Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Opinions

Turnover intrigue continues for public bodies

Article Image Alt Text

If there’s been one overarching theme for the local government bodies I cover over the past year or so, it would probably be the volume with which positions just keep on changing hands.

Should one wait until age 70 to claim SS?

Article Image Alt Text

Dear Rusty: I have read your answers to the commonly asked question of “When should I claim social security benefits?” You always say one should wait as long as possible (up to age 70) to get the maximum monthly benefit. But I have not seen you address the matter of all the money you could have collected if you start drawing sooner and how many years it will take, if you wait, to recoup all that money.

America beginning to see new ‘great migration’

Article Image Alt Text

In the early 1900s my grandmother entered America from Germany through Ellis Island.

Biden amnesty expands labor market

If there’s one thing that President Biden has made abundantly clear, it’s that he will grant an amnesty to an unknown number of illegal immigrants.

Don’t get mad, move to Louisiana

Article Image Alt Text

Finally, the Bayou State has beaten the national average in a good way: Louisianans are a bit calmer than folks in most other places.

Lane expresses excitement about Biden inauguaration

Inauguration Day! What a day for reflection, rejuvenation and reminiscing.

What do rising gas prices mean for state this time?

Article Image Alt Text

The law of supply and demand is a theory that defines the relationship between the price of a given good or product and the willingness of people to either buy or sell it.

Even in quarantine, worry helps no one

Article Image Alt Text

For the first time, I have the distinct pleasure of writing this column while in quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure.

Do COVID bonuses count?

Article Image Alt Text

Dear Rusty: I’m 63 and still working, and I receive Social Security benefits. Because of COVID-19 my employer has been giving us a $300 bonus, every 3 months. This will be $1,200 for the year and it will put me over the $18,240 earnings limit for this year. My question is, since these bonuses are COVID-19 related are they still considered earned income? My second question is, if I go over the limit does Social Security stop my check, even if it might be a portion of the check?

Looking back to get a better view forward

Article Image Alt Text

America is in a mess. For years I have written about the polarization we observed in Washington and how the government and the country must come together, heal our wounds, and put America above political affiliation.