The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana expects the new tax code effective in January will bring the state a budget surplus in the new fiscal year that begins in July. PAR President Steven Procopio says the original forecast for the general fund was 11.7-billion dollars; now, it’s 12.15-billion, and 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.”

Many Americans are missing out on credit card rewards, according to a recent Bankrate survey. 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.”

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.”

Former LSU Standout and Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire has joined the New Orleans Saints practice squad. Edwards-Helaire had 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.”

Last minute Christmas shoppers may be disappointed if they’re looking for discounted items. LSU Marketing Professor Dan Rice says whether prices will drop before Christmas depends on the item.

Cut 3 (11) “…a higher price.”

And he says you will need to look at pre-holiday prices to determine whether the price you’re paying really is a good deal.

Tis the season to charge, and despite the appeal of rewards credit cards a recent Bankrate survey shows almost a quarter of Americans missed out on “free money” and/or perks because they didn’t redeem any of their rewards in the past year. Bankrate Senior Analyst Ted Rossman has advice.

Cut 8 (06) “…use them too.”

Changes in Louisiana’s tax code are coming and Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana President Steven Procopio says the changes 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.”

Former Kansas City Chiefs running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire is now a Saint. He’s officially 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.”

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.”

__________________________________________________________

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.

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.”

Congress is now in an all-out game of Beat The Clock. If Congress does not reach a budget deal by midnight Eastern time tonight, the federal government will be shut down. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says he thought there was a bipartisan, bicameral deal – until one man who’s not even in Congress threw everything into turmoil.

Cut 13 (07)  “…vote for it.”

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.”

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.

Civil rights groups are urging school districts across the state not to post the Ten Commandments starting January 1st. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

State lawmakers are no longer looking at a 340-million dollar budget deficit for the fiscal year that starts July 1^st. The Revenue Estimating Conference believes the state will actually see a surplus because of changes to the state’s tax laws made during the special session.

More Louisiana teachers are choosing to remain in the profession. That’s according to an annual report from the Louisiana Department of Education that shows a two-percent decrease in the number of teachers exiting their current position. Deputy Superintendent of Education Jenna Chaisson says efforts to raise teachers salaries seem to be working…

Cut 11 (06) “….at the state level”

Chaisson says the state has also implemented a number of initiatives and policies designed to support teachers.

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.

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.”

Civil rights groups have sent a letter to public school districts warning them not to post the Ten Commandments in their classroom despite a law that will go into effect on January first requiring them to do so. A federal judge has ruled the law is unconstitutional, but Attorney General Liz Murrill argues that order only applies to five school districts that are named in the lawsuit. The five school districts are East Baton Rouge, Livingston, Orleans, St. Tammany and Vernon.

The state has appealed the lower court’s ruling and a federal appeals court will hear arguments on January 23^rd. But ACLU of Louisiana executive director Alanah Odoms believes it’s clear the state’s Ten Commandments Law violates the separation of church and state…

Cut 8 (15) “….that it’s unconstitutional”

But Murrill says the Ten Commandments law is clearly constitutional.

A government shutdown is possible, if Congress can not come to an agreement on how to fund federal operations for at least the next three months. New Orleans Democratic Congressman Troy Carter says he thought there was a bipartisan, bicameral deal – until one man who’s not even in Congress threw everything into turmoil.

Cut 13 (07)  “…vote for it.”

But Baton Rouge Republican Congressman Garret Graves says that’s not the complete story.

Cut 14 (09) “…to pass it.”

Meanwhile a record 119-million Americans plan to travel between now and through the New Year’s holiday. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says travel this year has surpassed pre-pandemic numbers…

Cut 4 (11) “…set in 2019”