LSU researchers found the Gulf of Mexico has some of the highest concentrations of microplastics in the world. Jeff Palermo has more…
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Health officials urge the public to protect themselves against mosquitos after an Alexandria man died from West Nile Virus. Halen Doughty has more…
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A newly formed PAC supporting cops in the state is trying to get the word out about who they are, and what they’re all about. Michelle Southern reports…:
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Researchers found the Gulf of Mexico is home to some of the highest concentrations of microplastic in the world. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a well-known area in the central Pacific where plastic accumulates because of the current. LSU oceanographer Mark Benfield says in that region, plastic concentrations can be as much as several particles per cubic meter. But the concentration in the Gulf was much higher.
With the Louisiana coast being mostly wetland with low population density, researchers started to ask where all the microplastic could be coming from. Benfield says the Mississippi River was the obvious candidate.
The plastic is very small, about the size of a Mardi Gras bead down to the microscopic level. Benfield says they’re concerned the plastic is being consumed by marine life. That’s a big problem because chemicals can stick to the surface of plastic.
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It’s been two months since congressional leaders were the target of an attack at a Virginia ball park. House Majority Whip Steve Scalise continues to recover from a gunshot wound to the hip. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says it’s a miracle no one was more seriously injured.
The Jefferson Parish congressman has undergone numerous surgeries since the shooting. Graves says his recovery has been complicated because he has both skeletal injuries in the hip and leg, as well as soft tissue and organ damage in the abdomen. But he’s optimistic Scalise will be back at work when Congress reconvenes in September.
Despite the severity of his injuries and the high risk of infection, Scalise has made remarkable strides in his recovery. Graves says he’s been discharged from MedStar Washington hospital and moved into rehabilitation.
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An Alexandria man has died after contracting the West Nile Virus, and health officials are urging the public to protect themselves against mosquitos. Dr. David Holcombe with the Office of Public Health says the virus is transmitted by household mosquitos that are common in Louisiana. But there are ways people can keep the pesky bugs away.
Seventy-one-year-old Donald Austin died last Tuesday. His family says he got sick about two weeks ago, but they thought it was the flu. Holcombe says that’s not surprising because for most people, West Nile Virus is completely asymptomatic.
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Holcombe says about nine percent of people get a low fever, and one percent get a neuro invasive disease that can be deadly. Most of the people who get the fatal illness are elderly. So far this year, 19 cases of West Nile have been reported in Louisiana. Holcombe says that could mean we’ll have a more active season this year.
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A newly formed PAC supporting cops in the state is trying to get the word out about who they are, and what they’re all about. Chris Stewart is the Executive Director of the Louisiana Law Enforcement PAC. He says their group plans to tackle matters that affect police officers statewide…:
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Stewart says they independently support law enforcement in the sate by promoting candidates for elected office and policies that help officers serve and protect communities more safely and effectively. He says there are many things that need to be addressed to deal with a recruiting problem.:
You can find out more online at LLEPAC.com. Stewart says 20 years ago, for example, the Baton Rouge Police Department would have three or four hundred applicants for 30 positions, and now they are lucky to get 75. He says it’s a national problem when it comes to police perception, and tactics…:
Cut 15 (10) “way too much lately”
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LSU Football Coach Ed Orgeron says the offense dominated in the team’s second preseason game of training camp on Saturday. Derius Guice rushed for 102 yards and a touchdown, while Darrel Williams added 76 yards and a couple of touchdowns. Quarterbacks Danny Etling and Myles Brennan each threw for over 100 yards. Orgeron says there were some standout performers on defense too….
Orgeron says the defense also did a good job at putting pressure on the quarterback. Etling threw for 114 yards and a pair interceptions, while Brennan had 107 yards passing and a touchdown. Orgeron says Etling is still the starting quarterback right now…
Orgeron says he likes the depth he has at running back. Freshman Clyde Edwards-Helaire has looked good, and Coach “O” says Nick Brossette has also performed well…