What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue. PAR President Steven Procopio says in the final analysis, nearly everyone will see their income taxes go down, but they will pay more in sales taxes.

Cut 6 (13) “…by wealthier individuals.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session next month.

A federal judge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious, but opponents including the ACLU say there’s no evidence that the Ten Commandments were considered by the country’s founding fathers. Judge John deGravelles is expected to issue a ruling by November 15th.

A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of her son, Mitchell Robinson the Third. District Attorney Hillar Moore argued that the circumstances demonstrated a pattern of negligence that crossed into criminal behavior.

Cut 7 (12) “…child to have access.”

While the case has prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, the agency is not under criminal investigation.

New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

A new study illustrates the impact on income tax and sales tax reforms on individuals. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

U-S District Judge John deGravelles says he’ll issue a ruling by November 15^th regarding the constitutionality of the state’s new law that says all public schools must display the Ten Commandments in their classrooms. The judge heard six hours of testimony yesterday with the Attorney General defending the law and ACLU attorneys saying it’s unconstitutional.

A Baton Rouge woman has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole as 31-year-old Whitney Ard was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of her two-year-old son, Mitchell  Robinson. Mitchell died in 2022 and it’s been determined it’s because he consumed fentanyl-laced opioids. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…

Cut 9 (10) “…which it is”

Louisiana ranks as the least safe state in the country according to a new report from Wallet-hub-dot-com. Wallethub analyst Chip Lupo says the study did not just look at crime rates, they also take into account financial security and emergency readiness…

Cut 11 (12) “…just for starters”

Louisiana also received a workplace safety ranking of 40^th.

What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue as lawmakers get set to debate Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal in a special session next month. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the study made connections between income levels and changes in tax burdens.

Cut 4 (13) “…slightly less regressive.”

Which means a vast majority of Louisiana citizens will see a tax cut, almost all-in double-digit percentages. But the plan could also leave the state with fewer dollars to spend on education and other state services.

A Baton Rouge woman has been sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son, Mitchell Robinson, died from a fentanyl overdose death in 2022. 31-year-old Whitney Ard was found guilty of second-degree murder. Mitchell was hospitalized two other times after overdosing on fentanyl-laced opioids before he finally died from the drugs. The Department of Children of Family Services were notified, but the state agency didn’t act fast enough to get the child out of the home. East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore…

Cut 8 (11) “…for his death”

In November of 2022, the Secretary for the DCFS at that time, Marketa Garner Walters, resigned as a result of this case and another Baton Rouge infant also dying from a drug overdose.

Wallethub.com conducted a ranking of the safest states in America and Louisiana came in last. Louisiana also ranked 49^th in financial safety. Wallet-hub-dot-com analyst Chip Lupo….

Cut 12 (13) “….would be lower”

Thousands will descend on New Orleans later this week to see pop star Taylor Swift perform at the Superdome. She’s holding three concerts starting on Friday night and Doctor Diego Bufquin, director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says the Eras Tour could result in Swifties returning to New Orleans….

Cut 14 (07) “….more money here”

A comprehensive study of Governor Jeff Landry’s tax plan finds that the proposed changes to income and sales taxes would lead to a vast majority of Louisiana citizens seeing a tax cut, almost all-in double-digit percentages. Public Affairs Research Council President Steven Procopio says the income tax becomes modestly more progressive, and the sales tax becomes slightly less regressive…

Cut 5 (08) “…of comfort”

Governor Landry will ask lawmakers to approve his tax plan during a special session that’s expected to be held next month.

WalletHub released its 2024 report ranking the safest states in America, with Louisiana identified as the least safe. WalletHub.com Analyst Chip Lupo say the ranking looked at five key safety factors

Cut 10 (12) “…emergency preparedness.”

A Baton Rouge mother has been sentenced to life in prison as a result of her two-year-old son dying from a Fentanyl overdose in 2022.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

Ruston Police say a 20-year-old Shreveport woman’s blood alcohol content was more than twice Louisiana’s legal limit when she hit two men with her car over the weekend on South Service Road. Abby Sterling will face vehicle homicide charges. One of the two men hit, died at a hospital, 21-year-old Jack Mitcham of Ruston, who was also a Louisiana Tech student.

A new study illustrates the impact on income tax and sales tax reforms on individuals. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

A mother was found guilty of Second-Degree murder in the death of her two-year-old son from a Fentanyl overdose and sentenced to life in prison.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Taylor Swift is about to provide a huge economic boost to New Orleans. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

What impact will potential changes to sales taxes and personal income taxes have on taxpayers? RESET Louisiana did a comprehensive study on that issue as lawmakers get set to debate Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal. Steven Procopio with PAR says the study made connections between income levels and changes in tax burdens.

Cut 4 (13) “…slightly less regressive.”

However, Procopio says the difference in tax burden changes is not that much different between income levels.

Cut 5 (08) “…lot of comfort.”

Procopio says in the final analysis, nearly everyone will see their income taxes go down, but they will pay more in sales taxes.

