The nation could be facing a truck driver shortage of over 100 thousand by 2022, and that means higher prices for consumers. Matt Doyle has more.
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If you are a concealed handgun permit owner, you could bring a gun into school or university building, under a bill heading to the House floor. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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35,000 Bald Cypress will be planted in Terrebonne Parish as part of a new project the joins NGOs and private in the fight against wetland loss. Mike Farrar.
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The nation faces a truck driver shortage, and that could hurt your pocketbook. The American Trucking Association says they expect to see a 106,000 driver shortage by 2022. Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director Chance McNeely says it’s resulting in longer delivery times and higher prices for consumers.
The industry is facing a unique problem in that as the economy expands, more shipping is needed, but McNeely says the number of drivers appears to be dropping, just as demand has begun increasing.
Trucking doesn’t seem to have the same pull it used to. McNeely says average pay sits between 40 to 50 thousand, depending on the job, but one regulation in particular is keep young people from considering the industry.
In an example of the problems caused by the driver shortage: Tyson Foods blamed the 200 million dollars in new costs that they’ve passed to retailers on the shipping industries struggles.
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Concealed carry permit holders could bring a gun into a school or university building under legislation heading to the House floor. The controversial measure cleared the House Criminal Justice Committee on a narrow 9-8 vote. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says his legislation doesn’t arm teachers, just visitors who have a concealed handgun permit
All Democrats on the panel opposed the measure. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle argued concealed handgun permit holders do not have the same level of training as law enforcement….
Louisiana Federation of Teachers legislative director Cynthia Posey says allowing non-law enforcement to bring guns into a school will create a disruption…
Miguez says education groups might oppose this legislation, but responsible gun owners would applaud the passage of this bill…
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A Senate-approved bill to allow foster kids to stay in the system until they turn 21, or graduate high school, which ever happens first, cleared a House committee. Currently, foster kids are forced out of the foster care program when they turn 18, regardless of their high school degree progress. Louisiana Budget Project Coordinator Dylan Waguespack says hundreds of kids are effected every year.
A foster care teenager by the name of Ella recounted the story of how earlier families difficulties put her behind in school, and under current law are putting her chance of obtaining her diploma at risk.
Bossier City Senator Ryan Gatti says kids who age out before graduating are at high risk of falling into homelessness or crime.
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A partnership between coastal advocates and private business is leading to the planting of 35,000 bald cypress in Terrebonne Parish Wetlands. Senior adviser to the Americas Wetlands Foundation Sidney Coffee says its part of a string of smaller projects.
The trees have been grown to tolerate salt water, and Coffee says they have an additional layer included to protect them from a notorious menace.
Coffee says she hopes the success of this partnership will inspire more private companies to take an interest in saving the coastline.
The project is being taken on by the America’s Wetland Foundation, Resource Environmental Solutions, and BHP, whose funding the project.
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Derius Guice was NOT selected in last night’s first round of the NFL draft. He should be one of the first picks in tonight’s second round. A year ago, pass rusher Arden Key was a projected first round selection, but his stock has fallen because of injuries, weight gain and off the field issues. Draft analyst Mike Detillier anticipates a team selecting Key tonight between the middle of the second and third rounds….
Detillier says former LSU wide receiver DJ Chark is a likely second round pick….
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Getting a pass rusher was a priority for the Saints this offseason and it appears they have found their man. New Orleans traded up from the 27th pick to the 14th pick to take Texas-San Antonio defensive end Marcus Davenport. He had six and a half sacks and 10 tackles for a loss for the Roadrunners last season. Coach Sean Payton says Davenport plays with a high motor…
Cut 19 (13) “any young player”
New Orleans traded three draft picks, including its first round pick next year, to get Davenport with the 14th selection. Payton says Davenport is smart player…