According to the Tax Foundation, Louisiana has the highest average state and local sales tax rate in the nation at 9.55 percent, which is a shade higher than Tennessee’s. Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says on average states rely on their sales tax for 24-percent of their state and local tax collection…
cut 5 (10) “….up there”
The Tax Foundation says Louisiana ranks 38th for state and local individual income tax collections and 43rd for state and local property tax collections.

Louisianans in 47 parishes can now play online fantasy sports through Draft Kings after the Gaming Control Board approved a license for them. Louisiana Gaming Enforcement Division Trooper Joseph Hall says they conducted a thorough background check of Draft Kings…
Cut 13 (07) “…industry.”
DraftKings launched the first mobile fantasy gaming app in 2013 and is available in 43 states.

Renters in Louisiana are on average facing dues that are not compatible with their wages and with the eviction moratorium ending at the end of the month they could be displaced. Erik Piccoli has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

Renters in Louisiana are on average facing dues that aren’t compatible with their wages and with the eviction moratorium coming to a close they could be displaced. Erik Piccoli has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Erik Piccoli.”

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The Bayou State ranks at the top when it comes to something few like to pay. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwin Edwards will lie in state Saturday at the State Capitol. Matt Doyle spoke with one of his longtime legislative allies about Edwards’ legacy…

Cut 3 (30)  “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

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Louisiana ranks at the top of the list, that’s the list for the highest combined state and local sales tax rate in the country. Tax Foundation Policy Analyst Janelle Cammenga says the average sales tax rate in Louisiana is 9.55-percent and coming in at a close second place, is Tennessee.

Cut 4 (10) “…major taxes.”

The Bayou State consistently ranks high when you compare sales tax rates among other states. Cammenga says on average states rely on their sales tax for 24-percent of their state and local tax collection.

Cut 5  (10) “…up there.”

Cammenga says a common problem plaguing most states is that their sales base is not as broad as it should be. She says during the depression most states concentrated sales taxes on goods versus services and now that the economy has shifted.

Cut 6 (07) “…amount of money.”

She says tax rates can sometimes be a determining factor for companies looking to relocate.

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A report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows Louisiana renters have to make nearly 18 dollars an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in the state. Research analyst Dan Threet says compared to Louisiana wages…

Cut 7 (10) “…a modest home” 

The issue is more pronounced in certain parts of the state such as New Orleans where renters must make nearly $21 and in Baton Rouge where they must make nearly $20.

Threet says responses to unaffordable housing include the short-term distribution of emergency rental assistance money and in the long term addressing the structural housing affordability problem…

Cut 8 (12) “…enforce renter protection”

With the end of the eviction moratorium, certain renters are likely to face eviction and displacement in the following months. Threet says about 16% of renters across the country are not current on their rent…

Cut 9 (11) “…rent payment go late”

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Longtime allies of Governor Edwin Edwards will pay their last respects Saturday as the Cajun Prince is set to lie in state at one of his favorite places on earth, the state Capitol.

Longtime lawmaker Francis Thompson entered the legislature during Edwards’ first term. He says the two of them went hunting and fishing together every year for 40 years. He says Edwards won every competition…

Cut 10 (12) “..measure it.”

Thompson, a Delhi Democrat, says Edwards understood the need for rural development and how the cities wouldn’t grow if the agricultural economy wasn’t built up.

Cut 11 (12) “…bridges.”

The two did have a major disagreement over Edwards’ push to expand gambling in the state.

Thompson says Cajun Prince will ultimately be remembered as one of the state’s greatest governors despite his many scandals and stint in federal prison.

Cut 12 (12) “…state”

A private funeral will be Sunday that will be streamed live.

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Louisianans in 47 parishes can now play online fantasy sports for at least one site after the Gaming Control Board approved a license for DraftKings yesterday.

Louisiana Gaming Enforcement Division Trooper Joseph Hall says they conducted a thorough background check of everyone involved with the company before signing off.

Cut 13 (07) “…industry.”

DraftKings launched the first mobile fantasy gaming app in 2013 and is available in 43 states.

State Police Gaming Division Audit Director Jeff Traylor says DraftKings expects to see about 15.5 million in net revenue for the current fiscal year.

Cut 14 (06) “…state.”

Traylor says an audit of DraftKings finances shows they’ve been losing money for years but that’s not a real problem for the state given their online-only presence.

Cut 15 (10)“..years.”

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With The MLB draft in the books LSU coach Jay Johnson can get a feel for what his roster may look like next season.  The Tigers return every starting position players from last year’s team and several key pitchers elected to return to LSU.  Coach Johnson says a veteran presence will be a positive for his team.

Cut 16 (16) “…high level” 

While he has a bunch of players returning, he’s also filling out his staff as he is bringing in Marc Wanaka as a volunteer assistant, who has coached under Johnson at multiple stops.  Coach Johnson says he’s excited to have him on staff.

Cut 17 (12) …of time.” 

One player who decided to stay in Baton Rouge is pitcher Devin Fontenot.  Fontenot was the team’s closer last season but says he returned to LSU to prove he can be in the starting rotation.

Cut  18 (18)”..better.”

