2025 was a banner year for economic development in Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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If you have some last-minute Christmas shopping to do, why not do it at a local business? Andre Champagne reports…
Cut 2 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
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The Louisiana Department of Economic Development says 2025 was a record-breaking year. Secretary Susan Bourgeois says 2025 saw the largest investment and job creation in Louisiana history.
Cut 3 (09) “…93-hundred direct jobs.”
Bourgeois points out that those jobs pay an average salary of 91-thousand dollars a year, which dwarfs the current state average.
Cut 4 (11) “…current state average.”
Bourgeois says L-E-D and the state implemented several initiatives to spur economic development, and they proved to be very effective.
Cut 5 (14) “…locate here coming.”
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Will you be wrapping up your Christmas shopping on Super Saturday? Why not shop at a local business? Leah Long, the director of the Louisiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business, says when you shop at a local business, you’re in for a much more personalized experience.
Cut 6 (10) “…community may want.”
Long says in every way, local businesses are an integral part of the community.
Cut 7 (14) “…at your business.”
Long says even if you prefer to do your Christmas shopping online, you can do so at a small business and support your community just the same.
Cut 8 (08) “…it to you.”
Long points out that when you shop at a local business, 67 cents out of every dollar you spend stays in your local community.
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On the heels of data centers being built in Richland and West Feliciana parishes, the City of Shreveport has given the green light for a data center in that city. The vote overturns a decision by the Metropolitan Planning Commission that denied the data center. The vote came following more than two hours of passionate public comment, with several people speaking out in favor of the project…
Cut 9 (09) “…of the future.”
…and several speaking out against it.
Cut 10 (10) “…of this project?”
In the end, the council vote was 7-0. Councilman Jim Taliaferro explained that he understood everyone’s concerns as he voted in favor of the data center, but he as a leader has to look at the big picture.
Cut 11 (11) “…safeguards in place.”
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Tulane is set to play in its first-ever College Football Playoff game on Saturday as it faces Ole Miss for the second time this season. Head coach Jon Sumrall says his team is one that’s led by the players.
Cut 12 (14) “…and their approach.”
In Tulane’s first matchup with Ole Miss in late September, the Rebels totaled nearly 550 yards of offense. Senior linebacker Sam Howard says the Green Wave’s defense has to do a better job of getting off the field this time around.
Cut 13 (11) “…make a play.”
Tulane lost that first matchup against Ole Miss by five touchdowns. Freshman running back Jamauri McClure says the Green Wave will be out for revenge on Saturday.
Cut 14 (12) “…ready for this game.”
The Green Wave and Rebels kick off Saturday at 2:30 p.m.
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With the transfer portal window set to open on January 2nd, ten LSU football players are expected to enter. Among them is redshirt freshman quarterback Colin Hurley, who enrolled at LSU as a 16-year-old. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says the move isn’t surprising as head coach Lane Kiffin is expected to shop for multiple quarterbacks in the portal.
Cut 15 (08) “…going to be missed.”
One of the most surprising names to enter the portal was freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne. Curne played in seven games and had starts at both left and right tackle. Guilbeau says Curne is the only big loss so far.
Cut 16 (09) “…are significant.”