The number of COVID patients in the hospital has dropped. The Louisiana Health Department reports 2,304 people are in hospital with COVID, a decrease of 177 from last Friday. That’s a 28-percent drop. President of Ochsner Health, Warner Thomas, says staffing has been a major challenge over the last 45 days, due to the Omicron surge…:

CUT 04(11)      “…entire system.”

The state reported 51 more COVID deaths today.

A Baton Rouge teen faces charges after accidentally shooting his 3-year-old brother. Police say the 16-year-old was in illegal possession of the handgun that went off unintentionally; hitting the toddler. The child’s wounds were non-life-threatening.

Need help in claiming the federal expanded child tax credit? Go online for help to ChildTaxCredit.gov.

Still concerned about having a proper mask to help stop the spread of COVID? Here’s a useful tip in knowing a real N95 or KN95 from a counterfeit one: real approved masks have bands that go all the way around your head and neck. Cheaper fakes usually have ear loops. Which is not to say those masks provide no protection.

The NFL Network reports Saints Coach Sean Payton is not committed to returning to the sidelines next season. David Grubb on whether Payton will be back for his 16th season…:

CUT 01(32)      “…David Grubb.”