BESE approved a funding formula to give schools additional funding to use as they see fit for teachers along with the proposed raises for the 23-24 school year. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says how schools use the additional funding to either attract, retain, or reward teachers is historic.

Cut 6 (07)  “…for our teachers.” 

A bacterial infection commonly known as shigella is becoming harder to treat according to Chief of LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Dr. John Vanchiere. He says the majority of cases are among international travelers, homeless people, individuals with weakened immune systems, and gay men.

Cut 14 (09)  “…from CDC.”

Shigella causes prolonged diarrhea and stomach pain and most people infected will recover in 7 to 10 days.

Will LABI President Stephen Waguespack join in the race to be Louisiana’s next Governor? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

The Department of Children and Family Services informed lawmakers Wednesday that they’ve hired 326 full-time workers since July, which increased the staff to 35 hundred. The agency has been under fire and their former sectary resigned last year after a number of high-profile child death cases. The Child Welfare Division has 55 vacancies left to fill.

BESE approved 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. State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley says allowing schools to direct additional funds as they see fit, could give select teachers a much-needed raise.

Cut 5 (08) “…moving forward.”

President and CEO of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) Stephen Waguespack is expected to announce his candidacy for governor as soon as today.  U.L.-Monroe political science professor Pearson Cross says Waguespack could be a strong contender in the race.

Cut 7 (08) “…on several levels.”

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Conference Center at Black Bear Golf Club in Delhi today. He says the new facility can welcome even more visitors to Northeast Louisiana and allows the area to host small conventions, corporate events, family reunions, and other events.

Cut 12 (12) “…year after year.”

The bacterial infection commonly known as shigella is becoming harder to treat with traditional medicine according to the CDC. People infected may experience severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Chief of LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Dr. John Vanchiere says the infection can be easily transmitted from person to person but the best prevention is good hygiene.

Cut 15 (07)  “…the time.”

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.”

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 1 (28)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Will LABI President Stephen Waguespack join in the race to be Louisiana’s next Governor? Kevin Gallagher reports…:

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Bacterial infections are on the rise and are less responsive to medications. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.” 

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BESE approves a new funding formula for the ‘23-24 school year that would give $2,000 raises for certified teachers and $1,000 for non-certified 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 ed.

Cut 4 (09)  “…the building.”

Brumley says it allows schools to direct funds where they are needed most to drive down vacancy numbers and increase teacher quality. $61 million has been allotted as a block grant for schools to use as they wish.

The across-the-board raise two-thousand-raise and block grant must have legislative approval first but Brumley says allowing schools to direct additional funds as they see fit, could give select teachers an additional bump in salary.

Cut 5 (08) “…moving forward.”

Governor Edwards is encouraging lawmakers to approve the two and one-thousand-dollar teacher pay increases and Brumley says while Louisiana will still be below the southern regional average every increase helps. Brumley says how schools use the additional funding to either attract, retain, or reward teachers is historic.

Cut 6 (07)  “…for our teachers.” 

The legislative session begins on April 10^th.

_____________________________________________

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 7 (08) “…on several levels.”

Waguespack has led LABI since 2013. Before that, the Republican served as Governor Bobby Jindal’s Chief of Staff and Executive Counsel.  Cross says the Jindal Years Are looked at unfavorably by many Louisiana voters, and that could be used against Waguespack by opponents…:

Cut 8 (08) “…longtime staffer.”

Waguespack is anticipated to be planning an announcement today that he will seek the Governor’s Mansion. Cross feels Waguespack’s entry brings a new dynamic to the race, and he should have no problem with campaign fundraising…:

Cut 9 (08)  “…for Stephen Waguespack.”

_______________________________________________

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.”

The facility is also located near 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.”

And with more river cruises along the Mississippi River, Nungesser says the Conference Center can welcome even more visitors to Northeast Louisiana.

Cut 12 (12) “…year after year.”

______________________________________________

A bacterial infection commonly known as shigella is becoming more resistant to medicine and harder to treat according to the CDC. Chief of LSU Health Shreveport Professor of Pediatrics Infectious Diseases, Dr. John Vanchiere (Van-cherry) says the infection can be easily transmitted from person to person.

Cut 13 (05) “…you sick.” 

The CDC reported an estimated 450 thousand cases are treated in the US every year. The majority of cases are among international travelers, homeless people, individuals with weakened immune systems, and gay men.

Cut 14 (09)  “…from CDC.”

People infected may experience severe diarrhea, fever, and stomach pain. Vanchiere says the best prevention is good hygiene.

Cut 15 (07)  “…the time.”

Most people infected will recover within a week to 10 days.

____________________________________________

Spring football kicks off this morning for LSU as Coach Brian Kelly embarks on his second season as head coach.  Kelly rebuilt the program from top to bottom in 2022. Wilson Alexander, who covers the Tigers for the Advocate says this season LSU returns 26 players who started at least one game last year. That includes most of their offensive skill players…

Cut  16 (16)  “..step there” 

Quarterback Jayden Daniels is back for his second season with the Tigers. Alexander says Daniels is the starting Q-B, but backup Garrett Nussmeier will have the chance to compete…

Cut 17 (16) “…to arise” 

Defensively, junior linebacker Greg Penn is LSU’s top returning tackler and Freshman All-American linebacker Harold Perkins is also back. Mekhi Wingo is back to lead the defensive line along with Maason Smith. Alexander says there are a bunch of starting spots up for grabs in the secondary….

Cut 18 (19) “…Denver Harris.”

Spring football will conclude on April 22nd.

_________________________________________________________________________

Cut 19 (22) “…him around”

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Cut 20 (18)  “…this tournament.” 

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 a pastor at First Pentecostal Church of Chalmette.

This weekend, Louisiana returns to daylight saving time something Haughton Representative Dodie Horton wishes was year-round.  Horton is presenting a bill  that would make daylight saving time permanent in Louisiana, but it only goes into effect if Congress passes the “Sunshine Protection Act.”

Cut 6 (05)  “…full time.” 

Louisiana Association of Business and Industry President Stephen Waguespack is expected to get in the governor’s race tomorrow. Congressman Garret Graves says even though he’s not a candidate he plans to be involved…

Cut 5 (07) “…best governor”

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 it would have devasted the industry. He thanked State Wildlife and Fisheries and members of the industry for helping them win the case.

Cut 11 (12)  “…and the world.”

Landry credits the state and industry for increasing the alligator population and removing it from the endangered species list.

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.