3:30 LRN Newscast April 23

Huge economic development news as Formosa selects a site in St. James Parish near the Sunshine Bridge to build a nine-point-four billion dollar chemical manufacturing complex.  State Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says it’s a natural fit for the state.

Cut 13 (10) “over decades”

US Senator John Kennedy is asking Louisiana officials to cancel state contracts with Citigroup and Bank of America after the banks announced that they would enforce restrictions on companies that sell firearms. Kennedy says  the restrictions are a form of political discrimination.

Cut 8 (10) “are blue”

Governor John Bel Edwards has responded to Kennedy’s divestment request saying: “The only contract with a direct cost to the state was signed by you during your tenure as state treasurer. This contract is  with Bank of America.” As such, the governor called for “less posturing on the issue.”

The National Safety Council has released it’s first-ever “Road to Zero” report. It’s their vision for achieving zero deaths on roadways by 2050. National Safety Council President Deborah Hersman says they have assembled a huge coalition to fight against roadway deaths.

Cut 3 (:12) “get to zero”

Nearly 40-Thousand people die each year on our nation’s public roads.

The Louisiana Department of Health will be offering free STD testing at a series of rotating sites from Tuesday through Thursday. The initiative is part of the CDC’s STD awareness month. Assistant State’s Health Officer Dr. Parham Jaberi says Louisiana in particular is in need of more extensive STD education and testing.

Cut 10 (10) “raise awareness.”