10:30 LRN Newscast

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.

9:30 AM Newscast

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.”

8:30 AM Newscast

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.

7:30 AM Newscast Nov 12

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.” 

6:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU Coach Brian Kelly says the 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.” 

The SEC has fined LSU 250-thousand because dozens of fans threw water bottles and other trash on the field after a facemask penalty was called against the Tigers in the third quarter of Saturday night’s game. The league has also ordered the school to use security video to identify fans who threw something on the field and ban them from any other LSU athletic event for the remainder of the season.

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The high school football playoff brackets are out, and 208 schools have visions of making it to a 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.”

Verrett says Division one select also looks tough with Karr, Alexandria Senior High, Acadiana and Catholic High of Baton Rouge as the top four seeds.

In college hoops last night….Alabama defeated McNeese 72 to 64, Oklahoma knocked off Northwestern State 73 to 57 despite 20 points from Micah Thomas and Florida defeated Grambling 86 to 62.

In the NBA, the Pelicans lost their fifth straight, falling to the Brooklyn Nets 107 to 105 last night. They missed their last eight shots New Orleans is now 3-and-8.

6:30 AM Newscast Nov 12

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.

LRN AM Newscall November 12

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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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”

5:30 LRN Newscast

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.

4:30 PM Newscast Nov 11

The Louisiana Treasury’s Unclaimed Property Program has just added 8.7-million dollars in uncashed state income tax refunds. State Treasurer John Fleming says if some of that money is yours, claiming it is easy.

Cut 7 (13) “…owed to them.”

That money consists of unclaimed refunds owed to almost 30-thousand Louisiana taxpayers.

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 spokeswoman Erin Buchanan says it’s to allow contractors to move concrete barriers to prepare for a lane shift.

Cut 9 (09)  “…the right place.”

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that slashes the corporate income tax from 7.5 to 3.5 percent, but it means some popular tax breaks would go away. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Saints snapped a seven-game losing streak yesterday and running back Alvin Kamara became the team’s all-time leading rusher. He says it’s a huge honor…

Cut 14 (07) “…in New Orleans.”

3:30 PM Newscast Nov 11

The House Ways and Means Committee has approved components of Governor Landry’s tax reform plan that would lower the corporate income tax. The legislation also eliminates tax credits for the film industry, digital media, software companies, and those involved in the renovation of historic buildings. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson argued these tax credits are not bringing more jobs to the state….

Cut 5 (10) “…not working.” (2x) 

I-20 westbound traffic in Bossier City is transitioning into Phase 3 of its rehabilitation project. Starting tonight, I-20 westbound from I-220 to the Airline Drive interchange will close nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. On Saturday, traffic will shift to new travel lanes from I-220 to Airline Drive, with the remainder of the shift extending toward Hamilton Road in the following weeks. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan…

Cut 10 (08) “…the right place.”

Apparently, many Louisianans are owed money. Andrew Greenstein explains.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Darren Rizzi was a winner in his first game as a head coach in the NFL. Rizzi helped lead New Orleans to a 20-17 win over the Atlanta Falcons to end a seven-game losing streak. Rizzi received a game ball during the postgame locker room celebration, but he says everyone in the organization deserves a game ball…

Cut 12 (11) “…heard a complaint.”