According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Louisiana added four-thousand non-farm jobs last month and more than 20-thousand non-farm jobs in the last year. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state’s two biggest metro areas topped the list.

Cut 15 (16) “…over the year (3x).”

DiPalma says this marks 44 straight months that monthly jobs experienced year-over-year growth.

If you enjoyed the cooler weather this weekend, I hope you took full advantage, as it’s going to warm up this week. By Christmas, temperatures will hit the 70s throughout much of the state. And while your dreams of a White Christmas won’t come true, they will come true if you’re dreaming of a WET Christmas.

When the Saints take the field tonight against the Packers in the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field, they will be playing for pride. The Falcons’ blowout win over the Giants yesterday ended what was left of the Saints’ faint playoff hopes.

27-percent of Louisiana third graders – more than one in four – scored far below state reading targets on a fall assessment. Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says there have, however, been many literacy improvements in the state.

Cut 10 (13) “…teachers and leaders”

Under a new state law, third graders who fall well below state reading targets do not get promoted to fourth grade.

A new report shows that a quarter of a million Louisianians live in households that can’t afford enough food. Joel Berg with Hunger Free America points out that the money the government spends to determine which kids get free meals at school and which ones get reduced-cost meals could actually go to feeding all kids.

Cut 9 (11)  “…all its kids.”

The Louisiana Department of Health will no longer be promoting seasonal vaccines like flu, COVID and mpox, as the department is prohibiting workers from doing so. Rosemary Westwood, who broke the story for NPR; says that is something that the department had regularly done, especially since the start of the COVID pandemic.

Cut 5 (12) “…to get them.” 

In a statement, the Department of Health says its position now is that seasonal vaccines should be individual choices.

More families in Louisiana are going hungry. Joel Berg with Hunger Free America says a new report shows that a quarter of a million Louisianians live in households that can’t afford enough food – that’s an increase of 10-percent since the summer of 2021.

Cut 7 (09) “…terms of hunger.”

More than 1 in 4 Louisiana third graders – 27-percent – scored well below state reading targets on a fall assessment. Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says these screeners give them valuable information for where students are in their reading comprehension.

Cut 12 (13) “…literacy skills…”

Under a new state law, third graders who score well below reading targets do not get promoted to fourth grade.

Some encouraging job numbers for Louisiana. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state added four-thousand non-farm jobs last month and more than 20-thousand non-farm jobs in the last year. Emily DiPalma with the Louisiana Workforce Commission says a few sectors led the way in job growth.

Cut 14 (09) “…over the year.”

If you haven’t started shopping for Christmas yet, you’d better get a move on it. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, not only would you probably not get a good deal, you might be less likely to find the item in stock at all.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Other items may see some modest price drops but more significant decreases once Santa Claus has left town.

A new Bankrate survey shows that many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards. Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says people should opt for a cash back reward card to keep it simple.

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Cash back is the favorite feature for the majority  of cardholders, particularly among older and middle-income earners. Travel rewards appeal more to high-income groups but require more effort to maximize.

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says changes in the tax law will allow the state to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit in the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR President Steven Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking a homecoming for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU standout. The two-time Super Bowl champ says he’s trying to learn this new offense as fast as he can.

Cut 14 (15) “…total package.”

The Saints signed him because of a potentially season-ending injury to star running back Alvin Kamara.

Time is running out to do your Christmas shopping. Will you get a good deal, or will you be paying a steep price for your procrastination? Andrew Greenstein has the answers.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Bob Marlin is no longer the head coach of the Cajuns men’s basketball team. Jeff Palermo reports on why Marlin was fired during the middle of the season…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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If you’ve waited until now to start your Christmas shopping, it could be hit or miss on whether you’re getting a good price on those gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says whether prices will drop before Christmas depends on the item.

Cut 3 (11) “…a higher price.”

For example, Rice says Christmas lights may be on sale now, but they’ll be at a much bigger discount after Christmas. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, not only would you be less likely to find a good deal, you might be less likely to find the item in stock.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Rice says in some instances, you will need to do your homework to determine whether the price you’re paying is a good deal.

Cut 5 (13) “…relative to that”

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Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. About 40-percent of U.S. adults lack a rewards credit card, and 23-percent of rewards cardholders didn’t redeem rewards in the past year. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says many people are missing out.

Cut 6 (10) “…real money here.”

Cash back is the favorite feature for 50-percent of cardholders, particularly among older and middle-income earners. Travel rewards appeal more to high-income groups but require more effort to maximize. Rossman says get a cash back reward to keep it simple

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Despite the appeal of rewards, many Americans miss out by failing to redeem them, highlighting a significant opportunity to capitalize on “free money” from strategic credit card use. Rossman says find out how many points or rewards you have and come up with a plan to use them.

Cut 8 (06) “…use them too.”

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The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state to turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.

Cut 9 (05)  “…increase in revenue,”

PAR President Steven Procopio says the changes in the tax code going into effect are expected to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit for the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR says the original forecast for the general fund was 11.7-billion dollars; now, it’s 12.15-billion. Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

Furthermore, PAR projects its general fund forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year to go from 11.87-billion dollars to 12.2-billion. Procopio cautions, however, that this is all speculative.

