A new report shows participation in Louisiana’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

U-S House Speaker Mike Johnson and his wife were on their way to Donald Trump’s home when the Secret Service stopped a 58-year-old man from carrying out what authorities are calling an assassination attempt on the former president. Johnson posted on “X” that no leader in American history has endured more attacks and remained so strong and resilient.

Prayers were answered in Webster Parish as a girl who disappeared from her home was found safe. Crews spent all day searching for ten-year-old Peyton Saintignan, and a drone was able to find her in a wooded area. Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker says a camera captured an image of her earlier in the day.

Cut 6 (10) “…anything like that.”

Parker says the girl has a history of sleep walking, but never left the house before. She was found in good physical condition, but hungry.

It’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Louisiana State Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Robyn Thomas says one important resource she wants everyone to know about is 9-8-8…

Cut 10 (12) “…twenty-four/seven.”

9-8-8 has specialized lines for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ under 25, and hearing impaired.

The Louisiana Department of Education says it has received a 70-million dollar grant to accelerate student reading. Deputy Superintendent of Education Doctor Jennna Chiasson says the funds are from the U-S Department of Education…

Cut 4 (11) “….five years”

Chaisson says the funding will go to schools that have high teacher turnover, a high percentage of new teachers, high schools with low graduation rates and schools that have a high number of third graders at risk of retention.

It’s suicide prevention month. Louisiana State Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Robyn Thomas, urges Louisianans to learn how the 9-8-8 hotline can help individuals struggling with mental health issues.

Cut 11 (07) “…crisis team.”

9-8-8 has specialized lines for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ under 25, and hearing impaired.

A new report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana shows that the number of students receiving college tuition money through the state’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. PAR President Steven Procopio says one of the biggest reasons is that the state is losing population. And as a result, the state is paying out less for the program.

Cut 7 (09) “…now it’s 270.”

Under the program, students who achieve at least a 2.5 GPA and an ACT score of 20 receive their tuition to any public college or university in Louisiana paid for.

Just like last week, the Saints were firing on all cylinders yesterday, as they destroyed the Cowboys in Arlington, 44-19. Alvin Kamara scored four touchdowns, including one on a 57-yard catch and run. Kamara says offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak made it easy.

Cut 3 (09) “…to run, really.”

The Saints’ first-team offense scored on their first 15 possessions to start the season. The streak was snapped early in the fourth quarter on an interception.

Louisiana has received a 70-million dollar grant that the state department of education says will help more students become strong readers. Deputy Superintendent of Education Jenna Chaisson says they will target the funds to support literacy efforts for students, teachers and schools most in need…

Cut 6 (12) “….building their knowledge”

Schools and school systems will have to apply for the grant money.

The number of students on the TOPS scholarship program has dropped for a third consecutive year. That’s according to a report from the Public Affairs Research Council. PAR President Steven Procopio says the drop coincides with a decline in the state’s population and fewer high school graduates eligible for the scholarship…

Cut 8 (05) “…getting the amount”

To qualify for TOPS, a student must have a 2.5 GPA and score at least a 20 on the ACT.

September is Suicide Prevention Month and professionals, survivors, and advocates are sharing resources. Colleen Crain has more.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

The search for a 10-year-old girl in Webster Parish has a happy ending as Peyton Saintignan was found asleep in a wooded area last night after an intensive search. State Police sent out a missing child advisory after the girl did not return home after going for a walk Sunday morning. Sheriff Jason Parker says thermal imaging-equipped drones helped find the child, who is fine, but was hungry.

70-million-dollars in federal grant funding has been awarded to Louisiana to accelerate student reading. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”

The Saints are off to a 2-and-0 start after dominating the Dallas Cowboys 44 to 19. Quarterback Derek Carr has been sharp through two games, completing 77-percent of his passes and throwing five touchdowns.…

Cut 21 (07) “…off good”

A new report by the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana shows that the number of students receiving college tuition money through the state’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. PAR President Steven Procopio says one of the biggest reasons is that the state is losing population. And as a result, the state is paying out less for the program.

Cut 7 (09) “…now it’s 270.”

Under the program, students who achieve at least a 2.5 GPA and an ACT score of 20 receive their tuition to any public college or university in Louisiana paid for.

Damage assessments are still underway from Hurricane Francine. The storm impacted many of the same parishes that took on damage from Hurricane Ida in 2021. Afterwards insurance rates started skyrocketing in Louisiana and Governor Landry says this storm should not lead to additional rate hikes…

Cut 14 (13) “…been paid out”

Governor Landry says the damage done by Hurricane Francine should be no excuse for insurance companies to raise their rates even further. Landry says Francine’s path was like Hurricane Ida’s in 2021, but the amount of damage Francine left behind is not to the level of Ida and part of the reason is the repairs that were done to damaged homes after Ida…

Cut 13 (12) “…as well”

Three-thousand customers are still without power and most of those are in Terrebonne Parish.

The Louisiana Department of Education says it has received a 70-million dollar grant to accelerate student reading. Deputy Superintendent of Education Doctor Jennna Chiasson says the funds are from the U-S Department of Education…

Cut 4 (11) “….five years”

Chaisson says the funding will go to schools that have high teacher turnover, a high percentage of new teachers, high schools with low graduation rates and schools that have a high number of third graders at risk of retention.

A new report shows participation in Louisiana’s TOPS program is down for the third year in a row. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

The Saints took the Cowboys to school yesterday as New Orleans beat up on Dallas 44-to-19. Running back Alvin Kamara scored four touchdowns as the Black and Gold are 2-and-0 after two blowout victories…

Cut 16 (14) “…sky’s the limit”

Cleanup and recovery continues in the coastal parishes. In Terrebonne Parish, President Jason Bergeron (BAA-zher-on) says one of the biggest challenges is that power poles are in hard to reach areas such as marshes and swamps.

Cut 6 (09) “…and those lines.”

Bergeron says they also had to take time to document the damage, including taking pictures, for FEMA so that the parish can be promptly reimbursed.

As of noon today, 114-thousand utility customers are without power. Entergy of Louisiana Vice President of Customer of Service Michelle Bourg says in Assumption, Terrebonne and Lafourche, full restoration will take a few days.

Cut 5 (08) “…two to three days.”

Points of distribution areas have opened in Morgan City, Houma, Montegu, Chauvin and Schrieber. Residents without power can get meals, bottled water and ice at these locations. Go to emergency.la.gov for exact locations.

Second Harvest Food Bank is mobilizing to address the immediate needs of communities in parishes impacted by Hurricane Francine. The organization has provided food, water, and essential supplies to those affected by the storm. President and CEO Natalie Jayroe says Second Harvest aims to ensure that necessities reach those in need as quickly as possible.

Cut 10 (09) “…lives back together.”

Hurricane Francine spared southwest Louisiana so in Lake Charles, they are getting ready for a big football game between McNeese and Stephen F Austin. Cowboys Coach Gary Goff on the S-F-A defense…

Cut 14 (16) “…protection”

Kick off is at 7 PM. LSU will play at South Carolina at 11 AM.