A federal judge in Baton Rouge says, “Thou shalt not post the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms.” Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business is speaking out against the bill in the special session that would impose sales tax on 41 services not currently being taxed. The association says it’s not necessarily the passing along of the sales tax to the customer as much as it is the bookkeeping that will complicate things for these small business owners.

Several media outlets are projecting Republicans to retain control of the U-S House completing the GOP trifecta in Washington. In a press conference today on the steps of the U.S. Capitol, House Speaker Mike Johnson from Bossier Parish says Republicans are ready to deliver on Donald Trump’s agenda…

Cut 12 (12) “…in America.”

Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) does not envision State Treasurer John Fleming joining the new administration, even though he had held three different positions in the previous Trump administration.

Cut 4 (09) “…be enticing enough.”

Sadow says the most likely Louisianian to join the administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

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.”

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, 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.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill says they are appealing the ruling.

Which Louisianians could be considered for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet? LSU-Shreveport Political Science Professor Jeffrey Sadow (SAD-ow) says the most likely one to join the new Trump administration is State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley, who might be in consideration for Secretary of Education.

Cut 3 (09) “…here in Louisiana.”

State Treasurer John Fleming says President-elect Donald Trump has contacted him about a possible appointment in the Trump administration and in an interview with the USA Today Network, Fleming says he would be interested in a senior position.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association says Insurance costs again rank as the top concern for Louisiana’s trucking industry. LMTA’s executive director Renee Amar says state lawmakers must address soaring insurance premiums…

Cut 11 (06) “…monthly basis”

She says that’s why it’s imperative that the legislature tackle this in the next session.

The Louisiana House will vote on several proposed changes to the state’s tax code this afternoon. The proposals are part of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says one of the bills up for debate today is a measure that repeals the corporate franchise tax that businesses pay…

Cut 28 (13) “..population exodus”

U-S District Judge John deGravelles issued a ruling this morning that says Louisiana can not move forward with a law that requires public schools and universities to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Judge deGravelles calls Louisiana’s Ten Commandments Law facially unconstitutional. Attorney General Liz Murrill strongly disagrees with the court’s decision and plans an immediate appeal.

The spectacle is over, but questions about the tiger brought into Death Valley on Saturday night linger on. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is out with its biggest current concerns for the trucking industry. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says at the top of the list is soaring insurance premiums.

Cut 10 (08) “…next year’s vehicles.”

Amar is hopeful lawmakers will pass legislation in either a special session next year or in the 2025 regular session that addresses legal reforms and reduces frivolous lawsuits targeting the trucking industry.

Just over 200 Louisiana high school football teams are gearing up for the playoffs which begin on Friday. Looking for a sleeper team….How about the Leesville Wampus Cats…

Cut 15 (06) “….the state”

That’s LHSAA Network reporter Spencer Verrett. Leesville is a seven seed in the Division One select playoffs.

The Louisiana House will debate the benefits and drawbacks of the Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform plan as the House Ways & Means Committee approved several bills central to the plan including lowering corporate income tax rates to 3.5%. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says all signs point to the bills passing.

Cut 6 (10) “…be so certain.”

The decision to have a live tiger in Death Valley before the LSU hosted Alabama was not without controversy. The tiger, named Omar Bradley, was wheeled out onto the field about 15 minutes prior to kickoff and was wheeled out a few minutes later and was about two miles from the stadium by the time the team took the field to pyrotechnics. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator said Omar appeared visibly uncomfortable.

Cut 9 (14)  “…was very startled.”

Saturday night’s loss to Alabama was the worst loss the LSU Tigers have suffered since Brian Kelly took over as head coach. There are concerns among the fan base on whether Kelly can make the Tigers a championship contender. Kelly says despite the loss to Alabama, this is a program headed in the right direction…

Cut 17 (17) “…have here” 

The high school football playoff brackets are out and there are 208 schools who have visions of making it to the state championship game. In Division One select, Edna Karr and Alexandria Senior High are the top two seeds, but LHSAA Network reporter Spencer Verrett (veh-RET) says there are three schools from the Lafayette area that could play in the prep Classic…

Cut 14 (14) “…Acadiana.”

