News

— Oil and gas producers in Louisiana could pay lower royalties to drill on state lands under a new plan released by the Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy.

— President Donald Trump said his tariffs on foreign imports are fueling the nation's economic growth as he prays for a favorable U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Jeff Davis Parish Economic Development Commission Director Cesilee Oliver has recently made significant headway positioning the parish for strong economic growth despite only having a few months in the position. The director is moving forward incrementally with growth process elements to help attract and achieve new business development in the parish.

PARIS (AP) — French prosecutors say a proRussian hacking group has claimed responsibility for a major cyberattack on France’s national postal service. The attack halted package deliveries just days before Christmas. French intelligence agency DGSI has taken over the investigation. The cybercrime group, known as Noname057, has been linked to other cyberattacks in Europe. Central computer systems at La Poste were knocked offline Monday in a distributed denial of service attack. Postal workers couldn’t track packages, and online payments were disrupted. France and European allies accuse Russia of waging “hybrid warfare” to undermine support for Ukraine.

BETHLEHEM, West Bank (AP) — After two years of subdued Christmas celebrations due to war, thousands of people flocked to Bethlehem's Manger Square on Christmas Eve. The giant Christmas tree returned, as dozens of scouts groups marched by playing festive music. Bethlehem has canceled celebrations during the past two years due to the Israel-Hamas war. The city where Christians believe Jesus was born relies heavily on tourism that has been severely impacted. Residents are hopeful as domestic tourism slowly returns despite ongoing tensions.