overhaul, even though the state sales tax rate will increase from 4.45 percent to five percent for the next five years. Lafayette Senator Gerald Boudreaux is the Chairman of the Senate Democratic Caucus

Cut 13 (12)  “…additional adjustments.”

The cut in income taxes would result in a one-point-three billion dollar annual loss in revenue. The state will get most of that back by raising the state sales tax to five percent. Also getting approved on Friday, charging state and local sales taxes for streaming services and online games.

The film tax credit program has been capped at 125-million dollars, down from 150-million. Legislators also voted to repeal the corporate franchise tax. Foil says this tax penalized businesses

Cut 14 (07) “…concerned.”

The tax section of Louisiana’s constitution has also been changed, which will require voter approval in March.

Louisiana voters will decide on four constitutional amendments in a Dec. 7 election, two of the amendments address legislative budgeting.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Louisiana congressman will be sleeping outside tonight to shed light on a growing problem. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The December 7 election has four amendments that Louisiana Voters will vote on, addressing judicial ethics, legislative budgeting, and property tax processes. Amendment 1 proposes adding five appointees to the Judiciary Commission, expanding its current nine-member structure, and give the Supreme Court authority to initiate investigations and discipline judges for misconduct. Public Affairs Research Council President Dr. Steven Procopio explains that the Judiciary Commission investigates judges…

Cut 3 (12) “…Judiciary Committee.”

Amendment 2 mandates a 48-hour review period for lawmakers before voting on budget amendments. This responds to rushed budget approvals in 2023.  Procopio says Amendment 3 complements Amendment 2 by allowing a two-thirds legislative vote to extend sessions by up to six days to finalize budgets. Procopio says it’s rare when time is not an issue.

Cut 4 (11) “…end of the session.”

Amendment 4 proposes replacing Louisiana’s tax sale process for delinquent property taxes with a tax lien auction, Procopio says it addresses potential due process violations highlighted in recent court rulings.

Cut 5 (15) “…debt amount.”

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter will be sleeping outside tonight to draw attention to youth homelessness in the city, the state and the country. Congressman Carter will be participating in the Covenant House Sleep Out tonight.

Cut 6 (09) “…issue of homelessness.”

Carter says the problem of homelessness is growing.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana and America.”

Carter says the fact that it’s expected to be a frigid night in New Orleans – at least, in New Orleans standards – will further shed light on the issue.

Cut 8 (07) “…with being unhoused.”

Carter says by sleeping outside, he and other officials who will be joining him can feel the pain that homeless people, especially children, go through on a nightly basis and work to bring resources to help get them off the streets.

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Researchers at LSU are developing a hand-held device to better detect cancer cells during surgery. It’s called SafeMargin, and it was invented by LSU electrical engineering associate professor Dr. Jian Xu (JAN ZHOO). He says the purpose of the device is to quickly detect a clean margin during cancer surgeries.

Cut 9 (08)  “…of the cancer.”

Dr. Xu says there are still many steps that need to happen before it can gain FDA approval, but he hopes to bring it to market by the end of the decade.

Cut 10 (05) “…this into market.”

Xu says the device is not only a game-changer, but it is also a life-saver.

Cut 11 (04) “…globally every year.”

Xu says not only would SafeMargin be a time-saver, but it would also be a money-saver. While traditional technology to detect clean margins would cost close to 42-hundred dollars, using SafeMargin would cost only about 100 dollars per surgery.

______________________________________

Alexandria International Airport is using a federal grant to lure United Airlines back. The airport is receiving one-million dollars through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says they’ve wanted to lure United back ever since the airline left in 2022 due to the effects of the COVID pandemic.

Cut 12 (08) “…new air service.”

Hennessy says if the airport is successful in bringing United back, the money would be put to good use.

Cut 13 (12)  “…into the market.”

Hennessy says it will ask United to operate three daily non-stops to and from Houston. He says United returning to Alexandria will have other benefits for passengers.

Cut 14 (05) “…other two airlines.”

American and Delta are the other two airlines that fly out of Alexandria.

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Breaking news out of New Orleans, as there has been a deadly shooting in broad daylight in the French Quarter. It happened at the intersection of Iberville and Royal, just one block south of Bourbon Street. New Orleans Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick says this was not a random shooting.

