The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announces a plan for its new engineering building. Whitney Thomas has more.
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To help mitigate the spread of Monkeypox, a federal response team will be working with state healthcare workers at Decadence. Brooke Thorington has more.
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The federal government awards Louisiana an additional $98 million to put toward planned road and infrastructure needs. More from Kevin Gallagher…:
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Stakeholders involved in the implementation of high-speed internet for the state are meeting in Alexandria today. Veneeth Iyengar, Executive Director of Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity, says it’s an opportunity to discuss what’s been done so far and anticipated challenges…
Among the attendees are Senator Bill Cassidy and Governor John Bel Edwards. Iyengar says invitations to the summit were extended to school superintendents, legislators, and other community leaders. Iyengar says it’s a chance for attendees to discuss local issues concerning broadband.
It’s estimated approximately 1.5 million people in Louisiana do not have high-speed internet. Iyengar says it could be for a number of reasons, for example, access, affordability, literacy, or even device issues.
Iyengar believes infrastructure funds, federal funding from the FCC, and matching funds will be able to make a significant contribution to improving broadband accessibility.
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The University of Louisiana Lafayette is in the process of constructing a 70,000-square-foot Engineering building. The mission is to increase students’ resources in and out of the classroom. Dr. Ahmed Khattab, Dean of the College of Engineering, says the building will offer a plethora of opportunities
Cut 7 (10) “…inductor partners.”
The Louisiana Legislature assisted the university with 15 million in funding. The original planned structure costs about 50 million but is needed being that their existing buildings are outdated.
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Several new programs that focus on expansion and leadership will emerge from this project. Dr. Khattab says the students will benefit the most.
Now the groundbreaking has been set for spring or fall 2023 with 16 to 18 months of construction.
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In preparation for Decadence Festival in New Orleans, the National Monkeypox Response team has sent teams along with 6,000 vaccine doses to help mitigate and raise awareness of the virus. Governor John Bel Edwards praised the team for their efforts to reach those most at-risk.
Cut 10 (10) “…appreciate that.”
The annual Labor Day weekend event, which hasn’t been held since 2019 due to the pandemic, can attract up to 300 thousand people from all over the country. Edwards says it’s an ideal opportunity to reach a vulnerable demographic.
The vaccine can help prevent and also treat Monkeypox symptoms from worsening. Ideally, the vaccination is given in two doses four weeks apart. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis (Dousk ah lock -ss) says Decadence allows them to reach those who are less likely to go to a clinic.
In addition to Decadance this weekend the federal response team will also be doing similar outreach at Atlanta Black Proud.
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Louisiana is set to get another $98 million federal dollars to apply to transportation and infrastructure projects. State Transportation Secretary Shawn Wilson says the additional funds are a reward of sorts, for making good use of federal dollars previously awarded to the state. He says this will enable DOTD to continue its momentum in road and bridge improvements…:
Cut 13 (12) “…we’ve ever received.”
Wilson says the nearly $100-million infusion will be used to help secure financing for projects already in the planning stages, which are ready to begin once they are funded. He says the additional federal money has happened before but this is one of the largest such infusions to date…:
Wilson says if DOTD were not effective & efficient in their programs, they would not have received the dollars. He says the federal money will be applied to projects DOTD has “planned to let or are capable of letting” before the end of the current federal fiscal year, September 30th. Wilson says the money will go a long way to help planned road and infrastructure projects start turning dirt…:
Cut 15 (08) “…expect to get it done.”
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The Saints have traded fan favorite Chauncey Gardner-Johnson and a 2025 seventh-round pick to the Eagles for three draft picks, a fifth-round selection in 2023, and two sixth-round picks in 2024. Gardner-Johnson had a career-high three interceptions last season and this summer the 24-year-old called himself the best nickel cornerback in the NFL. Coach Dennis Allen addressed the trade with reporters…
Cut 16 (10) ” wish him the best”
Gardner-Johnson is expected to start at safety for Philadelphia. He was looking for a new contract with the Saints and those talks reportedly broke down, which led to the trade.
Allen says the depth the Saints have at cornerback made them feel they could depart with the former fourth-round pick…
Marshon Lattimore and Paulson Adebo are the Saints starting cornerbacks and they also have Bradley Roby and second-round pick Alontae Taylor.
The Saints also had to get their active roster down to 53, which resulted in cutting several players like Ian Book, Kirk Merritt, and Taco Charlton. Allen says a lot of thought goes into these moves
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ULM is a huge underdog heading into their season opener against the Texas Longhorns who are ranked 18th in the coaches poll, but unranked in the AP Top 25 poll. Warhawks Coach Terry Bowden calls the Longhorns a great team…
ULM went four and eight last season and Bowden believes there’s more talent on this team as he enters his second season as head coach…