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.

Another candidate is expected to announce a run for governor soon. LABI President & CEO Stephen Waguespack could make an announcement as early as today. Before LABI, Waguespack served as Governor Bobby Jindal’s Chief of Staff and Executive Counsel. U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says the Jindal Years are looked at unfavorably by many Louisiana voters, and that could be used against Waguespack by opponents…:

CUT 08  (08)        “…longtime staffer.”

Cross feels that if Waguespack enters the race, he’ll be a strong candidate and fundraiser.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is in Delhi today attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Conference Center at Black Bear Golf Club. He says the new facility allows the area to host small conventions, corporate events, family reunions, and weddings…:

CUT 10(05)      “…years to come.”

You might have had one recently; a bacterial infection. Experts say they’re on the rise and more resistant to treatment. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Foxx.”

The Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office has arrested a teacher from Grant High School for allegedly sending a nude photo to a student. 43-year-old Deborah Steen, of Pineville, is accused of indecent behavior with a juvenile and prohibited sexual conduct between an educator and a student.

There is speculation that Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) President & CEO Stephen Waguespack could announce a run for governor as soon as today. How will his entry affect a growing field of candidates? U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says Waguespack could be a strong candidate…:

CUT 07(08)      “…several levels.”

Waguespack has led LABI since 2013. Before that, the Republican served as Governor Bobby Jindal’s Chief of Staff and Executive Counsel.

A bacterial infection commonly known as shigella is becoming more resistant to medicine and harder to treat according to the CDC. Dr. John Vanchiere, with LSU Health – Shreveport, says the infection can be easily transmitted from person to person…:

CUT 13(05)      “…you sick”

Diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain are the most common symptoms. He says good hygiene is your best defense.

The New Orleans City Council has voted unanimously to investigation whether Mayor LaToya Cantrell violated state law with a mailer sent to over 15t0-thousand residents. The mailer touted Cantrell’s accomplishments as mayor; an effort to counter a recall effort against her. State law says no public money can be used to advertise the name of a public official. The mailer was paid for with taxpayer dollars.

BESE approves a funding formula to give schools additional funding to use as they see fit for teachers along with the proposed raises for the 2023-24 school year…:

CUT 01(28)      “…Thorington.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry says the state scored a huge victory Tuesday in federal court challenging California’s ban on the importation and sale of alligator products. Landry says the ban could have disrupted the supply chain and decimated the industry…:

CUT 10(12)      “…it was great.”

He says as much as $100 million in revenue to the alligator industry in Louisiana could have been lost.

State Police credit a brave victim with coming forward to tell of years of sexual abuse, allegedly at the hands of her pastor. 56-year-old Milton Martin III, of Chalmette, is charged with sexual battery and carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He is pastor of the First Pentecostal Church of Chalmette. He’s accused of molesting the victim for over three years; starting when she was 14. LSP Trooper Kate Stegall says she the teen is courageous…:

Cut 14  (08)      “…other victims.”

After announcing he will NOT run for Governor this fall, Congressman Garret Graves talks a bit about his decision to stay in Washington D.C…:

CUT 04(12)      “…the field.”

However, Graves says he can do Louisiana more good as a member of the U.S. House. Graves says he believes the next governor of the state has not yet entered the race.

Police in Baton Rouge says up to 200 people – boys, girls and even parents – were involved in a massive fight that broke out at Brookstown Middle School this morning. Police says a dozen were taken into custody. The fight reportedly started over a beef between two girls. One police officer was seriously injured in the brouhaha. He’s being treated for a head cut and broken hip. More arrests are likely.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says important issues on the national level keep him from running for governor. Jeff Palermo has that…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”

Franklin Parish deputies raid a Winnsboro home and find large amounts of meth, crack cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, marijuana and prescription pills…plus loads of cash and guns, all in the presence of small children. Two arrests were made. The kids are with Family Services. More arrests are expected.

A Chalmette church pastor is arrested for allegedly molesting a minor for a span of several years. Louisiana State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says 56-year-old Milton Martin III, of Chalmette, is charged with sexual battery and carnal knowledge of a juvenile. He is pastor of the First Pentecostal Church of Chalmette. He’s accused of molesting the victim for over three years. Stegall says the LSP Special Victims Unit investigation turned up sufficient evidence and victim testimony to obtain a warrant for Martin’s arrest…:

CUT 13(07)      “…St. Bernard Parish jail.”

Stegall says any others who may have been a victim of Milton – or any other abuser – should contact the State Police Special Victims Unit at 504-310-7011.

Daylight saving Time returns this weekend, and Haughton state Representative Dodie Horton hopes this will be the year her trigger bill – passed in 2020 – will take effect, keeping Louisiana on daylight Time all year. It’s contingent on passage a federal bill to the same effect. Horton says there are benefits to 12-month Daylight Time…:

CUT 08(06)      “…the day.”

Daylight Time begins early Sunday morning.

A Chalmette church pastor is arrested for allegedly molesting a minor for a span of several years. Louisiana State Police Trooper Kate Stegall says they were first made aware of the accusations last November, and the investigation turned up numerous alleged assaults that happened from 2010 to 2013; starting when the victim was just 14…:

CUT 12  (12)        “…Milton Martin the Third”

Martin is pastor of the First Pentecostal Church of Chalmette. His bond had not been set as of newstime.

