For the first time since the Buddy Roemer years, the state legislature has overridden a governor’s veto. Kevin Gallagher has more…:
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”
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If you are 50 or older or even 12 and older but immunocompromised you are now eligible for a second COVID booster shot. Brooke Thorington has more.
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There may not be much drama when it comes to this fall’s U-S Senate race based on some recent poll numbers. David Grubb has the details…
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The State legislature voted Wednesday to override Governor John Bel Edwards vetoes of Congressional district maps they passed in a special session last month. At an afternoon press conference, the governor says he is disappointed by the overrides, but not surprised. He says GOP majorities in both chambers chose to ignore simple math…:
Cut 4 (14) “…easy to undersatand.”
About one-third of Louisiana voters are Black, so many – including Edwards – feel that one-third of the state’s six congressional districts should reflect that. The governor says there is “no function of the legislature more partisan and divisive” than redistricting…:
Cut 5 (10) “,…and what is fair.”
The House passed their override by a 72-31 vote; the Senate’s passed 27-11. Slidell Republican Senator Sharon Hewitt says that second district wasn’t as simple as applying the simple math. She says federal law dictates that Black population needed to be contiguous and compact…:
Cut 6 (13) “…as a minority district.”
Hewitt says lawmakers did the best that they could, but…:
Cut 7 (11) “…as minority districts.”
The override is the first one done since Buddy Roemer was governor. The congressional maps will be submitted for federal approval now. It’s very likely they will eventually be decided in federal court.
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The first case of the fungus which causes White-nose syndrome in bats has been detected in Louisiana. While it’s not contagious to humans or other animals Disease biologist Nikki Anderson with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says the fungus can cause White-nose syndrome which has killed more than six-million bats nationwide.
Cut 8 (09) “…disease negative.”
Oher southern states who’ve detected the fungus in bats, White-nose syndrome usually develops within three to five years. Anderson says when bats begin to show a white fuzz on their body that’s when the disease has set in.
Anderson says bats are vital to the ecosystem, they help pollinate areas that are deforested and save the US $3.7 billion annually in pest control.
Unfortunately, there’s no treatment for White-nose syndrome in bats so when they are spotted it’s better to know as early as possible to protect habitats. Anderson describes what to look for to spot a diseased bat.
You can call LDWF at 1-800-256-2749.
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The FDA and CDC expand eligibility for a second COVID booster shot for older adults and those who are immunocompromised. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter a second booster should be given at least four months after the first booster for those 50 and older and to those ages 12 and older who are immunocompromised.
Cut 11 (12) “…worked properly.”
And while Kanter admits there presently is a lull in COVID cases in Louisiana, nationally cases have increased about 1.2-percent in the last week, and they are watching the new subvariant Omicron BA.2.
Kanter says they are also paying attention to cases overseas that are on the uptick. Typically, what’s happening abroad is then reflected here in the US about three to four weeks later.
Kanter says it’s best for those who are eligible for a second booster shot, to do so sooner than later and stay ahead of surges. You can visit any existing vaccine provider for the second booster.
For more information call 1-855-453-0774.
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The race for U-S Senate still has time to heat up, but right now John Kennedy is a clear favorite to retain his seat. JMC Analytics pollster John Couvilllon says Kennedy may not even see a runoff.
Cut 14 (12) “…settled in September.”
Baton Rouge Democrat Gary Chambers leads the opposition with 14 percent, with fellow Democrat Luke Mixon getting the endorsement of seven percent of likely voters.
Cut 15 (09) “…than Mixon does.”
Even though 23 percent of those polled are still undecided, Couvillon says Kennedy has everything he needs to coast into re-election.
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After dropping four of five, the LSU baseball has won three straight in impressive fashion. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 42-10 during the streak, and junior outfielder Gavin Dugas says when you’re this hot, you’ve just gotta roll with it.
LSU opens a three-game series with Auburn tonight. Auburn comes in 17-8 and is also 3-3 in conference play, same as the Bayou Bengals. Dugas says every SEC team is a challenge and the Tigers are no different.
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