The US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Louisiana on Friday, accusing the state of incarcerating people beyond their release dates. The lawsuit accuses the state and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections for holding prisoners weeks and months past when they should have been released.  We’re told the suit is the result of a multi-year investigation.

Changes in Louisiana’s tax code are expected to erase a 400-million-dollar budget deficit for the new fiscal year. That’s according to the Public Affairs Research Council. And PAR projects its general fund forecast for the 2026-27 fiscal year to go from 11.87-billion dollars to 12.2-billion. But Par President Steven Procopio says it’s 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 two-time Super Bowl champ.  The Saints signed Edwards-Helaire because of a potentially season-ending injury to starting running back Alvin Kamara, Now Edwards Helaire is getting ready.

Cut 14 (15) “…total package.”

If you’ve waited until now to start your Christmas shopping, it’ll be hit or miss on whether you’ll get a good price on those gifts. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says in some instances, you will need to do your homework to figure out if you’re getting a good deal.

Cut 5 (13) “…relative to that”

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.”

Ville Platte Police Chief Perry Thomas was nicked on the back of the foot and two others were injured when shotgun shells ricoheted in an accidental shooting.  The Chief had responded to a call from a family that found a shotgun in their yard and he was removing it when the firearm accidentally discharged.  We’re told two residents were hit in the leg but both are recovering at home after being treated and released.

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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. Experts say 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, LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says not only would you be less likely to find a good deal, you’re also less likely to find the item in stock.

Cut 4 (07) “…out of luck.”

Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. About 40-percent of U.S. adults do not have a reward card and the ones who do aren’t using their rewards. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says 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.”

The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana is forecasting the state to turn a deficit into a surplus for the next fiscal year.  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. Procopio says a lot of that added revenue comes from the increase in the state sales tax.

Cut 10 (09) “…the general fund.”

The Social Security fairness act has passed in the Senate. Co Sponsored by Louisiana Republican Congressman Garrett Graves, the House passed the measure back in early November.  And this week, Senator Bill Cassidy, and 72 other Senators invoked  “cloture” which forced the Senate to limit debate.  It sailed past the Senate by a vote of 76 to 20.  It heads next to the White House.

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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.”

A new Bankrate survey says many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey.  Cash back is the favorite feature for 50-percent of existing cardholders. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman says if you’re thinking of getting a credit card, that’s the way to go to keep it simple

Cut 7 (10) “…everything you buy.”

Time is running out to do your Christmas shopping. Andrew Greenstein has details on what’s out there and at what cost.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. About 40-percent of U.S. adults do not have a reward card and the ones who do aren’t using their rewards. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman…

Cut 6 (10) “…real money here.”

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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.

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is coming home.  The former LSU standout who helped lead the team to a 2018 national championship has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad.  Edwards-Helaire on coming back to Louisiaiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…no better time.”

Time is running out to get your gifts delivered by mail in time for Christmas.  Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today. But if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday. Ramirez says volume is expected to pick up, and the Postal Service is ready.

Cut 9 (11)  “…season to shine.”

Barring an injunction from an appellate judge, most school districts in the state will be given the green light to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting on January 1st. Attorney General Liz Murrill says school boards not named in the ongoing lawsuit should have nothing to worry about..

Cut 14 (07) “…a federal lawsuit.”

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A longtime Texas staple will soon be coming to South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to all new US vehicles in September of 2026.  Based on last year’s statistics Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says seat belts have been proven to save lives.

Cut 11 (09) “…not buckled up.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming to al new vehicles in the U.S in September of 2026. That’s in responst to new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules.  Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, on how small changes could save lives.

Cut 12 (11) “…the right direction.”

Speaking of new things, Buc-ee’s is coming to Lafayette in 2026.  They’ll be opining a store along 1-10 there sometime early that year.  Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says along with dozens of new jobs Buc-ee’s brings a golden opportunity to market Lafayette.

Cut 6 (15) “…period of time.”

Construction is slated to get underway early next year.

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If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive on time, time is running out. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

There’s a Dense Fog Advisory in effect for all of Southeast Louisiana. Yesterday morning’s  fog may have contributed to major issues on The Causeway as dozens of vehicles crashed leaving 33 people injured.  This morning’s dense fog advisory is in effect until ten.

