The Louisiana Workforce Commission says the state’s unemployment rate was a record low for July, three-point-five percent. That breaks the previous low for July, which was last year at three-point six percent. Economist Loren Scott says with a relatively small group of people looking for work, businesses have to get creative…
cut 14 (12) “…..now do”

Experts say early childhood education can lead to a better workforce years later. But Louisiana Policy Institute for Children executive director Libbie Sonnier says an additional 86-million dollars is needed to make sure every at-risk child can access an early care and education program…
cut 12 (12) “…and education”
The next governor and the Legislature will have to decide where that funding will come from.

Schools that are not happy with the LHSAA changing its playoff structure last year will have their complaints addressed today in a Baton Rouge courtroom. Pierson Luscy has more…
Cut 1 (33) “….I’m Pierson Luscy.”

East Baton Rouge Public schools are closed today as bus drivers and cafeteria workers are dissatisfied with their pay. Red River schools closed today because of water issues. And Calcasieu Parish has additional law enforcement present at its schools because of several incidents of threatening behavior.

New data from the federal government shows 407-thousand workers in Louisiana left their job during the first six months of this year, the highest number ever for the first half of a year….
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Pierson Luscy”

There is an increased outdoor fire risk today. Obviously that’s the result of the hot and dry weather, but we also have breezy conditions as a result tropical wave crossing over the Gulf of Mexico from east to west. That system will bring the state east winds at 10 to 20 miles per hour.

Poverty Point World Heritage Site in West Carroll Parish is receiving a one-point-eight million dollar federal grant that will be used to fund a master plan that will include an upgraded museum, visitor center, and other amenities. Division of Administration spokesperson Jacques Berry says this funding will enhance the visitors’ experience
Cut 7 (09) “…Poverty Point.”
Poverty Point is an archaeological site that features huge mounds and enormous concentric half-circles built by American Indians thousands of years ago.

A report by the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children shows 60 percent of kids statewide do not meet the kindergarten school readiness benchmark. LPIC Director Libbie Sonnier says the state has made progress in expanding early care and education, but the need is still great
Cut 10 (09) “…increasing access.”
Sonnier says it will take $86 million dollars for the state to make sure every at-risk child can access an early care and education program.

The National Hurricane Center is tracking an area of disturbed weather in the Bahamas that’s expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico early next week. There’s a medium chance it will develop into a depression or named storm in the central or western Gulf of Mexico. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the system is getting support from the extremely warm Gulf Waters, but it will also battle wind shear…
cut 11 (07) “…very much”

In Washington Parish, a 72-year-old Franklinton man was killed in a house fire on Thursday that investigators believe started from burning piles outside of the home. State Fire Marshal spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the investigation into the death of the individual and what may have caused the fire continues.
Cut 15 (07) “…this instance.”
A statewide burn ban remains in effect.

New data from the federal government shows 407-thousand workers in Louisiana left their job during the first six months of this year, the highest number ever for the first half of a year. Pierson Luscy has more…
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Pierson Luscy”

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s unemployment rate in July was three-point-five percent, that’s the lowest the unemployment rate has ever been for the month of July. Edwards says the bipartisan work to grow and diversify the economy and create jobs is paying off.

Data released by the Louisiana Workforce Commission this week shows Louisiana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5 percent. That’s the lowest rate ever for the month, beating last year’s then-record of 3.6 percent.
Former president Donald Trump continues to receive strong support in his bid to return to the White House according to a recent survey by Louisiana Pollster John Couvillon.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry reports wildfires have destroyed more than 24-hundred acres since the middle of last week. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says hot and dry conditions and plenty of dead wood is providing the kindling.
Cut 12 (11) “…quickly”
The State Fire Marshal is investigating a fatal house and brush fire that resulted in the discovery of a body in Franklinton on Thursday. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators believe the blaze may have started outside of the home.
Cut 14 (12) “…were discovered.”
The brush fire around the home located off of H.C. Rushing Road prevented firefighters from accessing the house fire for several hours.
The victim is believed to be the 72-year-old homeowner who had mobility challenges. Official identification is pending.

