Caddo and Bossier parish firefighters now have access to free cancer screenings through a new health initiative by Willis Knighton. Sean Richardson has more.
Cut 1 (30) “…I’m Sean Richardson.”
______________________________________
The CDC is continuing to monitor the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
______________________________________
Firefighters from Caddo and Bossier parishes now have access to free annual physicals and cancer screenings through a new state law. Willis Knighton is partnering with local fire districts and cities on the new health initiative. CEO Jaf Fielder says firefighters are 14-percent more likely to develop cancer because of their job than any other occupation.
Cut 3 (13) “…in the future.”
This program benefits 1,500 active and retired firefighters, covering the $1,300 cost per participant through hospital donations. Fielder says the initiative aligns with a state law passed earlier this year requiring local governments to provide no-cost cancer screenings for full-time and retired firefighters, effective in 2025.
Cut 4 (07) “…our mission.”
Fielder emphasized the importance of addressing these hidden dangers firefighters face while serving their communities.
Cut 5 (12) “…our local communities.”
______________________________________
The Louisiana National Guard is celebrating 30 years of its Youth Challenge Program. Lieutenant Colonel Kenny Paul says the Louisiana Guard’s Youth Challenge Program was among the first of its kind and one of the most successful.
Cut 6 (10) “…first initial ten.”
Lieutenant Colonel Paul says the program is an alternative education program for 16 to 18 year olds, emphasizing teamwork, discipline and personal development.
Cut 7 (13) “…in that arena.”
Paul says in the three decades of the program, more than 28-thousand kids have graduated, many of whom have gone on to do great things.
Cut 8 (12) “…other state schools.”
The latest class of graduates, 118 of them, graduated in a ceremony last weekend.
______________________________________
In the largest fentanyl bust in Livingston Parish history, four individuals were arrested, and over 100-thousand doses of fentanyl were seized following a multi-agency investigation. Sheriff Jason Ard says Tyrone Broadway was the ringleader of the drug trafficking operation and undercover agents made multiple purchases from his group, uncovering approximately 36-thousand pressed fentanyl pills.
Cut 9 (08) “…very long time,”
Ard says search warrants were executed at residences in Livingston and Tangipahoa Parishes leading to the discovery of nearly 68-thousand additional pressed fentanyl pills, and 46 pounds of fentanyl…
Cut 10 (11) “…150-thousand people.”
Broadway, along with Eugene Skinner, Donald McCray, and Devonte Skinner, were arrested as a result of the investigation. Ard says he’s pleased these drug dealers are off the street.
Cut 11 (06) “…time in prison.”
__________________________________________________________
The CDC is continuing to monitor the first severe case of human bird flu in the U.S. Dr. Demetre Daskalakis with the CDC says bird flu has been around for many years, including human cases outside the U.S.
Cut 12 (13) “…50-percent of cases.”
Dr. Daskalakis says there’s something very unique about this case of human bird flu.
Cut 13 (12) “…their related products.” (First case linked to a non-commercial backyard flock)
Daskalakis says the CDC is monitoring the condition of the patient, who’s from southwest Louisiana.
Cut 14 (10) “…the United States.”
Fallout has begun elsewhere in the United States, with California issuing a state of emergency.