As you know by now, sweeping changes to the tax code took effect at the outset of the year. What does it all mean for your personal wallets? Andrew Greenstein gives us some real-world numbers.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announced the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation is conducting a full review of the New Orleans’ security plan for New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl, following a terror attack on New Year’s Day. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The State Fire Marshal’s office believes frigid temperatures contributed to a trio of deadly house fires. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Sweeping changes to the tax code took effect when the calendar flipped to 2025. Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson says with the across-the-board reduction in the income tax rate to three-percent following a 12,500-dollar standard deduction, people will see more money in their net pay.

Cut 4 (07) “…across the board.” (Average family will get additional 500 dollars in net pay per year)

On the flip side, the amount of money you’ll be paying for most goods and services will go up very slightly to make up for the loss of income tax revenue.

Cut 5 (09) “…that you spend.” (Increase of 55 cents per 100 dollars spent)

Nelson says certain items, however, will still not have any state sales tax imposed.

Cut 6 (11) “…on those things.”

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Attorney General Liz Murrill announced a full review by the Louisiana Bureau of Investigation into New Orleans’ security plan for New Year’s Eve and the Sugar Bowl, following a terror attack on New Year’s Day. The review aims to understand the planning and execution of the city’s security measures.

Cut 7 (11) “…months after that.”

Murrill emphasized the need for answers to ensure future safety, with support from New Orleans’ leadership, including Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, City Council President Helena Moreno, and others.

Cut 8 (15) “…how we got here.”

The review will identify operational failures and provide recommendations for improvements. Murrill commended the bravery of the New Orleans Police Department, noting their role in preventing further casualties during the attack. The findings are expected to guide law enforcement in securing the city’s safety for both residents and visitors.

Cut 9 (07)  “…end up here again.”

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President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America,” calling it, in his words, “a fitting and beautiful change.” Speaking at Mar-a-Lago in his first press conference since Congress confirmed his election victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. Chalmette Representative Mike Bayham says he’s generally against renaming things like this.

Cut 10 (07) “…their names preserved.”

Trump did not elaborate on the process for renaming the body of water. Bayham says he thinks there are more pressing issues to deal with than a name change to the gulf.

Cut 11 (05) “…body of water.”

Bayham says the focus should be on foreign policy issues left over from the Biden Administration and that will take years.  Especially since even if Trump gets the gulf renamed, it’s not stopping anyone from continuing to call it the Gulf of Mexico.

Cut 12 (10) “…National Geographic Society”

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The bitter cold temperatures led to three deadly house fires across the state yesterday morning. Four people including children were discovered when Winnsboro firefighters responded to a house fire just after 4:00 a.m. Less than an hour later, firefighters in Abbeville discovered a victim in a house fire there. And around 7:00 a.m. a victim was found by Shreveport firefighters. Ashley Rodrigue (rod-REEG) with the State Fire Marshal’s Office says while the causes of those three fires are under investigation, prior history has shown that space heaters are a major culprit.

Cut 13 (13) “…heaters still on.”

Rodrigue says if you must use a space heater, plug them directly into the wall and not into a power strip or an extension cord.

Cut 14 (13) “…a high wattage.”

Rodrigue says her office also sees people using their stoves to heat their homes, which is another very bad idea.

Cut 15 (11) “…put them out.”

Furthermore, Rodrigue says if the oven is a gas oven, those who use them to heat their homes also run into the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. And, of course, she says always to make sure you have working smoke detectors throughout your home.

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A name familiar to Louisiana sports fans has emerged as a candidate to be the next head coach of the New Orleans Saints. The Saints have reportedly requested to interview Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady. Brady was the passing game coordinator on the LSU Tigers’ 2019 national championship team. Host of the Locked on Saints podcast Ross Jackson says it didn’t go well for Brady as the offensive coordinator for the Panthers in 2021, but he’s been an outstanding play caller for the Bills…

Cut 16 (11) “…night and day.”

