Louisiana News

The Legislature is already taking up Gov. Bobby Jindal’s charge to move a bill to phase out the income tax, just a day after the governor ditched his own plan for repeal. The House will consider sending fiscal-hawk Rep. Kirk Talbot’s six-year income tax phase-out to the House Ways and Means Committee when it convenes at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The Nacogdoches County Ag Pioneer of the Year wants to ensure that his family farm will continue operating for generations to come. Roy Mills, 67, said the award presented at the April 8 banquet is actually a tribute to his pioneering forefathers who toiled to build a successful third-generation farm. Mills said his father made a living on the land, and ultimately put his 10 children through college.

Author and journalist Leo Honeycutt talks with Jim about Governor Jindal's surprise at the opening of the 2013 State Legislature, and comparisons of Mr. Jindal to former Governor Edwin Edwards and others.

Jim chats with Southern University Law Center Chancellor Freddie Pitcher as the Law Center observes its 65th anniversary.

Governor Jindal’s opening address to the legislature didn’t mention healthcare, higher education, or the budget in general. Instead, he flabbergasted lawmakers and media with a thirteen-minute long speech ditching his plan to raise sales tax revenue to replace the income tax. But he didn’t abandon the initiative altogether.

“I know that several of you have already filed bills to phase-out the income tax," Jindal said. "What I’m here to tell you is this: even as we park our bill, I call on you. Let’s work together. Let’s pass a bill this session to get rid of the income tax once and for all in the state of Louisiana.”

Commentator Gary Joiner profiles a tween, a 10-year-old who aspired to be a drummer boy during the Civil War, and never looked back.

In a 13-minute speech kicking off the 2013 legislative session, Gov. Bobby Jindal said he still wants the legislature to get rid of the income tax in Louisiana, but he let go of his plan for doing so with a big sales tax hike, an increased tobacco tax and the removal of some tax breaks. Listen to the speech in its entirety.

Tara McGuiness, with the Center for American Progress Action, talks about recent statistics ranking Louisiana number one for gun violence.

A chat with 2013 LSU Alumnus Of The Year Larry Jones.

Author biographer Tom Folsom on his book, "Hopper: A Journey Into The American Dream", about the late actor Dennis Hopper.

The mayors of Shreveport and Bossier City have proclaimed April 7 - 13 Barbershop Harmony Week. It coincides with the 75^th anniversary of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker presented the proclamation to the River Cities Jubilee Barbershop Chorus on Sunday. The northwest Louisiana chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society was formed more than 60 years ago.