Louisiana
Landry’s plan could overhaul Louisiana’s overly-complex tax system – Washington Examiner
(The Center Square) — The Louisiana Legislature could soon contemplate the state’s most comprehensive tax overhaul in decades.
The package from Gov. Jeff Landry — dubbed the “Louisiana Forward” initiative — includes 10 bills intended to simplify and modernize the state’s tax system while spurring economic growth.
“This plan seeks to attract investment, while protecting low income earners, our middle class, and our seniors,” Landry said at a recent news conference. “A plan that will fix Louisiana to compete for new jobs, greater wages and produce a thriving economy in a new Industrial South.”
The proposal seeks to eliminate what Landry calls “uncompetitive taxes,” such as the franchise and inventory taxes. Recent testimony from Richard Nelson, the secretary of the Louisiana Department of Revenue, said that the reform intends to broaden the tax base by eliminating various tax preferences and lowering rates, making Louisiana’s tax system more competitive both nationally and regionally.
One of the key elements of the package is a move toward a simpler, flat income tax structure with fewer carveouts, aiming to streamline the state’s complex tax code. By reducing the number of deductions and exemptions, the state hopes to create a more equitable system that promotes fairness and predictability.
The income tax reform proposes a flat 3% individual income tax rate, with standard deductions of $12,500 for single filers and $25,000 for joint filers.
It includes a $12,000 retirement income exemption but repeals the additional $1,000 deduction for seniors, the blind, and dependents, as well as deductions for net capital gains and certain business expenses. Seniors could see an extra 0.2% tax rate reduction and doubled standard deductions if constitutional changes are approved.
“The plan has something for everyone,” Nelson said. “There’s the increase in standard deduction, and the flat rate which makes it better for everyone.”
Landry’s proposal also calls for giving the state legislature greater spending flexibility by removing the restrictions on how specific funds are used, thereby unlocking revenues for broader use. Additionally, the plan accelerates state debt payments, freeing up recurring general fund revenue for other uses.
A significant part of the proposal includes a “sales tax cleanup,” which mandates local tax exemptions for prescription drugs and manufacturing machinery, aligning them with state policies. Additionally, the package would move exemptions out of the complex definitions section of Louisiana’s tax code into more transparent exemption provisions.
Among the notable changes is the redirection of 0.03% of sales tax from the Louisiana Tourism Promotion District to the state’s general fund, providing more flexibility in the state’s budgeting process. Other proposals make permanent a partial sales tax exemption on business utilities, while consolidating related exemptions in areas such as medical, agricultural, and educational materials.
The estimated fiscal impact of these sales tax reforms ranges between $840 million and $860 million, according to the Louisiana Department of Revenue.
One of the most forward-looking components of the package involves modernizing how the state handles the taxation of digital products. With a growing number of transactions moving from physical goods to digital formats,
Louisiana’s current tax law lacks clarity on how to address this shift. The reform package seeks to expand the state and local tax base to include the sale of digital products and services.
This would cover items such as digital books, audiovisual works, computer software access services, and information services, according to the LDOR. Under the proposed rules, the sales tax would apply when taxpayers download, access, or use digital products.
The inclusion of digital products is projected to bring in an additional $90 million to $120 million annually, making it a significant revenue generator in an increasingly digital economy.
Several elements of Landry’s package will require constitutional amendments, meaning they will have to be approved by voters in a statewide referendum. These include eliminating certain taxes and adjusting how state funds can be spent. While the proposed reforms have the potential to unlock significant economic growth, they have not been without scrutiny.
According to Invest in Louisiana, Landry’s tax reform plan could worsen the deficit and threaten essential programs and public services, particularly in education and health care, which he aims to shield from budget cuts.
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The Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy warns that the proposal would shift the tax burden onto the middle class, especially if it doesn’t effectively address the budget shortfall, potentially leading to higher tax rates.
“The income-tax cut would cost the state more than $1.1 billion per year in lost revenue,” Invest in Louisiana stated, using data from the Institute for Taxation and Economic Policy. “The largest share of the tax cut would go to the top 1% of Louisiana income earners.”
Louisiana
Pervy mayor’s kids told cops that they caught her romping with teen boy at boozy pool party
The children of a disgraced Louisiana mayor told cops that they both caught their mom fooling around with a 16-year-old boy at a boozy pool party, according to video played at her rape trial.
Misty Roberts, the 43-year-old former head of DeRidder, Louisiana — population 9,8000 — faces a charge of third-degree rape over the 2024 incident.
Roberts’ son told investigators in an interview played for jurors that he saw his mom having sex with his pal through a crack in a window.
But, when asked about his recollection, he demurred — telling the court he wasn’t exactly sure what he saw that night, according to KPLC.
The jury also reviewed pictures from the party, which showed kids holding drinks as well as a photograph of Roberts and the victim that prosecutors described as “lewd.”
That picture showed Roberts at the party in her bikini, with the teen victim looking up at her smiling.
Roberts’ son texted his mom that night, incredulous about what was happening, and told her that his sister was crying, according to messages presented by prosecutors.
“He is seventeen,” the son texted Roberts.
The boy was later confirmed to be 16 years old, according to KPLC.
Roberts’ daughter also took the stand while prosecutors played her interview with detectives, in which she said she saw her mom and the boy “on top of each other” that night.
The former mayor’s nephew also admitted he tried to sneak a peek — using his phone to try and get a peek at what was going on in the room. He testified that he wasn’t sure if he hit “record” — but if he did said he never sent it to anybody.
None of the three witnesses who testified said they saw the “private parts” of Roberts and the victim. The teen boy, they noted though, was shirtless.
