Louisiana’s heat-related deaths have soared to 16 people in the last two months passing the state’s average of 10 over the last decade. Teiko Foxx has more…
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Qualifying for the 2023 election begins today and Brooke Thorington talks to a political insider about what we can expect.
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The State Fire Marshal has issued a statewide burn ban due to concerns about dry conditions. Kace Kieschnick has the story…
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Sixteen people in Louisiana died in June and July from heat-related causes, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. Six of those deaths were in June and 10 were in July. Climate and Preventative Medicine Physician Dr. Alicia Van Doren says it’s driven by climate change and will become warmer over the next five years.
Cut 4 (11) “…dangerous levels.”
Deaths in the last two months have surpassed the state’s average of 10 heat-related death’s a year over the last decade.
From April 1st to July 29th, there were 3,305 heat-caused emergency room visits, compared to an average of 2,700 over the last ten years. Doren says the burden of heat is not shared equally.
Black American men, pregnant women, and those with underlying conditions suffer at higher rates. Doren says it’s critical for Louisianans to think of extreme heat like other weather disasters, even in the evening.
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Eleven Louisiana library systems will soon offer much-needed access to telehealth services thanks to $50 thousand in grants from The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, in partnership with ConnectLA. State Library of Louisiana Spokesperson Danny Monteverde says these grants will help bridge the gap with healthcare and technology in rural cities…
Patrons will be able to access telehealth solutions in Beauregard, Cameron, Concordia, East Carroll, Franklin, St. John the Baptist, Ouachita, Union, Vermillion, Washington, and West Baton Rouge parishes. Monteverde says this is the first step in closing barriers in the digital divide and healthcare for people who may not be able to afford it…
Monteverde says this may be a more comfortable way for some people to access care that’s just as effective as an in-person visit. He points out research shows when people have access to a doctor virtually, they are more likely to access care.”
Library systems with telehealth services can be found at state.lib.la.us.
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Qualifying begins today for the October 14th primary and LA Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says he isn’t expecting any surprises when it comes to the governor’s race. He says it looks like all seven of the major players will qualify, and that being said he believes it will leave pollsters and consultants perplexed when predicting voter turnout.
But as in the past, Alford says there could be a candidate waiting in the wings to qualify at the last minute and if so, it would add some early drama to election coverage.
Alford believes any surprises will be among the legislative races. He expects several incumbents will find themselves challenged by substantial candidates.
If all seven formidable candidates do officially jump in the governor’s race, recent polls indicate it will most likely come down to a run-off between Republican Jeff Landry and Democrat Shawn Wilson. But Alford says those predictions could change…
Qualifying begins this morning at 8 am and ends Thursday at 4:30 pm.
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The State Fire Marshal and Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner have issued a statewide burn ban due to the drought-like conditions across the state of Louisiana. Private burning will only be allowed with permission from local fire departments or the government. Fire Marshal Spokesperson Ashley Rodrigue says the decision was made to help protect firefighters in extreme conditions…
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The burn ban primarily addresses the open burning of brush piles for cleanup on private property. Rodrigue says the Fire Marshal typically recommends burners keep a close watch on burn piles, so they do not result in brush fires…
Although there has not yet been a dramatic increase in the frequency or severity of brush fires, officials are attempting to prevent that possibility as hot, dry conditions continue. Violation of the order could result in criminal and/or civil penalties, but Rodrigue assures residents the rules of the ban are easy to follow and shouldn’t inhibit daily life…
Cut 15 (11) “…simple practice.”
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The LSU Football team is ranked fifth in the preseason coaches’ poll. The Tigers’ week one opponent Florida St. is ranked eighth. With yet another vote of confidence ahead of a highly anticipated season in Baton Rouge, defensive end Sai’vion Jones says he has the same expectations for himself and the LSU defensive front…
The line, anchored by preseason first team All-SEC picks Mekhi Wingo and Maason Smith, should be the strength of the Tigers defense, but many expect the other side of the ball to be the story of the Tigers season with much of LSU’s offensive production returning from last season. The offensive line returns all five starters from last year, and Jones says the experience the group has had together is noticeable…
Cut 17 (15) “…difference with them.”
As LSU continues to see national recognition ahead of the season, Jones says the goal inside the locker room has always been the same. This year, though, the team knows they have what it takes to compete with anyone and their confidence and hard work is making its way onto the field…
Cut 18 (18) “…passionate we is.”
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The Saints will kickoff preseason Sunday against the Chiefs. Coach Dennis Allen announced the starters will be playing at least in week one which should help new quarterback Derek Carr’s chemistry and comfort within the system improve. Carr and tight end Juwan Johnson have already established a noticeable connection in training camp, and Johnson says Carr is like a long-lost brother…
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This will be a big season for Johnson, who transitioned to tight end from receiver three seasons ago in New Orleans. Primarily a pass-catcher, Johnson expects to complete that transition and expand his role as a blocker this season. He says he’s made some big steps this offseason, and the addition of veteran Jimmy Graham is exactly what he needed…
The Saints and Chiefs will kickoff in the Superdome at noon.