Optimism is the highest it’s been for small business owners since June 2021. That’s according to the latest national survey of small business owners. NFIB State Director Leah Long says positive changes made here in Louisiana are lowering the personal income tax to 3-percent, and no longer have to pay an inventory tax are great news for small businesses, and says reform was a move in the right direction.

Cut 4 (07) “…in general.”

The holiday season is here; and with that, there will be many celebration gatherings. The holiday season is usually the time when flu and COVID-19 cases tick up. Dr. Gabrielle Givens with St. Tammany Hospital says the very best way you can protect yourself is getting vaccinated.

Cut 6 (11) “…or influenza vaccines.”

Shreveport is getting ready to welcome visitors from New York and West Virginia for the Independence Bowl. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Tickets are now available for Super Bowl LIX (59) in New Orleans. Fans can attend the $20 Opening Night Ceremony on February 3 at Caesars Superdome to see both teams. Starting February 5, the Super Bowl Experience at Morial Convention Center offers player meet-and-greets, autographs, and interactive activities.

Optimism is the highest it’s been for small business owners since June 2021. That’s according to the latest national survey of small business owners. NFIB State Director Leah Long says the results of the Presidential election signal a major shift in economic policy…

Cut 3 (13) “…small business owners”

Long says unfilled job openings remain a concern.

A nearly ten-thousand square foot cannabis dispensary has opened in Lake Charles. It’s believed to be the largest cannabis dispensary in the South. Good Day Farm chief retail officer Laurie Gregory says medical marijuana is a growing industry…

Cut 26 (11) “…in Louisiana”

The Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport has its matchup, Army versus Marshall, a battle between two teams that won their respective conferences. The game will take place Saturday December 28^th. Bowl spokesperson Erik Evenson says there will be several events leading up to the game, especially the day before on the 27^th…

Cut 9 (14) “…concert as well”

Then on game day, the free Coca Cola Fan Fest starts at 3:00, with music, games and fun. Kickoff on December 28th is at 8:15.

The transfer portal opened Monday and hundreds of college football players jumped in. 247 sports is reporting former Oklahoma receiver Nic Anderson has narrowed his choices between LSU, Ole Miss and Florida. Blake Ruffino with Are You Series Sports says Anderson had ten touchdown catches in 2023 for the Sooners, but injuries kept him off the field last season

Cut 17 (12)  “…athleticism.” 

Yet another artificial intelligence data center is coming to Louisiana. This latest one will be in West Feliciana Parish for a company called Hut 8, which operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 20 sites throughout North America. Parish President Kenny Havard says two 450-thousand-square-foot buildings will be put up on a 611-acre parcel off Louisiana Highway 964.

Cut 11 (09) “…were looking for.”

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is teaming up with the Healing Road Foundation to raffle off a black bear harvest permit to a military veteran. Secretary Madison Sheahan says depending on what happens to the black bear population, there could be more opportunities for military veterans to be able to participate.

Cut 15 (13) “…increase those opportunities.”

The largest medical marijuana dispensary is open in Lake Charles. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

It’s Army and Marshall in the Independence Bowl in Shreveport. Erik Evenson (EE-vin-son) with the Independence Bowl says just as it has in the past, the city is rolling out the welcome mat for those visiting from West Point, New York, and from Huntington, West Virginia.

Cut 8 (14) “…they have it.”

There’s news of another artificial data center coming to Louisiana, bringing hundreds of permanent jobs. This one would be in West Feliciana built by Hut 8. Hut 8 mines Bitcoin and operates energy infrastructure in North America. West Feliciana Parish President Kenny Havard says this A-I data center would contain ten-billion dollars’ worth of computers and equipment and will be a major tax revenue generator …

Cut 12 (08) “…dollars et cetera”

The first of two buildings could be operational by the end of next year.

A nearly ten-thousand square foot cannabis dispensary has opened in Lake Charles. It’s believed to be the largest cannabis dispensary in the South. Good Day Farm chief retail officer Laurie Gregory says medical marijuana is a growing industry in the state…

Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana”

The matchup for the Independence Bowl in Shreveport is set – Marshall against Army. Erik Evenson (EE-vin-son) with the Independence Bowl says this is one of the best matchups in the bowl’s long history.

Cut 7 (10) “…a ranked team.”

Army is ranked 22^nd and will play this Saturday against Navy. The Independence Bowl is set for Saturday night on December 28th.

The state’s first black bear hunting season since 1987 is underway in a section of northeast Louisiana. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says it’s a remarkable milestone in the state’s conservation efforts of the black bear….

Cut 14 (14) “…have a season”

Ten black bear hunting tags were allocated through a lottery, but the state made sure the first tag went to a Louisiana military veteran through a partnership with Healing Road Foundation.

Yet another artificial intelligence data center is coming to Louisiana. This latest one will be in West Feliciana Parish for a company called Hut 8, which operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 20 sites throughout North America. Parish President Kenny Havard says this is a good time for businesses to set up shop in Louisiana

Cut 10 (08) “…to be working.”

