Nine Louisianans have gotten sick from a mysterious illness that’s been linked vapes and E-cigarettes. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Congress returns to the capitol next week and with several mass shootings over their summer break, gun control will be a hot topic. Brooke Thorington spoke with Louisiana Senator John Kennedy to get his perspective.
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington”
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Heat index values could crack 105 and higher today as the state endures what’s set to be four to five days of brutually hot temperatures…
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A lull in construction jobs is one of the reasons the Louisiana economy seems to have slowed down a bit, but those in the industry are optimistic the tides are set to turn.
Pelican Chapter of Associated Builders and Contractors CEO David Helveston says it’s true that this year and last year haven’t been great for the construction industry.
Workforce Commission numbers show we hit an eight-year peak of 156,100 construction jobs in mid-2017 but declined to 141,400 such jobs this year.
But Helveston says that could change quickly as he’s been informed of over 100 billion dollars of new construction projects on the horizon centered on petrochemical plants in southeast Louisiana.
Hevleston says it’s not unusual to see substantial peaks and valleys in the Louisiana construction economy considering so much of it is based on decisions made in other countries.
The state hit an eight-year low for construction jobs back in 2012 with only 121,700.
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Congress returns to session next week and one of the most discussed topics many Americans are waiting to see how lawmakers tackle is gun control. Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy hasn’t had the opportunity to review any democratic proposed gun laws yet but he has his opinions.
Kennedy, an admitted gun owner himself, has remained constant on his stance against gun control laws. Despite the increase in mass shootings, Kennedy says the Democrats will have to present convincing facts in order to change his vote.
Polls show a majority of Americans are in favor of background checks for guns, Kennedy says we already have them but the system in place for background checks is not working because many states are not inputting their data.
Kenney stated a hundred-million Americans exercise the right to own guns and that the majority of them exercise the right responsibly.
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A heat advisory is in effect for southeast Louisiana today as hot temperatures combined with high humidity will create heat indices between 108 to 113-degrees.
We’re looking at highs of 97 in New Orleans, 99 in Baton Rouge, 100 in Alexandria, and 101 in Shreveport. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the intense heat will last through the weekend.
Keim says the excessive heat levels will come close to record highs and could even break a few records…
Temperatures should return to normal early next week.
The blazing temperatures and dry weather are thanks to a high-pressure system that’s set up shop across the southeast US. Keim says that’s why Hurricane Dorian curved up the east coast.
The same high-pressure system is keeping other storms like Fernand away from the region as well.
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A mysterious illness is impacting vapers and E-cigarette users across the country and the Louisiana Department of Health is warning medical professionals to keep an eye out for symptoms.
Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says they’ve only discovered isolated incidents so far, and it does not appear to be widespread.
Those affected in Louisiana ranged from ages 20 to 33. Health officials aren’t sure what is causing the respiratory problems, but Kanter says they have a few ideas
Kanter says if you are a vaper and have recently begun suffering from any of these symptoms, go see a doctor.
Kanter adds the recent vaping craze has undone years of work getting kids to stop taking nicotine products.
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The two universities in Lincoln Parish will face each other on the football field on Saturday as Louisiana Tech will host Grambling. Bulldogs Coach Skip Holtz is pumped up for the matchup
The NFL Network will televise the game, making it the first collegiate contest to air on the channel. Tech dropped its season-opening game to Texas, a 45-14 decision to the Longhorns. Holtz says mistakes early resulted in that game getting out of hand
Grambling also lost its season opener, falling to ULM 31-9. Tigers Coach Broderick Fobbs says there missed opportunities in that contest, which could have made the game more competitive
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LSU linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson says he was not trying to put down Texas quarterback Sam Ehlinger when he said that he didn’t find Ehlinger much of a threat, because he has a decent arm and its more about his legs. Chaisson says he wasn’t trying to discredit his arm…
Saturday’s matchup between Texas and LSU pits two teams ranked in the top ten. Chaisson says it’s just one of several big tests his team will face this season…