The Sabine Parish Sheriff’s Office says a wildfire that was threatening homes in the town of Zwolle has been contained. The woods fire began yesterday afternoon and no injuries were reported.

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says over 24-hundred acres have been damaged since the middle of last week. Strain says when the fire spreads to the top of trees then it becomes it a real concern, because then it begins to move faster.
Cut 13 (10) “…to fight it”

The heat will be turned up a notch this weekend as temperatures will push well above 100-degrees. State Climatologist Barry Keim says central and north Louisiana will be baking today and tomorrow…
Cut 9 (08) “…heat index values”
And forecasters continue to watch a tropical wave that has a medium chance of developing into a depression or storm next week in the central or western Gulf.

Louisiana pollster John Couvillon says his latest national survey of Republicans still finds President Trump performing well in the polls despite multiple federal indictments. Couvillon says 52-percent of the Republicans he surveyed say they would vote for Trump, but Florida Governor Ron Desantis’ support is starting to wane…
cut 7 (05) “…the the polls”
Desantis got 13 percent of the vote in Couvillon’s latest poll, in July the Florida governor received 17-percent.

20-million dollars left over from the now closed Road Home Program will be used to help fund a proposed passenger rail line between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says they planned to give the 20-million dollars back to the feds…
cut 5 (07) “…a decision”
Dardenne says they had until June 30th to decide how to spend the money left over from the Road Home Program, which was used to help people rebuild their homes after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

The Louisiana Department of Insurance has postponed a hearing on the proposed sale of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana to Elevance Health. Concerns about the effect on customers have been raised about the two-point-five billion dollar deal. A new hearing date has been set for October 5th and sixth.

We’ll see high temperatures get above 105-degrees in some parts of the state this weekend. LRN meteorologist John Wetherbee reports the sun will continue to bake the Bayou State…

Cut 2 (28)  “…this weekend”  

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry reports over 24-hundred acres have been damaged from over 100 wildfires since the middle of last week. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says when the fire spreads to the top of trees then it becomes it a real concern, because then it begins to move faster.

Cut 13 (10) “…to fight it”

The State Fire Marshal continues to investigate a fatal house fire that resulted in the death of a male Franklinton on Thursday. Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says investigators believe the victim is the 72-year-old homeowner who had mobility challenges. Rodrigue says authorities are looking into what may have caused the fire.

Cut 15 (08) “…this instance.”

Official identification is pending.

The Saints are scheduled to play the Chargers on Sunday at 6:05 pm central time, but the threat of Hurricane Hilary is causing the NFL to reconsider the game’s status. The NFL said in a statement that “We continue to monitor the weather and will update the situation if anything changes.” Coach Allen says the league and SoFi stadium will call each other to determine the best course of actions.

Pro bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore left practice early today, and Allen says what he saw and how he will be moving forward.

Cut 27 (9) “…where it’s at.”

The Saints were 23^rd in the league last year in penalty yards allowed per game, and Allen says they are working on that issue specifically ahead of the upcoming year.

Cut 28 (13) “… a focus for us.”

Last week against the Chiefs the Saints had nine penalties for 81 yards.

Chris Olave was the Saints leading receiver last year with over a thousand receiving yards, but he says that veteran receiver Michael Thomas has been more of a vocal presence on and off the field.

Cut 25 (15) “…since I’ve been here.”

Louisiana Tech is playing Florida International as apart of Week 0, but they will be without their leading rusher from last year. Running back Marquis Crosby was announced as out for the year due to an undisclosed injury. In 2022 Crosby rushed for 918 yards on 183 carries and 9 touchdowns. Running back Charvis Thornton.

ULM opens the season against Army on Sept. 2. Last year the team averaged 325 yards per game on offense which was third to last in the Sun Belt, but Coach Terry Bowden says how the team has gotten better in the offseason to see more offensive production.

Cut 26 (10) “… us everyday.”