Cut 6 (13) “…by wealthier individuals.”

Lawmakers will convene in a special session next month to consider the sweeping proposals.

__________________________________________________

A Baton Rouge mother is sentenced to life in prison after her two-year-old son died from a Fentanyl overdose. Five weeks ago, 31-year-old Whitney Ard was convicted of second-degree murder in the 2022 death of Mitchell Robinson the Third. Ard’s attorneys argued their client should have been tried for negligent homicide instead of murder. But East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore says a mother should never allow her child to be exposed to such dangerous drugs.

Cut 7 (12) “…child have access.”

Despite Ard’s defense claiming negligence rather than intent, the jury’s decision underscores a growing recognition of the severe consequences of drug abuse, particularly in environments involving children. The case has also prompted scrutiny of the Department of Children and Family Services, which faced criticism for its handling of the situation, leading to the resignation of a supervising official.  Moore says DCFS is not under criminal investigation.

Cut 8 (11) “…for his death.”

This case serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective measures to protect vulnerable children and address the broader opioid epidemic. Moore says Ard will likely appeal

Cut 9 (10)  “…which it is.”

______________________________________________________

WalletHub released its 2024 report ranking the safest states in America, with Louisiana identified as the least safe. WalletHub.com Analyst Chip Lupo say the ranking evaluated all 50 states based on five key safety factors across several categories…

Cut 10 (12) “…emergency prepairdness.”

Some of the criteria used for assessment included the number of law enforcement personnel per capita, bullying rates, assault rates, and unemployment rates.  Lupo says Louisiana and Mississippi ranked lowest, are facing challenges related to crime rates, financial security, and emergency readiness.

Cut 11 (12) …just for starters (laughing).”

Lupo sys the report stresses the importance of considering multiple factors that influence the overall safety of residents in each state including a financial safety dimension where Louisiana ranks 49^th…

Cut 12 (13) “…would be lower.”

Lupo says Louisiana has ranked near the bottom of this list multiple times with our neighbors Arkansas, Mississippi and Texas ranking 47, 48, and 49 on average.

_______________________________________________

New Orleans is about to get a huge economic boost with a trio of Taylor Swift concerts in the Superdome. Dr. Diego Bufquin (BUFF-quin), the director of the hospitality unit at Tulane University’s Freeman School of Business, says Swift’s concerts will bring as much as 300-million dollars to the city.

Cut 13 (07)  “…that she’s bringing.”

Dr. Bufquin says Taylor Swift’s concerts will continue to have an impact, even after her last show on Sunday wraps up.

Cut 14 (07) “…more money here.”

Because of this economic windfall, Dr. Bufquin says a guest speaker in one of his classes who works at the convention center says New Orleans will be all the way back from the great economic downturn of 2020.

Cut 15 (09) “…the pandemic started.”

All hotel rooms in the city are booked all weekend long, and tickets on the secondary market are going for a minimum of one-thousand dollars apiece, not including fees.

________________________________________________________

Eight ranked LSU and 14th ranked Texas A-and-M will battle for first place in the SEC on Saturday night. Both teams have won six straight since losing their season opener. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly says the LSU defense will prepare for a strong rushing attack

Cut 16 (16)   “…weapons.”

LSU is 6-and-1 and they’ve put themselves in the discussion to be one of the 12 teams in the college football playoff. Kelly says he’s more worried about being consistent…

Cut 17 (17) “…to that.”

Many doubted that LSU could contend for the SEC Championship, but now they are 4-and-0 and many are now believing in them. Kelly says he wants the players to focus on their preparation, not what the press is saying…

Cut 18 (19)   “…usually happen” .

____________________________________________________________

Louisiana Tech takes on UTEP tonight in Conference USA action. The Miners lead the league in tackles for loss so Bulldogs Coach Sonny Cumbie says it will be important for quarterback Evan Bullock to get rid of the ball quickly…

Cut 19 (24) “….create pressure”  

Tech enters the game with a 2-4 record, 1-and-2 in Conference USA. Senior defensive lineman Mykol Clark says they are hungry for a win after a bad loss last week at New Mexico State…

Cut 20 (20) “…to go, man.”

More than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls for early voting Friday and Saturday. Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

When mail-in ballots are factored in, the total number of early votes through the end of the weekend approaches 260-thousand.

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST class. Lieutenant Jared Sandifer says the timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Saints Coach Dennis Allen said today that it’s still too early to know if quarterback Derek Carr will be healthy enough to play in this Sunday’s game against the Chargers. He’s hopeful Taysom Hill will be back from fractured ribs, while receiver Chris Olave remains in concussion protocol. Former Bills, Chiefs and Packers receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling worked out for the team today.

State Police are looking for the driver of a vehicle that struck and killed a 35 year old man walking on Interstate 20 Sunday night. Investigators say the hit and run that claimed the life of Jared Osbon of West Monroe happened around 10 pm when Osbon was walking in the left eastbound lane of I-20 near Highway 133. They say the 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty truck they believe hit Osbon will have damages to its left front headlight assembly and grill. Anyone with information is asked to call LSP Troop F at 318-345-0000.

