| By DREW BROACH | Staff writer |
REBOUND: Mirroring academic rebounds seen across Louisiana, New Orleans area public schools systems achieved 2022 grades similar to those seen before the COVID-19 pandemic, the state Department of Education said Wednesday. See the metro New Orleans grades by parish and by school. UNEQUAL BURDEN: A new study says Louisiana communities containing industrial plants and high percentages of Black residents experienced 7 to 21 times more toxic air emissions than similar locations with higher percentages of White residents. For more environment news, sign up for our free Louisiana Coastal Watch newsletter, emailed weekly. LA. DISSENTS: Legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages crossed a major U.S. Senate hurdle Wednesday afternoon, putting Congress on track to take the historic step of ensuring that such unions are enshrined in federal law. Both of Louisiana’s senators voted against advancing the bill. Thanks for starting your Thursday with us. Catch the latest news all day on NOLA.com. D.B. | 