Thirty percent of small business owners nationwide say inflation is their single most important problem. NFIB State Director Dawn McVea says the federal government said the record-high inflation would only be temporary, but it’s stuck around for the whole year

Cut 6 (09)  “..my business.” 

McVea says the national survey also found that 46 percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill.

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.”

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 All Home Connections, the most searched for Halloween costume this year in Louisiana is a witch. They believe the release of Hocus Pocus 2 is responsible for its popularity. In Texas and Arkansas cat costumes top the list and in Mississippi, you’ll see plenty of Elvis costumes. They might want to consider giving trick-or-treaters peanut butter and banana sandwiches this year instead of chocolate.

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. The increase will take effect on January 1^st, but Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon hopes to have new insurance companies arranged to offer cheaper coverage to those under Citizens’ protection…:

Cut 14 (09)  “…Citizens’ policyholders.”

The consumer financial company Bankrate conducted a survey and 80% of holiday travelers are changing their plans this year due to rising costs. Senior Industry Analyst, Ted Rossman says inflation will impact lower-income households at a higher rate, and planning ahead will help keep holiday travel costs more affordable.

Cut 5 (10) “…don’t delay.”

The survey says 25% will make less expensive accommodations this year for the holidays.

John Deere announces plans to expand its Thibodaux plant which will result in 70 new jobs on the Bayou.

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.

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 helped out.

The state Department of Insurance approves a big rate hike for customers of the state’s last-resort property insurer, Louisiana Citizens…:
Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is set to approve a plan today to help third and fourth graders who are struggling to read at the appropriate age level. Under the proposal, students who fail a screening would undergo 30 hours of summer remediation or they could skip summer school and get some other assistance or repeat the grade.

John Deere is investing nearly 30-million dollars to expand operations at its Thibodaux facility. The expansion will result in 70 new jobs. The governor’s office says the state offered John Deere an incentive package, including a performance-based retention and modernization grant of up to one-million dollars. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson
Cut 7 (10) “…to grow”
The 70 new jobs will have an average annual salary of 47-thousand dollars and the expansion will also retain 311 jobs.

The consumer financial company Bankrate conducted a survey and found that 25% of holiday travelers will be making less expensive accommodations for the holidays and 24% will take fewer trips due to higher travel costs. Senior Industry Analyst, Ted Rossman says 43% of Americans are planning to travel this holiday season.
Cut 4 (09) “…of flying..”

Over 100-thousand Louisiana Citizens Policyholders are facing a 63-percent rate increase on their homeowners coverage as a result of rising re-insurance costs. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says state law forced the approval of the rate hike, but he’s looking to bring back an incentive program to attract more private insurers into Louisiana…
cut 15 (09) “…business at Citizens”
The increase will go into effect next year so Donelon encourages Citizen policyholders to shop around now.

For the first time in about a month, there’s a chance of rain across Louisiana today. State Climatologist Barry Keim says we are not looking any significant rainfall totals and more rain will be needed…
cut 11 (13) “…that promising”

John Deere will invest nearly 30-million dollars to expand operations at its Thibodaux facility. The expansion will create 70 new jobs and the Thibodaux plant will eventually produce medium-chassis cotton harvesting models that will replace existing models built in China. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson says these new cotton harvesters shows how compeitive Lafourche can be…
cut 9 (07) “…..to work”
The company expects production of the new cotton harvesters to begin within the next two years and reach full capacity by 2025.

Bankrate has found that 79-percent of holiday travelers are changing their plans, opting for shorter trips, cheaper activities and less expensive accomodations because of rising costs. Senior Industry analyst Ted Rossman says the days you decide to fly will impact how much you spend…
cut 6 (12) “…less crowded”

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.