The data center is expected to create several hundred permanent jobs in West Feliciana Parish.

The largest medical cannabis store in the South has opened in Lake Charles. Good Day Farm Chief Retail Officer Laurie Gregory says the ten-thousand square foot facility is located near Golden Nugget and L’Auberge casinos…

Cut 6 (10) “….cannabis products”

State law does not say you have to be a Louisiana resident to participate in the state’s medical marijuana program. And in Texas, it’s harder to qualify for a medical marijuana prescription than in Louisiana.

Shreveport is getting ready to welcome visitors from New York and West Virginia for the Independence Bowl. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

Voters in Monroe approved the renewal of the one-percent Capital Infrastructure Sales Tax. The tax has been around since 1994 and it helps pay for better streets, sewers, drainage, waterworks, bridges and public facilities. Mayor Friday Ellis says the vote reflects the community’s commitment to long-term planning and efficient use of tax dollars.

Yet another data center is coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports this one will be in West Feliciana Parish.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Cooler weather is moving today because of a cold front. High temperature around 60-degrees for north Louisiana. In central Louisiana, temps are in the mid 60s, but the temperature will drop as the day goes on. Still seeing some thunderstorms in south Louisiana.

The largest medical marijuana dispensary store in the South is open in Lake Charles. The ten-thousand-square-foot Good Day Farms facility is located near the major casinos and replaces a smaller location. It includes a drive-thru, product displays, and unmedicated taste tests of THC and CBD gummies. Chief Retail Officer Laurie Gregory says the modern, colorful design resembles a sneaker store rather than a pharmacy, aiming to destigmatize cannabis use.

Cut 4 (11) “…in Lake Charles”

The state announces a partnership to support black bear conservation and military veterans. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says the department is partnering with the Healing Road Foundation.

Cut 13 (07)  “…and to fish.”

Through this partnership, the foundation raffled off a black bear harvest permit for 2024 to a military veteran. Sheahan says this partnership is just in time for the state’s first black bear hunting season since 1987, which began last Saturday.

The largest medical marijuana dispensary is open in Lake Charles. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (27)“…I’m Sean Richardson.”

_____________________________________________

Shreveport is getting ready to welcome visitors from New York and West Virginia for the Independence Bowl. Colleen Crain reports.

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

_____________________________________________

Yet another data center is coming to Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports this one will be in West Feliciana Parish.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

_____________________________________________

The largest medical marijuana dispensary story is open in Lake Charles. The ten-thousand-square-foot Good Day Farms facility is located near major casinos and replaces a smaller location. It includes a drive-thru, product displays, and unmedicated taste tests of THC and CBD gummies. Chief Retail Officer Laurie Gregory says the modern, colorful design resembles a sneaker store rather than a pharmacy, aiming to destigmatize cannabis use.

Cut 4 (11) “…in Lake Charles”

Medical cannabis use in Louisiana has surged, with the patient count increasing 60-percent statewide and nearly doubling in Calcasieu Parish over the past year. Gregory says this growth also led to a 61-percent rise in cannabis tax revenue, totaling 993-thousand-dollars in 2023.

Cut 5 (11) “…in Louisiana.”

Gregory says Good Day Farms is positioned to attract local and Texas customers, the dispensary benefits from Louisiana’s lack of residency requirements for medical marijuana use.

Cut 6 (10) “…cannabis products”

_____________________________________________

The matchup for the Independence Bowl is set – Marshall against Army. Erik Evenson (EE-vin-son) with the Independence Bowl says this is one of the best matchups in the bowl’s long history.

Cut 7 (10) “…a ranked team.”

Evenson says just as it has in the past, the city is rolling out the welcome mat for those visiting from West Point, New York, and from Huntington, West Virginia.

Cut 8 (14) “…they have it.”

Evenson says there will be several events leading up to the game, especially the day before, on the 27th.

Cut 9 (14)  “…concert as well.”

Then on game day, the free Coca Cola Fan Fest starts at 3:00, with music, games and fun. Kickoff on December 28th is at 8:15.

_____________________________________________

Yet another artificial intelligence data center is coming to Louisiana. This latest one will be in West Feliciana Parish for a company called Hut 8, which operates Bitcoin mining facilities and data centers at 20 sites throughout North America. Parish President Kenny Havard says this is a good time for businesses to set up shop in Louisiana

Cut 10 (08) “…to be working.”

The data center is expected to create several hundred permanent jobs in West Feliciana Parish. Havard says two 450-thousand-square-foot buildings will be put up on a 611-acre parcel off Louisiana Highway 964.

Cut 11 (09) “…were looking for.”

Havard says this new data center will generate some decent tax revenue for the parish.

Cut 12 (08) “…dollars, et cetera.”

The first of the two buildings could be up and running by the end of next year.

