Louisiana

Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted employment shows rise in unemployment, more job opportunities

Published

1 month ago

March 19, 2024

Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted employment shows rise in unemployment, more job opportunities

Data released today by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics shows Louisiana’s seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment figure continues to add jobs as the number of unemployed individuals rise.

Nonfarm is a measure of the number of U.S. workers in the economy, excluding those in farms, private households, and non-profit organizations. The state’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment for January 2024 increased by 7,600 jobs from December 2023, for a total of 1,958,400 jobs, a news release said. Compared to January 2023, seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment increased by 6,200 jobs.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission uses seasonally adjusted data to provide a more valuable and telling picture of Louisiana’s jobs and employment situation.

The construction sector gained 2,400 jobs from December 2023, the release said. Other major industries showing the largest gains in the month include professional and business services, which gained 1,200 jobs, and government, which gained 1,200 jobs.

The Department of Labor defines seasonal adjustment as a measurement that removes the influences of predictable seasonal patterns to reveal how employment and unemployment figures change from month to month. In the course of a year, the size of the labor force, the levels of employment and unemployment, and other measures of labor market activity undergo fluctuations due to seasonal events, including changes in weather, harvests, major holidays and school schedules. Seasonal adjustment reduces the impact of these changes, making it easier to understand trends.

The number of seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals for January 2024 is estimated to be 85,129.The number of unemployed rose by 2,502 individuals from the December 2023.

Compared to January 2023, the number of seasonally adjusted unemployed individuals increased by 9,231. The number of employed decreased by 680 individuals compared to December 2023. Ultimately, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2024 is 4.1%, which is tied for the third-lowest rate in a series history for the month of January, according to the Bureau Labor of Statistics.

“With the help of our stakeholders, Louisiana added over 7,000 nonfarm jobs for January, with the seriesseeing 34 consecutive months with an over-the-year gain,” said Louisiana Workforce CommissionSecretary Susana Schowen. “We stand readily available and are committed to continuing to workalongside our partners to host hiring fairs and provide resources for job seekers.”

Among Louisiana’s MSAs in January 2024, seasonally adjusted data shows:

Baton Rouge (421,200 jobs) added 1,500 jobs from December 2023 and gained 4,400 jobs fromJanuary 2023.
Alexandria (61,200 jobs) lost 200 jobs from December 2023 and lost 200 jobs from January 2023.
Hammond (49,900 jobs) added 200 jobs from December 2023 and gained 1,100 jobs from January2023.
Houma (85,800 jobs) showed no change from December 2023, but gained 1,300 jobs from January2023.
Lafayette (205,500 jobs) added 900 jobs from December 2023 and gained 1,000 jobs from January2023.
Lake Charles (96,200 jobs) added 300 jobs from December 2023 and gained 300 jobs from January2023.
Monroe (77,300 jobs) lost 200 jobs from December 2023 and lost 900 jobs from January 2023.
New Orleans (559,200 jobs) lost 1,400 jobs from December 2023 and lost 7,700 jobs from January2023.
Shreveport (177,400 jobs) added 600 jobs from December 2023, but lost 1,100 jobs from January 2023

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Louisiana

Cory Dennis, part of Jeff Landry’s inner circle, is new executive director of state GOP

Published

51 mins ago

April 27, 2024

Press Room

Cory Dennis, part of Jeff Landry’s inner circle, is new executive director of state GOP

Cory Dennis, who served as Jeff Landry’s campaign manager in last year’s governor’s race, is the new executive director of the Louisiana Republican Party.

Dennis’ appointment will give Landry a key lieutenant to help oversee the party’s activities at a time when the new governor is pushing the Legislature to expand his already considerable powers in state policy matters.

Dennis, who has worked for Landry in various positions since moving to Louisiana from Maryland in 2020, is the first African American to serve as the party’s executive director.

At the state party meeting in April, Dennis was only one of two African Americans in the room when the 230 state central committee members selected Derek Babcock, an insurance company owner from Livingston Parish, to replace Louis Gurvich as the Louisiana GOP chair. Landry endorsed Babcock and others in their races for the state central committee.

“I’m not there as his inside man,” Dennis said of the governor. “I’m there to help Derek and the rest of the executive committee move the party forward. I think you’ll see the party continue to grow, get stronger and be more influential.”

The state party played an important role in Landry’s campaign by giving him an early endorsement. That put the party machinery behind him and allowed big donors to make six-figure contributions to the party that could be used to elect him.

