The state Department of Education is making 21-million dollars in federal money available for schools to use towards hardening their perimeter so that there is a single point of entry on school campuses. Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says 42 grants of half a million dollars each will be awarded. He says some schools might only need minor adjustments others more substantial.
Cut 4 (10) “…an application.”
Brumley says the grants can be used to add fencing, locks, cameras, or install metal detectors.

Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves is co-authoring legislation to expediate disaster recovery funding to impacted communities. Graves says the bill will improve the recovery process after hurricanes in both the short and long term. He expects federal lawmakers in coastal states to support the bill, but….
cut 11 (09) “…something that’s important”

On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor Edwards talked about minimum wage and a gubernatorial candidate who fought against it. Teiko Foxx has more…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

As part of the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, Louisiana will issue $21 million in grants for schools to increase campus safety. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 1 (29)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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On his monthly radio call-in show, Governor Edwards talked about minimum wage and a gubernatorial candidate who’s fought against it. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 2 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

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Congressman Garret Graves introduces legislation aimed at clearing federal red tape and bureaucracy in hurricane recovery assistance…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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State Education is launching a grant program for schools to use towards funding a single point of entry for their campus to increase student safety. Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says 42 grants of half a million each will be awarded. He says some schools might only need minor adjustments others more substantial.

Cut 4 (10)  “…an application.”

Brumley says the grants can be used to add fencing, locks, cameras, or install metal detectors.

A single point of entry is considered best practice and Brumley says that’s a priority for the modern construction of schools.

Cut 5 (11) “…employees safe.”

A webinar to further explain the application process for the one-time funding will be held for school principals today.

Cut 6 (05)  “…after that.” 

The state received $21 million for the grants from the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act of 2022.

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On his monthly radio call-in show “Ask the Governor,” Governor John Bel Edwards talked about raising the state’s minimum wage and how Republican Stephen Waguespack who’s running to replace him, has thwarted his efforts.

Cut 7 (11) “…by Waguespack.”

The state has been stagnant at $7.25 for more than a decade.

Cut 8 (07) “…about that.”

Edwards believes most Louisianans want to increase the minimum wage to help workers support their families. He thinks Waguespack will avoid the topic altogether on the campaign trail.

Cut 9 (06)  “…his campaign.”

The primary is October 14th.

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District 6 Congressman Garret Graves introduces legislation aimed at streamlining federal disaster recovery assistance for storms and hurricanes. On Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge, Graves says current disaster recovery programs are bogged down in costly federal red tape that only an expert can negotiate, which leaves storm-ravaged local governments few options in trying to help residents…:

Cut 10 (10)  “…or spend the dollars.”

The Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act would create block grants under FEMA for “unmet needs,” and it empower local governments to decide where and when to best spend those dollars. Graves co-sponsors the bill with Congressman David Rouzer of North Carolina; a state that has seen its share of hurricanes and knows the problems with major storm recovery. Graves says getting support for the bill from fellow coastal states is not a concern, but…:

Cut 11 (09)  “… something that’s important.”

Graves says, if passed and signed by the President, the bill will help clear red tape and bureaucratic log jams that delay storm victims returning to their homes…:

Cut 12 (12)  “…out the door faster.”

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The second man convicted in the December 2021 attack on a newspaper delivery driver in Rosepine has been sentenced. 24-year-old, Dillion James was sentenced to eight years in prison  – the maximum sentence for his second-degree battery conviction. Vernon Parish District Attorney Terry Lambright .

Cut 13 (09) “…the wrong.” 

Because of a post-conviction motion filed by James’ defense, the sentencing was delayed until this week. James was sentenced by 30th Judicial District Judge Tony C. Bennett, who suspended one year of the eight-year sentence.

Cut 14 (10)  “…his eyes.”

James and his brother, Douglas Paul James, 33, of DeRidder, were found guilty of beating Woodie Blanks – after he delivered a newspaper to James’ grandfather’s home on Catfish Hut Road. Lambright says the safety of the residents in Vernon Parish is his priority.

Cut 15 (10)  “…of crime.”

James brother, Douglas Paul James of DeRidder, received a similar sentence last October.

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The 13th seeded Ragin Cajuns are 11.5 point underdogs heading into tonight’s NCAA first round matchup against Tennessee in Orlando. Coach Bob Marlin says he kept an eye on the Volunteers this season…

Cut  16 (14)  “..going to Orlando.” 

Marlin expects a battle in the paint…

Cut 17 (11) “…rebounding team.” 

