Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois is hailing the tax reform package. She says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois said Louisiana was one of a small handful of states that still have a franchise tax, but that will go away on January 1st.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

It’s time to find that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson spoke with a Christmas tree farmer…

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

If you’re planning to bring food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on an airplane, you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says some items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Those include cranberry sauce, gravy, beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and soup. On the other hand, baked goods, meats, stuffing, casseroles and fresh produce can go into your carry-on bag.

Flying with some of your Thanksgiving feast is possible but you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says if it can be sprayed, smeared, or poured, it will have to be in checked baggage but there are items you can take in your carry-on.

Cut 11 (08) “…fresh fruit.”

International flights have other restrictions.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says having a post office named after her late husband in his home community is a meaningful tribute to his dedication to public service and his enduring impact on Louisiana.

Cut 14 (09) “…who Luke was.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the new tax reform package is transformative. And She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.”

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is attractive for re-investment and new investment.

There are a few things to consider when making a choice between a real or artificial Christmas tree. Co-owner of Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm in Washington Parish, Kevin Steele Sr.  says one thing to consider is artificial trees are made from PVC, which generates pollution during production and is challenging to recycle. In contrast, real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

Cut 7 (08) “…and it’s biodegradable.”

The newly passed tax reform package is a game-changer, says Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois. She says it positions Louisiana more competitively to take advantage of everything Louisiana offers.

Cut 5 (13) “…years and generations.”

President Biden has designated the Rayville Post Office on Benedette Street as the Luke Letlow Post Office commemorating the life and legacy of the congressman-elect, who passed away from COVID-19 complications in 2020, days before being sworn into office.  His widow, Congresswoman Julia Letlow…

Cut 13 (11)  “…finding connections.”

If you’re planning on flying with food this Thanksgiving holiday, there are some important things you’ll need to know. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Whether you put your Christmas tree up early or leave it up till January 6^th, it’s time to choose a real fragrant tree or a convenient artificial. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says by choosing a locally grown tree over an artificial one you’re not just making a sustainable choice for the planet, but creating memories…

Cut 8 (10) “…the memories we’re creating.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois is hailing the tax reform package. She says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

Cut 4 (08) “…they can create.”

Bourgeois said Louisiana was one of a small handful of states that still have a franchise tax, but that will go away on January 1st.

President Biden has signed into law the legislation that designates the U.S. Post Office on Benedette Street in Rayville as the Luke Letlow Post Office. Congresswoman Julia Letlow says her family is deeply touched by the honor that her late husband has received…

Cut 12 (05) “…about it.”

Luke Letlow died of COVID-19 complications in 2020, just days before he was to be sworn into office.

Many Louisiana residents are opting for a real Christmas tree rather than an artificial one. Steele’s Christmas Tree Farm Co-Owner Kevin Steele Sr. says beyond their environmental benefits, real trees offer the season’s sights, smells, and tactile joy.

Cut 6 (09) “…Washington Parish.”

Steele says artificial trees, on the other hand, are made from PVC, which generates significant pollution during production and is challenging to recycle, whereas real Christmas trees are a renewable resource.

If you’re flying with food this Thanksgiving, be aware that some of those items will need to go into your checked baggage. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those are foods that you can smear or pour.

Cut 10 (12) “…syrup and soup.”

Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois says the tax reform package is a game-changer for the state. She says good riddance to the franchise tax.

Cut 3 (08) “…tax was dramatic.” 

Bourgeois says simplifying the tax code is about being attractive for re-investment in addition to being attractive to new investment.

If you’re planning on bringing food for your Thanksgiving feast with you on the airplane, keep in mind that you will not be able to take certain items through TSA security. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says those items will need to be in your checked baggage.

Cut 9 (07)  “…smear or pour.”

Those include cranberry sauce, gravy, beverages, canned fruits and vegetables, maple syrup and soup. On the other hand, baked goods, meats, stuffing, casseroles and fresh produce can go into your carry-on bag.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and many people are going out and finding that perfect Christmas tree. Sean Richardson has the story.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

More groups are praising the tax reform package that the legislature agreed to. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33)“…I’m Andrew Greenstein

The special session also resulted in legislators paying down about two-billion dollars in debt to the teachers’ retirement system and using those savings to fund a permanent two-thousand dollar pay raise for teachers. Prairieville Representative Tony Bacala…

Cut 27 (10) “….making it permanent”

Triple-A projects a record 71-million people will travel by car over the Thanksgiving holiday, a two percent increase over last year. Triple-A spokesperson Don Redman says gas prices are about ten-cents cheaper than a year ago…

Cut 9 (06) “…a gallon”

The statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is $2.71.

Thanksgiving air travel is also expected to set a record as Triple-A projects nearly six million people will fly domestically this holiday. The Transportation Safety Administration says its doing what it can to get travelers to their gate as fast as possible and that includes what is called CAT-2 technology. Sari Koshetz with TSA says with CAT-2 technology, there will be no need to show your ticket while going through security…

Cut 14 (09) “…flying that day”

If you’re heading out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, you will be in good company.

Cut 7 (08) “…airplane or cruising.”

Don Redman with Triple-A says nationwide, almost 80-million people are expected to head out of town this week; almost 72-million by car.

A growing number of airports across the country, including New Orleans and Baton Rouge, are rolling out new technology to make getting through security a little easier. Sari Koshetz with the TSA says it’s called CAT-2 technology, and it uses travelers’ IDs.

Cut 13 (15)  “…flying that day.”

And Koshetz says soon, you’ll be able to use your digital ID with the CAT-2 machines.

The U.S. Gymnastics Championship is coming back to New Orleans for the first time since 1995.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The transfer portal in college athletics will re-open next month and LSU Coach Brian Kelly expects the Tigers to be aggressive in adding talent from the portal…

Cut 16 (17) “…very aggressive”

LSU concludes the regular season on Saturday by hosting Oklahoma.

More groups are hailing the tax reform package. The Council for a Better Louisiana says the lowering of personal and corporate income taxes and the elimination of the franchise tax will make Louisiana a better place to live and to do business. President Barry Erwin, however, says it’s unfortunate that sales taxes, which are already among the highest in the nation, are increasing even further.

Cut 6 (12) “…citizens the most.”

The U.S. Gymnastics Championships will return to New Orleans for the first time in 30 years. Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation CEO Jay Cicero says this event promises to bring significant energy and interest to the Crescent City.

Cut 12 (09) “…what LSU has done.”

The event will be held August 7th through the 10th at the Smoothie King Center.

If you’re traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday, you will by no means be the only one. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

State Police are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Avoyelles Parish. It happened on Scallan Street near MLK Drive in Marksville. State Police did not release any information on the circumstances surrounding the shooting, only to say that the subject is hospitalized in critical condition. No officers were hurt during the incident.