Cut 15 (13) “…a confirmed homicide.” (One killed, three others injured)

Kirkpatrick says a person of interest is in custody.

Cut 16 (13) “…person of interest.”

The shooting happened just weeks after a person was targeted outside a hotel not too far from the scene. Kirkpatrick says it’s too early to tell whether the shootings are connected. It also comes just four days after two people were killed during a second line parade in the St. Roch (ROCK) neighborhood.

Louisiana voters will decide on four constitutional amendments in a Dec. 7 election, two of the amendments address legislative budgeting.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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A Louisiana congressman will be sleeping outside tonight to shed light on a growing problem. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The December 7 election has four amendments that Louisiana Voters will vote on, addressing judicial ethics, legislative budgeting, and property tax processes. Amendment 1 proposes adding five appointees to the Judiciary Commission, expanding its current nine-member structure, and give the Supreme Court authority to initiate investigations and discipline judges for misconduct. Public Affairs Research Council President Dr. Steven Procopio explains that the Judiciary Commission investigates judges…

Cut 3 (12) “…Judiciary Committee.”

Amendment 2 mandates a 48-hour review period for lawmakers before voting on budget amendments. This responds to rushed budget approvals in 2023.  Procopio says Amendment 3 complements Amendment 2 by allowing a two-thirds legislative vote to extend sessions by up to six days to finalize budgets. Procopio says it’s rare when time is not an issue.

Cut 4 (11) “…end of the session.”

Amendment 4 proposes replacing Louisiana’s tax sale process for delinquent property taxes with a tax lien auction, Procopio says it addresses potential due process violations highlighted in recent court rulings.

Cut 5 (15) “…debt amount.”

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New Orleans Congressman Troy Carter will be sleeping outside tonight to draw attention to youth homelessness in the city, the state and the country. Congressman Carter will be participating in the Covenant House Sleep Out tonight.

Cut 6 (09) “…issue of homelessness.”

Carter says the problem of homelessness is growing.

Cut 7 (09) “…Louisiana and America.”

Carter says the fact that it’s expected to be a frigid night in New Orleans – at least, in New Orleans standards – will further shed light on the issue.

Cut 8 (07) “…with being unhoused.”

Carter says by sleeping outside, he and other officials who will be joining him can feel the pain that homeless people, especially children, go through on a nightly basis and work to bring resources to help get them off the streets.

______________________________________

Researchers at LSU are developing a hand-held device to better detect cancer cells during surgery. It’s called SafeMargin, and it was invented by LSU electrical engineering associate professor Dr. Jian Xu (JAN ZHOO). He says the purpose of the device is to quickly detect a clean margin during cancer surgeries.

Cut 9 (08)  “…of the cancer.”

Dr. Xu says there are still many steps that need to happen before it can gain FDA approval, but he hopes to bring it to market by the end of the decade.

Cut 10 (05) “…this into market.”

Xu says the device is not only a game-changer, but it is also a life-saver.

Cut 11 (04) “…globally every year.”

Xu says not only would SafeMargin be a time-saver, but it would also be a money-saver. While traditional technology to detect clean margins would cost close to 42-hundred dollars, using SafeMargin would cost only about 100 dollars per surgery.

______________________________________

Alexandria International Airport is using a federal grant to lure United Airlines back. The airport is receiving one-million dollars through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. England Airpark Executive Director Ralph Hennessy says they’ve wanted to lure United back ever since the airline left in 2022 due to the effects of the COVID pandemic.

Cut 12 (08) “…new air service.”

Hennessy says if the airport is successful in bringing United back, the money would be put to good use.

Cut 13 (12)  “…into the market.”

Hennessy says it will ask United to operate three daily non-stops to and from Houston. He says United returning to Alexandria will have other benefits for passengers.

Cut 14 (05) “…other two airlines.”

American and Delta are the other two airlines that fly out of Alexandria.

The proposed tax reform measures that would eliminate Louisiana’s film incentive program and historic building tax credits concerns Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Sean Richardson has more…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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LSU’s student leadership doesn’t like that Governor Landry arranged for a live tiger to be brought into Tiger Stadium before the Alabama game. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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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, particularly in sectors benefiting from tourism and film production.

Cut 4 (13) “…for the credit.”

Nungesser says these programs have proven their value.  The film incentive program has brought significant investment and jobs to Louisiana, while historic tax credits preserve our unique cultural heritage and revitalize communities.

