Car dealerships are losing thousands of technicians every year due to retirement but the National Association of Auto Dealers and the Louisiana Urban League New Orleans and Baton Rouge chapters launched an initiative that will be a game changer for the industry. Teiko Foxx has the story.
Cut 1 (31) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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DOTD is giving the public additional time to weigh in on the massive I-10 widening project in Baton Rouge. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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The state launches the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law website so you can see how those funds are helping Build Bayou State. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The National Association of Auto Dealers and the Urban League of Louisiana will unveil a pilot automotive technician apprenticeship program today – that will train and hire minority men and women to become licensed auto technicians. L-A-D-A’s President, Will Green says there’s a need for auto mechanics across the country.
Cut 4 (08) “…auto technicians right now.”
Twelve trainees will attend Delgado Community College in New Orleans and nine trainees will attend Baton Rouge Community College in Baton Rouge. Green says incorporating diversity and inclusion was at the forefront and candidates have already started orientation and skill-building classes.
Cut 5 (05) “…the dealership.”
The program is funded by a grant through the NADA foundation and the local Automobiles Dealer in Louisiana. Congressman Troy Carter also helped to secure federal funding to support this initiative. Green says they are excited about building valuable skills and creating opportunities.
Cut 6 (08) “…the country.”
The dealership plans to hire students once the apprenticeship is complete.
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The Department of Transportation has extended the public comment period for the upcoming widening of Interstate 10 through Baton Rouge. DOTD spokesman Rodney Mallett says the new deadline is this Sunday, March 26th…:
Cut 7 (08) “…to those comments.”
I-10 through Baton Rouge is considered by many to be the worst Interstate bottleneck in the U.S.; especially where the I-10 Bridge eastbound off-ramps meet with the main highway. The plan calls for an eventual 4 lanes of traffic in each direction, but the 5-year project will require a lot of lane closures. Mallett says He is aware that some mistakenly believe the highway will be reduced to only ONE lane in places…:
Cut 8 (06) “…it’ll be TWO lanes.”
Mallett says they are now giving the public additional time to make their thoughts or concerns on the project known. He says, to do that, simply visit the special website “I10Br.com” which has all the project information…:
Cut 9 (10) “…from that page.”
He says DOTD will begin addressing those comments and concerns next week.
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If you’re curious how infrastructure funds are being spent and awarded in Louisiana, it’s as simple as a click on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law website at infrastructure.la.gov. Infrastructure Coordinator Jackson Wright says it provides a wealth of information on what’s been implemented so far…
Cut 10 (09) “…formula funds.”
Governor Edwards officially unveiled the website Wednesday and among his favorite features is the dashboard, which Wright says features an interactive map.
Cut 11 (07) “…projects they are.”
Projects include improving roads and bridges, delivering broadband internet to underserved communities, addressing pollution, and the state’s climate action plan.
Wright says it’s important that residents are aware of projects that are already being implemented and those to come as part of the Infrastructure Act since its passage in November 2021.
Cut 12 (07) “…that work.”
Wright says the site is also continuously updated and you can also sign up to receive their weekly newsletter.
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U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy grilled Health and Human Services leaders during a Senate Finance Committee hearing about how many full-time workers are present at headquarters on any given workday. Louisiana’s senior senator referred to a photo of an empty parking lot as he questioned HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra.
Cut 13 (10) “…my question.”
During the pandemic, federal workers were given the option to work remotely. Cassidy however said for many industries best practice is for employees to return to the job site. Cassidy asked what percentage of the 90,000 employees at HHS have returned to the office.
Cut 14 (12) “…that question.”
When Becerra was unable to provide a percentage of employees who’ve returned to the office, Cassidy asked if the agency was still monitoring VPN data that would indicate if employees were accessing their email or not.
Cut 15 (05) “…on that.”
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The Pelicans say All-Star forward Zion Williamson has been cleared to return to on-court activities as he continues to make his way back from a right hamstring strain. The team’s medical officials will re-evaluate Williamson in two weeks. With ten games left in the regular season, Coach Willie Greene says it remains to be seen if Zion will play again this season…
Cut 16 (14) “…kind of slow.”
Williamson has not played in a game since January 2nd and he’s missed 35 games. Zion re-aggravated the injury in mid-February.
Injuries to key players have resulted in the Pelicans fighting for a playoff spot in the final ten games of the season. New Orleans is a half-a-game back from tenth place in the Western Conference, which is the last spot for the play-in tournament. Green says the injuries have been frustrating, but they have a chance at making the postseason
Cut 17 (16) “…those games.”
New Orleans hosts Charlotte tonight.
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The Saints have signed veteran safety Johnathan Abram, who is a former first-round pick of the Raiders and last season played for Las Vegas, Green Bay, and Seattle. The former Mississippi State standout says he had a couple of teams interested in him…
Cut 18 (16) “…home team.”
Abram battled shoulder injuries with the Raiders after they used a first-round pick on him in 2019. The 26-year-old has three career interceptions and started last year in Las Vegas, appeared in two games for Green Bay, and then played the final six games in Seattle. Abram says last year was a learning experience…
Cut 19 (21) “…didn’t know.”
Cut 20 (20) “…can’t happen.”