State education officials say the percentage of Louisiana public school students reaching "basic" achievement levels on standardized tests grew from 66 percent to 68 percent this year. Statewide, improvement was noted at almost every grade level and every subject.
Roughly 1,500 astrologers from more than 30 countries have converged at the Mariott Hotel on Canal Street for the United Astrology Conference, where they will discuss planetary alignments and the role the solar system has in such matters as the economy and upcoming U.S. presidential race.
GRETNA, La. (AP) — The brother of imprisoned former Congressman Bill Jefferson has surrendered in Jefferson Parish. Authorities say Archie Jefferson was wanted for misapplication of funds and theft for renovation work conducted at a Marrero home.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Gov. Bobby Jindal's proposal to hike the amount rank-and-file state workers pay for retirement has advanced to the full House for debate, despite criticism a tie to pay raises could cost the state more than it benefits. It's unclear when the 2 percentage point increase in pension contributions would be levied on employees.