After LSU brought a live tiger into Tiger Stadium Saturday, PETA is questioning the legality of bringing the animal from Florida to Louisiana.  PETA claimed in a press release that it was illegal, since the tiger’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson of Maitland, Florida, did not have a specific exemption. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator has been following this story.

Cut 8 (09) “…into what happened.”

LSU has not yet commented.

The Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee approved several bills central to Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda, moving them to the House floor for further debate. Key elements include reducing corporate income tax to 3.5-percent and repealing the state’s corporate franchise tax. Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says supporters believe eliminating this tax will attract more businesses to the state.

Cut 5 (12) “…population exodus.”

The high school football playoffs kick off Friday and the division one brackets are loaded with great teams. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Members of the trucking industry are leaving Louisiana on a weekly and monthly basis says Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar). She says among their concerns are soaring insurance premiums, lawsuit abuse and medical costs.

Cut 12 (10) “…up on us.”

Other concerns include the economy, driver shortages, fuel prices and driver distraction.

The Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee approved several bills central to Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda, moving them to the House floor for further debate. Key elements include a corporate income tax rate of 3.5-percent, which would replace the current 7.5%.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the question becomes how do we replace that revenue?

Cut 4 (15) “…talking about 70.”

Concerns including soaring insurance premiums are driving truckers out of Louisiana says Renee Amar (AY-mar), Executive Director of The Louisiana Motor Transport Association.

Cut 11 (09) “…and monthly basis.”

Other concerns include the economy, driver shortages, fuel prices and driver distraction.

The spectacle is over, but questions about the tiger brought into Death Valley linger on. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says lack of consistency is what sticks out the most after breaking down the tape of Saturday night’s 42-13 loss to Alabama. The loss to the Crimson Tide likely knocked the Tigers out of playoff contention, but Kelly says the focus for his team the rest of the way is to be more consistent

Cut 16 (08) “….important thing.” 

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda gets approval from the House Ways and Means committee and moves to the House Floor for debate.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is out with its biggest current concerns for the trucking industry. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says at the top of the list is soaring insurance premiums.

Cut 10 (08) “…next year’s vehicles.”

The live tiger spectacle at Death Valley came and went, but many questions remain – including who paid to import the tiger into Louisiana from Florida. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator has been following this story since she broke it last Thursday, and she says she’s been told that no public money was used.

Cut 7 (09) “…the governor’s spokesperson.”

LSU has not yet commented.

The high school football playoff brackets are out and there are 208 schools who have visions of making it to the state championship game. LHSAA Network reporter Spencer Verrett (veh-RET) says the division four select bracket, which has Vermilion Catholic as the top seed, looks extremely tough…

Cut 13 (12)  “…get to the dome.”

In Division One select, Edna Karr and Alexandria Senior High are the top two seeds.

Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda gets approval from the House Ways and Means committee and moves to the House Floor for debate.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

The spectacle is over, but questions about the tiger brought into Death Valley linger on. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

The high school football playoffs kick off Friday and the division one brackets are loaded with great teams. Jeff Palermo has a preview…

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_____________________________________________

The Louisiana House Ways & Means Committee approved several bills central to Governor Jeff Landry’s tax reform agenda, moving them to the House floor for further debate. Key elements include a corporate income tax rate of 3.5-percent, which would replace the current 7.5%.  Political Analyst Bernie Pinsonat says the question becomes how do we replace that revenue?

Cut 4 (15) “…talking about 70.”

Another major proposal seeks to repeal the state’s corporate franchise tax, which currently imposes additional costs on large businesses operating in Louisiana. Pinsonat says supporters believe eliminating this tax will attract more businesses to the state, fostering job growth and economic expansion.

Cut 5 (12) “…population exodus.”

The upcoming House debates will address both the benefits and potential drawbacks of this substantial tax overhaul.  Pinsonat says all signs point to the bills passing.

Cut 6 (10) “…be so certain.”

_____________________________________________

The live tiger spectacle at Death Valley came and went, but many questions remain – including who paid to import the tiger into Louisiana from Florida. Piper Hutchinson with the Louisiana Illuminator has been following this story since she broke it last Thursday, and she says she’s been told that no public money was used.

