 BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Gov. Jeff Landry's wish is being granted: A live tiger will be on the field for Saturday's LSU game against Alabama. But it won't be mascot Mike VII. Reportedly, a tiger named Omar Bradley from Florida will be on the sidelines. When asked earlier this season about having a live mascot inside Tiger Stadium again, Landry threw his support behind the idea, calling it an "unbelievable opportunity." It remains to be seen whether a striped out-of-state visitor will be able to spur the Tigers past the rival Crimson Tide. Read more about the saga here.
In more news about making Jeff Landry's dreams come true, the House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved a billion-dollar reduction in individual income taxes and a repeal of the corporate franchise tax. Those are two big parts of the governor's aggressive tax package. The items cleared their first hurdle during the Legislature's special session on tax reform. Now the committee must discuss proposals that would raise more than $1 billion in additional revenue from new sales taxes. Read more about the day's legislative adventures.
In some news that probably doesn't have anything to do with Jeff Landry, nearly 150 artisans and merchants are selling their wares at the Louisiana Arts and Renaissance Festival in the village of Albright, east of Hammond. The event runs each weekend through Dec. 8, plus Friday, Nov. 29. You can immerse yourself in the medieval experience and maybe take home some high-quality crafted goods like chain mail jewelry or a leather horn. Read more about event here. | 
