A big teacher raise — but also staff cuts?

A big teacher raise — but also staff cuts?

BY MATTHEW ALBRIGHT | Metro Editor​ ​ ​

The Baker school district could raise starting teacher pay by almost $11,000 a year, which would bring it from one of the lowest-paying districts in the Baton Rouge area to one of the highest. But to help pay for it, the district could close a school and cut some jobs.

Here's the plan.

Schools all over our area are debating pay raises for teachers, some with intense controversy. Here's a look at how starting teacher pay stacks up in various school districts.

Cpl. Shawn Kelly is still fighting for his life. The Denham Springs police officer, who was shot Thursday, remains in critical condition, officials said.

Here's how the community has rallied behind him with blood drives, donations, and other help.

The Postal Service is cracking down on mail theft and fraud. The Baton Rouge area was hit with several waves of stolen checks and other problems, not to mention attacks on postal workers.

Here's how the service is beefing up security.