The shortage of truckers continues to plague the country but programs and initiatives are working to change that. Brooke Thorington has more.
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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…
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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…
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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….
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…
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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…
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…
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.
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…
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…
The amount of crawfish harvested so far this year is very small. Strain is hopeful for an increase in production…