SUMMARY: Rain is expected overnight, with heavier showers moving northeast toward the metro area but light rain prevails. Though some slick roads and minor flooding may occur, severe weather risks are low due to stable, cool temperatures in the 50s. Rain should taper off by early morning, followed by a drop in temperatures. Hard freezes are anticipated Thursday and Friday mornings, necessitating precautions like protecting pipes. While the weekend may bring slightly milder conditions and spotty showers, another cold front is likely later next week, affecting Carnival festivities, but Saturday evening parades should remain relatively dry.

Arctic blast brings back a hard freeze for some Thursday and Friday morning

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SUMMARY: The spring market event will kick off with a preview party on March 13 at 5 PM, featuring catered food, cocktails, and entertainment from the Tailor Made Band. General shopping will occur all day on March 14 and 15, with admission priced at $15. Highlights include the Market Read Madness night on March 14, sponsored by Iron Cactus, with food, margaritas, a DJ, and door prizes. Additionally, there will be a raffle for a new street-legal golf cart, with only 2,000 tickets available at $20 each. Proceeds benefit initiatives supporting women and children in the community.

Louisiana Living: Junior League of Monroe

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Louisiana families struggle to afford child care, survey finds

by Piper Hutchinson, Louisiana Illuminator
February 18, 2025

Most Louisiana families with young children struggle to afford care, according to a new survey the Louisiana Policy Institute for Children published Tuesday. 

Parents surveyed reported spending around $7,600 per year for child care for two children, with parents who do not receive any form of subsidized care report spending $14,000 per year. The median household income in Louisiana is $58,229, according to federal census data. The majority of families surveyed reported needing child care to be able to work. 

“Louisiana’s families are caught in the middle — struggling to afford the child care they need to stay in the workforce, yet unable to access public support,” LPIC chief executive Libbie Sonnier said. “Without meaningful investment in early childhood education, parents will continue to face economic hardship, and our state will miss out on the full potential of its workforce.”

The survey of parents and guardians with children under age 5 was conducted in November by Louisiana Policy Institute for Children in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Education, Agenda for Children, Rotary Club of Baton Rouge and Women United of Southeast Louisiana. 

The survey revealed concerns over the cost of child care are not limited to low-income parents. It found 58% of parents earning $50,000 to $100,000, 54% of parents earning $100,000 to $150,000 and 35% of parents earning over $150,000 reported worries about child care affordability. 

The Louisiana Policy Institute for Children recommended addressing the affordability concern by increasing state investment in early childhood education and incentivizing businesses to contribute toward child care costs for employees. The organization also wants to make it easier for people to pursue careers in the early childhood field. 

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Louisiana Illuminator maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Greg LaRose for questions: info@lailluminator.com.

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