A national survey of small business owners finds optimism rose in April, but the small business optimism index remains below the 50-year average index. NFIB state director Leah Long says 22-percent of owners reported that inflation was their single most important problem….
Cut 7 (06) “…make it all work.”
Forty-percent of all owners reported job openings they could not fill in April.

According to the Vaughn family, a Bunkie man has been sentenced to six years in prison after he plead guilty to vehicular homicide. State Police say Christopher McCoy was legally intoxicated when he drove off the road and struck a tree in Avoyelles Parish, killing his passenger Lauren Vaughn. Lauren’s mom pleads with drivers to be sober when they are behind the wheel…
cut 5 (10) “…drink and drive”

The Skyline of Lake Charles is changing as the tall, mirrored Hertz building is finally coming down. It has been four years since the building sustained significant damage in Hurricane Laura leaving multiple broken glass panes to greet travelers on I-10. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter says taxpayers will not have to foot the bill for the demolition…
Cut 10 (12) “…not own.”
Hunter says the city tried to work with private developers on a plan to repair and renovate the building, but the only viable option is to tear the skyscraper down. Demolition will likely occur in August or September.