With a forecast of almost 75-thousand new jobs in the next two years, one economist says Louisiana is poised to cross the two-million jobs barrier. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
How will the ongoing federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Andrew Greenstein has some insight.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
____________________________________________
A new Superdome agreement between the state and the Saints has been signed, which will keep the team in the city of New Orleans for the foreseeable future. Andre Champagne has more.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
_________________________________________________
One economist says the state as a whole is expected to add almost 75-thousand jobs in the next two years. Dr. Loren Scott says much of South Louisiana is expected to see a good portion of those new jobs, fueled by the industrial construction boom.
Cut 4 (11) “…now beginning construction.”
Dr. Scott says when considered by itself, the New Orleans metropolitan area tells a very different story. He says environmental organizations have stifled industrial projects, and with the exception of St. Tammany Parish, that has slowed job growth tremendously there.
Cut 5 (09) “…were before Katrina.”
Scott says there is a level of uncertainty in the oil and gas sector, thanks in large part to tariffs and oil prices.
Cut 6 (12) “…used to do.”
_________________________________________________
How will the federal government shutdown affect consumer spending? Kris Lindsey-Hall, an associate professor of marketing at LSU, says those who stand to lose their income, whether temporarily or permanently, will have a very rough go for the time being.
Cut 7 (12) “…to do that.”
Lindsey-Hall says even those who don’t work for the federal government may find themselves cutting back on spending, or opting for less expensive options like private label brands at the supermarket instead of national brands.
Cut 8 (10) “…today was financially.”
Lindsey-Hall says people tend to put off major purchases during federal government shutdowns.
Cut 9 (10) “…that ripple effect.”
___________________________________________
The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has laid out its plan on how it will address a 25-million-dollar structural deficit. Interim President Jamie Hebert says the school has implemented 10-percent operational spending cuts and a five-percent cut to academic affairs.
Cut 10 (12) “…offices on campus.”
Hebert says there will be a handful of layoffs. He says they will also adjust building temperatures and make changes to the campus shuttle bus system. He says there will be several other cost-saving measures.
Cut 11 (10) “…current revenue streams.”
The deficit is the result of a decline in enrollment of full-time undergraduates since 2015. During that time, the school has seen an increase in online and graduate programs, but that brings in less revenue. Hebert says the goal with these cost cutting initiatives is not to diminish the student learning experience, and they believe they can achieve that.
Cut 12 (10) “…to conduct research.”
______________________________________________________
A new Superdome agreement has been signed between the Saints and the State of Louisiana. The ten-year extension keeps the Black and Gold in New Orleans through the 2035 season, and the Saints will have the option to renew every five years through 2055. Owner Gayle Benson says the deal is an example of the special partnership between the state and the NFL franchise.
Cut 13 (13) “…of the way.”
The new lease agreement is the result of lengthy negotiations between the NFL franchise and the Saints. According to NOLA.com, the two sides had trouble agreeing on new details for other real estate properties, such as Benson Tower, which is owned by the Saints but leases office space to state agencies.
Changes have also been made on revenue percentages for food and beverage sales at games and gives Louisiana more favorable terms to market the Dome’s exclusive suites for marquee events.
The lease agreement also contains language that would deter a future owner from relocating the team. Governor Jeff Landry praises the deal.
Cut 14 (10) “…of New Orleans.”
Because the lease agreement negotiations took longer than expected, the Saints missed a key deadline in order to bid on hosting a Super Bowl in 2031. But Benson believes it’s not too late to get involved in the bidding.
Cut 15 (08) “…am not deterred.”
If 2031 is not on the table for the Saints, the next available year for New Orleans to host the Super Bowl is 2038.
______________________________________________
McNeese football hasn’t had the ideal start they would have liked, but the Pokes will have an opportunity to get back in the win column as they host Southeastern tomorrow. Head coach Matt Viator says he wants his team to be frustrated and be able to respond to a tough loss to Stephen F. Austin.
Cut 16 (18) “…you don’t win.”
The Pokes have struggled to be put a full offensive showing together for four quarters. Even though the group has showed flashes, Viator says that the coaching staff has to do a better job of putting his players in the best position to be effective.
Cut 17 (16) “…hit and miss.”
Southeastern is 3-2 after coming off of a 45-31 win over Texas Rio Grande Valley. The Lions play two quarterbacks on offense, junior Carson Camp and sophomore Kyle Lowe. Head coach Frank Scelfo commends the two quarterbacks for being able to make such a difficult system work.
Cut 18 (19) “…win or lose.”
__________________________________________________
Quarterback Jaxson Dart was drafted 25th overall by the New York Giants in the this year’s NFL Draft. Even though the Saints were in the market for a quarterback, they passed on the electric playmaker from Ole Miss. Dart says that he’s going into Sunday’s game against the Saints with an extra chip on his shoulder.
Cut 19 (14) “…like that happens.”
Dart will make his first start on the road in New Orleans on Sunday. Even though the Superdome is known for being one of the loudest stadiums in the NFL, Dart says he’s used to crowd noise from playing in the SEC.
Cut 20 (19) “…prepare that way.”