The Cajuns are 26 and 7 on the season and won the Sun Belt Tournament to receive an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament. Senior Forward Terrence Lewis says they’ve prepared for this game like the 34 other games they’ve played this year…

Cut 18 (14) “…perfectly fine”

Tip-off tonight is at 8:40.

__________________________________________________

Cut 19 (18) “…in there”

Cut 20 (22)  “…of schedule” 

A recent poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. JMC Analytics Veteran pollster John Couvillon says with Wilson as the only major Democrat in the race…

Cut 9 (08) “…first in October.”

The poll was conducted March 6-8 and included Congressman Garett Graves who came in third before he announced he would not run.

The latest national survey of small businesses finds inflation and labor shortages continue to frustrate businesses. State Director of the NFIB Dawn McVea says the workforce issue needs to be resolved soon so the economy can grow again. She says they need the help of the federal and state government because small business owners are doing what they can to cope with the labor shortage…

Cut 14 (07)  “…work schedules.”
Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana. The corridor along Interstate 20 would serve cities between Meridian and Dallas-Fort Worth. Southern Rail Commission Chairman, Knox Ross says this has been an ongoing project.

Cut 6 (07)  “…distant service.” 

The National Hurricane Center says it will give out seven-day forecasts, instead of the traditional five, starting with this year’s hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this update in forecasting will be beneficial…

Cut 4 (10)  “…be headed” 
The National Hurricane Center says they’ve been testing seven-day forecasts in recent years and now feel confident enough in them, to make them public.

A recent governor’s poll has Jeff Landry and Shawn Wilson running neck and neck. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

The LSU Tigers football team will begin their next season with a Sunday night game against USC. that will be nationally televised. ABC Sports will carry the game; kickoff is at 6:30 Central on Sunday September 1^st. It will be the first game between LSU and USC since 1984, when the Tigers beat the Trojans, 23-3, in Los Angeles.

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana. The corridor along Interstate 20 would serve cities between Meridian, Mississippi, and Dallas-Fort Worth. Amtrak will seek funding from last year’s federal infrastructure law for the study. Southern Rail’s chairman Knox Ross says last year the cities of Monroe, Ruston & Shreveport…and Vicksburg, Mississippi began the process of applying for federal-state partnership grants for this purpose…:

CUT 08(09)      “…those cities.”

National Hurricane Center officials are extending forecasts for the upcoming hurricane season – instead of the traditional five-day forecast, they will give a seven-day forecast. The recent modifications come after years of testing long-range predictions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says keep in mind that even state-of-the-art forecast can be mistaken occasionally…:

CUT 05(09)      “…these hurricanes.”

What will it mean for you? Quite possibly more advance notice of an approaching storm.

The latest national survey of small business owners shows inflation and labor shortages continue to prevent full economic recovery from the pandemic. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says inflation has driven up prices and there’s a lack of qualified job applicants…:

CUT 12(09)      “…unrelenting inflation.”

McVea says the workforce issue needs to be resolved soon so the economy can begin to recover.

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana, connecting Dallas-Fort Worth and Meridian, Mississippi. Southern Rail Commission Chairman Knox Ross says the application is the first step in determining the soundness of the concept…:

CUT 07(09)      “…train operation.”

Monroe, Ruston & Shreveport have applied for federal-state partnership grants for the study as well.

National Hurricane Center officials are extending forecasts for the upcoming hurricane season – instead of the traditional five-day forecast, they will give a seven-day forecast. The recent modifications come after years of testing long-range predictions. State Climatologist Barry Keim says it’s a great step forward for the Emergency Management Community…:

CUT 03(07)      “…their region.”

The changes take place May 15^th.

Deputies in St. James Parish say they had to fish a man out of the Mississippi River yesterday, after he crashed his car then set it on fire. The unnamed motorist was driving recklessly and fled when officers hit the lights & siren. He crashed in a cane field, got out, set his car aflame, then ran across the nearby levee and jumped into the river. He was rescued and taken into custody. His mental health will be evaluated.

A recent poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. JMC Analytics Veteran pollster John Couvillon says with Wilson as the only major Democrat in the race, he may be assured a runoff position. Couvillon believes support for other GOP candidates will most likely be distributed geographically. For example, in Baton Rouge, it would likely go to Stephen Waguespack because of name recognition…:

CUT 11(10)      “…after Garret Graves.”

