Louisiana is the only state where students have gotten better at reading since 2019. Officials credit new laws, and now, the final piece is taking effect: holding back third graders who are behind in reading. Education reporter Aubri Juhasz explains how schools are trying to help kids pass the test. Then, she joins WRKF’s Karen Henderson to follow up on the state’s new third-grade reading law. 

Four ensembles are gearing up to open the New Orleans Ballet Association’s 2025-26 season. Upcoming performances include “Dance Theatre of Harlem,” and “Argentina’s Tango After Dark.” Executive director Jenny Hamilton tells us what to expect at the series of performances.

The Deep South continues to be left out of the tech industry boom.

Yes there are exceptions like Huntsville, Alabama, but states like Missisisppi and Louisiana have not seen nearly as many high paying jobs the tech industry has bought elsewhere.

Stephan Bisaha of the Gulf States Newsroom reports on the advantages of being a tech company in Mississippi…and what’s holding the state back.

__

Today’s episode of Louisiana Considered was hosted by Diane Mack. Our managing producer is Alana Schreiber and our assistant producer is Aubry Procell. Our engineer is Garrett Pittman.

You can listen to Louisiana Considered Monday through Friday at noon and 7 p.m. It’s available on Spotify, the NPR App, and wherever you get your podcasts. 

Louisiana Considered wants to hear from you! Please fill out our pitch line to let us know what kinds of story ideas you have for our show. And while you’re at it, fill out our listener survey! We want to keep bringing you the kinds of conversations you’d like to listen to.

Louisiana Considered is made possible with support from our listeners. Thank you!