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…
Cut 9 (08) “…an immediate connection.”
Louisiana’s absenteeism rate was 22.5 percent for the latest data available, while Alabama is 15-percent.
During a trip overseas, Saint Bernard Parish state representative Mike Bayham had a chance to have a one-on-one meeting with Pope Leo the 14th…
Cut 5 (07) ‘…first American pope”
Bayham says he gifted Pope Leo a glass oyster shell, a symbol of St Bernard’s rich commercial fishing heritage.
They’ve finally started turning dirt on the new Buc-ee’s in Ruston. The start of construction of the highly-anticipated road trip staple was delayed for months, but it is now underway. The delays will push the opening back to early 2027, but when it does open, it will create hundreds of good-paying jobs. Ruston Mayor Ronny Walker says the quality of the jobs go far beyond the 18 to 20 dollar an hour starting wage.
Cut 8 (07) “…in North Louisiana.”
LSU football coach Brian Kelly says running back Caden Durham is questionable for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss after suffering an ankle injury against Southeastern. Kelly says the staff will continue to monitor how Durham practices before upgrading or downgrading his status.