Emotions run high as the legislative task force on hazing prevention wraps up its final meeting. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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We now know the expected date for the opening of the Buc-ee’s in Lafayette. Andre Champagne has the update.
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After the Louisiana Department of Health reports the state’s first child death from the flu this season, the state is getting the word out on how to prevent the spread of the virus. Deputy Surgeon General Dr. Wyche Coleman says it starts with one simple thing that we all do every day.
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Dr. Coleman says when washing your hands, do so thoroughly and use proper techniques.
Cut 4 (12) “…least 20 seconds.”
Coleman says certain instances in which you should wash your hands should be common knowledge by now – but others might not be.
Cut 5 (12) “…or anything dirty.”
According to CDC data, Louisiana currently has one of the highest rates of flu infections in the country.
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Some emotional testimony at the final meeting of the Hazing Prevention Task Force. The task force was assembled following last year’s hazing death of Southern University Student Caleb Wilson. Wilson’s father, Corey Wilson Sr., urged lawmakers to put their biases aside and pass common-sense legislation.
His mother, Urania Brown Wilson, told the task force that new laws are needed to prevent another student from suffering the fate that her son did.
The task force was chaired by Jason Hughes, who stepped down as state representative last month as he prepares to be sworn in as a New Orleans city councilmember. He was emotional as he addressed Wilson’s parents.
Cut 8 (07) “…forth meaningful change.”
Lawmakers will present a series of recommendations in March when the legislative session opens. With Hughes’ departure, it’s unclear which member will sponsor the legislation.
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Recently, Louisiana became the first state in the country to sign Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment grant agreements with internet service providers, which will provide connectivity to nearly 40-thousand households and businesses in rural areas. Connect L-A Executive Director Veneeth Iyengar says those in rural areas will soon be able to access high-speed internet at prices more in line with what their more urban counterparts are paying.
Cut 9 (10) “…the digital divide.”
Currently, 93-percent of Louisiana has access to affordable high-speed internet, but Connect L-A is working to connect the remaining seven-percent of the state, which includes 127-thousand households and businesses. With the BEAD agreement in place, Iyengar says those in rural areas will no longer have to overpay for mediocre service.
Louisiana is expected to achieve statewide high-speed internet by 2028. Iyengar says Connect L-A is continuously working to ensure that the entire state’s need for connectivity is met.
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We now have a clear picture on when the new Buc-ee’s in Lafayette will open. The popular road trip staple, which will be located off of I-10 near Louisiana Avenue, is expected to open by mid-2027. Mandi Mitchell, the CEO of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority, says construction is expected to begin soon.
Cut 12 (11) “…ground here soon.”
The new 74-thousand-square-foot store will be one of the chain’s largest. Mitchell says it’s is expected to create as many as 200 new jobs.
Cut 13 (13) “…jobs with benefits.”
The Lafayette Buc-ee’s will feature over 100 gas pumps and more than a dozen electric vehicle charging stations. Mitchell says there will be a high demand for both on the busy Interstate.