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.

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.

Big economic development news in Shreveport as SBJ announces plans its nearly doubling the size of its workforce….

Cut 7 (14) “….create”  (golf cart)

SBJ is a global technology company that already employs 660 workers at its facility at the former GM plant.

Louisiana 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.

LSU interim head football coach Frank Wilson was asked today if he will be part of Lane Kiffin’s coaching staff. Wilson says that decision will come after the Texas Bowl on December 27^th. Wilson will serve as the Tigers interim head coach for the bowl game and says several key starters will miss the game including top cornerback Mansoor Delane (MAHN-soor duh-LANE)…

Cut 10 (10) “…Whit weeks will be out”

With Nussmeier not playing that means Michael Van Buren will make his fourth consecutive start at quarterback for Tigers.

State health officials are reminding residents that if they are feeling stressed or anxious, especially with the holidays, they call 9-8-8. Surgeon General Ralph Abraham….

Cut 13 (09) “…handle sometimes”

Louisiana operates two 9-8-8 call centers, one in north Louisiana, the other in New Orleans.

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, but Johnston says they plan to nearly double their number of employees.

LSU’s Frank Wilson will be the Tigers interim head coach for the Texas Bowl on December 27^th, but when asked today if he will be a part of Lane Kiffin’s staff…

Cut 9 (13) “…in that regard”

A plan to sell Toledo Bend water to Texas is off for now, and a Vernon Parish legislator plans to file a bill in the next session to ensure that it never happens. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”