Cut 5 (14) “…preserves the history.” 

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.”

Emerson says these cuts are a way to simplify the tax code and offset revenue losses, while critics warn of potential economic fallout for industries reliant on these incentives.  Emerson says by cutting these incentives, they can reduce taxes for every businesses in the state.

Cut 7 (08) “…business in Louisiana.”

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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. For the Alabama game, Governor Landry procured a tiger from Florida to bring back a tradition that died several years ago. Speaker Pro Tempore Ethan Elme authored the resolution,

Cut 8 (13) “…related to that.”

Ariana Tashakkori, a senior majoring in natural resources ecology and management and a member of the school’s chapter of the Wildlife Society, says she was disheartened to see LSU cave in to Governor Landry after previously telling him no.

Cut 9 (09)  “…involvement with LSU”

The resolution will be sent to University President William Tate, Athletic Director Scott Woodward, Governor Landry and others. But Donna Long with the LSU Wildlife Society, says she would be shocked if university leadership acknowledged the students’ concerns.

Cut 10 (12) “…lipped about it.”

At this time, it’s unclear whether the Florida tiger, named Omar Bradley, is still in Louisiana or whether he or another tiger will be brought onto the field before the start of one of the two remaining home games of the season.

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The Louisiana Senate gets its turn this week to debate and vote on the various bills that make up Governor Landry’s tax plan. The bills up for discussion would cut individual and business taxes and there’s also a revenue raising bill which would make the state’s sales tax 4.40 percent. Senate President Cameron Henry feels good about approving changes to the state’s tax code before the session must end next Monday night…

Cut 11 (08) “…bills forward.”

Lobbying is underway to prevent the elimination of the state’s film tax credit program and tax credit to restore historic buildings. 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”

The Senate has yet to receive a bill that extends sales taxes to services that are currently not taxed. The Louisiana House has yet to vote on the measure as there’s opposition to paying sales taxes for dog grooming, landscaping, and home repairs. Henry says they will wait and see what the House does…

Cut 13 (10)  “…it all.”

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The Ragin Cajuns failed to lock up a Sun Belt Western Division title as they were upset at home on Saturday, losing to South Alabama 24 to 22. The Jaguars led 24 to 3 at halftime and Coach Michael Desormeaux (Dez-er-mo) blames himself for not having the team ready to play…

Cut 14 (15) “…of us.”

UL Lafayette falls to 8-and-2 and will host Troy this Saturday.

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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 Bulldogs improve to 4-and-6 and Cumbie says his players have not given up on the season…

Cut 16  (16)  each other.” 

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The LSU Tigers dropped their third straight game on Saturday losing to the Florida Gators 27 to 16. LSU won nearly every statistical category in the box score, but the Tigers only scored one touchdown and continued to give up big plays on defense. Coach Brian Kelly.

Cut 17 (11) “…explosive plays.” 

LSU has been eliminated from an opportunity to play in the SEC Championship game and can no longer win ten games this season. They have two regular season games left starting this Saturday at home against a hungry Vanderbilt team. Kelly says pride is the Tigers’ biggest motivation…

Cut 18 (18)   “…along side of you.”

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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.”  

Taysom Hill had a game for the ages, and it’s not hyperbole to say that he did everything out there. He had 230 all-purpose yards — 138 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving, 18 yards passing and 42 kick return yards — and scored three touchdowns. It was the first time in two years that Hill scored three touchdowns in a game, tying a career high. It was also the first time since Ed Podolak (POE-do-lack) of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1971 that a player had three rushing touchdowns, 50 yards receiving and at least one passing completion. Hill said he’s honored to be mentioned in such elite company.

Cut 20 (12) “…lot to me.”

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. Kickoff is at 3:05 Central time.

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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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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.”

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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.” 

Senator Cassidy says most recently, he announced more than 63-million dollars from the infrastructure law for railroad investments.

Cut 4 (14) “…62-mile network.”

Also, Jaguar Transport Holdings is receiving five-million dollars to increase the capacity of the West Memphis-based railroad, which runs through Louisiana. Cassidy says he’s proud to have secured this money for Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…economy for 2050.”