Cut 7 (09) “…the governor’s spokesperson.”

Over the weekend, PETA claimed in a press release that the importing of the tiger into Louisiana was illegal, since the tiger’s owner, Mitchel Kalmanson of Maitland, Florida, did not have a specific exemption. Hutchinson is not aware of any potential criminal ramifications.

Cut 8 (09) “…into what happened.”

The tiger, named Omar Bradley, was wheeled out onto the field about 15 minutes prior to kickoff and was wheeled out a few minutes later and was about two miles from the stadium by the time the team took the field to pyrotechnics. Hutchinson said Omar appeared visibly uncomfortable.

Cut 9 (14)  “…was very startled.”

LSU has not said a word about the spectacle and has ignored all requests for comment.

______________________________________________________

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is out with its biggest current concerns for the trucking industry. Executive Director Renee Amar (AY-mar) says at the top of the list is soaring insurance premiums.

Cut 10 (08) “…next year’s vehicles.”

And Amar says that’s driving them right out of the state.

Cut 11 (09) “…and monthly basis.”

She says that’s why it’s imperative that the legislature tackle this in the next session. The other top concerns are lawsuit abuse and medical costs.

Cut 12 (10) “…up on us.”

Other concerns include the economy, driver shortages, fuel prices and driver distraction.

______________________________________________________

The high school football playoff brackets are out and there are 208 schools who have visions of making it to the state championship game. LHSAA Network reporter Spencer Verrett (veh-RET) says the division four select bracket, which has Vermilion Catholic as the top seed, looks extremely tough…

Cut 13 (12)  “…get to the dome.”

In Division One select, Edna Karr and Alexandria Senior High are the top two seeds, but Verrett says three are three schools from the Lafayette area that could play in the prep Classic…

Cut 14 (14) “…Acadiana.”

In Division Two select, Shaw, University, E-D White and Haynes Academy are the top four seeds. Verrett says the seventh seeded Wampus Cats of Leesville are a sleeper…

Cut 15 (06) “…the state.”

In the second round, Leesville will play the winner of this Friday’s game between Loyola Prep and Sophie B Wright.

_______________________________________________________________________

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says lack of consistency is what sticks out the most after breaking down the tape of Saturday night’s 42-13 loss to Alabama. The loss to the Crimson Tide likely knocked the Tigers out of playoff contention, but Kelly says the focus for his team the rest of the way is to be more consistent

Cut 16 (14) “….important thing.” 

Saturday night’s loss to Alabama was the worst loss the Tigers have suffered since Kelly took over as coach of LSU. There are concerns among the fan base on whether Kelly can make the Tigers a championship contender. But Kelly says despite the loss to Alabama, this is a program headed in the right direction…

Cut 17 (17) “…have here” 

LSU’s defense has struggled the last six quarters, the second half against Texas A&M and Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe ran over the Bayou Bengals. With three regular season contests and a bowl game left, freshmen can play in these upcoming games and not lose their red shirt. Kelly says you might see some new jersey numbers on the field…

Cut 18 (23)   “…red shirt”

Components of Governor Landry’s massive tax reform plan continue to receive 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 says this will help bring more jobs to the state…

Cut 3 (11) “…to owners.” 

To make up for the loss of revenue, the legislation calls for, among other things, the elimination of the film tax credit program.

DOTD will begin transitioning I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City into Phase 3 of its major rehabilitation project. This week, I-20 westbound will close nightly from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange. DOTD says it’s to allow contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.

The state’s unclaimed property program adds almost nine-million dollars in unclaimed state income tax refunds. State Treasurer John Fleming says his office has a lot of unclaimed money, and that money belongs to their rightful owners and not the state.

Cut 8 (15) “…think there’s anything.”

The Saints’ seven-game losing streak is over. They beat the Falcons at the Superdome yesterday, 20-17, with Derek Carr throwing two touchdown passes. The veteran Q-B says interim head coach Darren Rizzi gave a simple message to the team and that is just go out there and play, even if something bad happens…

Cut 13 (07)  “…everybody.”

The Saints will try to make it two in a row this coming Sunday against the Browns in the Superdome.