The latest nationwide survey finds that optimism continues to rise among small businesses, but challenges persist. NFIB state director Leah Long says for the month of July, the top reported issue was labor quality or availability.

Cut 9 (08)  “…definitely an issue.”

Long says it’s a problem that the Landry administration, state lawmakers, K-through-12 and higher education leaders are trying to fix.

An LCMC Health doctor performs a groundbreaking lung cancer procedure. Dr. Wassim Abi Jaoude (ZHAO-day) of East Jefferson General Hospital performed the first single-port robotic lung cancer surgery in the Gulf South on a man from Metairie, who is now cancer free.

Cut 3 (09) “…only one incision.”

Abi Jaoude is currently the only surgeon in the region offering the single-port robotic lung cancer surgery.

Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan could miss the start of the regular season with a hamstring injury. Kace Kieschnick has more.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

It’s believed to be one of the largest methamphetamine busts in Louisiana history. Deputies with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office pull over an 18-wheeler on eastbound I-12 in Denham Springs and found almost 800 pounds of meth in the trailer. Anton Rakov, a Russian national, was arrested and is now in ICE custody.