There are now two confirmed cases of measles in the New Orleans area. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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The House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. Sean Richardson has more.
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The Public Service Commission has voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. Colleen Crain reports.
Cut 3 (34) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America will host a free educational conference tomorrow at the Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans Convention Center, featuring top local experts in medicine, dementia, and caregiving. CEO Charles Fuschillo says the event, part of the Educating America Tour, aims to inform attendees about healthy aging, early detection, long-term care planning, and local support resources.
Cut 4 (12) “…residents of Louisiana.”
The tour provides critical information for families and individuals affected by memory concerns. Fuschillo says the focus is on Alzheimer’s education, brain health, wellness, and updates on new therapies and trials.
Cut 5 (10) “…can give them.”
Fuschillo says they will discuss the science of brain aging, transitioning from home to long-term nursing care after dementia diagnosis, and other topics.
Cut 6 (09) “…to register.”
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The Louisiana Department of Health has now confirmed two measles cases in the New Orleans area. The second case was identified through contact tracing. Louisiana Surgeon General Dr. Ralph Abraham said in a news conference that this was an older case and is not infectious at all.
Cut 7 (15) “…for 21 days.”
Dr. Abraham says like the first patient, the second patient likely contracted measles while traveling abroad. He says while the two cases are related, it’s unclear how they’re related. Abraham says the first patient was unvaccinated; and while it’s likely the second patient was also unvaccinated, he isn’t entirely sure. Abraham is urging those who have not already done so to get vaccinated against measles.
Cut 8 (10) “…to get it.”
Measles first popped up in Texas earlier this year. In that state, more than 600 people have been infected, and two unvaccinated children have died. In all, there are more than 800 cases across the country. Deputy Health Secretary Dr. Pete Croughan (CROW-ghin) says take extra precautions if you believe you or a loved one is infected.
Cut 9 (08) “…can expose others.”
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Today, the House Ways and Means Committee will hear a bill that would increase the tax on cigarettes by one dollar. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry is the author of the legislation. As it stands, Louisiana ranks among the states with the lowest tobacco taxes, and Landry believes it’s time for change.
Cut 10 (10) “…almost a decade.”
Landry, known for her progressive stance on health policy, argues that higher tobacco taxes have consistently led to lower smoking rates in other states.
Cut 11 (12) “…whole is healthier”
However, opposition is already forming. Critics claim the tax hike will burden low-income smokers and could hurt small businesses. Still, Landry remains resolute, seeing the bill as a bold step toward a healthier Louisiana.
Cut 12 (12) “…do go down.”
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The Public Service Commission voted to remove the state’s energy efficiency program. The 3-to-2 vote will end all energy efficiency programs outside of the PSC’s jurisdiction at the end of the year. Commission Chairman Mike Francis says the third-party program for private entities is not cost-efficient.
Cut 13 (10) “…of operating costs.”
The program looks to save people money on their utility bills by doing things like adding insulation or installing energy-efficient heating and cooling systems in their homes. Francis says the costs to run this program do not make it worthwhile to continue.
Cut 14 (08) “…to the public.”
The Alliance for Affordable Energy is not happy with the decision. Executive Director Logan Burke says removing the energy efficiency program will make it harder for people to reduce their utility bills.
Cut 15 (08) “…have gone up.”
Burke says this is definitely not the time to hinder people’s ability to lower their utility bills.
Cut 16 (09) “…on the ropes.”
The commission will discuss the issue again at its meeting next month.
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With two weeks to go in the regular season, the ULM softball team is in first place in the Sun Belt after sweeping Georgia Southern. The Warhawks have won five in a row and are 13-5 in league play. Coach Molly Fichtner says the key to this team is that they are even-keeled…
Cut 17 (16) “…been here.”
The Brown twin sisters lead the Warhawks. They are both hitting around .400 on the season. Fichtner says they push each other, and it makes the whole team better…
Cut 18 (25) “…for this program.”
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The Ragin Cajuns begin a five-game week tonight by taking on Grambling, who has won seven in a row. U-L Lafayette is coming off a series win over Old Dominion. The Cajuns won the series with a 10 to nothing victory on Saturday. Maddox Mandino from Minden led off the game and had three hits. Deggs plans to put Mandino in the lead off spot tonight…
Cut 19 (19) “..job of that.”
The Cajuns enter tonight’s game with a 19-23 record and Deggs wants to see his team go on a hot streak…
Cut 20 (13) “…of it.”