The OMV is warning Louisianians about a scam text message claiming to be from them, contacting you to collect an outstanding traffic ticket. Kace Kieschnick reports.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”
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A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history is vandalized. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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Scammers are trying to exploit Louisiana residents yet again for their personal information and unnecessary fees through a fraudulent text message. OMV Deputy Commissioner Matt Boudreaux says the text claims it comes from the OMV trying to collect a fee for an outstanding traffic ticket.
Cut 3 (12) “…through the mail.”
He says if you’re unsure whether or not you have an outstanding ticket, contact the OMV directly or visit their website, expresslane.org, to view your license status anytime.
The OMV is encouraging users to report suspicious texts and emails to reportfraud.ftc.gov.
Boudreaux says the only way to ever receive a text message from the OMV is by opting in for alerts when scheduling an appointment online. He encourages people to inform others about potential scams, especially those who could be more vulnerable.
Cut 5 (13) “…information stolen.”
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***Note: Must credit KALB-TV in Alexandria***
A disturbing story out of Beauregard Parish as the headstone of the mother of the first Black mayor in DeRidder’s history has been vandalized. Someone had knocked down the heart-shaped stone marking the final resting place of Ceola Harris at Beauregard Cemetery. Speaking exclusively to KALB-TV in Alexandria, Mayor Michael D. Harris says he has been in close contact with DeRidder Police Chief Craig Richard (REE-shard).
Cut 6 (08) “…that’s knocked over.”
Mayor Harris tells KALB-TV in Alexandria says breaking the news to his family was very difficult.
Cut 7 (11) “…very, very hurtful.”
Harris is stopping short of calling this act of vandalism racially motivated. He tells KALB-TV that he’s leaning on his faith to get him through this.
The police department is actively investigating. The cemetery, however, does not have any security cameras, which will make the investigation much more difficult.
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Plenty of reaction to President Trump’s recent proclamation giving 25 chemical companies, including 12 in Louisiana, a two-year exemption from new federal EPA emissions rules. David Cresson (cress-AWN), the president and CEO of the Louisiana Chemical Association, says the two-year exemption is necessary because there’s a lot involved in meeting these new rules.
But Anne Rolfes (RAWL-fiss), the director of the environmental group Louisiana Bucket Brigade, says people’s health are too important to take two years for these companies to meet these new standards.
Cut 10 (13) “…cancer-causing emissions.”
Cresson disputes Rolfe’s notion that there’s a correlation between people’s overall health and proximity to a chemical plant.
Cresson says the chemical industry is one of the most regulated industries in the country, but Rolfes says it seems that those regulations are doing little good.
Cut 12 (13) “…oversight, not less.”
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A recent study from Bankrate found nearly half of Americans working full-time or searching for full-time employment say they are looking for a new job in the next year. Bankrate senior economic analyst Mark Hamrick says 44-percent said they planned on asking for a raise.
Cut 13 (14) “…more than that.”
Another leading cause for the potential turnover, Hamrick says, is in the pursuit of an improved work-life balance. The study also found that Gen Z and Millennial workers were more likely to ask for a raise or flexibility than their Gen X counterparts.
Bankrate found that a quarter of workers plan to start their own business in the next year, and that percentage is larger among younger Americans. Hamrick says independent businesses are essential to the U.S. economy