The latest national survey of small business owners shows inflation and labor shortages continues to prevent full economic recovery from the COVID pandemic. NFIB state director Dawn McVea says 47-percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill, remaining historically very high…:

CUT 13(05)      “…workforce.”

After years of testing, tropical storm predictions will have a different spin from weather experts. Teiko Foxx has more…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Foxx.”

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana. The corridor along Interstate 20 would serve cities between Meridian, Mississippi, and Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Amtrak will seek funding from last year’s congressional infrastructure law for the study.

A recent governor’s poll has Jeff Landry and Shawn Wilson running neck and neck. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (31) “….I’m Brooke Thorington.”

JMC Analytics also did a poll on the attorney general’s race, paid for by one of the candidates John Belton, a district attorney in north Louisiana. Belton received 13-percent of the vote, Solicitor General Liz Murrill in the Attorney General’s Office received 10-percent and state representative John Stefanski had seven percent. 68-percent said they were undecided.

The National Hurricane Center says it will give out seven-day forecasts, instead of the traditional five, starting with this year’s hurricane season. State Climatologist Barry Keim says this update in forecasting will be beneficial…
cut 4 (10) “…might be headed”
The National Hurricane Center says they’ve been testing seven-day forecasts in recent years and now feel confident enough in them, to make them public.

The latest national survey of small businesses finds inflation and labor shortages continue to frustrate businesses. State Director of the NFIB Dawn McVea says the workforce issue needs to be resolved soon so the economy can grow again. She says they need the help of the federal and state government, because small business owners are doing what they can to cope with the labor shortage…
cut 14 (07) “…work schedules”

The latest poll for governor has Republican Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Democrat Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. JMC Analytics Veteran pollster John Couvillon with the two running neck and neck the question is how much traction can the remaining four Republican candidates make before the primary.

Cut 10 (10) “…in the run-off.” 

The poll was conducted March 6-8.

The latest national survey of small business owners shows inflation and labor shortages continue to prevent full economic recovery from the COVID pandemic. N-F-I-B state director Dawn McVea says inflation has driven up prices and there’s a lack of qualified job applicants…

Cut 12 (09) “…unrelenting inflation”. 

After years of testing, tropical storm predictions will take a different spin from weather experts. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Amtrak and the Southern Rail Commission are seeking federal funding to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service across North Louisiana. The corridor along Interstate 20 would serve cities between Meridian and Dallas-Fort Worth. Southern Rail Commission Chairman, Knox Ross says this has been an ongoing project.

Cut 6 (07)  “…distant service.” 

Canadian Pacific has agreed on the study, but the co-owner of Norfolk Southern Railway would also have to approve.

A recent poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. John Couvillon with JMC Analytics says with Wilson as the only major Democrat in the race…

Cut 9 (09) “…first in October.”

The poll was conducted March 6-8 and included Congressman Garret Graves who came in third place with 12 percent.

If you’ve ever fallen victim to a scam the Federal Trade Commission wants you to report it. Emma Fletcher with the FTC encourages you to visit ReportFraud-dot-FTC-dot-gov and even if you haven’t lost money to make them aware of a potential scam.

Cut 11 (10)  “… for investigations.”

More than $8.8 billion was lost to scammers in the US last year.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says nine companies have applied for grant money that would result in them offering residential and commercial policies in coastal areas and that qualified companies could begin offering competitively priced options to Louisiana home and business owners very soon.

Cut 15 (05)  “…next month”

The legislature appropriated $45-million for insurance incentives to write policies in Louisiana.

A bill filed for the April legislative session would punish fentanyl dealers the same as convicted killers. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (31)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

A recent JMC Analytics poll for governor has Attorney General Jeff Landry leading with 29 percent of the vote followed by Shawn Wilson with 28 percent. The poll was conducted March 6-8 and included Congressman Garret Graves who came in third place with 12 percent.

Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces nine companies have applied for grant money that would result in them offering residential and commercial policies in coastal areas. Donelon says the response is more than what they anticipated…

Cut 13 (09) “…that’s available” 

He says some of those companies could begin writing policies as early as April.

The Federal Trade Commission says last year 2.4 million Americans were scammed and or victim to identity theft with a total loss of $8.8 billion. Emma Fletcher with the FTC says they have tips on how to avoid scams on their website and if anyone ever asks you to buy a gift card to fix a problem…

Cut 12 (08) “…that a lot.”

Louisiana residents ranks among the top 5 states who are scammed and/or fall victim to Identity theft.