70-million-dollars in federal grant funding has been awarded to Louisiana to accelerate student reading over the next five years. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
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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.”
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September is Suicide Prevention Month and professionals, survivors, and advocates are sharing resources. Colleen Crain has more.
Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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Louisiana has been awarded a 70-million-dollars federal grant to accelerate student reading over the next five years. This funding will expand the state’s comprehensive literacy plan, focusing on improving literacy outcomes for students at all levels. The grant aims to support students, schools, and educational systems struggling with reading proficiency. Deputy Superintendent of Education Dr. Jenna Chiasson says the funds were from the U-S Department of Education…
Cut 4 (11) “…five years.”
The initiative will focus on involvement in areas where literacy rates are particularly low, ensuring that resources are directed toward the most vulnerable students. Chiasson says the state plans to use this funding to enhance teacher training, provide access to evidence-based reading programs, and increase family engagement in student learning.
Cut 5 (12) “…literacy improvement .”
This grant aligns with Louisiana’s educational goals of boosting student achievement and closing the literacy gap, especially for historically underserved communities. Chiasson hopes that this targeted approach will lead to long-term improvements in reading proficiency and overall academic success for Louisiana students.
Cut 6 (12) …building their knowledge.”
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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 money through 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 get their tuition to any public college or university in Louisiana paid for. It does not, however, pay for other expenses like room and board. Procopio says the drop in the number of students participating in the TOPS program is no indication of how well the state is educating its students.
Cut 8 (10) “…getting the amount.”
Procopio says some qualifying students are declining to participate in the program, and there could be several reasons for that.
Cut 9 (10) “…on the table.”
The female-to-male distribution of students receiving TOPS money is about 60-40, which Procopio says is not surprising.
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It’s National Suicide Prevention Month. Throughout September suicide survivors, mental health professionals, advocates, and community members unite to promote prevention and share resources. Louisiana State Suicide Prevention Coordinator, Robyn Thomas says it’s also a time to remember those affected by suicide and focus effort on directing treatment to those who need it most. One important resource she wants everyone to know about is 9-8-8…
Cut 10 (12) “…twenty-four/seven.”
Thomas urges Louisianans to learn how 9-8-8 can help individuals struggling with mental health issues. She says, if you know someone who needs help you can call for them or with them. 9-8-8 serves those who may just need a listening ear, and those who may need more…
Cut 11 (07) “…crisis team.”
9-8-8 has specialized lines for veterans, Spanish speakers, LGBTQ+ under 25, and hearing impaired. The three – digit number replaced Lifeline crisis line in 2022…
Cut 12 (11) “…impacting you.”
Thomas urges the public to learn more by visiting Louisiana988.org. To learn about accessing lines for the deaf and others, visit 988Lifeline.org which directs visitors on using video lines, TTY lines and other communication options.
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Governor Landry says the damage done by Hurricane Francine should be no excuse for insurance companies to raise their rates even further. Landry told a Friday news conference that the carriers’ red tape is what makes matters worse.
Cut 13 (12) “…money as well.”
Landry says the insurance companies, in some cases, have only themselves to blame for some of the bigger payouts from this storm.
Cut 14 (13) “…been paid out.”
Landry says the state has invested billions of dollars in infrastructure to minimize damage caused by hurricanes, and that should mean something to the insurance carriers in how much they charge in premiums.
Cut 15 (15) “…floodplain as well.”
Louisiana residents pay some of the highest home and auto insurance premiums in the country, and lawmakers have been meeting to devise ways to reduce those premiums.
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The Saints entered Sunday’s game against the Cowboys in Arlington as six-point underdogs and proceeded to prove to the world that oddsmakers know nothing about football. The Saints scored touchdowns on their first six possessions and dismantled the Cowboys, 44-19. Alvin Kamara gained 180 all-purpose yards — 115 on the ground and 65 through the air — and scored four touchdowns. Kamara says the whole team is firing on all cylinders.
Cut 16 (14) “…sky’s the limit”
In all, the Saints gained 190 rushing yards, and Coach Dennis Allen says that took a load off quarterback Derek Carr.
Cut 17 (15) “…of protecting him.”
Dating back to last week’s win over Carolina, the Saints’ first-team offense scored on its first 15 possessions to start the season. The streak was broken when Carr threw an interception early in the fourth quarter. The Saints got it back on the very next play when Tyrann Mathieu picked off a Dak Prescott pass. The Saints improve to 2-0 and host the Eagles next Sunday.
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The LSU Tigers won a crazy game in Columbia, South Carolina, rallying back from a 17-0 deficit to beat the Gamecocks 36 to 33. The Tigers gave up two long rushing touchdowns, LSU had special teams miscues and Garrett Nussmeier threw an interception in the fourth quarter. But Nussmeier also led LSU on two fourth-quarter scoring drives. Coach Brian Kelly…
Cut 18 (20) “…really good team.”
LSU found its running game in the second quarter, thanks to freshman Caden Durham, who rushed for 98 yards and two touchdowns, averaging nearly nine yards a carry. Kelly has been looking for a running back to step up…
Cut 19 (11) “….nature of it”
The LSU defense played well for much of the game, holding South Carolina to one yard in the third quarter, three turnovers, five sacks and nine tackles for a loss. But they also allowed the Gamecocks to take the opening the drive to score and there were the two long rushing touchdowns. Kelly says
Cut 20 (16) “…executed.”