Louisiana

One credit union based in Mississippi, and one based in Louisiana, have announced plans for a merger. Jefferson Financial Federal Credit Union would be merged into Keesler Federal Credit Union. The organization would have assets of just under $5 billion, with more than 900 employees in 55 locations, including in Alabama.

Francine is weakening after striking Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane as it heads far inland from the Gulf Coast. Power outages and damages are being reported across Central Alabama, including in Jefferson County, Tuscaloosa County and Hale County.

Francine has weakened to a tropical storm after slamming into Louisiana as a Category 2 hurricane. The system is causing widespread power outages and sending a dangerous storm surge rushing into coastal communities, including in Alabama.

“National Preparedness Month” is recognized throughout September, and Governor Kay Ivey is urging all Alabamians to create a plan and be prepared before disaster strikes. This comes as Hurricane Francine is barreling toward Louisiana and an expected landfall.

Hurricane Francine is barreling toward Louisiana with an expected landfall with potentially deadly storm surge, destructive winds and widespread flooding. Alabama is also at risk of “considerable” flash and urban flooding.

Tropical Storm Francine formed in the Gulf of Mexico on Monday and was expected to drench the Texas coast with rain before coming ashore in Louisiana as a hurricane on Wednesday night. Alabama's forecast includes heavier rain later this week.

The U.S. Supreme Court ordered Louisiana to hold congressional elections in 2024 using a House map with a second mostly Black district, despite a lower-court ruling that called the map an illegal racial gerrymander. Louisiana would join Alabama, where voters will choose a new U.S. House member following a similar SCOTUS ruling.

Louisiana's Republican-dominated Legislature has given final passage to a bill that would add electrocution the use of nitrogen gas, like Alabama, as a method of carrying out the death penalty.

Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi, have seen a promising turnaround in their student reading scores after passing a series of similar literacy reforms.

In this week's Keepin' It Real commentary, Cam Marston offers us a weekend challenge... Edited by Corey Carpenter