🌱 AI In Baton Rouge Schools + Women’s Health Day Celebrated Last Week

Hey, Baton Rouge. I’m here in your inbox today to tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 91 Low: 70.
• Sunday: Nice with periods of sun. High: 83 Low: 69.

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Here are the top three stories today in Baton Rouge:

1. The introduction of AI to East Parish Baton Rouge is giving students extra support and guidance to increase their reading proficiency. Amira Learning is using AI to listen to students read out loud and offering tutoring and other ways they can improve their reading; this is not being used as a way to replace teachers but rather to assist them in getting students past the barrier. According to school officials, less than 50 percent of students were able to meet their grade reading level last summer and the hope is that this added tool will increase that percentage. On Friday morning, the State Superintendent of Education stopped by Cedarcrest-Southmoor Elementary School to observe students and their use of AI. (BRProud.com)
2. In the state of Louisiana, “Women’s Health Day” is officially celebrated on May 18 when women throughout the state gather at the state capitol to discuss different ways to improve health. All women are invited to listen to various panels of health experts to learn from these professionals as well as be given the opportunity to speak about their own life experiences. Although women’s health in Louisiana ranks towards the bottom nationally, there is a lot of optimism that change is on the way, and there is currently a Women’s Health Center in the state to give support. (BRProud.com)
3. The Baton Rouge Police Department is currently investigating an incident where its training facility was broken into last week. Officials discovered the Airline Drive facility was broken into Thursday morning and believe the incident happened sometime overnight. The case is currently still under investigation and as of now, there is no word on anything that has been stolen. (WAFB)

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Today and tomorrow in Baton Rouge:

• Baton Rouge Soul Food Festival At Riverfront Plaza (11:00 AM)
• Beginner Audio Badging Class At River Center Branch Library (3:00 PM)
• The Writing Life With Author Olivia Clare Friedman At East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Last Tuesday, the Baton Rouge Youth Coalition celebrated the 2023 Jones Walker Pre-Law Scholarship Recipients. These three recipients were awarded $2,500 scholarships toward pursuing their careers in the legal field. (Baton Rouge Youth Coalition via Instagram)
• This past Thursday, the Louisiana State Police made a visit to John J. Johnson II Elementary School for their Celebration Day. Of students grades K-2, 67 percent of the students hit their growth target goal and 40 percent are reading at their grade level or above it. (Louisiana State Police via Facebook)
• Looking for something to do with the family this summer? Check out the discounted movie specials at Movie Tavern. From Jun. 13 to Aug. 5, you can get $3 movies and $3 kid-sized popcorn and a drink. (Baton Rouge Family Fun – Things to do in Baton Rouge & Beyond! via Instagram)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Free Stuff And Great Perks Every Week (May 23)
• Taxes in Retirement Seminar at BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center (May 23)

Now you’re in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I’ll see you around!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.