Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Entergy Louisiana will be partnering with local agencies to offer $1 million bill payment assistance to customers across Entergy service areas to address the increase in bills due to the state’s historic heat. Customers can apply for a one-time $200 credit through their local United Way website starting Friday.

50 years ago today, folk singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches. Not long after takeoff, Croce’s plane crashed into a pecan tree at the end of the runway. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter, recalls arriving to the scene of the crash…

Cut 9 (13)  “…my mind.”

An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

Six of Louisiana Tech’s most decorated student-athletes will have a statue unveiled in their honor tonight at Champions Plaza. Life-like images of Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Fred Dean will be on display. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 14 (11) “…the pros.”

After the statues are unveiled and the living recipients take part in a Q&A session, the public will be allowed to walk through Championship Plaza.

The state’s unemployment rate sits at three point three percent, the lowest in history.  Federal data also shows the number of unemployed individuals is just under 69-thousand, which is also a record low. Emily DiPalma Chief Economist with the Louisiana Workforce says a tight labor market helps push wages up, but that is slowing down….

Cut 6 (11) “…a little bit.”

New data reveals Louisiana car insurance rates are the most expensive in the country, according to the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana. PAR President Steven Procopio says the increase depends on several factors.

Cut 11 (11) “…substanial.”

Newly approved premiums by the Department of Insurance will result in rate increases of as much as 20 percent or more.

Legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people died in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches 50 years ago today. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for Northwestern’s student newspaper, remembers Croce looking exhausted during his performance.

Cut 8 (11) “…of there.” 

Croce was set to spend the night in Natchitoches but called the pilot to leave early for a performance at Austin College the next day

Louisiana Tech will unveil statues of some of the university’s greats like Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Fred Dean, and Teresa Weatherspoon tonight at the new Sarah and A.L Champions Plaza. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…

Cut 13 (10) “…background is.”

The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

New poll numbers are out on the governor’s race and 40 percent of respondents say they plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry in the gubernatorial primary election. The survey was paid for by Gray Media and Mason-Dixon polling.  The poll shows Democrat Shawn Wilson in second place with 24 percent but ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says ….

Cut 7 (10) “…Democrat is.” 

Republican U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy is backing new legislation to raise the federal minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour. Cassidy blames inflation and President Biden…

Cut 13 (06) “…keep up.”

Cassidy also supported legislation in 2021 to raise the minimum wage to ten dollars an hour, but the Democratic-controlled Senate didn’t think it was high enough.

The New Orleans Saints are now 2-0 after a win of 20-17 over the Carolina Panthers last night. Quarterback Derek Carr is glad the Saints defense kept Carolina out of the end zone until late in the fourth quarter…

Cut 3 (13) “…football game.”

Running back Tony Jones Junior scored two touchdowns on two short rushing TDs.

After a possible fentanyl exposure in the evidence room of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Monday morning, three employees were transported to a nearby hospital and listed in stable condition. Public Information Officer Mark Pierce says the supervisor was unable to talk and was found by two deputies.

Cut 9 (11) “…the hospital (x2).” 

The two deputies are recovering at home. The department’s evidence supervisor remains hospitalized but will recover.

The Saints put the Carolina Panthers to bed after a 20-17 win last night. Two touchdowns in the second half pushed the Saints to 2-0 for the season. Quarterback Derek Carr threw a first-half interception and ended the night throwing for 228 yards. He knows he can be better than that…

Cut 4 (12) “…in practice.”

According to a new survey conducted by Gray Media and Mason-Dixon polling, 40 percent of respondents plan to vote for Republican Jeff Landry in the October 14^th gubernatorial election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says is not a surprise Landry continues to have a big lead over his opponents.

Cut 6 (09) “…the primary.”

The poll shows the lone major Democrat in the race, Shawn Wilson holding second place with 24 percent.

Three employees of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office were hospitalized Monday after a possible fentanyl exposure in the evidence room. The department’s evidence supervisor remains hospitalized. Public Information Officer Mark Pierce says they brought in a Hazmat Team Monday night after the office was closed.

Cut 11 (09) “…anywhere.”

Pierce says the evidence supervisor remains in the hospital as a precaution and is expected to recover.

Louisiana Republican U-S Senator Bill Cassidy is a co-author of a bill that would gradually raise the federal minimum wage to eleven dollars an hour. Cassidy says it’s time to have a responsible conversation about increasing the minimum wage for American workers…

Cut 12 (08) “…market has increased” 

Cassidy also supported legislation in 2021 to raise the minimum wage to ten dollars an hour, but the Democratic-controlled Senate didn’t think it was high enough.

In a new governor’s poll of 625 respondents conducted by Gray Media and Mason-Dixon polling, 40 percent of potential voters say they will vote for Republican Jeff Landry. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Democrat Shawn Wilson received 24 percent but his name recognition among voters is relatively low.

Cut 7 (10) “…Democrat is.” 

The primary election will be held on October 14th.

After a possible fentanyl exposure in the evidence room of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office Monday morning, one deputy remains hospitalized. Public Information Officer Mark Pierce says an evidence supervisor was found unable to talk by two deputies.

Cut 9 (12) “…in the hospital.” 

The two deputies are recovering at home and State Police are investigating the incident.

41-year-old Melvin Emde of Oklahoma is in custody accused of faking his own drowning in Louisiana to avoid child rape charges in North Carolina. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The state’s 20-cent per gallon gas tax help fund existing infrastructure projects across the Bayou State. LABI Managing Partner of Economic Leadership Ted Abernathy says when your state depends on logistics for employment and your roads are crumbling and you don’t have the type of infrastructure you need to keep jobs…

Cut 6 (11) “…tough choices.”

