Louisiana tops the nation in flu activity for the second year in a row. Sean Richardson has more.
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The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to President Biden’s desk. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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Many are considering gifting pets as presents this holiday season, but the Humane Society says don’t do it. Sean Richardson has more.
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Louisiana leads the nation in early-season flu activity. The CDC says the state has a flu positivity rate exceeding 11-percent, far above the national average of 3.5-percent. Ochsner Medical Center of New Orleans Director Sandra Kemmerly says cases this early are concerning.
Louisiana’s mild winters facilitate virus spread, while health disparities and low vaccination rates worsen flu vulnerability. Kemmerly stresses the importance of flu vaccination, as it remains the most effective tool to prevent severe illness and reduce strain on healthcare systems.
Kemmerly says to protect themselves and others, people are urged to get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, stay home when sick, and safeguard vulnerable groups like children and older adults.
Cut 6 (08) “…can affect others.”
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The Social Security Fairness Act is one step closer to making it onto President Biden’s desk. The Senate advanced the bill in a procedural vote of 73-27 yesterday. Senator Bill Cassidy has sponsored the Senate version of the bill. He took to the floor yesterday to urge his colleagues to support it.
Cut 7 (15) “…fulfill this promise.”
The bill would eliminate the Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset, which Cassidy says have been unfairly costing public sector employees a good portion of their Social Security benefits, including a retired schoolteacher who he met with in his office.
Cut 8 (14) “…was being punished.”
Cassidy says he understands concerns about the costs of eliminating WEP and GPO.
The Senate will take a final vote on the bill later this week.
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This holiday season, many consider gifting animals to loved ones. However, pets come with significant responsibilities, so it’s important to carefully evaluate whether this is the right choice. Louisiana Humane Society Director Jeff Dorson says animals should only be given to those who have expressed sustained interest and are ready to care for them.
When gifting a pet, consider the recipient’s lifestyle. For instance, an elderly person may prefer a calm, older dog or cat rather than an energetic puppy or kitten. Similarly, Dorson says breed, age and temperament need to be considered.
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Dorson says all animals are social beings and want to be around their own species or with owners that comfort and care for them.
Cut 12 (08) “…get those calls”
Dorson says stick to a traditional gift for the holidays and let the individual that wants to adopt, adopt.
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The FTC is cracking down on so-called “junk fees.” Starting in April, entities like hotels, ticket brokers and rental car companies will need to disclose all extraneous fees up front. Don Redman with Triple-A Louisiana says consumers have been screaming about those fees for years.
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Redman says those entities can still charge those fees – however, they will no longer be able to hide those fees.
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Redman says with those entities now having to either disclose those fees or roll them into their advertised prices, that will have a profound effect on prices to the consumer’s benefit.
Cut 15 (09) “…fees potentially eliminated.”
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LSU has signed nine players out of the transfer portal and according to 24-7 sports, the Tigers have the second best transfer portal class in the nation. Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne says head coach Brian Kelly has delivered on a promise that LSU would be aggressive in the transfer portal…
Horne says LSU still needs more help along the offensive and defensive lines…
Cut 17 (16) “…linemen as well.”
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At this time last week, the Louisiana Tech football team’s season was over, but now they are preparing for a bowl game. The Bulldogs are getting ready to battle Army in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl on December 28th in Shreveport. Tech received a bowl invite after Marshall opted out. Coach Sonny Cumbie is pleased with his team’s first bowl practice…
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Marshall could not play in the Independence Bowl, because of a lack of players as there’s been a mass exodus with the Thundering Herd because of a coaching change. Cumbie says they are missing some players, but certainly have enough to take on the Black Knights….
Cumbie has also hired a new offensive coordinator since the regular season finale. Tony Franklin is back as O-C and quarterbacks coach. When Franklin was the offensive coordinator between 2010 and 2012, Tech had high scoring offenses. Cumbie says Franklin is an experienced play caller that this program needs…
Tech will take on 19th ranked Army on Saturday December 28th.