Economist Dr. Loren Scott is in Alexandria today to provide details of his economic forecast. He’s predicting that the state will add 55-thousand jobs over the next two years. Scott’s forecast calls for Alexandria to add 18 hundred jobs. A new data center in Rapides Parish is driving much of that job growth, but Scott says hundreds of new jobs will be created because of an increase in ICE deportations at England Airpark.
Cut 3 (04) “…their countries.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Red River Revel in Shreveport, and the arts festival is now underway. It features works from 90 visual artists, as well as eight nights of music, featuring headliners such as Cowboy Mouth, Jeter Jones and Better Than Ezra. Executive director Logan Lewis says there are also plenty of food options.
Louisiana’s Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain is pleased with how the state’s sugarcane harvest is going. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
The Ponchatoula teacher who was arrested on charges of sexual contact with a student has been fired. Tangipahoa Parish School System Superintendent Melissa Martin Stilley says 30-year-old Trey Sparks is no longer employed by the district. He had taught at DC Reeves Elementary School and had coached at Ponchatoula Junior High School.