A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Minister Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called as an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green’s testimony be excluded.

Cut 5 (15) “…was admittedly subjective (2x)”

State Police are looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck and killed a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish just east of Louisiana Highway 133. Trooper Ryan Davis says when walking along roads be sure there is a sidewalk.

Cut 9 (07)  “…diligence in being safe.”

That said, Davis said pedestrians should avoid the Interstates altogether; after all, by law, pedestrians aren’t allowed on Interstates.

A genealogist has identified the remains of five enslaved people who are buried on the grounds of a proposed plastics facility in St. James Parish. Lenora Gobert says the five people were between the ages of nine and 31 when they died, and that it was standard practice back then to bury the remains of enslaved people at the plantations they worked at.

Cut 11 (07) “…on the plantation.”

Taiwan-based Formosa Plastics Group says it has fenced off the burial site for protection.

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public-school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Reverend Darcy Roake says there are many kids, including her own, who don’t live by the Ten Commandments.

Cut 4 (11) “…able to answer.”

The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that  Green failed to prove that the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms violates the First Amendment and that his testimony be excluded.

Cut 6 (11) “…for the judge.”

State Police is looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish just east of Louisiana Highway 133. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Jared Osbon of West Monroe. Trooper Ryan Davis says it’s likely the truck that struck Osbon sustained damage to the left front headlight assembly and grill of a 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty.

Cut 8 (12) “…close this case.”

The crash is under investigation and Davis urges anyone with information on this crash to contact Louisiana State Police – Troop F at 318-345-0000.

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 federal judge hears arguments over the state’s controversial Ten Commandments law, and the judge is expected to issue a ruling by the middle of next month. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

RESET Louisiana has released a study on Governor Landry’s tax reform plan and it concludes that a vast majority of Louisiana citizens will see a tax cut. Landry’s tax proposal calls for a flat income tax and placing a sales tax on services that are not currently taxed. Lawmakers are expected to vote on the plan next month.

State Police is looking for the driver of the vehicle that struck a pedestrian on Interstate 20 in Richland Parish just east of Louisiana Highway 133. The crash claimed the life of 35-year-old Jared Osbon of West Monroe. Trooper Ryan Davis says investigators believe it was a 2021 or newer Ford Super Duty truck that hit him…

Cut 7 (12) “…through that area”

The crash occurred on Sunday night.

On Friday night, the Eras Tour arrives in New Orleans as Taylor Swift will perform three shows at the Superdome over the weekend. Tickets on the resale market are going for thousands of dollars and Director of Hospitality at Tulane’s Freeman School of Business, Diego Bufquin, estimates visitors to the city will also spend about 15-hundred dollars on hotel, food and merchandise…

Cut 21 (13) “….for New Orleans’

A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments yesterday over the state law requiring the Ten Commandments to be posted in all public school classrooms. One of the plaintiffs, Unitarian Universalist Reverend Darcy Roake, says it’s not the state’s job to push religion on kids.

Cut 3 (11) “…the school system.”

The state argued that the Ten Commandments have historical significance and is not overtly religious. The hearing included testimony from Steven K. Green of Willamette University, who the plaintiffs called as an expert witness. Attorney General Liz Murrill argued that Green’s testimony be excluded.

Cut 5 (15) “…was admittedly subjective (2x)”

A ruling is expected by November 15^th.

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

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Eighth ranked LSU and 14th ranked Texas A-and-M will battle for first place in the SEC on Saturday night. Tigers Coach Brian Kelly on the Aggies offense

Cut 16 (16) “….weapons”

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.