It’s back to school time across much of Louisiana, so drivers need to watch out for the kids and busses on the roadways. Andre Champagne (SHOM-pine) reports.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”
Louisiana’s birthrate is on the decline. According to recent statistics 52-thousand babies were born in Louisiana last year. That’s down from more than 63-thousand in 2013. And Allison Plyer, the chief demographer at The Data Center in New Orleans, says declining birth rates have a ripple effect.
Cut 9 (08) “…across the state.”
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Colorado State University’s hurricane forecast team continues to call for a slightly above-average 2025 hurricane season. There have been four named storms so far this year, and experts predict another dozen named storms, eight of which will strengthen into hurricanes. Dr. Phil Klotzbach says the peak of hurricane season is just two weeks away.
Cut 14 (10) “…couple of weeks.”
The state is expanding a program that puts money back on a SNAP recipients EBT card when they buy fresh produce. Tim Jenkins with the Department of Children and Family Services says the program started in Louisiana last April and they are already seeing SNAP shoppers take advantage of it.