Small business optimism is at it’s lowest levels in over two years, and the National Federation of Independent Business has a good idea as to why…
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March food stamp benefits will arrive early for those who receive the government assistance…
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The National Federation of Independent Business says their Small Businesses Optimism Index has slipped to it’s lowest levels since just before the 2016 presidential election, a notable drop off from recent record highs. State Director Dawn Starns says much of the recent drop off can be attributed to the last, and potentially upcoming, government shutdown.
Starns noted the 101.2 rating is still above the historical average of 98.
The NFIB state director also noted another issue tugging at optimism for small business owners was difficulty hiring qualified workers. Starns says 23 percent of members reported that as an issue.
15 percent of companies said taxes were their biggest concern, followed by 12 percent who said it was regulation and red tape.
Starns says overall compensation for workers in independent firms did increase in January, as just over a third of companies reported paying their workers more, or offering better benefits.
NFIB also reports that small businesses added .33 worker each on average for January, with 15 percent of companies adding an average of 3 workers a piece.
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Lafourche Parish Sheriff deputies arrested a 17-year-old in connection with the death of a 19-year-old who was fatally shot Sunday night when a bullet entered his mother’s home in Lockport. Jyairus Folse of Lockport was charged with the Second Degree Murder of Alton Adams of Bayou Blue. Lt. Brennan Matherne says the suspect hasn’t disclosed to investigators a reason for the shooting.
Cut 6 (10) “…in this situation.”
Matherne says Folse has also been charged with 6 counts of attempted second-degree murder for each person in the home.
Cut 7 (06) “…inside the trailer.”
Matherne says the investigation shows that Adams was shot in the back.
Cut 8 (13) “…in this shooting.”
Bond has been set at $5 million.
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March food stamps will arrive early as recipients should check their mailboxes for benefits on the first and second of the month, whereas SNAP traditionally arrives sometime between the first and 15th. Department of Children and Family Services Secretary Marketa Garner Walters says the early delivery is to make up for the significant gap recipients faced due to the last government shutdown.
This comes as the nation awaits a decision by President Trump as to whether or not he will accept a Senate compromise on border wall funding, or reject the legislation and allow another shutdown to begin Friday. Walters says they’re keeping a close eye on the situation.
Walters says there’s an important reason why the benefits are being staggered over two days, and it’s to allow the most vulnerable populations access to groceries first.
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Allegiant Air will begin non-stop service between Shreveport and the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport in Florida on May 17th. Shreveport Regional Airport Authority spokesperson Mark Crawford says fares start at 49-dollars each way and flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays…
Cut 12 (07) “…in an hour and half”
The seasonal service is scheduled to run through Monday, September 2nd. Crawford says back in 2011 the non-defunct Vision Airlines offered non-stop service to Destin twice a week…
Cut 13 (10) “…with Vision Airlines”
Crawford says this new service to Destin-Fort Walton Beach is the eighth non-stop route offered from Shreveport…
Cut 14 (10) 49 dollars one way”
Allegiant has flown out of the Shreveport Regional Airport for the last 13 years.