Barring an injunction from an appellate judge, most school districts in the state will be given the green light to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms starting on January 1st. Attorney General Liz Murrill says while Judge John DeGravelles blocked the law on constitutional grounds, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals limited the scope of his ruling,

Cut 13 (05)  “…to this injunction.”

We’ve head all the buzz, but now we know it’s true. Buc-ee’s is coming to south Louisiana.  The longtime Texas staple is headed to Lafayette sometime in early 2026.  President and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development authority Mandi Mitchell says it’ll bring lots of jobs and a big presence along I-10.

Cut 5 (10) “…120 fuel pumps.”

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Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming soon in all new vehicles in the U.S. Under new NHTSA (NIT-sa) rules, all new vehicles will come equipped with enhanced seat belt warnings for front-seat occupants by September of 2026; and seat belt warnings for rear-seat passengers will come one year later. Greg Fischer with the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, says people here are already buckling up.

Cut 10 (11) “…are buckled up.”

Today’s the first deadline to get your gifts delivered by mail in time for Christmas. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says today’s the USPS Ground Advantage deadline. But if you can’t get your package out today, you have until Saturday for Priority Mail Express. And if you’re expecting something.

Cut 8 (09) “…they’ll be safe.”

Enhanced seat belt warnings are coming in all new vehicles in the U.S. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Be careful as you head out this morning.  There’s a Dense Fog Advisory in effect for all of Southeast Louisiana. Tuesday morning fog may have contributed to major issues on The Causeway as dozens of vehicles crashed leaving 33 people injured.  This morning’s dense fog advisory is in effect until ten.

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A longtime Texas staple is coming to South Louisiana. Buc-ee’s will be opening a store along I-10 in Lafayette sometime in early 2026. Mandi Mitchell, the president and CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says this means dozens of new jobs for the region.

Cut 4 (09) “…dollars an hour.”

If you still need to mail your Christmas gifts to arrive before Christmas Day, you’d better get a move on it. Evelina Ramirez with the Postal Service says the first deadline is today.

Cut 7 (10) “…is December 19th.”

And if you miss that deadline, your last resort is Priority Mail Express, with a deadline of December 21st – this Saturday.

Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry will oversee the state’s Electoral College meeting today in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol. Joel Watson with the Secretary of State’s office says Landry will administer oaths of office to the eight Republican electors before they cast their official votes for President and Vice President. And it’s not just here.

Cut 5 (07) “…Vice President.”

Law enforcement across the state are mourning the loss of Richland Parish Sheriff Gary Gilley who passed away over the weekend with his family by his side.  Ouachita  Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW) says Gilley’s death is not only a huge loss for Richland Parish, but for all of Louisiana.

Cut 9 (04)  “…one of us.”

Gilley will be laid to rest tomorrow afternoon.

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A new study shows a presence of Fentanyl in dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Andrew Greenstein explains how this could also affect humans.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Frightening day in New Orleans yesterday as a Cox Cable employee was shot and a postal worker was held at gunpoint in two separate incidents.  The shooting happened just noon in New Orleans East.  The victim in that shooting later died.  We’re told the postal worker was the victim of an armed robbery in Hollygrove about an hour later.

Dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico are testing positive for Fentanyl, and experts say humans could be affected. Dr. Dana Orbach, an assistant professor of marine biology at Texas A&M Corpus Christi, it’s likely due to improper disposal of the drug and sadly it’s not a new phenomenon.

Cut 11 (13) “…largely been overlooked.”

Richland Parish is mourning the loss of Sheriff Gary Gilley (JILLY) this morning. He passed away over the weekend at the age of 66. Ouachita (WASH-uh-tuh) Parish Sheriff Marc Mashaw (muh-SHAW), on the man he says dedicated his life to serving others.

Cut 7 (05) “…dedicated public servant.”

Gilly will be laid to rest tomorrow.

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LSU has added a quarterback to its roster who started eight games in the SEC this year. Freshman Michael Van Buren has three years of eligibility left and David Murray, who covers the Mississippi State Bulldogs for 2-4-7 sports says LSU’s NIL dollars helped lure Van Buren to Baton Rouge…

Cut 14 (10) “…offensive linemen.”

After the Saints nearly completed an incredible comeback against the Commanders, falling one point short when a game-ending two-point conversion attempt failed, interim head coach Darren Rizzi said he was proud of his team. On the day after, that didn’t change

Cut 16 (15) “…one play short.”