11:30 AM newscast
Former St. Tammany Sheriff Jack Strain is facing federal charges in a 16-count indictment accusing him of using his authority while in office to get kickbacks after awarding a public contract worth over a million dollars to run a prison work release program. U.S. Attorney Peter Strasser says Strain gave the contract to the son and daughter of two of his deputies, who worked as accomplices in the scheme.
Baton Rouge-based Epic Piping is coming to Lake Providence, investing in a two-million-dollar fabrication facility that will bring decent-paying jobs to one of the nation’s most impoverished towns. According to the census, the median town income is 18,713 dollars, and 53 percent of the town lives in poverty. Secretary Don Pierson says these kinds of jobs can have a big impact on the local economy.
A new AAA study shows fatalities from running red lights has hit a 10-year-high. Nationally, 939 deaths were recorded in 2017, the last full year the numbers were available. AAA spokesperson Don Redman says although 85% of those polled said running red lights is dangerous, many admit to being guilty of doing so.
The state is rolling out a new school safety app that will give administrators and teachers easy access to the authorities in the event of an emergency. When you open RAVE Mobile Safety you’re presented with five options; active shooter, fire, medical, police, and other. State Police Colonel Kevin Reeves says outside of major emergencies, the app will also offer staff the ability to communicate school-wide in the event of a less threatening situation.