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Cut 19 (14) “…lives.” 

Cut 20 (27)  “…next weekend.” 

Louisiana has entered another surge in COVID cases, this time largely due to the more transmissible and virulent Delta variant. The state reported 1,500 new COVID positive tests and for the first time since early March, we now have over 500 COVID patients in the hospital. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere says your best protection against the new variant is to get vaccinated, but know it’s not 100 percent protection…

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

Only half of Louisiana adults have been vaccinated.

Online fantasy sports gaming has been approved by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board for at least one site, DraftKings. It’s anticipated that the service will be available for use sometime tonight if not by tomorrow. Only residents in 47 parishes that approved the activity will be allowed to log in.

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights have been running in-state campaigns to persuade lawmakers to enter a veto override session July 20^th and overturn the Governor’s veto of legislation that would eliminate the need to have a concealed carry permit to carry a concealed firearm. NAGR spokesperson Chris Stone says right now the state is a regional outlier…

Cut 6 (07) “..this year”

Stone says currently there are 21 states that allow the concealed carry of a firearm without needing a permit.

A 49-year-old Franklin man is under arrest for allegedly severely burning a woman and killing a small child. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the female victim was able to tell responders that she and Derwin Hamilton were involved in an argument, then…

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

Over 500 people are hospitalized in Louisiana with COVID for the first time since March 10^th. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere this new surge is driven by the Delta variant, and while available vaccines do offer a lot of protection against the variant, they aren’t perfect…

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

1,500 new positive COVID tests were also reported today.

The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year old Derwin Hamilton is charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

National gun rights organizations are hoping a last-minute campaign will sway lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto of constitutional carry legislation. Some Louisiana Sheriffs and the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association oppose the bill, but National Association for Gun Rights spokesperson Chris Stone says there’s a reason why.

Cut 8 (09) “…money”

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to submit their ballots requesting the upcoming veto override session be canceled.

In northwest Louisiana, the Jimmie Davis Bridge along Highway 511 that crossed the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be closed over the weekend for scheduled repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm.

Cut 12 (12) “…approaches.”

They expect work will be completed by 6 am on Monday.

COVID cases topped 1,500 today and now just over 500 people are hospitalized. Health officials say we’re in the midst of another surge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”.  

Draft Kings will become the first fantasy sports betting company to be allowed in Louisiana. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board unanimously approved the request for an operator’s license on Thursday. Gaming investors were told that an expected 15.5 million dollars will be brought in bringing 1.3 million dollars in tax revenue for the state.

Gun rights organizations are hoping to sway local lawmakers to override the Governor’s veto on constitutional carry. Opponents of the bill fear that more shootings and crime would increase if the veto is overturned but NAGR spokesperson Chris Stone says there’s no data supporting that claim

Cut 7 (09) “…crumble.”

There are currently 21 states that have passed the constitutional carry legislation

The Jimmie Davis bridge is undergoing repairs and will be closed over the weekend. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm and alternative routes are available

Cut 13 (09) “…Barksdale bridge”

This weekend was chosen due to the lack of large events scheduled.

With 1,500 new COVID cases and a total of 504 hospitalizations in Louisiana, health officials say the Delta variant and low vaccination rates are to blame. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere…

Cut 9 (12) “…variant.”
The Jimmie Davis Bridge on Highway 511 will close this weekend for repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says this weekend was chosen due in part to the lack of large events scheduled in the surrounding area and hopes that by Monday the repairs will be finished…

Cut 14 (10) “…coming in” 

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights are wading into the battle over Governor Edwards’ veto of constitutional carry legislation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle” 

The Mercedes-Benz logo will no longer adorn the Superdome following the end of a 10-year long contract with the German automaker. In May of 2020, the announcement was made by Mercedes stating they wouldn’t seek a renewal. The contract was reportedly between $50 and $60 million dollars. The Saints have been seeking a deal with Caesars Entertainment but nothing has been confirmed.

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights are wading into the battle over Governor Edwards’ veto of constitutional carry legislation. Matt Doyle has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “ …I’m Matt Doyle” 

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COVID cases topped 1,500 today and now just over 500 people are hospitalized. Health officials say we’re in the midst of another surge. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) …I’m Brooke Thorington”.  

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The State Fire Marshal is investigating a tragic fire that claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville. Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue describes what responders found when they arrived at the mobile home Tuesday night.

Cut 3 (11)  “…condition.”

49-year old Derwin Hamilton has been booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail for second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Rodrigue says the female victim was able to tell responders that she and Hamilton were involved in an argument.

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

The child is reportedly the suspect’s great-nephew. Rodrigue says the incident has shaken the small community.

Cut 5  (10) “…condition.” 

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National gun rights organizations are hoping a last-minute campaign to sway lawmakers into heading back to Baton Rouge to override the Governor’s veto of constitutional carry legislation will pay off.

The NRA and National Association for Gun Rights have peppered the state with ads and mailers. NAGR spokesperson Chris Stone says if the veto stands Louisiana will be a regional outlier…

Cut 6 (07) “..this year”

Stone says currently there are 21 states that allow the concealed carry of a firearm without needing a permit.

