The state Department of Insurance has approved a rate increase of 63 percent for customers of the state-run insurer of last resort, Louisiana Citizens. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it was a necessary decision, as required by state law but nevertheless he says it was…:
Cut 13 (12) “…a private company.”
The increase will take effect on January 1st, but Donelon says he’s working to bring new insurance companies into the state that will offer cheaper coverage to those under Citizens’ protection.

For the first time in a month, you might need an umbrella with you today as there’s a good chance rain will fall this afternoon and tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says early September was the state’s last significant rainfall…
cut 12 (08) “…broken today finally”
There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for the northern half of the state.

John Deere announces plans to expand its Thibodaux plant which will result in 70 new jobs on the Bayou. Don Molino has the story…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Don Molino”

It was a violent night in Shreveport last night as three separate shootings led to three fatalities. Police say the shootings occurred within an hour of each other and there’s no word from authorities on whether these shootings are connected or if anyone has been arrested.

There’s good economic development news to report this morning. John Deere is investing 30-million dollars to expand its plant in Thibodaux which will add 70 new jobs at an average salary of 47-thousand dollars and the expansion will also retain 311 existing jobs. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says John Deere’s expansion is a huge win for the Bayou…
cut 8 (11) “….next generation”
The expansion involves a new production line and upgraded equipment.

It’s been a month since the state of Louisiana has seen rain. State climatologist Berry Keim says that could change today.
Cut 10 (10) “..the state..”
There’s a marginal risk for severe weather for the northern half of the state.

A survey finds travelers are making new arrangements this holiday season as prices continue to rise because of inflation. Whitney Thomas has more…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

According to Triple-A, the statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline is up another three cents today to $3.39. That’s a 26-cent jump in a week.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped 26-cents since last week to 3.36. Triple-A’s Don Redman expects the price at the pump to continue to go up….
cut 8 (08) “….wait see”

A survey finds travelers are making new arrangements this holiday season as prices continue to rise because of inflation. Whitney Thomas has more…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Tangipahoa Parish deputies have arrested seven people in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old “LJ” Williams last weekend. Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says a teen party erupted into gunfire after a jealous boyfriend saw his girlfriend dancing at the party on Facebook Live…:
Cut 9 (09) “…body-slammed her.”
Travis says the victim was in one of the cars, but didn’t want to be involved in what was about to happen, so he got out and was walking away when the shooting started…but was hit by bullets and killed.

Over 100-thousand Louisiana Citizens Policyholders are facing a 63-percent rate increase on their homeowners coverage as a result rising re-insurance costs. Commissioner Jim Donelon says state law forced him to approve the rate hike proposal, but he’s looking to bring back an incentive program to bring more private insurers into Louisiana…
cut 15 (09) “…business at Citizens”

The price of a gallon of gas has risen 5-cents in just one day. The statewide average cost of regular is now at $3.36; up from $3.31 yesterday…and it’s up 26-cents from a week ago. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says the Russia-Ukraine War plus OPEC cutting daily production is putting the bite on motorists…and yet we are still driving more…:

CUT 07(05)      “…this time of year.”

He advises you try to budget spending at least $3.50 a gallon for the foreseeable future.

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley told the Senate Education Committee the number of teacher vacancies in the classroom statewide has been cut in half in one year from 25-hundred to 12-hundred. Brumley says legislation approved by lawmakers this year has helped…:

CUT 12(15)      “…the classroom.”

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest seven in connection with the fatal shooting a 16-year-old last weekend. More from Jeff Palermo…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Palermo.”

A Deridder man is under arrest; accused of 5-thousand of counts of possessing child pornography. Deputies in Vernon Parish say 47-year-old Bruce Legassie had images and videos of the illegal content on his computer and devices. His bond has not been set.

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest seven people in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Leonard “LJ” Williams last weekend. TPSO Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says a teen party erupted into gunfire after an argument, and victim was caught in a crossfire and killed. Travis says over 30 shell casings were recovered, and it’s troubling that teens were so well-armed…:

CUT 11(09)      “…tactical rifle round.”

He says more arrests are likely.

To help with a statewide shortage of nurses, LSU Health New Orleans will use federal grant money to train nurses to teach people how to be nurses. LSU’s Leanne Fowler says the problem is worse in Louisiana’s rural areas…:

CUT 05(10)      “…underserved.”

Gasoline prices are rising again. The cost of a gallon of regular gasoline is up 26 cents from a week ago to a statewide average of $3.36…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golsby.”

Three men from Jefferson Parish are happy to be alive after their boat sank in the Gulf and they endured long hours floating in the water and fighting off sharks! The Coast Guard was able to find the men and rescue them. They sustained bites to their hands and arms, but are expected to be OK. An ordeal they will never forget.

Gasoline prices continue to rise; up another nickel a gallon since just yesterday. Today’s statewide average price for a gallon of regular gas is $3.36; up from $3.31 Monday, and up 26-cents from a week ago. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman…:

CUT 06(05)      “…demand for gasoline.”

He advises you budget at least $3.50-a-gallon for fuel at least through the Holidays.

Louisiana’s made some progress in filling its shortage of classroom teachers, going from a deficit of 2500 to about 1200. Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says they’ve brought in some part-time help to reduce the backlog, but another major issue is that laws concerning teacher certification are complex…:

CUT 14(09)      “…applications a year.”

Brumley was speaking to the Senate Education Committee.

