Louisiana’s fourth grade students lead the country in reading growth according to the Nation’s Report Card which was released this morning by the National Center for Education Statistics. But the state saw declines in fourth grade math, eighth grade math and eighth grade reading. U-S math scores saw their largest decreases ever in the nation’s first report card issued since the pandemic.

New labor data shows Louisiana’s jobless rate continues to drop for a 19th straight month. More from Michelle Southern…:
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

There are eight constitutional amendments on the November eighth ballot. Amendment one asks residents if they support increasing the cap on the amount of monies in certain state funds that may be invested in stocks from 35 to 65-percent. PAR President Steven Procopio says it’s a sound idea, when markets are stable…
cut 8 (10) “….short term losses”
More information on the amendments go to PAR’s website.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and parish sheriff’s offices will distribute free child ID kits to students in kindergarten through fifth grades. National Child ID Program Director Kenny Hansmire says the kits do not enter a database, instead, it allows parents to store their children’s vital information in their own homes…
Cut 15 (08) “…parent and law enforcement.”

New federal labor numbers show Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was just 3.4-percent. The lowest rate in the state’s history. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says this marks 19 consecutive months of declines in jobless claims.
Cut 4 (11) “…in the labor force.” (2x)

Early voting begins tomorrow for the November eighth election. You’ll find eight constitutional amendments on the ballot. Amendments one asks voters to increase the cap on the amount of monies in certain state funds that may be invested in stocks to 65-percent. PAR President Steven Procopio says a no vote will maintain the same 35-percent limit on investing state funds…
cut 9 (10) “…fund education primarily”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office along with your local sheriffs’ department is distributing free child ID kits to students in kindergarten through fifth grades. East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says parents can use the kits to store their child’s fingerprints, a DNA sample, physical identification information, and recent photos that can be given to law enforcement in abduction and runaway cases…
Cut 14 (10) “..that investigation.”
The next time you are in Baton Rouge, you can check out a sunken ferry along the banks the Mississippi River that’s now visible because of the low river water level. State Archeologist Chip McGimsey says the ferry sank in 1915 and it’s located just over the levee near the intersection of North Street and River Road..
cut 11 (06) “…about it”

Early voting for the November 8th election begins tomorrow and there are eight Constitutional Amendments on the ballot. Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana president Steven Procopio says constitutional amendment one proposes raising the current cap on moneys in state funds that can be invested in the stock market…:
Cut 7 (09) “…65% of the funds”
You can go to PAR’s website for more information on the other constitutional amendments.

Louisiana’s unemployment rate for September was 3-point-four-percent, it’s the fourth consecutive month of record-breaking low unemployment rates for the state. The governor’s office says the state has added 226-thousand jobs since the worst of the pandemic. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says there are still jobs out there and encourages workers looking for new skills to check out their Tech Ready Louisiana program…
cut 6 (10) “…really qualified workforce”
For more information go to la-works-dot-net.

The suspected shooter in last Friday morning’s shooting at a Southern University fraternity house that injured eleven people is in custody. U-S Marhals arrested 22-year-old Jaicedric Williams at his home yesterday. He’s been charged with eleven counts of attempted first degree murder.

Since the Mississippi River water levels have dropped, a rare opportunity to see the remains of a ferry boat that sank in 1915 has arisen.
Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

New labor data shows Louisiana’s jobless rate continues to drop for a 19th straight month. More from Michelle Southern…:
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

Authorities in Baton Rouge have arrested the suspected shooter in last Friday morning’s mass shooting at a Southern University fraternity house that injured eleven people. U-S Marshals took into custody yesterday 22-year-old Jaicedric Williams. He’s been charged with 11 counts of attempted first-degree murder. The suspected shooter is not a student at Southern.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and parish sheriff’s offices will distribute free child ID kits to students in kindergarten through fifth grades. A-G Jeff Landry says every 40 seconds a child goes missing in the U-S and when a child goes missing , time matters…
cut 13 (09) “…that child”
Parents can use the kits to store their child’s fingerprints, a DNA sample, physical identification information and recent photos that can be given to law enforcement in abduction and runaway cases.

Because of low water levels on the Mississippi River, you can now see a ferry that sank in 1915 along the banks of the river in downtown Baton Rouge. State Archeologist Chip McGimsey says the ferry was partially visible in 1992 when the river was low but then it was full of mud.
Cut 10 (09) “…of her.”
The ferry sank after a major overnight storm in 1915. McGimsey says archives indicate only a nightwatchman was on board at the time and he survived.

New labor data shows Louisiana’s jobless rate continues to drop for the 19^th straight month. More from Michelle Southern…:

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Michelle Southern.”

