The shortage of truckers continues to plague the country but programs and initiatives are working to change that. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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The Special Legislative Session on Crime promised by Governor Landry during his campaign is expected to begin in a little over two weeks and on the agenda is a new state police troop to help New Orleans. Colleen Crain has the story…

Cut 2 (34)  “…I’m Colleen Crain.”

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Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study to see if intermittent fasting and calorie restriction affect aging. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 3 (34) “… 225-763-3000.”

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The nation was already facing a truck driver shortage and COVID only exacerbated the issue. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Renee Amar said the pandemic prompted a generation of drivers to retire early and they are working to have the age limit for drivers lowered and offer more CDL scholarships to reduce the shortage.

Cut 4 (10) “…turnaround.”

The American Trucking Associations estimates the industry has a shortage of 60,000 drivers.

Amar says federal laws prevent drivers under the age of 21 from driving outside of their state of residence, and it’s difficult for drivers under the age of 25 to be insured to drive longer distances.  Amar says they are working to change those regulations.

Cut 5 (11) “…twenty-years-old.” 

In 2022 the association offered scholarships for individuals to receive Certified Driver’s License training to reduce the shortage. Amar says the association covered the cost for students to receive their CDL.

Amar says they are also recruiting more female drivers and working on a museum for K-12 students to introduce future generations to the industry.

Cut 6 (09) “…what sticks.”

Amar says depending on what is being hauled and the distance it’s being hauled, truckers can make on average anywhere from $40,000 to $120,000 annually.

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During his campaign, Governor Jeff Landry promised to get tough on crime with a focus on New Orleans and announced plans for a special legislative session on crime. Landry’s New Orleans Transition Council suggests a new State Police Troop. Troop NOLA which is supported by the NOPD Superintendent would help the city’s overworked police department.

Cut 7 (10) “…up and running.”

State Troopers have traditionally been a presence in New Orleans for major events in the city like Mardi Gras, and the Super Bowl but Landry says the new Troop NOLA is needed to keep the whole city safe and protect one of the state’s most valuable assets….

Cut 8 (11) “…next decade.” 

Landry and his council have not yet finalized their strategy for implementing Troop NOLA. They are waiting to hear from NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick and her executive staff. Landry says it’s important to have a sound plan…

Cut 9 (07)  “…before we fire.”

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Can intermittent fasting and weight loss affect the aging process? LSU Pennington Biomedical Research Center is conducting a study using two different dietary approaches to find out. Professor Dr. Corby Martin says the first approach is based on the traditional calorie counting…

Cut 10 (10) “…live longer.”

The study will evaluate the results of participants who eat less and whether it slows aging or decreases diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure over a six-month period.

The second approach tests the results of time-restricted eating also known as intermittent fasting. During this dietary strategy, Martin says individuals limit when they eat throughout the day…

Cut 11 (13) “…per day.” 

The diet isn’t recommended for those who vape or use tobacco products or who have smoked in the last six months.

In addition to affecting health and possible longevity, Martin says both methods promote weight loss and overall metabolic health. He says all participants will receive free meals, diet plans, and a personal weight health coach.

Cut 12 (13) “…this trial.” 

To enroll in the study, participants can contact 225-763-3000 or visit www.pbrc.edu/dialhealth. Individuals must also be willing to travel to the Baton Rouge site.

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Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…

Cut 13 (07)  “…to be caught.”

The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140 million dollars due to the combined drought and freeze. Strain says he’s hearing some bad stories from crawfish farmers…

Cut 14 (08) “…no water.

The amount of crawfish harvested so far this year is very small. Strain is hopeful for an increase in production…

Cut 15 (05) …be more.“

Governor Jeff Landry names a former state lawmaker as the new Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Chances are pretty good it’s going to rain on your Mardi Gras Parade this weekend.  Rain will move across the state Saturday morning and high winds up to 25 miles per hour are also forecasted. The National Weather Service is predicting up to three inches of rain for southeast Louisiana. Showers are also forecasted for Sunday in the Pelican State.

Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock says he wants to hear from foster parents. He also encourages individuals to reach out to foster parents and offer to help them, with simple things like bringing them a meal or offering to babysit.

Cut 10 (11) “…support it.”

He also wants to meet with former child welfare caseworkers on how to make the job more sustainable.

College students will have to wait longer to find out how much financial aid they will receive because of new FAFSA forms. Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says this could result in financial aid offers not being made until April. She admits it’s not ideal…

Cut 3 (08) “….me financially.”  

It’s a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2022.

Governor Jeff Landry named former state lawmaker and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove as the Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Landry says Dove took the job because he wants to restructure the CPRA …
Cut 7 (07) “…protect our coast.”
Landry also named petroleum engineer Ben Bienvenu as the Commissioner of Conservation.

Three weeks into his position as Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock recognizes changes need to be made to better assist children and families. The previous administration struggled with a lack of caseworkers and overwhelming child welfare caseloads.
Cut 9 (12) “…talk to them.”
Matlock says he wants to know what can be done for them to return to DCFS or take suggestions on what can be done to help caseworkers going forward.

