As we approach 2026, the National Federation of Independent Business says there’s more optimism among small businesses. NFIB State director, Leah Long, says optimism spikes with the passage of the when the Big Beautiful Bill made the 20% small business deduction permanent and she was glad to see the Louisiana legislature tackle insurance reform which will be a huge help for small businesses.

Cut 8 (09) “…your bottom line.”

Requirements for unemployment insurance benefits are changing. Beginning January 4^th, claimants must complete five work-search activities per week, up from three. Robert Wooley with Louisiana Works says there are also new rules that if broken could cause a person to lose their unemployment benefits.

Cut 15 (09) “…lose your benefit.”

Farmers in Louisiana are in position to get federal assistance because of President Trump’s 12-billion-dollar financial aid package for producers. LSU Ag Center economist Michael Deliberto says it’s needed as farmers suffered through a tough 2025.

Cut 3 (15) “…its third year.”

Deliberto says Cotton, rice and soybean farmers have struggled the most this year. President Trump says the funding will come from tariff revenues.

Former Lafayette Christian Academy Star and LSU running back JuJuan Johnson has entered the transfer portal.

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s health care insurance reform bill tomorrow. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

United Healthcare will no longer be an insurer for Louisiana’s Medicaid program which means over 300,000 recipients may have to find a new primary care provider who is in-network with one of the other 5 Louisiana Medicaid insurers by January first. LDH reportedly made the decision to not renew United’s contract due to legal issues that involves the state’s requests for documents on how United manages prescription drug benefits.

Changes are coming to unemployment insurance benefits. They’re the result of legislation approved earlier this year and Robert Wooley with Louisiana works says the number of work search requirements is going up from three per week to five. So what classifies as work-search activities?

Cut 14 (11) “…instead of three.”

The changes go into effect on January 4^th.

The Jena High School football team is heading to the Dome for the first time in school history. The Giants are the top seed in Division Two non-select and will face defending champion, Sterlington Friday afternoon at 3:30. Coach Jay Roark expects a big crowd from LaSalle Parish to cheer on the Giants.

Cut 12 (05) “…this weekend.”

The Prep Classic gets underway tomorrow with Mangham versus Haynesville.

A vote on a healthcare bill co-sponsored by Bill Cassidy is expected in the Senate today. He says under his plan, instead of insurance companies deciding how patients’ are treated, money would go to taxpayers’ health savings accounts and they would be in control of how money is spent on their health care.

Cut 6 (10) “…an Obamacare policy.”

Cassidy says his plan has the support of some Democrats. He needs seven to advance the bill.

There’s optimism among small businesses says State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Leah Long. She says positives in 2025 include making the 20% small business deduction permanent and the state’s action on insurance reform. In 2026, she would like to see state lawmakers continue to work on lawsuit abuse.

Cut 9 (09)  “…those employers too.”

Requirements for unemployment insurance benefits are increasing. Beginning January 4^th, claimants must complete five work-search activities per week, up from three. Robert Wooley with Louisiana Works says there are also new rules that if broken could cause a person to lose their unemployment benefits.

Cut 15 (09) “…lose your benefit.”

The Jena High School football team is preparing for its first ever state championship game appearance. Jena is 13-and-0 and the top seed in Division Two non-select. Coach Jay Roark says he’s proud of how the defense improved throughout the season.

Cut 11 (12) “…and getting better.”

The Giants will face defending champion Sterlington Friday afternoon at 3:30.

A vote on the healthcare reform bill co-sponsored by Bill Cassidy is expected in the Senate today. Cassidy says the current Affordable Care Act grants insurance companies 20% of funds and allows the insurance companies to release 80% for what the insurance company believes the patient needs but under his plan, insurance companies would no longer get that money.

Cut 5 (07) “…health savings account.”

He says his plan has the support of some Democrats; whether it has the support of the seven Democrats needed to advance the bill remains to be seen.

Changes are coming to unemployment insurance benefits. They’re the result of legislation approved earlier this year and Robert Wooley with Louisiana works says the number of work search requirements is going up. So what are work-search activities?

Cut 14 (11) “…instead of three.”

As 2026 approaches, small businesses are a little more optimistic. Andre Champagne explains.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

The Jena High School football team will compete in their first ever state championship game this weekend. The Giants are the top seed in Division Two non-select and will face defending champion, Sterlington Friday afternoon at 3:30. Coach Jay Roark expects a big crowd from LaSalle Parish to cheer on the Giants.

Cut 12 (05) “…this weekend.”

Starting January 4th, to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, a claimant will need to complete at least five work-search activities each week — an increase from the current requirement of three. Robert Wooley with Louisiana Works says the new rule is not intended to punish an unemployed individual.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to live on (2x).”

As we approach 2026, the National Federation of Independent Business says there’s more optimism among small businesses. NFIB State director, Leah Long, says optimism spikes with the passage of the when the Big Beautiful Bill made the 20% small business deduction permanent and she was glad to see the Louisiana legislature tackle insurance reform which will be a huge help for small businesses.

Cut 8 (09) “…your bottom line.”

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s health care insurance reform bill today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

United Healthcare will no longer be an insurer for Louisiana’s Medicaid program which means over 300,000 recipients may have to find a new primary care provider who is in-network with one of the other 5 Louisiana Medicaid insurers by January first. LDH made the decision to not renew United’s contract due to some legal issues that according to Attorney General Liz Murrill involves the state’s requests for documents on how United manages prescription drug benefits.

Louisiana Works is alerting you that new requirements to qualify for unemployment will be in place starting January 4th. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

The Senate is expected to vote on the healthcare bill co-sponsored by Bill Cassidy’s today and Cassidy says his bill is an alternative to a Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which he says disproportionately benefits insurance companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…release the money.”