Cut 11 (14) “…were down 50.”

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Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad, marking a homecoming for the Baton Rouge native and former LSU standout. Edwards-Helaire was the starting running back on the Tigers 2019 national championship team and he says there’s no better feeling than to be back home.

Cut 12 (12) “…no better time.”

Edwards-Helaire has not played this season, as he was on the non-football injury list, before the Chiefs released him earlier this month. The former Catholic High of Baton Rouge star says he’s going to make the best of every opportunity he gets.

Cut 13 (10)  “…better spot.”

The Saints signed Edwards-Helaire because of a potentially season-ending injury to starting running back Alvin Kamara. The two-time Super Bowl champ says he’s trying to learn this new offense as fast as he can.

Cut 14 (15) “…total package.”

A new Bankrate survey shows that many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards. Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says people should opt for a cash back reward card to keep it simple.

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Cash back is the favorite feature for the majority  of cardholders, particularly among older and middle-income earners. Travel rewards appeal more to high-income groups but require more effort to maximize.

If you haven’t started shopping for Christmas yet, you’d better get a move on it. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says if you’re looking for a good deal on hot items, not only would you be less likely to find a good deal, you might be less likely to find the item in stock at all.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Other items may see some modest price drops but more significant decreases once Santa Claus has left town.

Bob Marlin is no longer the head coach of the Cajuns men’s basketball team. Jeff Palermo reports on why Marlin was fired during the middle of the season…

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state to turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.

Cut 9 (05)  “…increase in revenue,”

PAR President Steven Procopio says that’s due to the changes in the tax code, particularly the increase in the state sales tax.

Civil rights organizations are urging school districts not to post the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting January 1st as required by a new state law. Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, says Judge John DeGravelles (de-GRAVEL) was very clear in his ruling that the posting of the Ten Commandments in public schools is unconstitutional.

Cut 7 (15) “…going to go.”

The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, however, ruled that DeGravelles’ injunction only applies to the five districts named in the lawsuit – East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Orleans, St. Tammany and Vernon. Attorney General Liz Murrill says despite DeGravelles’ ruling, the law is constitutional and will appeal all the way to the Supreme Court if necessary.

Fewer Louisiana teachers are leaving the profession. The Louisiana Department of Education’s upcoming Teacher Exit Data Report shows a two-percent drop in the number of teachers exiting their positions, with 13-percent leaving in 2023-2024 compared to 15-percent the previous year. LDOE Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says this marks the second consecutive year of decline.

Cut 10 (11) “…leaving the classroom.”

Speaking of jobs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics says the state’s seasonally adjusted employment numbers continue to rise. The bureau says the state added four-thousand non-farm jobs last month and more than 20-thousand non-farm jobs in the last year. Leisure and hospitality is the sector that gained the most jobs. The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate is 4.3-percent, up two-tenths of a point from last month.

If Plan A and Plan B don’t work, try a plan C. That’s what House Speaker Mike Johnson is saying that the House is going to do to avoid a shutdown. Johnson did not go into detail on what exactly that Plan C entails, only saying that Congress will vote on it this morning. Whatever plan it goes with, time is running out. Funding for the federal government runs out at midnight Eastern time tonight; and if there’s no deal, the federal government will be shut down.

More teachers in Louisiana are sticking with the profession. The Louisiana Department of Education’s Teacher Exit Data Report shows a two-percent drop in the number of teachers exiting their positions. LDOE Deputy Superintendent Jenna Chaisson (CHASS-on) says one thing the state is doing to keep good teachers is offering different compensations for different jobs.

Cut 12 (16) “…some shortages”

Civil rights organizations have one word of advice for school districts in regards to posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms: Don’t. Alanah Odoms, the executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, is urging the state to follow its own advice on respecting the rule of law until the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals hears oral arguments on the Ten Commandments law on January 23rd.

Cut 9 (13)  “…the school districts.”

A federal judge put the law on hold, saying that it’s unconstitutional. The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals later ruled that the stay only applies to the five districts which sued the state.

Triple-A is expecting a record number of travelers this Christmas and New Year’s. Don Redman with Triple-A says if you’re flying out, get to the airport early.

Cut 5 (06) “…long security lines.”

The CDC is continuing to monitor the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis with the CDC says the patient from southwest Louisiana likely had been exposed to dead birds on his property.

Cut 14 (10) “…the United States.”

Dr. Daskalakis says this is the first case linked to a non-commercial backyard flock.

The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the Youth Challenge Program was among the first of its kind and one of the most successful.

Cut 6 (10) “…first initial ten.”

Paul says more than 28-thousand kids have graduated, many of whom have gone on to do great things.

Firefighters in Caddo and Bossier parishes now have access to free cancer screenings through a new health initiative. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

UL Lafayette athletics director Bryan Maggard has fired longtime men’s basketball coach Bob Marlin. The firing comes after the Cajuns won their Sun Belt opener last night. Despite that victory it’s been a tough season – U-L Lafayette is 3-and-9 overall. Marlin had been the Cajuns coach for 13 seasons, leading the program to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Assistant coach Derrick Zimmerman will serve as interim coach.

