Students who attend poorly performing schools can begin applying for vouchers today. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children, Ann Duplesis says about 10-thousand families apply every year, and students from all over the state can apply.

Cut 4 (06) “be educated”

Duplesis says students already enrolled in the program do not need to reapply.

WWE’s WrestleMania is returning to New Orleans next year. Governor John Bel Edwards says when the event came to the Big Easy in 2014, over 75-thousand fans came from around the world, bringing an economic impact of $142 million.

Cut 10 (09) “billion dollars”

Edwards says this is the quickest the event has ever returned to a previous host city.

Small business optimism skyrocketed last month, according to the National Federation for Independent Business. State Director Dawn Starns says it’s because business owners are anticipating better economic conditions under the new administration.

Cut 7 (09) “increase then”

The NFIB says small business optimism is at its highest level since 2004.

150-thousand Louisiana residents have signed up for health coverage through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Christen Young with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services says financial assistance is a key driver, as 82-percent of Louisiana consumers have qualified for tax credits.

Cut 12 (08) “a year”

Young says most people can find a plan for less than $75 per month.