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Lainey Wilson, the Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, is performing at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend. These concerts are part of her “Country’s Cool Again Tour.”  The shows mark the final stop on her tour and promise to feature her chart-topping hits.  Discover West Monroe CEO Alana Cooper says she’s excited for the stars return home.

Cut 6 (11) “…a little easier.”

Cooper says both sold out shows will host a total of over 12-thousand Wilson fans and that means the local economy will see a boost over the weekend as well.

Cut 7 (06) “…weekend to come in.”

Cooper says the Monroe Civic Center typically the arena hosts religious concerts or an upcoming rising star, and are thankful to have Wilson come back home and perform at the Civic.

Cut 8 (05) “…in the Country genre.”

​The Monroe Civic Center Arena doors open at 7:00 PM.

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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 the measure that replaces the current income tax structure with a flat tax and a higher standard deduction.

Cut 9 (06)  “…income tax rate.”

As for making up for the loss of revenue, Landry has proposed imposing sales taxes on 41 services not being taxed. That measure has stalled in the House. Foil says those services are being taxed in other states, including those that neighbor Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…strategic about it.”

The committee, however, WILL hear a measure that passed in the House that removes the sunset for the temporary 0.45–percent sales tax increase and lowers it to 0.40-percent. Foil says the biggest challenge is pleasing everyone.

Cut 11 (12) “…pay for it.”

The special session must wrap up by six P-M November 25th.

______________________________________

The LSU Tigers will try to end their two-game losing streak on Saturday 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.”

LSU’s defense has struggled the last six quarters and six turnovers by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier have also been a detriment.

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 Ragin Cajuns can win a Sun Belt West title with a victory against South Alabama on Saturday. 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 that doesn’t matter when they line up against the Jaguars…

Cut 14 (07) “…come and win”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

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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.”

Vaughn says that dumping carcasses improperly bring potential health and environmental issues…

Cut 16 (13) “….landfills.”

Violations carry up to a $350 each.  Gross littering up to $900, 16 hours of community service in a litter abatement program and 30 days in jail.

Owens may also face civil restitution totaling $3,249 for the replacement value of the deer.

If you owe a delinquent debt to the Office of Motor Vehicles, there’s relief in store for you. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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LSU looks to end its two-game losing streak on Saturday and keep alive its slim chance of playing in the SEC Championship game.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you might want to consider taking in the St. Tammany Collectors Convention in Mandeville. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Those of you who owe fees and unpaid fines to the Office of Motor Vehicles, the state is offering some much-needed relief. The OMV has recalled fees previously referred to the Office of Debt Recovery and has reset them to their original amounts. Commissioner Dan Casey says the goal is to get driver’s licenses reinstated once and for all.

Cut 4 (09) “…rewrite this program.”

Casey says some of the reasons that some fees went to the ODR may have been beyond the driver’s control, and that sent the amount owed spiraling out of control, making the matter worse.

Cut 5 (15) “…to four-thousand.” 

Casey says the state wants to help in any way it can.

Cut 6 (06) “…an individual basis.”

The OMV says more than 350-thousand Louisiana drivers will benefit from this change, and they need to contact the OMV immediately to pay the original fine in its entirety or to work out a payment plan. All unresolved fees more than 180 days past due will be referred back to the ODR.

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Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is set to visit the UK to promote Louisiana spices, meet agricultural officials, and tour farms and other agricultural sites. Strain highlights the UK’s extensive agricultural land, with 71% dedicated to farming, focusing on staple crops like wheat, barley, oats, and potatoes. He also notes that UK’s top export is…

Cut 7 (05) “…a few other things.”

Strain’s enthusiasm for Louisiana’s vibrant food culture and his excitement about his upcoming trip reflect his commitment to expanding Louisiana’s agricultural influence and fostering cultural exchange through food.

Cut 8 (04) “…sell stuff to the U.K.”

Strain says he will be touring, looking at the U.K.’s agriculture, and meeting with their officials.

Cut 9 (05)  “…veterinarians and their scientist.”

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Louisiana lawmakers have delayed a vote on a crucial sales tax bill within Governor Jeff Landry’s ambitious tax reform plan. The package aims to cut around $2 billion in income and corporate taxes but has faced opposition regarding a proposed sales tax expansion on services like lawn care, tattoos, and coin-operated laundries. This tax would raise an estimated $500 million to offset the lost revenue from the tax cuts. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says resistance in the House has cast doubt on the bill’s future, as 70 votes are needed for passage.