Louisiana tops the nation in flu activity for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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Many are considering gifting pets as presents this holiday season, but the Humane Society says don’t do it. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

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Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu activity. The CDC says the state has a flu positivity rate exceeding 11-percent, far above the national average of 3.5-percent.  Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says cases this early are concerning.

Cut 4 (11) “…winter yet.”

Louisiana’s mild winters facilitate virus spread, while health disparities and low vaccination rates worsen flu vulnerability. Kemmerly stresses the importance of flu vaccination, as it remains the most effective tool to prevent severe illness and reduce strain on healthcare systems.

Cut 5 (13) “…get vaccinated.”

Kemmerly says to protect themselves and others, people are urged to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and safeguard vulnerable groups like children and older adults.

Cut 6 (08) “…can affect others.”

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The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to making it onto President Biden’s desk. The Senate advanced the bill in a procedural vote of 73-27 yesterday. Senator Bill Cassidy has sponsored the Senate version of the bill. He took to the floor yesterday to urge his colleagues to support it.

Cut 7 (15) “…fulfill this promise.”

The bill would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which Cassidy says have been unfairly costing public sector employees a good portion of their Social Security benefits, including a retired schoolteacher who he met with in his office.

Cut 8 (14) “…was being punished.”

Cassidy says he understands concerns about the costs of eliminating WEP and GPO.

Cut 9 (13)  “…WEP and GPO.”

The Senate will take a final vote on the bill later this week.

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This holiday season, many consider gifting animals to loved ones. However, pets come with significant responsibilities, so it’s important to carefully evaluate whether this is the right choice. Louisiana Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says animals should only be given to those who have expressed sustained interest and are ready to care for them.

Cut 10 (11) “…ready for it.”

When gifting a pet, consider the recipient’s lifestyle. For instance, an elderly person may prefer a calm, older dog or cat rather than an energetic puppy or kitten. Similarly, Dorson says breed, age and temperament need to be considered.

Cut 11 (06) “…small apartment.”

Dorson says all animals are social beings and want to be around their own species or with owners that comfort and care for them.

Cut 12 (08) “…get those calls”

Dorson says stick to a traditional gift for the holidays and let the individual that wants to adopt, adopt.

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The FTC is cracking down on so-called “junk fees.” Starting in April, entities like hotels, ticket brokers and rental car companies will need to disclose all extraneous fees up front. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says consumers have been screaming about those fees for years.

Cut 13 (12)  “…weren’t aware of.”

Redman says those entities can still charge those fees – however, they will no longer be able to hide those fees.

Cut 14 (08) “…or that concert.”

Redman says with those entities now having to either disclose those fees or roll them into their advertised prices, that will have a profound effect on prices to the consumer’s benefit.

Cut 15 (09) “…fees potentially eliminated.”

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LSU has signed nine players out of the transfer portal and according to 24-7 sports, the Tigers have the second best transfer portal class in the nation. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says head coach Brian Kelly has delivered on a promise that LSU would be aggressive in the transfer portal…

Cut 16 (20) “…big help.”

Horne says LSU still needs more help along the offensive and defensive lines…

Cut 17 (16)  “…linemen as well.” 

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At this time last week, the Louisiana Tech football team’s season was over, but now they are preparing for a bowl game. The Bulldogs are getting ready to battle Army in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 28^th in Shreveport. Tech received a bowl invite after Marshall opted out. Coach Sonny Cumbie is pleased with his team’s first bowl practice…

Cut 18 (18)   “…football games.”

Marshall could not play in the Independence Bowl, because of a lack of players as there’s been a mass exodus with the Thundering Herd because of a coaching change. Cumbie says they are missing some players, but certainly have enough to take on the Black Knights….

Cut 19 (19) “…coming back.”

Cumbie has also hired a new offensive coordinator since the regular season finale. Tony Franklin is back as O-C and quarterbacks coach. When Franklin was the offensive coordinator between 2010 and 2012, Tech had high scoring offenses. Cumbie says Franklin is an experienced play caller that this program needs…

Cut 20 (17) “…came about.”

Tech will take on 19th ranked Army on Saturday December 28th.

Cooler temperatures are on the way. LSU Public Health Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures will only be in the 60s tomorrow and Friday, which is a big difference from what we saw today. He says cool air will continue to flow down into Louisiana and temperatures will drop even further.

Cut 13 (15)  “…Saturday morning.”

A new study highlights the massive cost of congestion in the trucking industry. The American Transport Research Institute’s Cost of Congestion study shows that congestion is adding almost 110-billion dollars to the industry’s costs. Renee Amar (AY-mar), the executive director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, says the problem is very prevalent in Louisiana.

Cut 3 (12) “…3.6 billion dollars.” 

Soon, it will be a lot easier for schools to have the tools needed to save people experiencing cardiac arrest. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Fifty-two recruits of Cadet Class 106 began their journey as Louisiana State Police Troopers in Baton Rouge. Trooper Shelby Mayfield says recruits can start with no experience whatsoever.

Cut 6 (11) “…from the ground up.”