_______________________________________________________

The state announces a partnership to support black bear conservation and military veterans. Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Madison Sheahan says the department is partnering with the Healing Road Foundation.

Cut 13 (07)  “…and to fish.”

Through this partnership, the foundation raffled off a black bear harvest permit for 2024 to a military veteran. Sheahan says this partnership is just in time for the state’s first black bear hunting season since 1987.

Cut 14 (14) “…have a season.”

Sheahan says the black bear population increased to the point that they could have a black bear hunting season – and depending on what happens with the black bear population, there could be more opportunities for military veterans to be able to participate.

Cut 15 (13) “…increase those opportunities.”

____________________________________________________

The winter transfer portal opened Monday and the LSU Tigers are looking for receivers. LSU has been named a team to watch for Barion Brown, who had 29 catches for 361 yards and three touchdowns for the Kentucky Wildcats this past season. Blake Ruffino for A-Y-S Sports says other SEC schools will also be interested

Cut 16 (19) “…he does.”

247 sports is reporting former Oklahoma receiver Nic Anderson has narrowed his choices between LSU, Ole Miss and Florida. Ruffino says Anderson had ten touchdown catches in 2023 for the Sooners, but injuries kept him off the field for nearly all of the 2024 season…

Cut 17 (12)  “…athleticism.” 

There are whispers LSU receiver Chris Hilton could enter the transfer portal after an injury plagued 2024 season. Ruffino says its hard to say what Hilton will do…

Cut 18 (13)   “…for you.”

__________________________________________________________

UL Lafayette will take on TCU in the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque on Saturday, December 28th. Cajuns Head Coach Mike Desormeaux (DEZ-er-mo) says it’s a great way to wrap up a successful season.

Cut 19 (14) “…a part of.”

The Cajuns are coming off a 31-3 loss to Marshall in the Sun Belt Championship Game. Desormeaux says that’s now ancient history, and the task at hand is preparing for the Horned Frogs.

Cut 20 (08) “…regrouping after disappointment.”

The big question mark for the Cajuns is the status of redshirt senior quarterback Chandler Fields. He left the title game in the second quarter with an injury and didn’t return. Kickoff on December 28th is 1:50 p.m.

For the first time in nearly a quarter century, East Baton Rouge Parish elects a Republican mayor-president, as Sid Edwards has unseated two-term incumbent Sharon Weston Broome. At his victory rally, the longtime high school football coach said voters wanted change.

Cut 3 (13) “…going to happen. (cheers fade)” 

Edwards won the race despite being very heavily outspent by both Broome and by Ted James, who finished third in the primary and did not advance in the runoff

Yet another teenager is arrested for making threats against his school on social media. The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office says the 15-year-old boy sent messages stating that he was going to bring a gun to school and shoot someone who was spreading rumors about him. The boy told deputies that he did not have a gun and did not have access to one. He’s been released to a parent on a custodial agreement to appear in court.

Public library usage in the state is approaching pre-pandemic levels. Last year, more than ten-million people visited public libraries – a double-digit percentage increase from 2022. State Librarian Meg Placke says not only do libraries have volumes of books that can be checked out, but they have lots of programs for the entire family.

Cut 10 (10) “…summer reading programs.”

Placke says many patrons are also taking advantage of the library’s online offerings.

Saints Interim Coach Darren Rizzi is denying reports that quarterback Derek Carr is out for the season. After Carr left yesterday’s win over the Giants with an injury to his non-throwing hand, reports surfaced that Carr would miss the remainder of the season. However, Rizzi says that’s not true.

Cut 12 (07) “…week plays out.”

Rizzi did say that Carr suffered a concussion and is now in concussion protocol.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith says they take treats against schools seriously. This after arresting a 15-year-old Covington Area Boy for terrorizing. The boy posted on social media that he planned to bring a gun to school and shoot someone who was spreading rumors about him. Investigators found he neither had a gun nor access to one, but he will now have to appear in court. The boy was released to his parents when it was determined there were no firearms in his home. Smith urges parents to speak to their children about the serious consequences of making threats.

A shocker in Baton Rouge as political newcomer Sid Edwards unseats two-term incumbent mayor-president Sharon Weston Broome to become the parish’s next mayor-president. John Couvillon, of JMC Analytics, says two factors worked in Edwards’ favor.

Cut 5 (08) “…Coach Sid’s corner.”

Edwards is the first Republican to be elected mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish in 24 years.

The LSU Tigers are headed to the Texas Bowl for the third time. They’ll battle the Baylor Bears on New Year’s Eve in Houston. Jeff Palermo has more…

Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

After Saint’s quarterback, Derek Carr left yesterday’s win over the Giants with an injury to his non-throwing hand and a possible concussion, reports surfaced that Carr would miss the remainder of the season. However, interim head coach Darren Rizzi says it does not appear that Carr will need surgery and could possibly return as early as this Sunday against the Commanders.

Cut 13 (14)  “…type of thing.”

Carr is also in the concussion protocol.