After the alleged tryst, the victim’s mother texted Roberts to ensure that she was not pregnant, to which she replied she was on birth control. Roberts shared a screenshot of that message to a group chat with her friends, who urged her to take Plan B.
A DoorDash driver testified that he delivered an emergency contraceptive to Roberts’ house, which he recognized from trick-or-treating with his children there.
In other texts shown in court, Roberts asked her son what kind of alcohol her son and other kids wanted for the party.
Days after police launched their investigation into the alleged crime, Roberts resigned as mayor of DeRidder, a city of just under 10,000 people about 20 miles east of the Texas border.
Roberts was charged with third-degree rape and contributing to the delinquency of juveniles.
The Louisiana Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Feb. 28, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 28 drawing
06-20-35-54-65, Powerball: 10, Power Play: 4
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing
8-3-8
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing
5-4-7-5
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 5 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing
9-9-1-3-0
Check Pick 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Easy 5 numbers from Feb. 28 drawing
04-17-21-27-33
Check Easy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto numbers from Feb. 28 drawing
08-10-15-21-22-33
Check Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Louisiana Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes over $600, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at Louisiana Lottery offices. Prizes of over $5,000 must be claimed at Lottery office.
By mail, follow these instructions:
- Sign and complete the information on the back of your winning ticket, ensuring all barcodes are clearly visible (remove all scratch-off material from scratch-off tickets).
- Photocopy the front and back of the ticket (except for Powerball and Mega Millions tickets, as photocopies are not accepted for these games).
- Complete the Louisiana Lottery Prize Claim Form, including your telephone number and mailing address for prize check processing.
- Photocopy your valid driver’s license or current picture identification.
Mail all of the above in a single envelope to:
Louisiana Lottery Headquarters
555 Laurel Street
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
To submit in person, visit Louisiana Lottery headquarters:
555 Laurel Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801, (225) 297-2000.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at Louisiana Lottery.
When are the Louisiana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 9:59 p.m. CT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 10 p.m. CT Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5: Daily at 9:59 p.m. CT.
- Easy 5: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
- Lotto: 9:59 p.m. CT Wednesday and Saturday.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Louisiana editor. You can send feedback using this form.
NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) demanded a congressional briefing from President Trump’s administration Saturday (Feb. 28), hours after the U.S. military joined Israel in launching airstrikes against Iran.
“When I talked to Secretary (of State Marco) Rubio, I implored him to be straight with Congress and the American people about the objectives of these strikes and what comes next,” Schumer said in a statement. “Iran must never be allowed to attain a nuclear weapon, but the American people do not want another endless and costly war in the Middle East when there are so many problems at home.
“The administration has not provided Congress and the American people with critical details about the scope and immediacy of the threat. Confronting Iran’s malign regional activities, nuclear ambitions and harsh oppression of the Iranian people demands American strength, resolve, regional coordination and strategic clarity. Unfortunately, President Trump’s fitful cycles of lashing out and risking wider conflict are not a viable strategy.
“The administration must brief Congress — including an immediate all-senators classified briefing — and in public testimony to answer these vital questions. The Senate should quickly return to session and reassert its constitutional duty by passing our resolution to enforce the War Powers Act. My prayers are with our brave American servicemembers.”
Meanwhile, reaction to the attack from Louisiana’s congressional delegation appeared to break predictably among party lines.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) posted to X that the attack “is yet another move by President Trump to protect the United States and sends a message to the world: Never doubt America’s resolve or capacity to defend its interests.”
For years, the Iranian Regime has chanted “Death to America,” targeted our troops, weaponized their terrorist proxies, and killed tens of thousands of innocent people, including Americans. Today, President Trump made it clear: their reign of terror is over.
The President has…
— Steve Scalise (@SteveScalise) February 28, 2026
Rep. Troy Carter (D-La.) of New Orleans, however, said he was “deeply concerned” about the attack and said, “The American people deserve to understand the objectives, the risks and the path forward.”
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) wrote, “The President’s decision to attack Iran presumably was based upon a clear and present danger to the United States, and a planned execution that does not put the United States in a forever war.”
The President’s decision to attack Iran presumably was based upon a clear and present danger to the United States, and a planned execution that does not put the United States in a forever war. We pray for the safety and success of our servicemen and servicewomen.
— U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (@SenBillCassidy) February 28, 2026
Rep. Julia Letlow (R-La.), who is mounting a primary challenge for Cassidy’s U.S. Senate seat, also endorsed Trump’s decision to attack Tehran.
Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism and actively plots to kill Americans. President Trump’s decisive strikes send a message that America will not tolerate Iran’s threats to our national security. May God bless our troops and keep them safe as we confront radical… https://t.co/P5IVxiBi2p
— Congresswoman Julia Letlow (@RepJuliaLetlow) February 28, 2026
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) also backed Trump’s military action, writing that Iran was “facing the severe consequences of its evil actions.”
Today, Iran is facing the severe consequences of its evil actions. President Trump and the Administration have made every effort to pursue peaceful and diplomatic solutions in response to the Iranian regime’s sustained nuclear ambitions and development, terrorism, and the murder… https://t.co/G5XPELtAmX
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) February 28, 2026
Democratic Rep. Cleo Field expressed reservations that Trump had not made a case for the attack to Congress or the American people.
This morning, the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched strikes against Iran — a significant military action with serious consequences for our national security.
While I understand the gravity of the threat, the process here cannot be ignored. The War Powers Act…
— Congressman Cleo Fields (@RepFields) February 28, 2026
Republican Sen. John Kennedy had not yet posted reactions to the Iran attack — dubbed by the Pentagon as “Operation Epic Fury” — on social media or sent statements to the news media.
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