Small businesses are a little more optimistic as we approach 2026. State director of the National Federation of Independent Business, Leah Long, says the biggest challenges for small business owners heading into the new year are operating costs and labor shortages. She says 2025 was a good year for small businesses, spearheaded by legislation at all levels.

Cut 7 (11) “…was made permanent.”

The Jena High School football team is preparing for its first ever state championship game appearance. After losing in the semifinals the last two seasons, head coach Jay Roark says it’s nice to get over the hump.

Cut 10 (10) “…great teammates.”

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s health care insurance reform bill today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

____________________________________________

Small businesses are a little more optimistic as 2025 gets set to give way to 2026. Andre Champagne reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

____________________________________________

Louisiana Works is alerting you that new requirements will be in place starting January 4th in order to qualify for unemployment. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

_________________________________________________

The Senate is expected to vote on Bill Cassidy’s healthcare bill today. Cassidy is sponsoring it with Idaho Republican Mike Crapo (CRAY-poh), and he says his bill is an alternative to a Democratic proposal to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, which he says disproportionately benefits insurance companies.

Cut 4 (09) “…release the money.”

Cassidy says under his plan, insurance companies would no longer get that money.

Cut 5 (07) “…health savings account.”

Cassidy says since the money would go directly to the taxpayers, they are in firm control of how that money is spent for their health care needs.

Cut 6 (10) “…an Obamacare policy.”

Cassidy says his plan has the support of some Democrats; whether it has the support of the seven Democrats needed to advance the bill remains to be seen.

_________________________________________________

Small businesses are a little more optimistic as 2025 gets ready to give way to 2026. Leah Long, the state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, says the biggest challenges for small business owners heading into the new year are operating costs and labor shortages. Long says all in all, 2025 was a good year for small businesses, spearheaded by legislation at all levels, starting on Capitol Hill.

Cut 7 (11) “…was made permanent.”

Long says at the state level, she was glad to see the Louisiana legislature tackle insurance reform, and that will be a huge help for small businesses.

Cut 8 (09) “…your bottom line.”

Long says there’s still work to be done, though – in 2026, she would like to see the legislature continue its work on lawsuit abuse.

Cut 9 (09)  “…those employers too.”

_____________________________________________

The Jena High School football team is preparing for its first ever state championship game appearance. After losing in the semifinals the last two seasons, head coach Jay Roark says it’s nice to get over the hump.

Cut 10 (14) “…than previous years.”

Jena is 13-and-0 and the top seed in Division Two non-select. Roark says he’s proud of  how the defense improved throughout the season.

Cut 11 (12) “…and getting better.”

The Giants will face defending champion Sterlington Friday afternoon at 3:30. The Panthers average 46 points a game and beat Jena in the semifinals last year. Roark expects a big crowd from LaSalle Parish to cheer on the Giants.

Cut 12 (05) “…this weekend.”

____________________________________________________________

Starting January 4th, in order to qualify for unemployment insurance benefits, a claimant will need to complete at least five work-search activities each week. That’s an increase from the current requirement of three. Robert Wooley with Louisiana Works says the new rule is not intended to punish an unemployed individual.

Cut 13 (10)  “…to live on (2x).”

The upcoming changes to the unemployment insurance benefits are the result of legislation approved earlier this year. Wooley says attending interviews, updating a resume and participating in job-search or training programs are considered work-search activities.

Cut 14 (11) “…instead of three.”

Wooley says there are also new rules that could result in a person losing their unemployment benefits.

Cut 15 (09) “…lose your benefit.”

_______________________________________________________

College football teams such as Notre Dame, Iowa State, Kansas State, Florida State, Auburn, UCF and Baylor declined invitations to play in bowl games. Despite not having the season it wanted to, LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson says the Tigers never thought about not playing in a bowl.

Cut 16 (17) “…the right way.”

The Tigers started bowl practices yesterday. Playing in a bowl game allows LSU’s season to be extended, which is an advantage heading into spring football. Wilson says the team is excited to go out and finish the season out in Houston — against Houston.

Cut 17 (16)  “…our football team.”

The LSU football team added 14 players to its 2026 recruiting class in the early signing period, and Wilson says new head coach Lane Kiffin’s efforts put a bow on some of the top recruits’ decisions to sign with the Tigers.

Cut 18 (17)  “…wrap it up.”

S-L-B, a global technology company, will expand its operations in Shreveport, resulting in hundreds of new jobs. Their technology center in Shreveport is located at the former GM plant and SLB’s Data Centers Director Andrew Johnston says it will soon become the largest SLB facility in the world…

Cut 6 (13) “…world” (clapping)

SLB currently employs 660 employees at its Shreveport site and Johnston says they plan to nearly double that number.

LSU football coach Frank Wilson was asked today if he will be part of Lane Kiffin’s staff. Wilson said a decision on that will come after the Tigers play in the Texas Bowl. Several coaches on the offensive side of the football will not be retained as Kiffin brought several assistants with him from Ole Miss. Wilson says the transition has been smooth…

Cut 11 (05) “…pulling for LSU”

Senator Bill Cassidy is disappointed with a CDC panel’s decision to change its recommendation when it comes to administering the Hepatitis B vaccine. Instead of the recommendation covering all newborns, it is now for only infants that were born to mothers who test positive for the virus. Cassidy says the Hepatitis B vaccine has been effective…

Cut 5 (10) “…20 a year”

Hepatitis B can lead to a serious liver infection.

The holiday season can be a stressful time. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham is urging you to reach out if you are struggling.

Cut 12 (07) “…somebody who cares.”

There are two 9-8-8 call centers in Louisiana that operate 24-7.  You can also text 9-8-8 to establish a live chat.