College students will have to wait longer before finding out how much financial aid they’ll receive. Changes were made to this year’s FAFSA application and then more changes were needed to fix how it calculates federal student aid. The delay might not be easy for students, but Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says there’s a plus side…
cut 5 (10) “…in funding”

Michael Graham Junior has passed away. He served 14 years on Louisiana’s death row for murdering a Union Parish couple in 1986, but DNA evidence eventually cleared him and he was released from Angola in 2000. Director of Death Penalty Action, Abe Bonowitz, says Graham’s story is an example of a miscarriage of justice…
cut 12 (08) “..it through”
Bonowitz says the Graham family has established a Go Fund Me page in his memory.

Governor Jeff Landry talks coastal restoration and oil and gas production during a press conference at Nicholls State. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

Congressman Clay Higgins has requested the USDA provide federal aid to crawfish farmers struggling as result of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Ag Commissioner Mike Strain says some farmers are barely catching anything…
cut 15 (05) “…be more”

The U-S Department of Education has announced colleges will not receive FAFSA student financial aid information until March, which means it could be April before a student knows how much financial aid they receive. Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says the National College Attainment Network has resources to help students determine their amount of financial aid…
cut 4 (13) “…may help”

The Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services is under new leadership as retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock was appointed by Governor Landry. Matlock says Landry asked him to come out of retirement to lead the department and that the governor also wants to meet with foster parents personally and address their needs.
cut 11 (11) “…so much”

Governor Jeff Landry has named former state legislator and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove as the new chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Landry also named Benjamin Bienvenu as the new Commissioner of Conservation. Landry says Bienvenu and Natural Resources Secretary Tyler Gray will work to increase refining capacity…
cut 8 (11) “…..the country”

Southwest Louisiana Congressman Clay Higgins has requested federal assistance for crawfish farmers who have seen a dramatic decline in production because of last year’s historic drought and the recent freeze. Louisiana Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain says the state’s crawfish industry needs help…
Cut 13 (07) “…to be caught.”
The LSU AgCenter estimates the potential losses to be nearly 140-million dollars due to the combined drought freeze.

Retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock says Governor Landry asked him personally to head the Department of Children and Family Services, an agency facing multiple challenges.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

The Advocate is reporting Governor Landry will not retain Curtis Nelson Junior as the Secretary of the Office of Juvenile Justice. Major changes could be coming to this state agency as one of the governor’s transition teams recommended a move towards probation and parole for certain juvenile offenders instead of the current therapeutic approach.

Governor Jeff Landry names a former state lawmaker as the new Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy was severely injured while assisting a stalled motorist on Highway 371 north last night. Sheriff Jason Parker says the deputy was stuck when an oncoming vehicle hit the stalled car and the officer.  Parker is asking the public to pray for the deputy and reminds them to slow down and move over when a vehicle is on the side of the road.

Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock says he wants to hear from foster parents. He also encourages individuals to reach out to foster parents and offer to help them, with simple things like bringing them a meal or offering to babysit.

Cut 10 (11) “…support it.”

He also wants to meet with former child welfare caseworkers on how to make the job more sustainable.

College students will have to wait longer to find out how much financial aid they will receive because of new FAFSA forms. Ebony Holmes with the Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance says this could result in financial aid offers not being made until April. She admits it’s not ideal…

Cut 3 (08) “….me financially.”  

It’s a result of the FAFSA Simplification Act passed in 2022.

Governor Jeff Landry named former state lawmaker and Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove as the Chairman of the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority. Landry says Dove is the right man to ensure coastal restoration projects are built swiftly and economically…

Cut 6  (12) “…can survive.” 

Three weeks into his position as Secretary of the Department of Children and Family Services, retired Caddo Parish Juvenile Judge David Matlock recognizes changes need to be made. The previous administration struggled with a lack of caseworkers and overwhelming child welfare caseloads.

Cut 9 (12) “…talk to them.”

Matlock says he wants to know what can be done for them to return to DCFS or take suggestions on what can be done to help caseworkers going forward.

Should the state phase out its personal and corporate income taxes? Gov. Jeff Landry’s Economic Development and Fiscal Policy Council thinks so. Teiko Foxx has more…

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”

Louisiana Department of Revenue Secretary Richard Nelson, who lobbied to have the state’s income taxes phased out as a lawmaker, says having the Governor’s Economic Development and Fiscal Policy Council’s recommendation is a step towards the state reaching its full economic potential.

Cut 4 (09) “…that puzzle.”

The state brings in nearly $5 billion a year in taxes. To offset the revenue Nelson says broadening the base of some of existing taxes to lower the rate is probably the best way to do it. 

LSU Athletic Department is in the negative by nearly $4 million dollars. John Tiebaud (Tee-Bow) with the Louisiana Legislative Auditors office says the department transferred $5 million to the university.

Cut 14 (06) “…transfer.

Tiebaud says football turned a profit of $54 million, almost a 50% increase from 2022.

Michael Graham Jr., who spent 14 years on death row for a crime he didn’t commit passed away at his home in Virginia.

Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

During a press conference in Thibodeaux, governor jeff landry said in the upcoming special session on crime they’ll look to pass legislation to resume executions because the victims deserve justice…

Cut 30 (06)….