A surge in COVID cases is impacting nursing homes across the country. Louisiana AARP’s Andrew Muhl says if you have a loved one in a nursing home, you should question the facility about its COVID protocols and vaccination rates…:

CUT 13(08)      “…they accessible?”

He says only about 42-percent of nursing home residents are vaccinated and only 15-percent of staff are up-to-date on boosters.

Terri Ricks has been appointed to oversee the Department of Children and Family Services, after the resignation last month of Marketa Walters. DCFS has had problems with keeping kids safe and internal troubles. Governor John Bel Edwards says he plans to increase the agency’s budget next year…:

CUT 11(11)      “…for DCFS.”

The state should have a $600-million surplus in the budget for 2023-24.

The Louisiana Humane Society says they’re getting a LOT of calls about pets left out in the freezing weather, even though it’s illegal…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Golby.”

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels says he will be staying on another season with the Tigers. Daniels tweeted today, ”this has been an amazing ride and honestly, I am not ready to get off just yet.”