The Louisiana Department of Education says more students than ever are filling out the form to apply for federal financial assistance for college. Educational Technology Consultant Stephanie Marcum says prior to an aggressive push to encourage folks not to leave this grant money on the table, many families didn’t know about it…:
CUT 11 (11) “financial aid”
The rate of kids completing the FASFA form increased by 24-percent from last year.

A demonstration takes place today of a self-driving bus that could pick up and drop off passengers in New Orleans. Neil Hemenover with Transdev North America says the vehicle was created by EasyMile and says the public will get to go for a ride at 1 p.m. at the Convention Center..:
Cut 9 (09) “to stand”
He says the vehicle is already in use in Europe.

The body of a woman found under an I-12 bridge in Livingston Parish has been identified as 30-year-old Jennifer Blount of Denham Springs. Walker Police say how she was killed and ended up under the bridge is still under investigation. Blount, whose death is being investigated as a homicide, was reported missing by her family in December and anyone with information concerning her disappearance and death is urged to contact authorities.

There’s good news coming for northeast Louisiana residents who often travel on Arkansas Road in West Monroe and know how frustrating the traffic can be. Transportation officials say construction will begin this summer on a widening project of Arkansas Road between LA 143 and Caldwell Road. DOTD Spokesperson Marshall Hill says this project has been delayed since 1981…:
Cut 6 (11) “to fruition”.:
He says the project should take three years to complete.