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest seven people in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Leonard “LJ” Williams last weekend. TPSO Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says a fight over a girl led to two carloads of youths shooting at one another, with the victim getting caught in the crossfire.  Travis says it wasn’t just a shooting incident; it was a gun battle…:

CUT 10(06)      “…in front of the house.”

Most of those arrested are 18 or younger, except for one: 64-year-old Ella Bickham – charged with obstructing justice and evidence tampering. She allegedly withheld key evidence from deputies for over 16 hours. Travis says more arrests are likely.

The state Department of Insurance approves a 63-percent rate hike for customers of the state’s last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens, so that it will be able to afford to pay claims should another disaster strike. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says it’s “extremely painful but required by law.” He’s working to attract new insurers to the state, so people can leave Citizens’ expensive coverage.

Tangipahoa Parish deputies arrest seven in connection with the fatal shooting a 16-year-old last weekend. More from Jeff Palermo…:

CUT 02 (30)      “…Palermo.”

More trouble at Louisiana schools, which have plagued with bomb and school violence threats in recent weeks. Today, Paul Breaux Middle School in Lafayette Parish received a bomb threat. Acadiana High was put on lockdown due to an active shooter threat. Both proved to be hoaxes and the all-clear has been given.

The state has made in-roads in filling a huge shortage of qualified school teachers. Speaking to the state Senate Education Committee, Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says new legislation has helped lower the number from over 2500 to about 1200. But Brumley says a backlog of teacher certification applications has grown past seven-thousand because there’s not enough state workers to process them…:

CUT 13 (09)      “…as an agency.”

Brumley says they’ve brought in some part-time help to reduce the backlog.

From teacher shortages to nursing shortages. LSU Health New Orleans says they’ll use a $3-million federal grant to help with that by teaching nurses how to teach nurses. LSU’s Leanne Fowler says the shortages are worst in the state’s rural areas…:

CUT 04 (07)      “…underserved areas.”

Nurses entering the program will get 40 hours of training before they start teaching.

Deputies in Tangipahoa Parish have arrested seven people in connection with the shooting death of 16-year-old Leonard “LJ” Williams last weekend. TPSO Chief Deputy Jimmy Travis says a teen party erupted into gunfire after a jealous boyfriend saw his girlfriend dancing at the party on Facebook Live…:

CUT 09  (09)        “body-slammed her.”

That led to an argument, which led to a gunfight between two groups of teens in two cars in front of the house. The victim was caught in a crossfire and killed. Travis says an autopsy will determine which gun fired the fatal shot, but for now all are charged with obstruction of justice, 2^nd-degree murder or both.

Three boaters have been rescued from the Gulf, after their boat capsized over the weekend. The men were pulled from the water by the Coast Guard Sunday evening; all with wounds to their arms and hands from fighting off sharks. They’re all expected to recover.

Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley told the Senate Education Committee the number of teacher vacancies in the classroom statewide has been cut in half in one year from 2500 to 1200. Brumley says legislation approved by lawmakers this year helped…:

CUT 12(15)      “…the classroom.”

But Brumley says a backlog of teacher certification applications has grown past seven-thousand because there’s not enough state workers to process them.

…and now today’s markets…

Holden Hoggatt, who’s running against incumbent Congressman Clay Higgins, picks up the endorsements of three former southwest Louisiana congressional leaders…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The multi-state Mega Millions jackpot has grown to a whopping $455-million for tonight’s drawing. That’s would be a $226-million lump sum payout to a lone winner. If there is winner tonight, it will be the 12^th largest in the game’s history. Tickets will be on sale until 9 tonight.

The Louisiana Department of Natural Resources has awarded contracts to Dynamic Group and Lemoine Disaster Recovery to plug orphaned oil wells in north Louisiana. DNR spokesperson Patrick Courreges says the state currently plugs 120 to 200 wells per year. They hope to double that number with these federal dollars, but they are still in discussions with these two companies to see if that can be done…:

CUT 11(10)      “…obligated.”

There are about 4500 well across the state.

To address a statewide shortage of qualified nurses, LSU Health New Orleans will teach nurses how to teach nurses. LSU Health’s Leanne Fowler says the school has received a $3-million federal grant to create a new program to help ease the nursing shortage in four states, including Louisiana…:

CUT 03(08)      “…new nurses.”

She says the new nursing academy will focus on the recruitment, education, and retention of licensed nurses.

Over 100-thousand homeowners who are covered by the state’s insurer of last resort, Citizen Property Insurance, will see their rates rise by an average of 63-percent next year when they renew their policy after January first. Insurance Commissoner Jim Donelon says the rising cost of reinsurance is behind the huge rate increase.

A deadline to register to vote for the November 8th election hits today at 4:30 and we are two weeks away from early voting.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Whitney Thomas.”

Former U-S Senator John Breaux and ex-Congressmen Chris John and Charles Boustany have thrown their support behind Republican Holden Hoggatt, who is challenging GOP U-S Representative Clay Higgins in the third district Congressional race. Breaux on why he believes Hoggatt is the better choice to represent southwest Louisiana…
cut 9 (07) “….with everybody”
Meanwhile, Higgins has received the endorsement of Louisiana Congressman and House Republican Whip Steve Scalise.

A Legislative Auditor’s report says Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins failed to properly document three-thousand dollars worth of travel expenses. Assistant Legislative Auditor for Investigations, Roger Harris, says Perkins is not disputing the report…
cut 15 (11) “….the future”
Perkins says he’ll reimburse the city for all expenses that the audit shows may have violated travel and procurement policies and procedures.