New census data finds the overall median income rose 5-percent nationally in 2015, but in the south, it only climbed three percent. Jan Moller, director of the Louisiana Budget Project says 3-percent is still an improvement…
cut 15 (09) “….class family”
Moller says we can’t be sure exactly why the southern part of the country is behind but the south in general has lower levels of educational attainment.

Enrollment at Nicholls State University is up for the first time since 2009. Nicholls President Bruce Murphy says they saw an increase of 103 students, which is just over a 1% hike. He says they’ve improved their recruitment by empowering recruiters to give scholarships to potential students….
cut 6 (09) “….kind of stuff”

Solar panel customers are suing the state over the 25-million dollar cap that was placed on the solar tax credit program. New Orleans Attorney Larry Centola understands the state is in a budget crunch, but…
cut 12 (10) “…rules on them”
Centola says they are seeking 10-million dollars in damages.

This week is National Drive Electric Week and the state department of natural resources urges motorists to learn about the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars. Executive Director of the Louisiana Clean Fuels program, Ann Shaneyfelt, says the range of some fully electric vehicles is up to 200 miles, which is similar to a full tank of gas.
CUT 27 (08) “every single morning” 2x
Shaneyfelt says the maintenance cost of electric vehicles is also much lower, and most public charging stations are free.