December marks the peak of flu season, and the Louisiana Department of Health urges the public to get their flu shot. Jeff Palermo has more….
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The jury selection in the Cardell Hayes case, the man accused of killing former Saints player Will Smith, is scheduled to begin today. Emelie Gunn has more…
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The France-Louisiana Cooperation Accord has been extended until 2020 after it was signed by Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser. Halen Doughty has more…
Cut 3 (30) “I’m Halen Doughty”
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The Louisiana Department of Health reminds the public that December is the start of peak flu season. Dr. Frank Welch with LDH says flu activity has been low so far this year, as only 2 out of every 100 doctor visits in Louisiana have been flu related. He says there are things people can do to avoid getting sick.
Welch says we’re at a higher risk of catching the flu during the holiday season. He says many people think that’s because the weather is cold, but it’s really because people spend time in close quarters at holiday parties and avoiding the cold.
Welch advises people to clean frequently used surfaces like door knobs when they have people in their homes. He says it’s not too late to get a flu shot, but the shot takes two weeks to take effect. He says even though for most people the flu is a mild inconvenience, it’s important for everyone to get their shot because for some people, the flu can be life threatening.
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A recent poll from Southern Media and Opinion Research finds Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating is at 63-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says that’s a big improvement over the governor’s approval rating earlier this year.
A poll from Morning Consult found Edwards’ approval rating was only 45-percent in the spring, while a UNO poll showed 56-percent of respondents approved of his job performance in October. Pinsonat says Edwards’ response to all the floods, tornadoes, and other issues the state has seen this year may have helped boost his numbers.
The poll also found that the state is split on the direction Louisiana is heading. Pinsonat says 41-percent of respondents believe the state is heading in the right direction, while 40-percent say it’s the wrong direction. He says that’s understandable given all the issues Louisiana faces.
The poll shows 42-percent of voters think conditions will improve, while 19-percent say it will get worse.
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The jury selection is expected to begin today in the trial of Cardell Hayes, the man accused of killing Former Saints defensive end Will Smith. A judge has determined that the jury will be sequestered for the entire trial. Legal Analyst Chick Foret says it will be hard for potential jurors to leave their families during the holiday season.
Foret says it’s important to make sure the jury will hear the testimony from the witnesses, the evidence and nothing else.
Jurors will not have access to TV’s or telephones. But Foret says Judge Camille Buras has promised to move the case along quickly and trial testimony will be heard even on weekends.
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Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser extends the France-Louisiana Cooperation Accords for four more years. Nungesser says it’s a program that brings French teachers to teach the French history, culture, and language in Louisiana schools.
Cut 13 (11) “across Louisiana”
The agreement extends the mutual agreement until 2020. Nungesser says this program supports French immersion programs and the Francophone culture. He says learning French opens doors for Louisiana students.
Nungesser says the first French course in Louisiana was offered in 1969, and the earliest teachers that were sent by France were military personnel. He says French culture is a huge part of Louisiana heritage.
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The Saints appear to be heading towards another losing season as New Orleans played poorly in a 28-13 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Black and Gold committed 10 penalties and Quarterback Drew Brees threw three interceptions. Detroit jumped out to a 10-0 lead, which did not please Coach Sean Payton…
Cut 16 (16) “lose that battle”
The loss drops New Orleans record to 5-7.The Black and Gold are heading towards their fourth losing season in the last five. Payton was frustrated during the post game…
Payton also denied rumors that the Saints are interested in trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks during the offseason..
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The LSU Tigers will conclude the 2016 season by facing Louisville in the Buffalo Wild Wings Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve day in Orlando, Florida. It will be an early start for the Tigers, as the game will kick-off at 11 AM eastern time. Nonetheless, LSU Head Coach Ed Orgeron is proud to represent the Bayou Bengals in the bowl game…
The game will feature LSU’s stingy defense against one of the best players in college football. Louisville Quarterback Lamar Jackson is considered a front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy. Orgeron calls Jackson a dynamic athlete…