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A team of 40 UL Lafayette students and their instructor are releasing a podcast chronicling the 2016 floods through the eyes of those who experienced the disaster first hand. UNDERWATER: Memories of the 2016 Floods is the result of over a hundred interviews. Assistant History Professor Dr. Liz Skilton says each podcast takes a look at a different flood zone.

Cut 3 (10) “acadiana.”

The podcast follows the devastation left in the wake of floods that claimed 13 lives and more than 8.7 billion dollars in damages across the hardest hit parishes. Skilton says the program weaves together a narrative that reveals just how widespread the problems were, and how communities responded in the aftermath.

Cut 4 (11) “of us”

The team complied the interviews as part of the school’s “History Harvests” where students go out into the community to document and record local stories.

The podcast idea came from the students, who also edited the shows. Skilton says it’s full of personal stories of terror and triumph that will remind folks no matter how small the gesture, anything you can do to help during and after disaster can change a life.

Cut 5 (09)  “significant way.” 

The podcast is available on their website, and on SoundCloud.

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The Youth Infrastructure Coalition has launched an effort to get the federal government to approve funding for a proposed new interstate that would run from Texas to Georgia and cut through central Louisiana. It would be called Interstate 14. Frank Lumpkin the Fourth, president of the organization, says the proposal will be a great fit for the region

Cut 6 (09) “…will do just that.”

Lumpkin says new infrastructure has been swept under the rug for far too long and the addition of the interstate would have a positive impact on residents in surrounding communities.

Cut 7 (09) “…you’re located on.”

Lumpkin says the project will mostly be upgrading existing roads to interstate standard, which will cut down on the costs of building a whole new road.

Cut 8 (09) “…was initially built.”

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A report shows a record number of Louisiana high school students are now earning AP credits. 12 percent more students scored a 3 for the tests that allow them to get some early college credit. Louisiana Education Department Assistant Superintendent Ken Bradford says the results come down to increased incentives for high school students to enroll in the optional courses.

Cut 9 (08)  “credit”

Bradford says that also means big savings for families staring down tens of thousands of dollars in upcoming college costs.

Cut 10 (06) “college credit”

The program has grown from 2,747 total students passing in 2012, to 7,330 this year. Bradford says the jump in African American student participation has been substantial as well.

Cut 11 (10) “or higher”