Congressman Garret Graves says the Republican Party’s slim majority in the U-S House is a big reason why he decided not to run for governor. Graves, who was re-elected to a fifth term last year, has a lot of important issues to tackle on the federal level…:

CUT 03(07)      “…reckless spending.”

Daylight Saving Time return this weekend, and one Louisiana lawmaker believes we should be on DST time year round. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Foxx”

Twelve arrests were made today, after a massive fight broke out at Brookstown Middle School in Baton Rouge. Police says a dozen were taken into custody, but well over a dozen more were involved – some of them parents. The fight reportedly started over a beef between two girls. One police officer was injured in the brouhaha.

The coroner in Baton Rouge releases a preliminary autopsy report that indicates Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman who went missing two weeks ago, and whose body was found Monday, was probably NOT a victim of violent crime. The reports marks NO external or internal signs of trauma; meaning he was likely not attacked. His family tells WAFB in Baton Rouge they think he may have accidentally overdosed. A complete autopsy, with blood toxicology, is pending.

Governor Edwards and business leaders continue their mission abroad building and nurturing foreign trade relationships. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) Secretary Don Pierson spoke to us from Tokyo this morning, he says the chemical company Shintech is approaching a $10-billion investment with the state, and future investments are dependent on demonstrating a commitment from the state…:

CUT 09(10)      “…to Louisiana.”

Governor John Bel Edwards officially endorses former DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson in his bid to be the state’s next governor. The endorsement comes just a day after Wilson’s announcement Monday. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says “unpredictable” is how he’d characterize the 2023 race…:

CUT 08  (05)        “…the unexpected.”

A lot of folks were expecting Baton Rouge area Congressman Garret Graves to run, but he has announced he will NOT. Graves says the best for him right now to help Louisiana is in D.C. Now that brings up talk that LABI President Stephen Waguespack may jump in. Political analyst Roy Fletcher expects an announcement from Waguespack later this week…:

CUT 05  (08)”…issues too.”

The primary election is October 14th with a runoff in November.

Republican Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is not running for governor this year. In an email to supporters, Graves says it’s clear the best service he can provide to Louisiana and the next governor is by building upon recent wins in the U-S Congress. Political analyst Roy Fletcher says there are a lot of Republicans who wanted Graves to run, but he has a good situation in the U.S. House…:

CUT 04(09)      “…wants to do.”

Meanwhile the current Governor has endorsed his former Transportation Secretary, Shawn Wilson, in his bid for the Governor’s mansion. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says he thinks Wilson’s base of supporters will serve as a solid component in his race for governor…:

CUT 07(11)      “…Election Day.”

Attorney General Jeff Landry has $5-million in his campaign funds; putting Wilson at a preliminary disadvantage.

The coroner in East Baton Rouge Parish releases a preliminary autopsy result on Nathan Millard, the Georgia businessman whose body was found Monday in a blighted area of the city. The report shows no signs of internal or external trauma; meaning he likely was not victim of a violent crime. That’s all that’s known for now.

Governor Edwards continues his overseas trade mission in Asia. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Thorington.”

The body of a Georgia businessman, who went missing nearly two weeks ago in Baton Rouge, was recovered early this morning…:

CUT 02(34)      “…Thorington.”

Police in Shreveport say a man was shot this morning while walking his children to school. The suspect escaped the scene on foot. The victim, who was shot once in the chest, is reportedly in critical condition. The children were not hurt. Call Caddo-Shreveport Crimestoppers with any tips.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon sounds uncertain if he’ll run for re-election again this fall. During an appearance on “Talk Louisiana with Jim Engster” Monday, Donelon says he suspended all campaign fundraising right before the holidays, because he was busy with the state’s property insurance crisis. Donelon says he has made up his mind about another term, but is unready to announce his intentions yet. He says he is proud to have served in a position that has so much direct effect on people and businesses…:

CUT 14(09)      “…challenges…constantly.”

Donelon says he will make an announcement sometime soon.

The New Orleans Saints sign Raiders QB Derek Carr to a 4-year deal; reportedly worth at least $150-million. NFL and Saints analyst Mike Detillier says now it’s up to Carr to get on the same page with some of the team’s young receivers, like Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed…:

CUT 05(07)      “…your offense.”

The Saints are expected to release Jameis Winston after three lackluster seasons.

Baton Rouge Police say the body of Atlanta businessman Nathan Millard has been found; wrapped in a rug and dumped in a remote area of North Baton Rouge. The United Cajun Navy aided in the search for Millard and their leader, Todd Terrell, says this isn’t the outcome they hoped for…:

CUT 09(11)      “…on the news.”

Millard was in Baton Rouge on business. He vanished after having drinks with a business associate at a downtown bar on February 22^nd. An autopsy is scheduled to determine exactly how Millard died.

Recently retired DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson officially announces he will run for Governor this fall. In a video posted on his campaign website, Wilson – a Democrat – touts the $5.5-Billion in road and bridge improvements under his watch…:

CUT 08(10)      “…Louisiana forward.”

His campaign website is “WilsonForLa.com”

Former state Senator and former Louisiana Democrat Party head Karen Carter Peterson reported to prison today, to begin her 22-month sentence for wire fraud. Peterson was convicted in January of using campaign and party money to fuel her gambling addiction. Peterson was in the state Legislature for nearly 22 years.

The Saints sign a new quarterback; Raiders veteran Derek Carr. Jeff Palermo has more…:

CUT 01(31)      “…Palermo.”