Louisiana
Louisiana high school graduation rate increased slightly in 2023, new data shows
A slightly larger share of Louisiana students graduated high school in 2023 than the year before, bringing the state’s overall graduation rate to 83.2%, state data shows.
That statewide rate is half a percentage point higher than the previous year, when 82.7% of the class of 2022 graduated. Students with disabilities saw a larger graduation rate increase, with 77.7% earning diplomas in 2023 — up 1.6 percentage points from a year earlier.
The statewide graduation rate in 2023 trails the percentage in 2020, when 84% of high school seniors earned diplomas after the state waived its requirement that students pass an exit exam to graduate.
In a statement Wednesday, Louisiana Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley praised educators and parents for the increase but noted that the state’s education leaders still have their work cut out for them.
“Even as we recognize this upward trend, we must remain focused on our true goal of ensuring all students graduate ready for a career, college or service,” he said. “I look forward to our continued work of adding increased value to a Louisiana diploma.”
In total, 40,930 Louisiana students graduated high school at the end of the 2022-23 school year, an increase of about 280 students from the previous year.
Louisiana Department of Education spokesman Ted Beasley said the state’s graduation data typically lags a year behind, which is why the 2023 rate is being released now. The one-year lag time in releasing the data will be eliminated after Louisiana adopts a new school-rating system next year, Beasley said.
Louisiana
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Think tank proposes capping Social Security benefits at $100,000
A Washington think tank proposed capping annual Social Security benefits at $100,000 for couples as a way to shrink a looming deficit in the retirement trust fund.
When it comes to retiring, the best places to do so often are affordable, have a high quality of life and access to quality healthcare.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, Niche has identified the best places for retirees in Louisiana.
In its list, Niche has taken into account factors like weather, crime rates, housing costs and access to amenities.
The 5 best places to retire in Louisiana according to Niche
These are the top five best places to retire in Louisiana, according to Niche.
1. Oak Hills Place
Oak Hills Place is a suburb of Baton Rouge and is the overall best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb, located in East Baton Rouge Parish, has a population of 9,038 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. The area is highly rated for families, diversity, as well as health and fitness. Here, the median home value is $437,900 and the median rent is $1,422, according to Niche.
2. Westminster
Westminster is another suburb of Baton Rouge and is the second-best place to retire in Louisiana. Located in East Baton Rouge Parish, this suburb has a population of 2,559 and offers residents an urban suburban mix feel. This area is highly rated for nightlife, diversity, families, health and fitness, as well as commute. The median home value here is $266,100 and the median rent is $1,482, says Niche.
3. River Ridge
River Ridge is a suburb of New Orleans, located in Jefferson Parish, and is the third-best place to retire in Louisiana. This suburb has a population of 13,312 and offers residents a dense suburban feel. The area is highly rated for public schools, family, nightlife and diversity. The median home value is $357,400 and the median rent is $1,127, according to Niche.
4. Westlake
Westlake is a town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. With a population of 4,743, this town offers residents a rural feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, jobs, cost of living, nightlife and weather. Here, the median home value is $166,100 and the median rent is $1,049, says Niche.
5. Prien
Prien is another town in Calcasieu Parish that is among the best places to retire in Louisiana. This town has a population of 7,119 and offers residents a suburban rural mix feel. The town is highly rated for public schools, housing, families, nightlife and weather. The median home value here is $278,000 and the median rent is $1,292, according to Niche.
Presley Bo Tyler is the Louisiana Deep South Connect Team reporter for USA Today Network. Find her on X @PresleyTyler02 and email at PTyler@Gannett.com
A motorcyclist is recovering after a West Monroe crash involving an 18-wheeler, while Chevron won a Louisiana Supreme Court ruling shifting a major coastal lawsuit back to lower courts. Ouachita deputies arrested a suspect and recovered more than a dozen guns, Mississippi passed a new school social-media safety requirement, and Louisiana’s House advanced a unanimous state budget. A new recovery center opened, and multiple weekend events are underway across northeast Louisiana, plus national updates include stock-market stress guidance, a Ford F-150 recall, Spirit Airlines uncertainty, and tax-refund tips.
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