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LSU’s offense is humming along now as the Tigers put together another solid performance in handing Ole Miss its first loss of the season in a 45-20 victory. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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Since the Mississippi River water levels have dropped the rare opportunity to see the remains of a ferry boat that sank in 1915 has arisen. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 3 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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New federal labor numbers show Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September was just 3.4-percent. The lowest rate in the state’s history. Louisiana Workforce Commission Secretary Ava Cates says this marks 19 consecutive months of declines in jobless claims. She says August saw big gains in jobs in education, construction, and the leisure & hospitality industries…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…in the labor force.” (2x)

Cates says this is the lowest jobless rate since 1976 when they first started tracking such numbers. Some of the state’s bigger cities posted job losses for August, but all have seen measurable job gains over September 2021. Cates says it’s a good indicator the state is moving past the setbacks of the pandemic…:

Cut 5 (08) “…is a good thing.”

Cates says the Workforce Commission is committed to training programs to help people acquire needed skills to get decent-paying jobs…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…really qualified workforce.” 

To view all the labor figures, or find out more about job training visit “laworks.net.”

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Early voting for the November 8^th election begins tomorrow, and voters will have eight Constitutional Amendments to decide, as well as local and congressional races. LRN will break them down for you, one at a time. Today: Amendment One. Steven Procopio with the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PAR) says CA 1 proposes raising the current cap on moneys in state funds that can be invested in the stock market…:

Cut 7 (09) “…65% of the funds”

Voting “yes” on Amendment One would allow the State Treasurer more leeway in investing and growing state funds. Though not mentioned implicitly in the amendment, lawmakers intend that any investment windfalls from passing CA 1 go toward education in Louisiana. Procopio says it’s a sound idea when the markets are stable…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…short-term losses.”

Procopio says voting “no” on the amendment will maintain the same 35-percent limit on investing state funds; playing it “safe”…:

Cut 9 (10)  “…fund education primarily.”

Early Voting for the November 8^th election begins tomorrow and runs through Tuesday, November 1^st. By the way, there are another three Constitutional amendments coming on the December ballot.

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About two weeks ago remains of the Brookhill ferry that sank more than 100 years ago washed ashore in Baton Rouge due to low water levels on the Mississippi River. State Archeologist Chip McGimsey says the ferry was partially visible in 1992 when the river was low but then it was full of mud.

Cut 10 (09) “…of her.” 

The ferry sank after a major overnight storm in 1915. McGimsey says archives indicate only a nightwatchman was on board at the time and he survived.

McGimsey says so far thousands have turned out to view the ferry boat in person and he hopes it inspires future archeologists.

The Brookhill was one of the two ferry boats that serviced Baton Rouge and Port Allen in 1915 and ferries operated consistently between the two cities before the I-10 bridge was completed in 1968.

McGimsey says you can find her just over the levee near the intersection of North Street and River Road in the capital city.

Cut  11 (06)  “…about it.”

For the most part, McGimsey says visitors have been respectful of the boat but unfortunately a few have decided to take parts of the vessel for a souvenir. And because it’s considered state property it’s illegal.

Cut 12 (06) “…the wreck.” 

He says everything below normal pool level in the river in Louisiana is considered state property and that includes shipwrecks.

McGimsey encourages visitors to see the boat in person while the Mississippi River remains low before it’s underwater once again. The sister ferry to the Brookhill was the Istrouma which broke loose during a 1915 hurricane and sank down the river.

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The Louisiana Attorney General’s Office and parish sheriff’s offices will distribute free child ID kits to students in kindergarten through fifth grades. A-G Jeff Landry says every 40 seconds a child goes missing in the U-S and when a child goes missing , time matters…

Cut 13 (08) “…that child.”

East Baton Rouge Sheriff Sid Gautreaux says parents can use the kits to store their child’s fingerprints, a DNA sample, physical identification information, and recent photos that can be given to law enforcement in abduction and runaway cases…

Cut 14 (10)  “..that investigation.”

The National Child ID program is celebrating its 25th anniversary and has distributed more than 75 million child ID kits nationally via public-private partnerships. National Child ID Program Director Kenny Hansmire says the kits do not enter a database, instead, it allows parts to store their children’s vital information in their own homes…

Cut 15 (08)  “…parent and law enforcement.”

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Ragin Cajuns Quarterback Ben Wooldridge threw for a career-high 316 yards and tied a school record with five touchdown passes as U-L Lafayette defeated Arkansas State 38-18 to improve to 2-and-2 in Sun Belt play. Wooldridge says he just focused on the little things…

Cut 16 (15)  “…on the field.” 

The Cajuns’ next game is Thursday night at Southern Miss.

