Updated LRN PM Newscall for Friday November 15

The bipartisan infrastructure law turns three years old today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, Lainey Wilson is performing two sold out shows at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend.  Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Today marks the third anniversary of the signing of the bipartisan infrastructure law. Senator Bill Cassidy, who was one of 19 Republicans who joined all 50 Democrats in voting in favor of it, said in those three years, Louisiana has received ten-billion dollars…

Cut 3 (15) “…for airport improvements.” 

Senator Cassidy says most recently, he announced more than 63-million dollars from the infrastructure law for railroad investments.

Cut 4 (14) “…62-mile network.”

Also, Jaguar Transport Holdings is receiving five-million dollars to increase the capacity of the West Memphis-based railroad, which runs through Louisiana. Cassidy says he’s proud to have secured this money for Louisiana.

Cut 5 (10) “…economy for 2050.”

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Lainey Wilson, the Grammy-winning country music star and Baskin native, is performing at the Monroe Civic Center this weekend. These concerts are part of her “Country’s Cool Again Tour.”  The shows mark the final stop on her tour and promise to feature her chart-topping hits.  Discover West Monroe CEO Alana Cooper says she’s excited for the stars return home.

Cut 6 (11) “…a little easier.”

Cooper says both sold out shows will host a total of over 12-thousand Wilson fans and that means the local economy will see a boost over the weekend as well.

Cut 7 (06) “…weekend to come in.”

Cooper says the Monroe Civic Center typically the arena hosts religious concerts or an upcoming rising star, and are thankful to have Wilson come back home and perform at the Civic.

Cut 8 (05) “…in the Country genre.”

​The Monroe Civic Center Arena doors open at 7:00 PM.

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On Sunday, the Senate Revenue and Fiscal Affairs Committee starts hearing the parts of Governor Landry’s tax reform proposal that have passed in the House. Chairman Franklin Foil says that includes the measure that replaces the current income tax structure with a flat tax and a higher standard deduction.

Cut 9 (06)  “…income tax rate.”

As for making up for the loss of revenue, Landry has proposed imposing sales taxes on 41 services not being taxed. That measure has stalled in the House. Foil says those services are being taxed in other states, including those that neighbor Louisiana.

Cut 10 (12) “…strategic about it.”

The committee, however, WILL hear a measure that passed in the House that removes the sunset for the temporary 0.45–percent sales tax increase and lowers it to 0.40-percent. Foil says the biggest challenge is pleasing everyone.

Cut 11 (12) “…pay for it.”

The special session must wrap up by six P-M November 25th.

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The LSU Tigers will try to end their two-game losing streak on Saturday afternoon when they visit the Florida Gators. Coach Brian Kelly says the team has a had a good week of practice…

Cut 12 (07) “…got to be better.”

LSU’s defense has struggled the last six quarters and six turnovers by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier have also been a detriment.

The Saints will try to win their second straight on Sunday as they host the Cleveland Browns. The defense put together a good performance last week in a win over Atlanta. Linebacker Demario Davis would like to see that again

Cut 13 (12)  “…improvement.”

The Ragin Cajuns can win a Sun Belt West title with a victory against South Alabama on Saturday. U-L Lafayette is 8-and-1 and Cajun fans believe their team should be ranked in the Top 25. But Coach Michael Desormeaux (Dez-er-mo) says that doesn’t matter when they line up against the Jaguars…

Cut 14 (07) “…come and win”

Kick off is at 6 PM.

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A Dequincy man has been cited for alleged deer hunting violations that include dumping deer carcasses from a bridge in the Calcasieu Parish town of Starks.  LDWF Lt. Wendel Vaughn says 62-year-old Ronald Owens was cited for failing to tag deer, failing to validate deer harvest, failing to comply with harvest card requirements and gross littering

Cut 15 (13) “…the carcasses there.”

Vaughn says that dumping carcasses improperly bring potential health and environmental issues…

Cut 16 (13) “….landfills.”

Violations carry up to a $350 each.  Gross littering up to $900, 16 hours of community service in a litter abatement program and 30 days in jail.

Owens may also face civil restitution totaling $3,249 for the replacement value of the deer.