Cut 10 (12) “…be a tough sell.”

Some legislators doubt the bill’s viability. Meanwhile, Landry has denied a lack of support, urging patience. A separate bill making a temporary .40% sales tax permanent passed down from .45%, expected to generate $820 million annually, Pinsonat says that’s good news for tax payers.

Cut 11 (07) “…good news for consumers.”

Other tax reform measures advancing include reducing the corporate income tax and eliminating the franchise tax. Pinsonat says these proposals aim to improve Louisiana’s tax competitiveness, with Landry citing models from states like Texas, though the package’s full impact remains uncertain.

Cut 12 (10) “…eventually counts.”

Final Adjournment for the legislature is November 25.

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Looking for something to do this weekend? Why not take in the St. Tammany Collectors Convention in Mandeville? It will take place tomorrow and Sunday at the Castine (CAST-een) Center. Convention owner and director Ben Robert (ro-BEAR) says there will be about 150 vendors in the 40-thousand-square-foot facility.

Cut 13 (11)  “…type stuff”

There will also be vintage record vendors and trading card vendors. Robert says there will also be costume groups on hand.

Cut 14 (12) “…Star Wars groups.”

And Robert says there will be some special guests on hand.

Cut 15 (16) “…in Scream 3.”

General admission is 15 dollars tomorrow and 10 dollars on Sunday. Kids 12 and under are free, as is parking. More information is on their website at StTammanyCollectorsCon.com.

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Former Saints quarterback Jameis Winston returns to the Superdome this Sunday when the Black and Gold host the Cleveland Browns. Winston spent four seasons in New Orleans and signed with Cleveland as a free agent in the offseason and has started the last two games for the Browns. Safety Tyrann Mathieu is looking forward to the reunion…

Cut 16 (14) “….up there.” 

After missing the last seven games due to a groin, starting center Erik McCoy is expected to return this Sunday. McCoy says he returns just in time to face a very good defensive line…

Cut 17 (17) “…successful game.” 

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The Ragin Cajuns can win a Sun Belt Conference Western Division championship tomorrow with a win over South Alabama. It would be U-L Lafayette’s fifth division title in seven years. The Cajuns were picked to finish third in the West, but Coach Michael Desormeaux says they expected to play in the Sun Belt Championship game…

Cut 18 (11)   “…ever mattered.”

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The LSU Tigers will attempt to snap their two game losing streak tomorrow as the Bayou Bengals visit Florida in Gainesville. The Tigers are ranked 113th in the country in rush offense. Offensive tackle Emery Jones says they are doubling down on their effort to get the ground game going…

Cut 19 (16) “…make it work.”  

The last six quarters have been rough for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but Jones says Nuss still has a positive mindset…

Cut 20 (09) “…him for that.”

Kick off is at 2:30.

Control of the House remains with the Republicans – and as such, the new speaker will be the same as the old speaker. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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A Vermilion Parish man was cited by LDWF for Hunter Harassment.  Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Meet the new House speaker – same as the old House speaker. House Republicans have unanimously selected Shreveport-area Congressman Mike Johnson 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.”

And Speaker Johnson says House Republicans are gearing up to act on their agenda on Day One of the new Congress.

Cut 4 (14) “…on January 3rd.”

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.” 

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.”

The 119th Congress will be sworn in at noon Eastern time on Friday, January 3rd.

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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-win) says Louisiana had the lowest incidence rate among 41 participating states, second only to the District of Columbia.

Cut 7 (07) “…injuries and illness.”

Schowen 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.”

The private-sector incidence rate declined across several industries in Louisiana from 2022 to 2023. Schowen highlighted this was a concerted effort across all industries…

Cut 9 (08)  “…very seriously.”

This trend underscores Louisiana’s advancements in occupational safety, setting an example for other states to follow.

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Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agent cited a Vermilion Parish man for alleged hunter harassment. 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.”

Sonnier says Patin 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.”

Sonnier urges people to continue to talk and to cooperate with our neighbors so we can all enjoy Louisiana’s Sportsman’s Paradise.

Cut 12 (08) “…someone else’s day”

Hunter harassment carries a fine of up to $350.

