 BY VICKI FERSTEL | Staff writer A collision of conservation efforts in rural Louisiana has pitted crawfish ponds against tree planting, illustrating some of the new complications of the carbon credit market. Staff writer David J. Mitchell notes this battle involves a lawsuit over nearly 850 acres of rice farms and crawfish and catfish ponds near Kinder and the Calcasieu River, northeast of Lake Charles.
When the New Orleans Saints take the field Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders for their 2024 home finale, 21 players on their roster will have uncertain futures. Many of them are set to become unrestricted free agents. Staff writer Luke Johnson looks at who will be saying goodbye.
These two guest columns on Hanukkah and Christmas note that both fall during the darkest time of the year, bringing light to the world. "It is into this darkness, symbolic of a fallen and broken world, that the light of Jesus Christ shines forth from a cave in Bethlehem," writes Father Jason Foster, rector of the Holy Nativity of the Lord Orthodox Church in Shreveport, which will be observing Christmas on Jan. 7. Tonight marks the second night of the eight-day Hanukkah celebration. Rabbi Sarah Smiley of the Unified Jewish Congregation of Baton Rouge discusses the history and joys of this observance of faith and resilience. Also, the entire community is invited to the lighting of the giant menorah on the front steps of the State Capitol on Sunday, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The event, sponsored by CHABAD of Baton Rouge, is free-of-charge. Enjoy! | 