There are six head coaching vacancies in the NFL, but the Saints vacancy is considered one of the least desirable because of an aging starting quarterback and not a lot of salary cap flexibility. But Jackson says a coaching candidate may look at the Saints situation as one where they’ll be given time to turn the franchise around…

Cut 17 (17)  “…first year.” 

The New York Jets have requested permission from the Saints to interim New Orleans interim head coach Darren Rizzi for the Jets opening. Jackson says if some of the top coaching candidates go elsewhere, Rizzi will become a viable option for the Saints…

Cut 18 (18)   “…few years.”

Preparations are well underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week.

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.

The first human infected with highly pathogenic bird flu in the U.S. has died. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson says there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

The patient was over 65 and had underlying health conditions.

Year one is in the books for Governor Landry. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

Cut 10 (15) “…politicians usually speak.”

One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ve ever made.”

On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete.

Five parishes in North Louisiana are under a winter storm watch for later this week. The five parishes are Caddo, Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Union. National Weather Service Meteorologist Brandon Thorne says the winter storm watch goes into effect Thursday morning and goes into Friday afternoon.

Cut 6 (13) “…when it starts.”

This will likely bring widespread rain south of I-20, freezing rain north of I-20, and Thorne says significant snowfall near and north of I-30, where heavy snow accumulation is possible.

The first human infected with highly pathogenic bird flu in the U.S. has died. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Associate Professor Rebecca Christofferson says there’s no evidence of human-to-human transmission.

Cut 3 (07) “…with known animals.” 

The Louisiana Department of Health says the patient was over 65 years old and had underlying health conditions, and he contracted the virus through exposure to a backyard flock and wild birds. 

Year one is in the books for Governor Landry. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry greatly boosted his national profile in his first year as governor.

Cut 10 (15) “…politicians usually speak.”

Alford says Landry’s year two agenda includes initiatives in public safety and economic development.

A Washington Parish Mayor is arrested this morning. According to a statement from Louisiana State Police, Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested for, among other things, drug trafficking and soliciting prostitutes. LSP says profits from those drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were given to people who are prohibited from legally possessing them. The 25-year-old mayor is one of seven arrested in connection with the multi-agency investigation.

We’re now one full year into the Landry administration here in Louisiana. Jeremy Alford, the publisher of LaPolitics-dot-com, says Landry set a new standard in moving quickly on his agenda, which not only included the biggest tax overhaul in decades, but it also included consolidating his power as governor.

Cut 9 (12)  “…in the past.”

As for Landry’s agenda for year number two, Alford says big things on his agenda include public safety and economic development.

With security for Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year on par with that of the Super Bowl, it’s shaping up to be the most secure ever. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says all 33 parades during carnival season will be dedicated to those who lost their lives in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day.

Cut 5 (10) “…not go unacknowledged” 

One of college athletics most popular athletes is glad she’s back for her fifth and final year of eligibility. LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne had strong performances on the balance beam and floor on Friday as the Tigers began defense of their first national championship with a win over Iowa State. Dunne says it was a blast performing again at the PMAC…

Cut 12 (10) “…I’ve ever made.”

Dunne is one of the most followed college athletes on social media. On3.com says Dunne’s NIL valuation is 4.2 million dollars, the most of any female athlete.

President Biden took on the role of consoler in chief in an interfaith service at St. Louis Cathedral in memory of the 14 people killed in the New Year’s Day terror attack on Bourbon Street, Biden told those gathered that for those who lost loved ones, things will be very difficult.

Cut 14 (16) “…of her laugh.”

Earlier in the day, Biden approved a request from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to give Mardi Gras the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says this is excellent news.

Cut 4 (13) “…safest carnival ever.”

A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center gets high rankings from U.S. News & World Report. The DASH Diet ranks first for heart health and high blood pressure, second for prediabetes and gut health, and third for diabetes and ease of following. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne highlights its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce stroke risk, and improve metabolism across all body sizes.

Cut 8 (12) “…your blood pressure.”

President Biden announces a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says while this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term, it could affect production further down the line.

