COVID and flu cases are circulating in Louisiana and in the southeast at very high levels. Teiko Foxx spoke with a health expert on what that means for the Bayou State…
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Teiko Foxx.”
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Library visits in Louisiana increased by 21 percent in 2022 and it’s not just about books. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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The NFL Network reports Dennis Allen is expected to remain the Saints head coach. Colleen Crain…
Cut 3 (31) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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Louisiana is seeing the highest activity level of flu and COVID cases in the nation. Ochsner Medical Director Dr. Sandra Kemmerly says the seasonal flu shouldn’t be taken lightly and the best protection is getting vaccinated.
Cut 4 (12) “…some cases.”
According to the Department of Health, emergency room visits in the state between December 17 through 23 last year were at 14 percent – the highest in more than a decade and double the national average.
Kemmerly says flu activity has passed any of its highest points in the past five years and we still are not at the peak of the season. She says Ochsner rates show an increase in flu-like respiratory illnesses.
Cut 5 (12) “…we perform.”
There were 357 new COVID patients and 374 flu patients admitted in the state for the week ending December 30th, according to the Louisiana Department of Health.
Kemmerly says that the JN-dot-one-variant can cause fever, chills, body aches, respiratory symptoms, and cough. She urges residents to practice respiratory etiquette by washing their hands frequently and…
Cut 6 (12) “…that way.”
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Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow gave an emotional speech after being elected President Pro Tem on Monday. Before the Republican super-majority legislature, the Democrat referenced her faith…
Cut 7 (13) “…he knew.”
Barrow thanked members of the Senate for having faith in her leadership and she also referred to her husband of more than three decades, James, who died of COVID in 2020.
Cut 8 (13) “…grandfather’s place.”
During that transition, Barrow says she also lost her godson and her campaign manager.
Echoing Governor Jeff Landry’s inaugural address, Barrow also called for unity and asked lawmakers to do what’s best for the state. She says she looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of this great state.
Cut 9 (08) “…very much (clapping).”
Lawmakers are expected to convene for their first Special Session on Monday, January 15th to redraw the state’s congressional district map.
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Library usage in Louisiana is on the uptick. According to Public Libraries in Louisiana: Statistical Report more than 9 million visits were recorded in 2022 and patrons checked out more than 46 million items. State Librarian Meg Placke (Plack-ee) says it’s welcome news after a dip during the pandemic.
Cut 10 (08) “…we have.”
Visits increased 21 percent from 2021.
Placke says the state’s 334 public libraries are much more than just books. In 2022 they provided close to 75-thousand programs, in-person and virtual events for the community that recorded more than two million attendees.
Cut 11 (12) “…and needed.”
Librarians were busy answering 2.5 million reference questions online and in person in 2022 and Placke invites even more visitors to research what’s going on at their local library…
Cut 12 (11) “…just books.”
In 2022, almost 54% of Louisianans, 2.4 million, were library card holders. Placke says as they begin to crunch the numbers for 2023, they expect visits will be even higher than 2022.
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Lambda Legal, a civil rights defense organization that focuses on LGBTQ rights is suing the Louisiana Board of Medical Examiners on behalf of five families in the state. Attorney Omar Gonzalez-Pagan says the state’s ban on gender-affirming healthcare for minors is unconstitutional…
Cut 13 (11) “…who they are.”
The law, that went into in Louisiana on January 1st, Gonzalez-Pagan says sets a precedent that could reach far beyond the transgender community.
Cut 14 (07) “…all in Louisiana.”
Gonzalez-Pagan says the Louisiana lawsuit is on behalf of five families who are directly impacted by the ban. He says the ban prohibits their clients from either moving from one treatment to another or inhibits their ability to start any treatment whatsoever.
Cut 15 (12) “…this ban.”
Lamba Law has filed lawsuits in states with similar bans like North Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Montana, and Texas.
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The LSU men’s basketball team has a chance to go 2-0 in the SEC tonight when they host Vanderbilt. The Tigers won their SEC opener on Saturday night against Texas A-and-M, while the Commodores while the Commodores are 5-9 overall. But Coach Matt McMahon says they can’t take Vandy lightly…
Cut 16 (16) “..recent games.”
LSU has played better since Tulane transfer Jalen Cook was granted eligibility in mid-December. Cook in four games is averaging 14 points and nearly five assists a game, McMahon says Cook has been a real shot in the arm…
Cut 17 (18) “…the team.”
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The NFL Network reports Dennis Allen will remain the Saints head coach. Allen told reporters on Monday he also expects to be back in 2024 but knows he has to do a better job…
Cut 18 (19) “…didn’t.”
The Saints were a 9-8 in 2023, just missing the playoffs. Quarterback Derek Carr received plenty of criticism from the fanbase during the season, but finished the strong. Allen says there are several reasons why Carr played well down the stretch…
Cut 19 (26) “…he’s played.”
Allen was asked if there was a divide between the players and coaches after the players decided to score a touchdown in the final seconds against Atlanta, while Allen wanted quarterback Jameis Winston to take a knee. Allen says everyone is on the same page…
Cut 20 (10) “…fracture.”