The state Board of Elementary & Secondary Education approves a new funding formula for the next school year that would give $2,000 raises to certified teachers and $1,000 to non-certified instructors and support staff. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says the formula also gives schools the flexibility for additional pay to instructors needed in critical shortage areas like math, science, and special education…:

CUT 04(09)      “…the building.”

State lawmakers must approve BESE’s pay plan. The legislative session starts a month from now.

Is LABI head Stephen Waguespack about to announce he’ll run for governor? Insiders say an announcement could come as early as today that the former Chief of Staff under Governor Jindal will enter the campaign. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says Waguespack’s entry brings a new dynamic to the race, and he should have no problem with campaign fundraising…:

CUT 09(08)      “…Waguespack.”

The state’s head of culture, recreation and tourism, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser, is in Delhi today to cut the ribbon on a new conference center at the Black Bear Golf Club. The facility is located near the Poverty Point World Heritage Site. Nungesser says the conference center allows the area to welcome a variety of events and will only increase tourism to northeast Louisiana…:

CUT 11(11)      “…golf course.”

A Baton Rouge jury awards over $6-million to the family of Max Gruver, the 18-year-old LSU freshman who died of alcohol poisoning shortly after a fraternity hazing incident in 2017. Gruver had a blood-alcohol level of .495 when he died.  The jury found that Ryan Matthew Isto, one of the frat members, was two-percent at fault for Gruver’s death. The Gruvers previously settled civil cases with LSU and other frat members involved in the hazing death.

A Wednesday crash in Jackson Parish, involving an SUV and a school bus, takes the life of a woman and child. The driver, Katelyn Granger was seatbelted, but died from her injuries. A seven year old girl, who was not restrained also died. State Police are investigating.