Cut 11 (04) “…the United States.”

We’re learning new information on the arrest of a Washington Parish Mayor. A statement from Louisiana State Police says Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested this morning for, among other things, drug trafficking and soliciting prostitutes. The statement says profits from those drug sales were used to purchase firearms, some of which were given to people who are prohibited from legally possessing them. The 25-year-old mayor is one of seven arrested in connection with the multi-agency investigation.

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Towards the end of the hour-long interfaith service, Biden said the shock and pain are still very raw.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not alone.”

Clergy from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths joined Christians in praying not only for the families who lost loved ones, but also for those who were injured in the attack.

President Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the future.”

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision, promising to reverse it, though legal precedent suggests overturning such protections would require congressional action.

A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne says the DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

Cut 9 (10)  “…variety in your diet.”

Preparations are getting underway for winter precipitation in north Louisiana later this week. 

Cut 2 (29) “…possible.”

LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin.

A Washington Parish mayor is arrested. WWL-TV reports Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong was arrested this morning in a joint effort by the Bogalusa Police Department and Louisiana State Police. No one has said why Mayor Truong was arrested; the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office is expected to announce details later today.

President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Biden said the people of New Orleans are very strong.

Cut 15 (16) “…get back up.”

Biden, meanwhile, announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines. President-elect Donald Trump has criticized the decision, promising to reverse it. However, LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says legal precedent suggests doing so would require congressional action.

Cut 12 (11) “…make that decision.”

Mardi Gras organizers are pleased that this year’s event has been given the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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A diet developed with contributions from scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Sean Richardson reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The patient who contracted the first human case of highly pathogenic bird flu has died. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (23) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Security for Mardi Gras in New Orleans this year will be on the same level as that of the Super Bowl. President Biden has approved a request from New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell to designate Mardi Gras a SEAR 1 event by the Department of Homeland Security. Arthur Hardy, the founder of the Mardi Gras Guide magazine, says this is excellent news.

Cut 4 (13) “…safest carnival ever.”

Hardy says all 33 parades during carnival season will be dedicated to those who lost their lives in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day.

Cut 5 (07) “…not go unacknowledged.”

Hardy says the beefed-up security will involve not only things that people will see, including law enforcement in tactical gear, but also what people WON’T see.

Cut 6 (08) “…they’ll find out.”

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A diet developed by scientists at LSU’s Pennington Biomedical Research Center is ranked the second-best overall diet and the top heart-healthy diet by U.S. News & World Report. Women’s Nutrition Research Coordinator Dr. Catherine Champagne says the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — or DASH — Diet is celebrated for combatting high blood pressure.

Cut 7 (09) “…of your diet.”

The DASH Diet has delivered proven health benefits for over 30 years. It ranks first for heart health and high blood pressure, second for prediabetes and gut health, and third for ease of following and diabetes. Dr. Champagne highlights its ability to lower blood pressure, reduce stroke risk, and improve metabolism across all body sizes.

Cut 8 (12) “…your blood pressure.”

Champagne says the DASH Diet is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy and minimizes saturated fat, cholesterol, and added sugars.

Cut 9 (10)  “…variety in your diet.”

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President Biden announced a ban on new offshore oil and gas development along most U.S. coastlines, aiming to combat climate change and protect coastal environments. This decision, affecting 625 million acres of ocean under the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act, covers waters off the east and west coasts, and the eastern Gulf of Mexico. LSU Center for Energy Studies Executive Director Greg Upton says this will have no impact on domestic energy in the short term.

Cut 10 (06) “…in the future.”

Upton says Biden’s offshore drilling ban could affect production further down the line.

Cut 11 (04) “…the United States.”

President-elect Donald Trump criticized the decision, promising to reverse it, though legal precedent suggests overturning such protections would require congressional action.

Cut 12 (11) “…make that decision.”

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President Biden joined mourners at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans to remember the 14 people killed in the terror attack on Bourbon Street New Year’s Day. Towards the end of the hour-long interfaith service, Biden said the shock and pain are still very raw.