Plenty of reaction to a federal judge’s preliminary ruling that the state’s Ten Commandments law is unconstitutional. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Today Alexandria is having a Regional Litter Conference hosted by Keep Louisiana Beautiful to address the states litter problem.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Louisiana House has approved a bill to cut state income taxes. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Plenty of reaction after a federal court judge in Baton Rouge put the state’s Ten Commandments law on hold. Jabarie Walker, the political director at the ACLU of Louisiana, hailed Judge John deGravelles’ (de-GRAVEL) ruling, saying it ensures the separation of church and state.

Cut 4 (17) “…ultimately our democracy.”

And Walker says part of that separation of church and state is keeping religion out of public schools.

Cut 5 (12) “…people of Louisiana.” 

Walker says kids should be able to go to school without fear that a religion – especially one that they do not practice – will be pushed on them.

Cut 6 (11) “…a public school.”

In a statement, Attorney General Liz Murrill said she strongly disagrees with Judge DeGravelles’ decision and will immediately appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.

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Keep Louisiana Beautiful is hosting Regional Litter Summits in Louisiana this week to address the state’s litter problem. KLB Executive Director Susan Russell says these summits, supported by Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, aim to increase support from local governments, partners, and elected officials in the effort to clean up Louisiana.

Cut 7 (13) “…that we provide.”

The Alexandria summit is today at The Randolph Riverfront Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The next summit is Friday at the Lake Charles Event Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Russell says they want to understand challenges that local governments face in managing litter and explore ways to assist them. One solution is citations…

Cut 8 (11) “…bad behavior.”

Additional summits are planned for December in areas including the Capital and Northshore, New Orleans and Houma, and Acadiana, expanding KLB’s effort statewide to build momentum for a cleaner Louisiana.  Russell says they want to engage local communities…

Cut 9 (12)  “…roads clean.”

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A woman claimed that her son had been kidnapped. The St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, however, determined it to be something else entirely. Major Mark LeBlanc says Artasia Viges (VEE-zhees) and her son, who’s less than five years old, had a disagreement while she was driving in Eunice.

Cut 10 (09) “…the child’s knees.”

Major LeBlanc says Viges had claimed that people in an older model truck had kidnapped the little boy as she was attending to a flat tire. Investigators determined that story to be bogus.

Cut 11 (07) “…in the night.”

LeBlanc says Viges made no effort to chase after her young son.

Cut 12 (13) “…sight of him.”

Viges was arrested on three charges – cruelty to juveniles, child desertion and false swearing for the purpose of violating public health or safety. Her bond is set at 200-thousand dollars.

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The Louisiana House has approved two significant pieces of Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan. The first bill to head to the Senate for its approval is a measure reduce individual income taxes to a flat three-percent rate. Carencro Representative Julie Emerson is the sponsor of the bill…

Cut 13 (07)  “…state of Louisiana.”

The bill passed on an 87-12 vote, with only Democrats voting against it. Cutting state income taxes will reduce state revenues by hundreds of millions of dollars.

The Landry administration is seeking to offset the revenue loss by taxing services currently not taxed and renewing a temporary sales tax that expires next year. But New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says none of those bills have passed…

Cut 14 (05) “…to it.”

The Louisiana House also approved a bill to repeal the corporation franchise tax. Emerson says this is a tax that’s hurt economic development efforts in Louisiana…

Cut 15 (08) “…you make.”

Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs is expected to debate these bills on Friday.

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The LSU Tigers are trying to fix the mistakes that led to back-to-back losses to Texas A-and-M and Alabama. Is it the players or is it the coaches. Coach Brian Kelly says it’s a combination of both…

Cut 16 (27) “….for us.” 

Even though LSU has two SEC losses, the Tigers still have a 16-percent of chance getting to the SEC Championship game according to ESPN. But a more realistic goal is to finish with another ten win seasons. Kelly says there’s also still plenty of time for development…

Cut 17 (21) “…that goal.” 

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The ULM Warhawks enter this Saturday’s football game against Auburn on a three-game losing streak. Coach Bryant Vincent says his team is going through a tough time, but they still have the potential to finish with a winning record

Cut 18 (20)   “…complete body of work.”

The Warhawks are 23 and a half point underdogs against Auburn. Vincent says for ULM to stay close, they need to play well on third down…

Cut 19 (18) “…those games”  

Auburn is 3-and-6. Kick off is at 11:45 AM on Saturday.