A new study finds drug overdose deaths from 2019 to 2020 increased across the nation by 31-percent and in Louisiana, it’s even worse. Brooke Thorington has more.
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Louisiana records another single-day high number of COVID cases. Jeff Palermo has more…
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After voters rejected a plan to move a Bossier City casino license to Slidell in December, what becomes of the original casino? Kevin Gallagher asks the Gaming Control Commissioner…:
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The most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics indicates that from 2019 to 2020 drug overdose deaths increased more than 50-percent in Louisiana. Ben Miller, President of Well Being Trust, reviewed the numbers and says overdose deaths were increasing well before the pandemic.
And Miller says they’ve also seen an alarming increase in street or synthetic opioid overdose deaths increase by 56-percent compared to prescription opioids.
Miller says we are better able to control opioid prescriptions, but synthetic use is increasing.
If you have a friend of a loved one that you suspect is an addict, Miller says the first step is to simply ask them about it.
And have a connection to care for them, be able to put them in touch with a professional so they can get the help they need.
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Louisiana records another single-day high number of coronavirus cases reported. On Wednesday, the state Department of Health reported 17-thousand new cases of COVID, with about 2-thousand in the hospital. Tulane University epidemiologist Dr. Susan Hassig says that number is alarming, but remember it does not represent one single day of test results…:
Cut 7 (10) “…in this big number.”
Great Britain, and other parts of the U.S., are reporting cases counts beginning to slow down. They say the Omicron variant is less severe and could signal the beginning of an end for the pandemic. Dr. Hassig is more cautious…:
Of the 17-thousand cases reported Wednesday, LDH says 1-in-4 were among kids under 18. Dr. Hassig says youngsters may not be as severely affected by the virus, but they can still transmit it – even if vaccinated…:
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Of the 2000 people hospitalized with the virus, 75-percent are not fully vaccinated.
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While the temps might have cooled in Louisiana the housing market sure hasn’t. Typically, this time of year home sales slow down, but that hasn’t been the case since the pandemic. Louisiana Realtors Association Director of Business and Professional Development Amy Fennell says a low inventory of homes continues to drive the market.
Cut 10 (11) “…lots of buyers.”
It remains a seller’s market and in some places, it’s more exacerbated than others. Fennell says areas of the state recovering from recent natural disasters are seeing even higher demand for homes.
Fennell says supply chain issues have drastically slowed the construction of new homes and also postponed the remodeling of existing homes.
And because it remains a seller’s market as opposed to a buyer’s market, and some sellers are entertaining multiple offers. Fennell says if you’re looking to buy in order to have a competitive advantage you need to have the guidance of an experienced Realtor.
Cut 12 (12) “…looking for it.”
Another bonus to working with a Realtor is they have knowledge of homes that are about to be listed and many sales are negotiated before a sign is even placed in the yard.
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With voters in St. Tammany Parish rejecting a proposal to move a Bossier City casino license to Slidell last month, what becomes of that casino? State Gaming Control Commissioner Ronnie Johns says state law dictates that Diamond Jack’s casino must re-open within 60 days of the failed referendum…:
Cut 13 (08) “…very short extension.”
Johns says Diamond Jacks has petitioned for a short extension to get together their re-opening plan for approval. He says the Gaming Control Board has granted the extra days…:
Johns says Diamond Jack’s will present their plan to the Gaming ControlBoard on February 17th for approval. He says the casino has been allowed to get a bit run down and will need some TLC in order to compete; something to Board must heavily weigh. He says that isn’t all Diamond Jack’s is up against…:
Cut 15 (09) “…staff in place.”
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LSU football has added two potential starters to its defensive secondary with the help of the transfer portal. Arkansas safety Joe Foucha and Ragin Cajuns cornerback Mekhi Gardner have posted on social media they will transfer to LSU. Foucha started 33 games at Arkansas over three years and last season had two interceptions and 7.5 tackles for a loss. The Athletic’s Brody Miller says Foucha is one of the better SEC safeties you’ll find
LSU’s depth in the defensive secondary has been depleted due to players transferring, entering the NFL draft early, or guys who have used up their eligibility. Miller expects LSU will go after several other players in the transfer portal, including another Arkansas defensive back…
Miller says there’s a real possibility LSU will sign over a dozen transfers…