41-year-old Melvin Emde of Oklahoma, who was reported missing and presumed drowned after kayaking on the Mississippi River, is in custody and accused of faking his own drowning in Louisiana to avoid child rape charges in North Carolina. On Sunday Georgia State Police pulled over a motorcycle for not having a license plate. The driver fled, crashed, and gave them a fake name. Campagne St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne says fingerprints revealed Emde’s identity and arrest record. As for charges he could face in Louisiana…

Cut 11 (09) “…in North Carolina.”

A perinatal mental health unit is scheduled to open at Woman’s Hospital next year and will be one of several in the U.S. dedicated to the specialized needs of pregnant and postpartum women. President Rene Ragas says mental health challenges are a leading cause of maternal mortality.

Cut 13 (12) “…right now.”

It was another win for the New Orleans Saints last night after beating the Carolina Panthers 20-17 in Charlotte. The Saints are not 2-0 for the first time since 2013. New Orleans held Carolina to 100 rushing yards, rookie QB Bryce Young threw for 153 yards and he was sacked four times. Allen says the defense followed the game plan….

Cut 17 (16) “…game plan”

Another round of evacuation orders have been issued to residents near Singer in Beauregard Parish after fire crews lost containment of the Tiger Island Fire. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Spokesperson Shannon Burgess says there’s still a potential the fires can reignite.

Cut 8 (12) “…we can.”

Nearly 200 acres burned where the fire breached and crossed the highway.

A Rapides Parish man has been charged for allegedly setting wildfires in Grant Parish last week. 32-year-old Michael Setliff of Flatwoods set several wildfires off Highway 500 and W-W Melton Road. Commissioner Mike Strain says the fires remained small in size and impact.

Cut 10 (12) “…acre each.”

Setliff faces three counts of simple arson for the fires set in Grant Parish.

Could the United Auto Workers’ strike impact the automobile supply chain? Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle crash that killed a male and female on LA Hwy 133 in Caldwell Parish. 60-year-old Melanie Gray and 43-year-old Brinkley Thomas of Columbia were killed when the vehicle driven by Gray was traveling north on LA Hwy 133 for unknown reasons exited the roadway and hit a tree. The investigation is ongoing.

The Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Department announces the arrest of a Rapides Parish man for allegedly setting wildfires in Grant Parish last week. Commissioner Mike Strain says 32-year-old Michael Setliff of Flatwoods set several wildfires off Highway 500 and W-W Melton Road…

Cut 9 (09) “…multiple homes” 

Strain says thanks to the rapid response of local and state firefighters, the fires remained small in size and impact

Residents near Singer in Beauregard Parish are under a voluntary evacuation after firefighters lost containment of the Tiger Island Fire due to wind and dry conditions. Sheriff’s office Spokesperson Shannon Burgess says out of caution for drivers the highway has been shut down due to low visibility.

Cut 7 (11) “…in Singer” 

A voluntary evacuation has also been ordered for residents on the west side of La. 27 to Juanita.

The first round of grants of up to 10 thousand dollars for a homeowner to fortify their roof will be available on October 2nd. Jeff Palermo has the story..

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

New data from the Louisiana Automobile Auto Dealers Association, finds Louisiana’s new car and heavy truck dealers generated more than $19 billion in total sales in 2022 and supported more than 36,000 direct and indirect jobs. LADA President Will Green says the automotive industry has several benefits and it can be lucrative also.

Cut 5 (08) “ …a year.”  

Loss of containment in the Tiger Island Fire has forced Beauregard Parish authorities to issue another evacuation order for residents south of Highway 10 between Singer and Merryville. Beauregard Parish Sheriff Spokesperson Shannon Burgess says the highway was open but reclosed out of caution for motorists in the area.

Cut 7 (11) “…in Singer” 

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announced homeowners will be eligible to apply for $10 thousand grants to strengthen their roofs starting Oct. 2. Donelon says this program is modeled after a successful program that Alabama has been running for a few years…

Cut 10 (08) “…30-million before this year”

Will Green President of the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association says local car dealerships already ordered extra parts and vehicles in anticipation of the United Auto Worker’s strike, which began Friday, but if the strike lingers…

Cut 3 (05) “…of parts.”

The two front-runners in the governor’s race to make a November run-off were attacked multiple times in Friday’s televised debate. Republican John Schroder pointed out Jeff Landry’s campaign took a donation from a trial attorney whose firm was fined two million dollars for participating in a fraud scheme against hurricane victims….

Cut 13 (13) “…how does that happen.”

The first round of grants of up to 10 thousand dollars for a homeowner to fortify their roof will be available on October 2nd. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 3 (30) …I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Another evacuation order has been issued in Beauregard parish after firefighters lost containment of the Tiger Island fire. Four large air tankers and four helicopters are being used to drop water on the flames, according to the Red Strike team.

The I-20 construction project in Bossier and Caddo Parishes starts today. DOTD spokesperson Erin Buchanan says it’s time to replace the pavement that’s been there since the interstate was constructed in the 1960s….

Cut 9 (06)  “…get it started”

Between 70 to 100-thousand vehicles per day use I-20 in this area. The project cost 118 million dollars.

Ochsner MD Anderson Cancer Center in New Orleans is the first hospital in the state to treat cancer patients using CAR T cell therapy. Cellular Therapy Specialist Dr. Clark Alsfield says the federal government has approved the therapy for its safety and efficacy.

Cut 6 (12) “..another frontier”

A patient’s eligibility depends on the type of cancer and previous treatments they have received.