Cut 13 (11) “…are not alone.”

Biden told those gathered that for those who lost loved ones, things will be very difficult.

Cut 14 (16) “…of her laugh.”

Biden says the people of New Orleans are very strong.

Cut 15 (16) “…get back up.”

Clergy from Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and other faiths joined Christians in praying not only for the families who lost loved ones, but also for those who were injured in the attack.

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Saints interim head coach Darren Rizzi says he’ll interview with the team next week as the franchise begins to ramp up its search for a permanent head coach. The Black and Gold went 3-and-4 with Rizzi as the helm following the firing of Dennis Allen. Rizzi says during his seven weeks as interim head coach, he showed he can lead and it shouldn’t be a strike against him because he doesn’t call plays…

Cut 16 (28) “…that part.”

The Saints just concluded a 5-and-12 season, their worst record since 2005. Rizzi says changes are coming, but doesn’t think wholesale changes are needed…

Cut 17 (17)  “…you do change.” 

Rizzi says he looks forward to the opportunity to talk with Owner Gayle Benson and General Manager Mickey Loomis about his vision for the franchise…

Cut 18 (17)   “…whole building.”

President Biden grants New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s request that Mardi Gras be upgraded to a SEAR 1 event, the highest Special Event Assessment Rating by the Department of Homeland Security.

Cut 8 (08) “…and months ahead.”

SEAR 1 events are events that require extensive federal interagency support. The Super Bowl is already designated as a SEAR 1 event.

A pair of magnitude 3.0 earthquakes strike Caddo Parish. The first was reported late last night near Mooringsport, while the second struck the same area a short time later. Research Geophysicist Thomas Pratt with the U.S. Geological Survey says this has been occurring for the past few weeks.

Cut 12 (09) “…call them a sequence.”

Pratt says the earthquakes are due to oil and gas companies injecting fluid into the earth that increases the pressure and opens the faults up more.

The Committee of 100’s year-end economic report says healthcare, construction, and professional services will be the fastest job growing sectors through 2032. CEO Adam Knapp says healthcare alone is expected to create 20-thousand new jobs.

Cut 4 (07) “…future in healthcare.”

Knapp says demand will especially be high for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides.

Some changes in unemployment insurance in Louisiana took effect January 1st. Robert Wooley, the assistant secretary of Unemployment Insurance Administration at the Louisiana Workforce Commission, says benefits go down from 26 weeks to between 12 and 20 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate.

Cut 9 (06)  “…12-week range.”

Wooley says people can get up to eight additional weeks of benefits if they enroll in an approved training program.

The FBI says Shamsud-Din Jabbar planned his attack on Bourbon Street well in advance. FBI Special Agent in Charge Lyonel Mytrhil says during an October visit, Jabbar recorded reconnaissance video of Bourbon Street with smart glasses…

Cut 11 (11) “…contact us.”

At this time, the FBI does not know why Jabbar, who was from Houston, chose Bourbon Street to attack.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is seeking federal assistance on security plans for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras.

Cut 6 (15) “…months on end.”

Mayor Cantrell says one of the things she’d like the tactical expert to do is to determine whether the city’s plans for bollards on Bourbon Street are sufficient to prevent another tragedy like the one that happened early on New Year’s Day.

Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser criticized New Orleans leadership following the terror attack on Bourbon Street. Nungesser was filled with sadness and anger when he heard the news as he was returning to Louisiana from the Rose Parade.

Cut 5 (12) “…making it safer” 

Except for the five districts named in the ACLU’s ongoing lawsuit, all public school classrooms are now required to post the Ten Commandments. Attorney General Liz Murrill issued guidance late last Friday afternoon, saying among other things that there are four posters to choose from.

Cut 7 (13) “…with the law.”

The posters should be between 11-by-14 inches and 18-by-24 inches in size, placed within close proximity to other educational posters and away from a teacher’s desk or podium.