Bear Hunt Lottery Opens as P&G Buys Supplement Maker Thorne

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has announced that the application period for the state's black bear hunting lottery is now open through August 28. The lottery will issue 42 permits, with allocations based on bear population data, plus one additional secretary's permit auction. To be eligible, applicants must hold a valid black bear hunting license and complete an LDWF bear hunter training course before the hunt.

The Louisiana black bear management areas will host the hunt from December 5-20. The lottery has been implemented to manage the state's growing bear population, which has increased by 50% over the past decade due to habitat expansion and prey availability.

Meanwhile, in the US job market, openings edged down to 7.36 million in June from 7.54 million in May. However, layoffs remained steady, while hiring and voluntary quits increased slightly. Economists expect the July jobs report to show 100,000 new jobs and an unemployment rate holding at 4.2%.

Procter & Gamble has also announced its acquisition of supplement maker Thorne for $3.8 billion. The deal aims to strengthen P&G's health and wellness business by adding the fast-growing brand to its portfolio, which already includes Metamucil, Align Probiotic, and New Chapter vitamins.