Author: Emily Gautreaux

Grants Available for Coastal Resiliency Projects

Coastal Resiliency Grants

In an article recently released on govtech.com, it is stated that the federal government is providing $30 million in grants for coastal resiliency projects which could benefit south Louisiana. The articles states, “Areas eligible for matching grants include much of the coastal U.S., including the entire southern coast of Louisiana.”

Land Lost in Louisiana

“In less than a century, Louisiana lost nearly 1 million football fields of land,” said Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. “Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike exacerbated our land loss. We’re in a David versus Goliath battle to save our coast. This partnership will help us strengthen our coastal communities and protect the habitats that are so unique to Louisiana.”

What the money will be used for

The article discussed possibilities of what the money would be used for stating the following, “the money will be aimed at helping restore, increase and strengthen natural features that protect coastal communities. That includes features such as marshes, beaches, coral reefs, mangroves, forests and barrier islands that help minimize the impact of storms. The restoration projects will focus on threats such as increasing water levels, river flooding and coastal erosion. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the program will benefit local economies while sustaining habitats and wildlife.”

For more information on the federal grants and coastal resiliency projects, click here.

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Best Travel Planning Websites

Travel planning can sometimes be a stressful situation. However, these days there are so many different booking options. There are also so many websites or featured ads promising you the best deals. Forbes.com released a travel planning friendly article that has your best interest in mind when it comes to sorting out the most user-friendly trip booking websites that you will want to use when planning your next adventure.

This article states, “No matter what type of experience a traveler is looking for, nor the type of travel they’re after — from hotel suites, to villas or condos, car rentals, flights, cruises and beyond — there’s something available out there for everyone. But, only a select few online destinations make the cut for consideration as some of the world’s best travel Websites.”

If you are ready to dive into the world of travel planning and already have your next adventure in mind, click here for a list of the top 10 best travel planning websites.

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Louisiana Students Excel on LEAP Scores

The Louisiana Department of Education recently announced that Louisiana students have demonstrated progress toward mastery on their LEAP scores. LEAP, also known as LEAP 2025, includes assessments of ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies for grades 3-12. The tests measure the knowledge and skills contained in the state’s content standards for that particular grade. Student scores are reported on five levels: Unsatisfactory, Approaching Basic, Basic, Mastery, or Advanced. Mastery and above is considered proficient, or ready for the next grade level.

State Superintendent John White says, “Everyday, educators across the state are committed to ensuring that every child, even those who struggle the most, has the opportunity to thrive. The results released today are a testament to those efforts. But those same results also illuminate persistent struggles, such as gaps among our historically disadvantaged student groups and their peers or our students’ grasp of fundamental mathematics skills. As we continue to implement Louisiana’s ESSA plan, we must maintain clear communication about these barriers and our progress in overcoming them.”

The 2018 LEAP 2025 results, released on July 10 by the Louisiana Department of Education, detail the percentage of students scoring Mastery and above for grades 3-8 last year and this year. For the first time, the percentage of students scoring Mastery and above is also presented for grades 3-12 to show continuous student performance across all tested grade levels.

For a detailed list of the 2018 LEAP 2025 results, click here.

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Pork Tenderloin with Seasoned Rub

Foodnetwork.com shared this pork tenderloin recipe stating it is one of their most popular and most visited recipes on their website. Not only is it a delicious choice that the entire family would enjoy but it can be prepared and cooked in less than 40 minutes. The seasoned rub that you apply to this tenderloin is a great recipe that will have all of your guest asking for more.

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt
  • 1 1/4 pounds pork tenderloin
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.

In separate bowl mix dry ingredients such as garlic powder, oregano, cumin, coriander, thyme and salt. Stir mixture with a fork until all the ingredients are well combined and they form a seasoning. This will be used as a rub to ensure the pork is well seasoned throughout. Sprinkle the rub over the tenderloin with a dry hand, then rub the pork with the seasoning over both sides of the meat, pressing gently so the seasoning adheres well to the tenderloin.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil and heat. Add the minced garlic and saute, stirring, for 1 minute. Put tenderloin in the pan and cook for about 10 minutes, searing each side using tongs to turn the meat. Transfer meat to a roasting pan and bake for 20 minutes. Slice and serve.

To watch a video on how this recipe is prepared, click here.

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10 Great Last Minute Summer Getaways You Can Book in July

The end of summer is right around the corner but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to plan and book one or more final summer getaways! The New York Times recently shared this article which reveals the top 10 trips that are best booked and visited in July. Not only will you be able to enjoy one last adventure before the summer comes to a close, but you could possibly get a great deal on it as well! Some of the recommendations include Argentina, London, and South Carolina. For a full list of the top 10 last minute escapes, click here.

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Louisiana Offers Free College Courses for Teachers

The Louisiana Department of Education has recently announced they will be offering free college courses to qualifying teachers in Louisiana. They have announced that  “an application for the BESE Tuition Program for Teachers, which will allow public school teachers to enroll in courses at any regionally accredited college or university, as well as some private universities, in Louisiana at the state’s expense.”

According to the article released on the Department of Education’s website, “The application prioritizes teachers in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, and those accepted to participate in the program who will be taking STEM-focused coursework will join a newly created cadre of educators called STEM Fellows, who will work with the Department and the LaSTEM Council to further STEM initiatives across the state.”

For more information and how to apply, click here.

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