The governor’s office says the state’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Bastrop Police Department says an anonymous call has led to a dog fighting ring. They said during the investigation at a residence, authorities discovered approximately 20 pit bulls chained in the back yard covered with numerous scars in various stages of healing. 39-year-old Justin Johnson was arrested on 20 Counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals and warrants are issued for two others.

Kim Mulkey, Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone and other notable Louisiana Tech alums will have their statues unveiled today outside Joe Aillet Stadium. Senior Associate Athletic Director Colton Primm…:
Cut 15 (09) “open arms”
The free event is open to the public and begins at 6 o’clock.

50 years ago today, legendary singer Jim Croce and five other people were killed in a plane crash after performing at Northwestern State in Natchitoches. Dan McDonald, who was a student reporter for the student newspaper, says there were details about the concert that stand out:
Cut 7 (12) “go home”
An event was held at the university on Monday to commemorate Croce’s death.

Data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Tuesday showed Louisiana’s unemployment rate is at its lowest percentage in recorded history. Louisiana Workforce Chief Economist Emily DiPalma says the state’s unemployment rate is 3.3 percent for August 2023…:
Cut 4 (11) “six other states”
The industries seeing the largest gains are private education and health services, construction and government.

A recent study by the Public Affairs Research Council found Louisiana has some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation. PAR President Steven Procopio (Pra-cope-ee-oh) recommends drivers shop around…:
Cut 12 (08) “to do that”
He says the rate increases are driven by inflation for parts and labor costs.

Folk-rock singer-songwriter Jim Croce was killed in a plane crash in Natchitoches 50 years ago today following a concert at Northwestern State. Teiko Foxx reports…:
CUT 2 (35) “I’m Teiko Foxx”

A Morgan City woman has been arrested in connection with a double fatal fire in St. Mary Parish last month. 22-year-old Haley Ramo was booked on one count each of negligent arson and negligent homicide.

We’ll hear from five of the seven major candidates in the October 14th Governor’s race tonight in a televised debate. Republican Jeff Landry refuses to participate because he says the organizer is biased. UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says that’s unfortunate:
Cut 7 (10) “front-runner”
The debate will be on TV tonight at 7.

The statewide burn ban was updated Wednesday and private burning is still prohibited but outdoor cooking may resume. State Fire Marshal’s Office spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says wildfires are still active even though we have seen some rain…:
Cut 14 (08) “those scenes”
Those planning to tailgate at LSU Saturday are encouraged to seek alternate methods to outdoor cooking.

The state Department of Transportation announces lane closures on I-20 in Shreveport-Bossier City for the next two and a half years for pavement replacement…:
Cut 1 (30) “….I’m Teiko Foxx”

LSU Women’s Basketball Coach Kim Mulkey has reportedly agreed to a 10-year, $32 million dollar contract extension that will make her the highest paid coach in women’s basketball. The deal is pending final approval from the LSU Board of Supervisors which meets Friday.

Five of the seven major candidates will participate in the first televised debate for the 2023 governor’s race tonight. Republican front-runner Jeff Landry refuses to participate citing organizer bias but UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak believes voters will still want to watch…:
Cut 9 (11) “direction”
The election is October 14th.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says they are once again taking applications from insurance companies who are interested in receiving grant dollars if they write more homeowners insurance policies. He says the goal is to reduce the number of homes that have coverage through, Citizens, the expensive state-run insurer of last resort..:
Cut 12 (09) “Citizens insurance”

Despite the recent rain, the statewide burn ban remains in effect. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 3 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington”

Baton Rouge Police say the person who allegedly stole a bike from a priest Monday has been apprehended. Father Michael Alello of St. Thomas More Catholic Church said his garage door was open when a man strolled up and grabbed his bike off the wall and rode away. Surveillance video shows the suspect waving at neighbors before he went into the garage to take the bike.