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Louisiana Tech suffered a hard-fought loss on homecoming to Rice on Saturday as the Owls defeated the Bulldogs 42-41 in overtime. Tech Coach Sonny Cumbie decided to go for two and the win after scoring a touchdown in overtime, but freshman QB Landry Lyddy’s pass was incomplete. Cumbie on his decision to go for two…

Cut 17 (16) “…went for two.” 

Tech will be in Miami on Friday night to face F-I-U.

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The LSU Tigers spotted Ole Miss a 17-3 lead on Saturday but dominated the rest of the way as the Bayou Bengals knocked off the seventh-ranked Rebels 45-20. LSU held Ole Miss to 112 yards of total offense and the Rebels only rushed for three yards a carry. Coach Brian Kelly believes he and defensive coordinator Matt House were overthinking it too much on defense at the beginning of the game…

Cut 18 (17) “…let’s go play.” 

LSU got another outstanding performance from quarterback Jayden Daniels who accounted for five touchdowns. He threw for 248 yards and two scores and rushed for another 121 and 3 TDs. Daniels says the offense has come a long way since the season opener…

Cut 19 (15) “…play football.”

The offensive line continues to get better. Kelly gives a lot of credit to the players and offensive line coach Brad Davis…

Cut 20 (19) “…with that.”

Baton Rouge Police announced late Friday a total of 11 people came forward with injuries sustained in a shooting at a frat party near Southern University’s campus early Friday, and 2 arrests have been made for charges on accessory after the fact. Sources say the person or persons responsible for the shooting itself remain at large. It was a Homecoming party and we spoke with a student who was there…:
CUT 11 (09) “started running”
All of the victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Crimestoppers.

Attorney General Jeff Landry and others announced Friday a partnership with the National Child ID Program to provide child ID kits to Louisiana elementary students. He says every 40 seconds a child goes missing in the United States..:
CUT 13 (09) “that child”
The kits will be delivered by each parish sheriff’s office.

50 nurse positions are coming to the Department of Children and Family Services, for infants that were exposed to drugs while the mom was pregnant…:
Cut 1 (33) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Lafayette Police Department now has its first ever female police chief. Captain Judith Estorge has been with LPD since 1993 and will take over the chief’s position on November 1st. The Department has had five chiefs of police since January 2020.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says a total of 11 people were injured in the shooting near Southern University’s campus early Friday morning, and 2 arrests have been made. BRPD Chief Deputy Myron Daniels said in a news conference late Friday they booked 28 year old Daryl Stansberry and 24 year old Miles Moss in connection with the incident…:
CUT 19 (12) “dangerous instrumentality”
The shooting happened at a Homecoming Party at a frat house off campus, and sources say the actual gunman remains at large.

As gas demand remains low, the price at the pump keeps dropping ever so slightly. AAA says the current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $3.35, down a penny from the prior day and 5 cents lower than a week ago.

In a decision Friday, the State Supreme Court refused to allow the ban on non-unanimous jury verdicts be retroactive. But Loyola Law Professor Dan Ciolino says there is still hope for the 1500 inmates impacted by the ruling to get a new trial. He says the legislature could change the law for one, and…
Cut 14 (12) “end of the road”

The Department of Children and Family Services says they plan to hire 50 nurses to help make home visits to families whose babies were exposed to drugs while the mother was pregnant. The plan comes amid a continued opioid epidemic and several investigations into abuse and neglect in Louisiana. DCFS Secretary Marketa Garner Walters the status of a nurse makes a difference when talking to moms…:
CUT 7 (11) “their child”

There are now two people under arrest in a shooting that injured 11 people at a frat house near Southern University early Friday morning, but Baton Rouge Police say they are still looking for the shooter or shooters. The two men arrested were booked with accessory after the fact. BRPD Chief Deputy Myron Daniels says they believe this shooting was an isolated incident and there is no ongoing threat…:
CUT 28 (10) “Crimestoppers”
It’s Homecoming week at Southern and there have been several parties, but the University issued a statement after the shooting saying this gathering was not a school sponsored event and it did not happen on campus.

The Lafayette Police Department has a new chief who becomes the first female to ever hold the position. Mayor-President Josh Guillory announced Friday Captain Judith Estorge, who has worked at the Lafayette Police Department since 1993, brings all of the qualities necessary to lead the LPD as their next Chief.

The ban on nonunanimous jury verdicts won’t be applied retroactively under a decision Friday by the Louisiana Supreme Court. Loyola Law Professor Dane Ciolino…:
CUT 12 (12) “judicial districts”
In the ruling the judges noted the Legislature may determine whether more people should get post-conviction relief.

A gun buyback program begins at noon today in Jeanerette. Organizer Felton Hogan says they’ll pay up to $300 depending on the gun and this is a no questions asked program…:
CUT 4 (11) “hurting somebody or themselves”
The event is being held at Jeanerette’s King Joseph Recreational Center.