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Rain and chilled temps are overtaking the Bayou State.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 3 (26) “I’m Kevin Barnhart”

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54,000 locations in north Louisiana will have access to broadband internet as part of the fed’s Connect America program that’s pumping in 22 million dollars into three internet providers to make it happen. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says broadband is completely necessary for development in the modern world.

Cut 4 (10) “…telephones.″

Campbell says it’s particularly important to students who live in areas without quality internet access. He says this will make study and homework much easier.

Cut 5 (07)  “…good for.” 

Campbell says the roughly 50 to 60 dollar a month broadband charge is completely optional.

Cut 6 (11) “…come up.”

Campbell will be celebrating the expansion with AT&T officials at a new tower just south of Bossier City at 1030 today.

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Louisiana Federation of Teachers President Larry Carter says if the legislature stalls on a teacher pay raise, you could see a mass walk out by the end of the school year. A recent survey found 61 percent of educators would support a strike. Carter says many teachers are waiting to see the revenue forecast for next year, but some are ready to make an immediate statement.

Cut 7 (07) “…out today”

The average pay in 2015-1016 for a teacher in Louisiana is 49,900 dollars, over 1,700 dollars lower than the regional average. The national average is 58,000.

Governor Edwards has backed a move to raise pay 1,000 dollars for teachers, and 500 dollars for support personnel. Carter says the union hasn’t decided on its own number, but they will not accept any deal that does not include secretaries, bus drivers, classroom aides, and other support staff.

Cut 8 (09) “…already”

LFT is also considering a 2.75 percent classroom funding increase as part of their demands.

The LFT says teacher salaries have declined nearly 2,000 dollars since 2012, but in some areas the problem has grown even worse as pay raises in districts like Tangipahoa have been shot down. Carter says that’s leading to lopsided educational results statewide.

Cut 9 (10) “…compete”

Carter says any strike decision would be a democratic decision, and not one made by union leadership.

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Chilled temperatures take over the Bayou state this week.  Louisiana is stuck with rain and clouds throughout the early portion of today. And State Climatologist Barry Keim says dryer conditions are on the way for later.

Cut 10 (08)   “…over Louisiana’s weather.“

Keim says if you thought today was cold with highs in the mid-40s to 50s, it gets even colder as the week progresses.

Cut 11 (11) “…I10 I12 corridor.”

Keim says although it’ll get colder as the week goes on, you’ll see an uptick in temps going into the weekend, but continue to dress warmly.

Cut 12 (08)   “…bundle up Louisiana.”

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Republican Senator Rick Ward of Port Allen is attempting to build awareness and public support for a new bridge crossing the Mississippi River with a TV ad that started airing last week.  Ward says the new bridge would help alleviate the congested roadway issues for Baton Rouge and outlying areas.

Cut 13 (09) “…the conversation forward.”

Ward says the ads are running to let the public know they’ll have the opportunity to vote on the matter, possibly in 2019, saying it’s the area’s opportunity to do something for itself as a region.

Cut 14 (08) “…on our own.”

The bridge doesn’t have a solidified location yet, but eh estimated cost is about $1 billion.  Ward says they are looking into several avenues to get that funded.

Cut 15 (11) “…of that sort.”

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Saints Coach Payton admits to breaking a fire alarm that wouldn’t stop ringing in their locker room at Paul Brown Stadium before Sunday’s 51- 14 victory over Cincinnati. Payton says he didn’t do it out of disrespect…

 

Cut 16 (14) “…to stop.”