Opponents of the bill are concerned that overturning that veto will lead to more shootings, but Stone says there’s no data from states with similar laws that back up that claim.

Cut 7 (09) “…crumble.”

Some Louisiana Sheriffs and the Louisiana Chiefs of Police Association oppose the bill, saying it will make life hard on law enforcement. Stone says that is not the case…

Cut 8 (09) “…money”

Lawmakers have until midnight tonight to submit their ballots requesting the upcoming veto override session be canceled.

_____________________________

As COVID cases continue to surge across the state and nation, health officials say the highly transmissible Delta variant is a driving factor along with low vaccination rates. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere…

Cut 9 (12) “…variant.”

The state has gone from an average of a hundred cases a day to over 1,200 daily. Vanchiere says the vaccine is still your best protection against the virus, but even fully vaccinated, it is possible to catch the highly contagious Delta variant.

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

While many think the pandemic is coming to an end with eased health restrictions, Vanchiere says we are only at the halfway mark. He says we are beginning to see more cases among those 40 and under as opposed to previous surges among those 60 and older.

Vanchiere says vaccination hesitancy is a major factor for the increase in COVID cases and only one out of three are fully vaccinated.

Cut  11 (10) “…emerging.” 

Today the state reported 1,500 new cases along with 504 hospitalizations and 13 fatalities.

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In northwest Louisiana, the Jimmie Davis Bridge along Highway 511 that crossed the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be closed over the weekend for scheduled repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm.

Cut 12 (12) “…approaches.”

They expect work will be completed by 6 am on Monday.

The two-lane Jimmie Davis Bridge was completed in 1968 and an average of 26,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.

As for an alternate route, Buchannan says two are available.

Cut 13 (09) “…Barksdale bridge”

Buchannan says they chose this weekend because there aren’t any large events scheduled in the area and they wanted to disrupt traffic as little as possible. Weather permitting, they will complete repairs by Monday.

Cut 14 (10) “…coming in” 

Buchannan says this is not replacing any upcoming rehabilitation projects on the bridge and this weekend’s closure is for planned repairs.

___________________________

Over 500 people are hospitalized in Louisiana with COVID for the first time since March 10^th. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere this new surge is driven by the more transmissible and virulent Delta variant, and while available vaccines do offer a lot of protection against the variant, they aren’t perfect…

Cut 10 (09) “…zero.”

1,500 new positive COVID tests were also reported today.

National gun rights organizations are hoping a last-minute campaign to sway lawmakers into heading back to Baton Rouge to override the Governor’s veto of constitutional carry legislation will pay off. National Association for Gun Rights spokesperson Chris Stone says if the veto stands Louisiana will be a regional outlier…

Cut 6 (07) “..this year”

A 49-year-old Franklin man is under arrest for allegedly severely burning a woman and killing a small child. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the female victim was able to tell responders that she and Derwin Hamilton were involved in an argument before Hamilton attacked them…

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

The child is reportedly Hamilton’s grand-nephew.

In northwest Louisiana, the Jimmie Davis Bridge along Highway 511 that crossed the Red River in Bossier and Caddo Parishes will be closed over the weekend for scheduled repairs. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchannan says work will begin on Friday at 8 pm.

Cut 12 (12) “…approaches.”

They expect work will be completed by 6 am on Monday.

1,500 new COVID cases were reported today and the state now has over 500 COVID-related hospitalizations, lending further evidence to the idea that we are in the midst of a new surge propelled by the more virulent and transmissible Delta variant. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere says vaccination hesitancy is a major factor for the increase.

Cut  11 (10) “…emerging.” 

49-year old Derwin Hamilton of Franklin is under arrest for allegedly setting a fire in his hometown that killed his great-nephew and left a woman he was in a relationship with badly burned.  State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the incident has shaken the small community.

Cut 5  (10) “…condition.” 

Parents should see the first of six-monthly advanced child tax credits in their account today. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

As COVID cases continue to surge across the state and nation, health officials say the highly transmissible delta variant is a driving factor along with low vaccination rates. LSU Health Shreveport Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. John Vanchiere…

Cut 9 (12) “…variant.”

A tragic fire claimed the life of a child and left a woman badly burned in the Franklin community of Centerville Tuesday night. State Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the female victim told responders that she and  49-year-old Derwin Hamilton were having an argument.

Cut 4 (05) “…on fire.” 

Hamilton has been charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

A preliminary CDC report shows the US suffered a 29 percent increase in overdose deaths in 2020. In Louisiana, that number is even higher at an estimated 48 percent increase. LSU Health New Orleans Chief of Community Medicine Dr. Ben Springgate on one reason behind the tragic surge…

Cut 13 (11) “…pandemic.”

A predicted 1,900 Louisianans died of an overdose last year.

The Manning Passing Academy returns to the Nicholls State campus today after being canceled last year because of the pandemic.  The annual camp is put on by the Manning family and Nicholls State athletic director Jonathan Terrell says in addition to COVID protocols that’s not the only change you’ll notice on the Thibodeaux campus.

Cut 12 (11) “…ways”