The Louisiana Legislative Auditor believes the funds are available for school systems to pay teachers their stipends so they do not receive pay cuts. Jeff Palermo has the story.
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”
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The next time you go to a fast food restaurant, be nice to the employees, or else. Andrew Greenstein explains why.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Franklin Parish running back Trey Martin has committed to LSU. Kace Kieschnick has more.
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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Louisiana Legislative Auditor Mike Waguespack has reviewed the financials of the state’s public-school districts, and he says most of them have the funds to support Governor Landry’s plan to cover the cost of a two-thousand-dollar stipend for teachers and a one-thousand-dollar stipend for school support workers.
Landry is proposing a 168-million-dollar cut in public school funding and redirecting that money to pay the stipends teachers and school support workers have received the last three years. Waguespack says school districts have 1.8-billion dollars in their unassigned fund balances that can help pay for the loss in state aid for operation expenses.
The governor’s plan needs legislative support. Two-thirds of the state lawmakers have to approve, and mail-in ballots are due by 5 p-m on June 23rd.
Landry has also a created a task force to study how the state can use its resources better to fund teacher salaries and get their pay closer to the Southern Regional Average. Waguespack says this reduction in state funding is just for one year.
Local school officials say Landry’s plan cuts state funding by about five-percent.
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LSU and Hyundai Steel inked a Master Research Agreement in collaboration with its 5.8-billion-dollar steel mill scheduled to open in Ascension Parish in 2029. LSU Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Partnerships Greg Trahan (truh-HAHN) says the agreement isn’t just for one project; it’s for all of them.
Cut 7 (10) “…these research projects.”
The agreement will allow Hyundai Steel and LSU to collaborate on whatever research opportunities the company may encounter. Trahan says the agreement gives Hyundai access to LSU’s research personnel and resources.
Cut 8 (14) “…every academic discipline.”
Trahan says the research agreement is unlike any LSU has ever signed. It clears up any potential patent disputes upfront and allows for quick action and scientific advancement. He says it’s not just about a single investment or project, but a new way to work with a company.
Cut 9 (14) “…of talent development.”
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Tropical Storm Arthur is dissipating as it moves over land in Texas and into Louisiana. The storm made landfall in Texas about halfway between Corpus Christi and Galveston and started its northward turn from there. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says with that unexpected turn to the north, Louisiana won’t be as hard hit as originally forecast.
Keim says once Arthur moves out of the region, another frontal system will be coming through the state.
Cut 11 (08) “…afternoon convective showers.”
Keim says Tropical Storm Arthur is proof that even with a lower than normal hurricane forecast for the season, you should not let your guard down under any circumstances.
Cut 12 (07) “…just be vigilant.”
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The next time you go to a fast food restaurant in Louisiana, be on your best behavior towards the employees, or else. Governor Landry signed the Behind The Counter Protection Act, which toughens penalties for those convicted of assaulting retail and service employees. Landry signed the bill in a ceremony at a Baton Rouge McDonald’s.
Cut 13 (07) “…lost their civility.”
The bill was authored by Baton Rouge Representative Dixon McMakin, who noted that while there have been no notable incidents in Louisiana, employees should not have to deal with out-of-control customers.
Cut 14 (10) “…behind the counters.”
John Valluzzo, whose family operates McDonald’s locations in Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi, says this law is needed to protect his employees
Cut 15 (09) “…be treated respectfully.”
The law goes into effect August 1st.
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Franklin Parish four-star running back Trey Martin gave his verbal pledge to join LSU’s 2027 recruiting class. The rising senior is the number one running back in the state, and 247Sports ranks him as the 14th back nationwide. The Voice of the Patriots, Matt Reynolds, says even as a freshman, you could tell Martin could be the best player to ever wear a Patriots uniform.
Cut 16 (16) “…a threat offensively.”
Martin racked up over 13-hundred rushing yards and 31 touchdowns his junior season. He also runs track for Franklin Parish with an 11.31-second 100-meter sprint time. Reynolds says the six-foot, 200-pound back can beat you any way you like.
Cut 17 (18) “…got breakaway speed.”
Martin is the third running back to commit to LSU’s 2027 class, alongside four-star Tre Segarra and three-star Brennan Lacey. Reynolds says Martin is all business off the field. He takes care of himself and is obsessed with getting better.
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The Saints finished veteran minicamp yesterday and are out for the summer until training camp begins in late July. Quarterback Tyler Shough says he’s spent the entire offseason in New Orleans, and he says it will make a big difference heading into year two.
Cut 19 (14) “…these new guys?”
Shough has plans to set up a passing retreat with the Saints receivers and Saints legend Drew Brees in San Diego. New Orleans has prioritized building chemistry this offseason, placing players into SWAT teams with teammates they may not usually be around. Shough says the offseason prep has helped on and off the field.
Cut 20 (18) “…have been around.”