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

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA), ranking member of the Senate HELP Committee, responded to President Trump’s nomination of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Secretary of HHS. Cassidy praised Kennedy’s focus on healthy foods and public health transparency, expressing interest in his broader policy positions and their alignment with a conservative, pro-American agenda.

Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, Lainey Wilson is performing two sold out shows at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend.   Discovery West Monroe CEO Alana 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.”

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.

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.

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.”  Discovery West Monroe CEO Alana Cooper says she’s excited for the star’s return home.

Cut 6 (11) “…a little easier.”

The shows mark the final stop on her tour and promise to feature her chart-topping hits.

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.”

Lawmakers delay a vote on a crucial sales tax bill within Governor Landry’s ambitious tax reform plan. The House did approve a bill making a temporary point-4-5-percent sales tax permanent and reducing it to point-4-0-percent, which is expected to generate $820 million annually. Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s good news for taxpayers.

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

Landry has denied a lack of support, urging patience.

The Office of Motor Vehicles has reset all outstanding fees and fines to their original amounts. The office says some fees that went to the Office of Debt Recovery ended up spiraling out of control, beyond the control of the person owing it. All unresolved fees more than 180 days past due will be referred back to the ODR.

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.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is set to visit the UK. While there, he will be promoting Louisiana spices, meeting with agricultural officials, and touring farms and other agricultural sites. Strain notes that the UK’s top export is:

Cut 7 (06) “…a few other things.”

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.”

A 62-year-old man from DeQuincy is facing numerous charges after he allegedly dumped deer carcasses off a bridge in the town of Starks in Calcasieu Parish. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says Ronald Owens admitted dumping three deer carcasses and a feral hog carcass and also admitted to agents he did not tag two of the three deer he dumped.

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain will be in the United Kingdom for the next week…

Cut 9 (05) “…scientists”

Strain says they will take about bringing Louisiana spices to the UK.

The St. Tammany Collectors Con is tomorrow and Sunday at the Castine Center in Mandeville. Director Ben Robert (ro-bear) says they will have 150 vendors and special guests on hand…

Cut 15 (16) “….in Scream 3”

More information St-Tammany-Collectors-Con-dot-com.

Tonight and tomorrow night, Grammy award winner and last year’s Entertainer of the Year in country music, Lainey Wilson, will perform at the Monroe Civic Center. The sold out shows have brought additional visitors to Monroe to see the country music superstar from Baskin.

The state is offering some relief to those owing delinquent fees and fines to the Office of Motor Vehicles. The OMV has recalled debts previously referred to the Office of Debt Recovery and reset fees back to their original amounts. Commissioner Dan Casey says the goal is to get driver’s licenses reinstated and some of the reasons fees went to the ODR may have been beyond the driver’s control.

Cut 5 (15) “…to four-thousand.”

More than 350-thousand Louisiana drivers will benefit from this change. Casey says the state wants to help…

Cut 6 (06) “…an individual basis.”

Those will delinquent fees need to contact the OMV to pay the original fine or work out a payment plan before December 31^st

Louisiana lawmakers have delayed a vote on a sales tax bill within Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan. The package aims to cut around $2 billion in income and corporate taxes but has faced opposition over a proposed sales tax expansion on previously untaxed services which would raise about $500 million to offset reduction in income taxes. 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.”

The St. Tammany Collectors Convention is this weekend at the Castine Center in Mandeville. Director Ben Robert says among the 150 vendors will be ventage record and trading card vendors. And Costume groups will be on hand…

Cut 14 (12) “…Star Wars groups.”

Bills to reduce individual and corporate income taxes and the corporate franchise tax are awaiting debate in the Senate as lawmakers delay a vote on another part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan that would expand sales tax to services like lawn care, tattoos, and coin-operated laundries. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says for the Governor tax plan to work, he needs measures to raise revenue.

Cut 12 (10) “…eventually counts.”

The state is offering relief to those who have delinquent fees and fines with the Office of Motor Vehicles. Commissioner Dan Casey says they want to help and have recalled debts from the Office of Debt Recovery and reset fees back to original amounts.

Cut 6 (06) “…an individual basis.”

Those owing fines need to contact the OMV to pay the original fine or to work out a payment plan before December 31^st.

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.”

Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is set to visit the UK to promote Louisiana spices, meet ag officials, and tour farms and other agricultural sites. He’s excited about expanding Louisiana’s agricultural influence and fostering cultural exchange through food.

Cut 8 (04) “…sell stuff to the U.K.”

The state is offering some much-needed relief to those owing fees and unpaid fines to the Office of Motor Vehicles. The OMV has recalled fees previously referred to the Office of Debt Recovery and 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.”

More than 350-thousand Louisiana drivers will benefit from this change, but they need to contact the OMV to pay the original fine in its entirety or to work out a payment plan before December 31^st.

The Louisiana House approved a bill making a temporary .45 percent sales permanent but reduced it to .4 percent. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says that’s good news for taxpayers

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

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.”

Her final shows are sold out but if you were lucky enough to get tickets to see Grammy Award-winning artist and Baskin, Louisiana native Lainey Wilson at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend, there are a few things you should know. Give yourself plenty of time for the first come, first serve parking and if you see a spot to the right of the fountain, it’s reserved for VIP ticket holders. Keep in mind the Monroe Civic Center’s strict Clear Bag Policy and expect to be searched upon entry.

Louisiana lawmakers have delayed a vote on a sales tax bill within Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan. The package aims to cut around $2 billion in income and corporate taxes but has faced opposition over 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.”

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 noting their export with the top being…

Cut 7 (05) “…a few other things.”

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.”

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, the St. Tammany Collectors Convention is happening in Mandeville Saturday and Sunday at the Castine (CAST-een) Center. Convention owner and director Ben Robert (RO-BEAR) says there will be about 150 vendors.

Cut 13 (11)  “…type stuff”

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. 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.” 

In a news conference, Speaker Johnson said House Republicans are gearing up to act on their agenda on Day One of the new Congress.

Cut 4 (14) “…on January 3rd.”

Johnson said Republicans got a loud and clear mandate from the American people on Election Day.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites a Vermilion Parish man for hunter harassment. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Louisiana has the second lowest rate of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says last year, Louisiana’s private sector reported 19-thousand nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, down from 21-thousand the year before. Only the District of Columbia had a lower rate.

A Wednesday evening vehicle pursuit  that began in Ascension Parish with Gonzales Police and Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office ended with a tragic murder-suicide in St. James Parish. A preliminary state police investigation revealed that after the pursuit ended it was discovered that the fleeing driver, a 23-year-old male, sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound, then a 1-year-old child who was a passenger was found to have suffered a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.

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.

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

Cut 3 (14) “…of all that.”

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.”