SP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare 56 students for careers in law enforcement.  By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of law enforcement, ready to serve and protect their communities. Lt. Jared Sandifer noted the benefits that come with becoming an LSP Trooper…

Cut 11 (11) “…equipment for free.”

The first two days of early voting in Louisiana broke records. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

New Orleans is getting ready for the invasion of the Swifties. Taylor Swift will perform three shows at the Superdome Friday through Sunday. Kelly Schulz with New Orleans and Company says there are very few hotel rooms in the Big Easy this weekend.

Cut 13 (09)  “…going very quickly.”

The first two days of early voting in Louisiana broke records. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

______________________________________

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

______________________________________

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher.

Cut 3 (11) “…to 259,512 statewide.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around.

Cut 4 (15) “…2020 and 2024.”

And at least on Saturday, Black voters didn’t turn out in the numbers that the state saw four years ago.

Cut 5 (09) “…had in 2020.”

Couvillon says a couple reasons for the huge Republican turnout are that they’re enthusiastic about this year’s election, and the fact that since Louisiana doesn’t have a single competitive race on the ballot in terms of federal offices, people wanted to get their voting out of the way early.

________________________________________________________

Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baglio was just involved in a wreck himself and checking on another vehicle when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Baglio was also a successful high school football coach at Independence. Former Independence Coach Keith Carona says Baglio made high school sports fun

Cut 6 (07) “…fun doing it.”

Baglio won 205 games as a high school football coach and took Independence to the state championship game twice. Carona says former LSU coach Nick Saban hired Baglio as a staffer in in 2002 and he was part of three national championship teams…

Cut 7 (11) “…at LSU.”

Baglio was 81-years-old and Corona says the Independence native served as a mentor for many high school football coaches…

Cut 8 (08) “…other plans.”

Baglio was inducted into the Louisiana High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and part of this year’s National High School Athletics Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

________________________________________________________

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare the 56 students for careers in law enforcement. This intensive program will equip them with essential skills and knowledge, including legal principles, investigative techniques, and physical training.  LSP Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in the accelerated program have POST training going into the academy.

Cut 9 (11)  “…exposed to some of that.”

Throughout the course, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making abilities. Sandifer says the 14-week timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

By the end of the program, graduates will be well-prepared to take on the challenges of law enforcement, ready to serve and protect their communities. Sandifer noted the benefits that come with becoming an LSP Trooper…

Cut 11 (12) “…if you will.”

LSP is currently taking applications for Class 107 starting in the summer of 2025.

Louisiana’s new law to have the Ten Commandments posted in every public-school classroom goes before a federal judge in Baton Rouge today. Dane Ciolino, a professor of law at the Loyola University-New Orleans says the plaintiffs, which includes the ACLU, have Supreme Court precedent on their side.

Cut 8 (11) “…in public schools.”

Ciolino says this case will likely go before the U-S Supreme Court.

Voters turned out in droves during the first two days of early voting. The secretary of state’s office says more than 170-thousand people showed up at the polls Friday and Saturday. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says the actual number is even higher.

Cut 3 (10) “…to 259,512.”

Normally, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around.

Many are remembering Charles Baglio, a longtime LSU staffer and a Hall of Fame high school football coach, who died at the age of 81. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

LSP Class 105 started its accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, designed to prepare 56 students for careers in law enforcement. LSP Lt. Jared Sandifer…

Cut 9 (11)  “…exposed to some of that.”

The first two days of early voting showed a very healthy turn out. John Couvillon (COO-vee-ahn) with JMC Analytics and Polling says typically, more Democrats turn out for early voting than Republicans, but Couvillon says that’s not the case this time around and at least on Saturday, the turn out showed other differences compared to previous years…

Cut 5 (09) “…had in 2020.”

Just one constitutional amendment on the November 5^th ballot. A vote for the amendment would send federal dollars from money received from offshore wind, solar and other renewable energy sources to the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. LaRose Representative Joseph Orgeron explains why he authored the amendment…

Cut 26 (09) “….in 2031”

Opponents say dedicating this money restricts lawmakers’ ability to make budget decisions.

56 students are being prepared for careers in law enforcement in an accelerated 14-week POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) class, Lt. Jared Sandifer says cadets in LSP Class 105 accelerated program already have some POST knowledge. They’ll engage in hands-on learning experiences and real-world scenarios, fostering critical thinking and decision-making abilities. He says the shortened timeline is rigorous, pushing students to excel and adapt quickly.

Cut 10 (07) “…to be a Trooper.”

Longtime LSU football staffer Charles Baglio died Friday night when he was hit by a car on U-S Highway 51 in Tangipahoa Parish. Baglio had just been involved in a wreck and was returning to his vehicle after checking on another vehicle when he was struck and killed by a passing motorist. Baglio was also a successful high school football coach at Independence. Former Independence Coach Keith Carona remembers the fun Baglio brought to high school sports.

Cut 6 (04) “…fun doing it.”