SUMMARY: Student attendance is a growing concern in Louisiana’s education system. Union Parish Schools Superintendent Kathy Stockton emphasizes holding parents accountable for truancy, noting that consistent school attendance is vital for preparing students for the workforce. In Louisiana, students absent for five consecutive days without permission are considered truant, and parents may face fines or jail time. The truancy rate in Union Parish dropped by 22% last year. Stockton highlights after-school programs to help students catch up, but stresses that they can’t replace in-class learning. She advocates for making education a priority to prepare students for real-world challenges.

Truancy and absenteeism in schools a key focus for Louisiana, Union Parish

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SUMMARY: Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith reported significant crime reductions in 2024 compared to 2023, attributing improvements to community cooperation and crime prevention efforts. Calls for service dropped from 15,606 to 12,675, with arrests decreasing from 5,669 to 5,350. Homicides fell by 35% from 82 to 54, and shooting incidents decreased as well. Other notable reductions included rapes, robberies, burglaries, and vehicle thefts. The department seized over 11,000 illegal firearms. DUI arrests were slightly down, despite staffing challenges. However, vehicle-related fatalities remained consistent at 32, highlighting areas needing improvement in driving safety.

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SUMMARY: Tony Cradeur, a Crowley native, gained recognition during a recent cold snap for delivering heaters to families in need across Acadiana. With over 9,000 followers on Facebook and a larger TikTok following, Cradeur’s rapid response to community needs earned him widespread admiration. His transformation from a tough exterior to a compassionate volunteer began after his mother’s death, leading him to publicly support others. His efforts, such as “Project Jimbo,” have sparked donations and community involvement. Despite criticisms and personal struggles, including bankruptcy, Cradeur remains committed to helping others, believing that communities must support each other.

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