The first televised Gubernatorial Debate in the October 14th elections will take place tonight. Brooke Thorington offers a preview…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

The Baton Rouge Police Department says an argument over a basketball game at a local park led to a shooting that left a teenager injured. They say a fight unfolded outside of the gym when the accused gunman went to his vehicle to retrieve a weapon then began shooting the victim’s car has they tried to leave. Three people were inside the vehicle and a 17-year-old male was injured when a bullet grazed his head and leg.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect, but outdoor cooking can resume with safety measures in place. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says though we’ve seen some rain, it wasn’t enough to reduce the risk of fire due to the prolonged drought:
Cut 13 (11) “…fire service (x2).”
The burn ban will be reconsidered on a weekly basis.

The state Department of Transportation announces a 117-million-dollar construction project will begin on I-20 in Bossier and Caddo Parishes on September 18th. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says workers will spend the next two and a half years on the project…:
Cut 4 (08) “the top”
The project is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

The first televised debate in the 2023 Governor’s race is tonight, and five of the seven major candidates will participate. Republican Jeff Landry refuses to take part saying the organizer, the Urban League, is biased towards Democrats. But UNO Political Science professor Dr. Ed Chervenak says the other candidates will still go after Landry…:
Cut 8 (11) “Republicans”
Election Day is October 14th.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office announced Wednesday the statewide burn ban remains in effect due to continuing dry conditions, but added Louisiana residents can resume outdoor cooking. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says, if you do grill, have safety measures in place..:
Cut 15 (09) “cooking there”

The program offering grants to insurance companies who write new policies in Louisiana is accepting applications over a 30-day period now for a second time. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says nearly $42 million of the available $45 million was awarded to eight insurers following the first round of applications…:
Cut 10 (04) “since April”
If you’ve got coverage through Citizens, the state-run insurer of last resort, Donelon urges you to continue to research other options.

Less than a week after a student was shot and killed at the Brusly/Port Allen game last Friday, the Iberville Parish School Board says metal detectors will now be at the entrances of stadiums, and a clear bag policy is in place. Groups will also no longer be allowed to gather under the stadium or parking lot.

The West Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office says a teen has been arrested in connection with a fatal shooting at the Brusly-Port Allen game on Friday night. 18-year-old Jarrettin Jackson II is charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder. Sergeant Landon Groger says it’s sad a teenager would bring a gun to a game:
Cut 12 (06) “faith-based groups”
Counselors are on hand at the schools today.

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says the wildfire in Beauregard Parish was the result of arson and they are looking for the suspect. He says The Tiger Island blaze is the largest wildfire in Louisiana history:
CUT 5 (11) “stop this”
They are offering a $2000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction.

Narcan, the nasal spray that can help reverse an opioid overdose, will be available over the counter on Wednesday…:
Cut 3 (28) …I’m Brooke Thorington”

Research from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center shows more pregnant women exceeded the recommended gestational weight gain during the pandemic. Director of Reproductive Endocrinology Dr. Leanne Redman says they also found high rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes..:
Cut 7 (11) “of pregnancy”

West Baton Rouge Parish is reeling over a fatal shooting at a high school football game. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Jeff Palermo”
Authorities say Jackson has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

A Mississippi motorcyclist is dead after a weekend crash in Washington Parish. State Police say 41-year-old Anthony Simmons of Osyka, Mississippi ran his bike off the road, hit a culvert and struck a tree near Mount Hermon Sunday. He did at the scene.

State Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is asking for the public’s help in finding the person who intentionally started the wildfire in Beauregard Parish. He says the fire has been active for two weeks and has caused large scale damage…:
Cut 4 (12) “a felony”
They are offering a $2000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction.

Narcan, a drug used to reverse opioid overdoses, will be available without a prescription on Wednesday. Dr. Benjamin Springgate with the LSU School of Medicine says Narcan is an important tool to counter the opioid overdose epidemic, but the cost could be a factor…:
Cut 13 (12) “pocket”
Some health insurers will cover the cost, or a portion of it, when it’s prescribed.