While the state is making progress on truancy, it still has quite a ways to go. The Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana says statewide, the truancy rate – that is, five or more unexcused absences in a semester – is more than 40 percent. PAR President Steven Procopio says the truancy rate varies by parish, and it varies greatly within each region and demographic.
Cut 9 (08) “…an immediate connection.”
Republican State Representative Mike Bayham from Saint Bernard Parish had the thrill of a lifetime as he met Pope Leo the 14th at the Vatican. Bayham says he gave the first American-born pontiff a copy of a state resolution congratulating him on becoming the head of the Catholic church…
Cut 3 (08) “…he appreciated it.”
Construction at the new Buc-ee’s in Ruston is finally underway. Equipment moved in last Friday, and construction workers started turning dirt on Monday. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says when it opens in early 2027, it will create hundreds of jobs, and they’re all good-paying jobs.
On top of that, Buc-ee’s will offer health benefits and a 401-K. Construction is also underway at the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette, which begs the question – which one will open first?
A new area code comes to North Louisiana today, as new numbers will be given the area code 457. Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says the commission made the move, because North Louisiana simply ran out of telephone numbers.
Cut 11 (04) “…to do something.”
Also, throughout North Louisiana, you are now required to dial all ten numbers, including the area code, for all calls, local and long distance.