Dennis, 31, is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He worked for Republicans in Maryland before moving to Louisiana to work for Landry.

Rhett Davis, a long-time party fixture, will continue in his role as an influential outside consultant.

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Louisiana

Louisiana’s teacher shortage: School leaders identify problems and solutions

Published

8 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Press Room

Louisiana’s teacher shortage: School leaders identify problems and solutions

BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Teachers are still feeling the effects of the pandemic years later, contributing to reduced retention rates and the teacher shortage in Louisiana and across the country.

Charity Leblanc, school-to-work coordinator and Union representative at Salmen High School in St. Tammany Parish, says time is one of the biggest factors contributing to teacher stress.

“I dealt with some things this morning that someone didn’t get done in a timely manner, kind of fell on me, I had to take care of it at the last minute. If there was a better way and a better system for that, it would’ve worked itself out,” Leblanc said.

According to the National Education Association, 80% of teachers report having to take on extra tasks to make up for staffing shortages.

Leblanc says the extra tasks coupled with a lack of support causes teachers to reach a breaking point.

“Everybody has 50 things to do, and trying to manage all of that is very difficult,” Leblanc said. “I’ve seen people leave in a couple of months because this is not what they thought it was.”

East Baton Rouge Parish Schools Chief of Human Resources Dr. Nichola Hall suggests having additional in-classroom staff could take some tasks off teacher’s plates.

“They just want to be teachers, they just want to teach and nurture folks to be successful, so if anything, I could do from that lens, that would be the biggest impact is how much more support can we put, physical support in the classroom,” Dr. Hall said.

With all the burdens placed on teachers, Dr. Hall emphasizes the importance of uplifting teachers. East Baton Rouge School System is hosting its annual Spring Fling Recruitment Fair on Saturday.

“Part of the celebration is recognizing, so tomorrow at Spring Fling, we will have a fitness instructor there to work us out, smoothies will be on deck, along with yogurt,” Dr. Hall said.

Dr. Hall hopes more gestures like these will remind teachers of their impact on the next generation.

East Baton Rouge Parish School System’s Spring Fling Recruitment Fair is Saturday, April 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Jefferson Terrace Academy, 5601 Upton Drive.

Applicants should bring a resume, reference letters, official transcripts, and certifications. To register, click here.

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Louisiana

Fatal Crash Claims Breaux Bridge Cyclist's Life Late Thursday

Published

15 hours ago

April 26, 2024

Press Room

Fatal Crash Claims Breaux Bridge Cyclist's Life Late Thursday

BREAUX BRIDGE, La. (KPEL News) – A tragic incident occurred on Thursday, April 25, 2024, as a collision between a vehicle and a bicyclist claimed the life of 66-year-old Shelton J. Edmond of Breaux Bridge.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office received a distress call at around 9:00 p.m. from a motorist reporting the crash, which transpired in the 1300 block of Zin Zin Road.

Initial investigations revealed that the driver of the vehicle was traveling westbound on Zin Zin Road when the collision took place. Simultaneously, Edmond, also traveling westward on his bicycle, was struck by the vehicle.

Deputies on the scene noted that the bicycle lacked a rear light or reflector, and Edmond was wearing dark clothing at the time of the accident. However, impairment on the part of the driver was ruled out as a contributing factor.

Despite the swift response of emergency services, Edmond was pronounced deceased at the scene due to injuries sustained in the crash. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude to the Breaux Bridge Police Department and State Police for their cooperation and assistance in the investigation. As authorities continue their inquiries, the community mourns the loss of a beloved individual and emphasizes the importance of road safety for all travelers.

This is a developing story, and the KPEL News Team is working to provide additional coverage for Acadiana. Updates will be shared as they become available, so download the KPEL News app via Google Play or in the App Store and subscribe to breaking news alerts to get the latest information sent directly to your mobile device.

You can also use the KPEL app to submit a news tip, share a traffic update, or chat directly with our on-air team.

Be sure to bookmark our latest site, wearelafayette.net, where we provide more local news coverage as well as lifestyle and community features.

To report errors, omissions, or other concerns regarding the content above, send emails to news@kpel965.com.

6 Car Issues That Will Get You Pulled Over in Louisiana

These routine traffic stops help prevent accidents, enforce regulations, and identify potential issues with vehicles. Addressing minor infractions contributes to overall public safety and ensures vehicles meet basic standards on the road.

Gallery Credit: Joe Cunningham

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