About 9,000 more students chose learning at home over the classroom in 2016 than in 2010, according to the state department of education. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 1 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”
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In exactly two years, qualifying will be underway for the gubernatorial race. Jeff Palermo has more on who might challenge Governor John Bel Edwards…
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The Cajun Prince, former Governor Edwin Edwards turns 90 today. Emelie Gunn has more…
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More students are getting their education at home instead of traditional classrooms. According to the state department of education, 26,000 students are homeschooled, while 4,000 more are enrolled in online charter schools. Superintendent for University View Academy Lonnie Luce (Lou-see) says many families enjoy the flexibility of at-home schooling.
About 9,000 more students studied at home in 2016 than in 2010. Luce says that’s because parents have more options today than they did years ago. He says some families move a lot for work, so brick and mortar schools don’t work as well. He says others choose online learning to escape problems in school.
Luce says if the student has a dedicated parent or learning coach, the schooling can be just as good online as it is in the classroom. He says they even help with socializing by organizing field trips, clubs, and even a prom.
The Coalition for Responsible Home Education has raised concerns about home schooling without any accountability.
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A letter US Senator John Kennedy sent to East Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome has sparked an investigation by the legislative auditor’s office. The probe comes amid allegations federal funds for the Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination, or BRAVE, program were not as they should be. Kennedy says if these federal dollars are being misused, he’s going to have something to say about it.
Funding for the BRAVE program is supposed to go towards reducing violent crime and supporting law enforcement. WAFB reports indicate $17,000 was used for transportation services, $9,900 went to Pink Blossom Alliance for two community outreach events, $23,000 for a poetry workshop, and $9,500 for two sports events. Kennedy says it’s downright repulsive how some of the funds are allegedly being spent.
The mayor’s office says Broome welcomes any review from the legislative auditor and looks forward to the results. Kennedy says he’s not accusing anyone of anything, but the mayor needs to answer some questions.
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Today is the 90th birthday of former four-term Governor Edwin Edwards and he’s still going strong. During an appearance on Talk Louisiana, Edwards credits his long life to good genes, as two of his grandparents lived to be over 100-years-old. The Silver Fox says he’s lived a blessed and wonderful life.
A birthday bash for the former governor is planned for August 12th at the Renaissance Hotel in Baton Rouge and those in attendance will receive signed memorabilia. Edwards says he fully expects to live to at least 100-years-old. He says growing up during the Depression, his family grew all of their own vegetables and raised chickens and cattle so he never ate foods with preservatives.
The Cajun Prince has five children and has been married three times. Edwards says his youngest son, Eli, is four-years-old and keeps him on his toes. He says he has no plans to slow down any time soon.
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Two years from today, candidates will be qualifying for the governor’s race. So who will challenge Governor John Bel Edwards? Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Republicans are waiting to see what US Senator John Kennedy will do.
Kennedy is 65-years-old. He’s in his first year as a U.S. Senator after easily defeating Democratic Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell last December. Kennedy served 17 years as the state treasurer. Pinsonat says if Kennedy wants to run for governor, it’s now or never.
If Kennedy doesn’t run, Pinsonat says Edwards’ chances of reelection look better. He says several congressmen, like Garret Graves, could raise plenty of campaign dollars, but he expects the back up front runner for the GOP would be Attorney General Jeff Landry.