CDC advisors open a two-day meeting, during which they could make changes to recommended childhood vaccinations, and Senator Bill Cassidy has something to say about that. Jeff Palermo reports.
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Not one, but TWO jail breaks in South Louisiana. Andrew Greenstein reports.
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The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices opened its two-day meeting today to discuss possible changes to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule. The most consequential of potential changes involves the Hepatitis B vaccine, which has been universally recommended since 1991. Senator Bill Cassidy says since then, the virus has nearly been eradicated.
Cut 3 (11) “…shortly after birth.”
The vaccine’s long-standing recommendation is in question after Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. linked the vaccination to autism. Senator Cassidy, who’s a medical doctor by trade, says the numbers don’t lie – the Hepatitis B vaccine has been proven to be safe and effective.
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Cassidy says it has never been proven that vaccines cause autism, and any changes to the Hepatitis B vaccine recommendation would be very dangerous.
Cut 5 (06) “…of scientific fact.”
During his confirmation hearing, Kennedy assured Cassidy that he would not peddle any conspiracy theories about vaccines causing autism. Last month, Kennedy went back on his word, posting on the CDC website that the notion that vaccines do not cause autism is not based on scientific fact.
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Some notable people will be aboard Louisiana’s float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, New Year’s Day. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says the people onboard are as diverse as the state itself.
Cut 6 (06) “…Commissioner Mike Strain.”
Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says those three and all the other riders are sponsored by tourism organizations and convention and visitors bureaus throughout the state, with the notable exception of New Orleans.
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Nungesser says those who are riding on the float will be doing a lot more than just simply putting on a smile and waving for the crowd and the TV cameras.
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The previously-announced musical guest aboard the float, named “Gulf to Gumbo,” is Louisiana’s own “American Idol” runner up John Foster.
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Not one, but two jail breaks in South Louisiana yesterday. In St. Landry Parish Jail, three inmates escaped from the jail there. Major Mark LeBlanc with the sheriff’s office says 24-year-olds Keith Eli and Johnathan Joseph and 26-year-old Joseph Harrington escaped through one of the cells in an upper corner of the building.
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At that point, they were able to get outside and onto the roof. LeBlanc says due to construction that was happening, they were able to use certain equipment to make their escape.
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And in Vermilion Parish, a 23-year-old facing drug and firearm charges escaped that parish’s jail late last night. Deputies believed they saw Gavin Garnica sleeping covered in his bunk, but they later discovered video showing him scaling the jail’s fence. Ashley Adams with the sheriff’s office says Garnica is known to be violent, so anyone who sees him should not approach him under any circumstances.
Cut 11 (10) “…drugs and weapons.”
Adams says one big question is how Garnica was able to escape the jail in the first place.
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An investigation leads to a major meth bust in Calcasieu Parish. State Police Trooper Roy Jones says detectives received a tip about narcotics trafficking in the area. So they set up surveillance in the area and developed probable cause to stop 48-year-old Brent Touchet of Lake Charles.
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Jones says the investigators found a slew of narcotics in the vehicle, along with other contraband.
Cut 14 (10) “…more drug paraphernalia.”
Jones says Touchet was arrested, along with the two people who were with him – 45-year-old Jessica Robinson of Lake Charles and 41-year-old Josh Reeves of Sulphur.
Cut 15 (10) “…a stolen vehicle.”