Tagged News

• Shot for 100 Campaign expands to anyone in Louisiana who gets COVID vaccine

  October 1, 2021 11:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana’s Shot For 100 vaccine incentive program on Friday expanded beyond college students to include anyone in Louisiana who gets their COVID vaccine. Patients must receive the vaccine at participating community-based sites as listed on ShotFor100.com. Anyone receiving their first shot is eligible and may... more »

• Port Barre Police Chief diagnosed with COVID-19

  September 21, 2021 7:59 AM

  PORT BARRE- The Chief of Police in the St. Landry Parish town of Port Barre Police announced Monday that he has COVID-19. Chief Deon Boudreaux took to Facebook to say he tested positive for the virus after seeing symptoms Sunday night. He added that his youngest child is... more »

• President Biden to announce that all federal workers must be vaccinated

  September 9, 2021 10:19 AM

  As the war against COVID-19 continues in the U.S., President Joe Biden is reportedly adding to the country's arsenal of virus-fighting regulations. The president is expected to use Thursday to announce expanded vaccine rules for federal workers, and encourage private businesses to take steps to intensify their vaccine-related requirements,... more »

• More than 4 million COVID cases in the U.S. in the last 4 weeks, statistics reveal

  September 7, 2021 10:49 AM

  With Labor Day come and gone, U.S. health experts have tallied the nation's number of COVID cases and, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 4 million virus cases have been reported in the last four weeks alone. According to CNN , COVID cases have generally... more »

• Baton Rouge General opening specialized center for COVID antibody treatments Play Video

  August 23, 2021 5:12 PM

  Baton Rouge General will open a specialized treatment center this week that will allow staff to treat more COVID patients using monoclonal antibodies . On Monday, the hospital announced its Specialty Infusion Center at BRG's Bluebonnet location would open later that same week. The center will include 15 infusion... more »

• Events shifting on the calendar again after already being rescheduled due to COVID surge Play Video

  August 20, 2021 9:17 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Concerns related to the spread of COVID-19 have paused a slew of plans during 2021. At the start of the year, when federal officials began distributing virus-fighting vaccines to states across the U.S., a number of folks couldn't help but hope to see certain aspects of... more »

• Psychologists suggest a more informative approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy

  August 13, 2021 10:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Approximately 1,771,279 people in Louisiana are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which is about 37 percent of the state's population. While this indicates progress in the fight to ward off the deadly effects of COVID-19, health officials say Louisiana still has a long way to go. ... more »

• California will require teachers to be vaccinated or submit to regular testing

  August 11, 2021 11:46 AM

  SACRAMENTO, California - Teachers in California will soon be required to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular testing, according to CNN . Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to officially make this announcement Wednesday, according to the news outlet. Newsom's new mandate will make California the... more »

• France, Iceland among countries added to CDC's updated COVID 'travel risk' list

  August 10, 2021 7:51 AM

  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday updated its guidance on which countries pose the highest COVID risk to travelers. While the CDC recommends being fully vaccinated before embarking on international travel, it suggests totally avoiding places that are labeled as, "Level 4: COVID-19 very... more »

• Report: Indications of a strong labor market emerge as unemployment rate falls to 5.4%

  August 6, 2021 9:55 AM

  Experts say the U.S. workforce is undergoing a gradual rebuilding process amid challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was emphasized in job growth data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Friday. The new statistics revealed that the economy added 943,000 jobs in July and the unemployment... more »

• Moderna says its COVID vaccine provides 93% effectiveness for six months

  August 5, 2021 8:37 AM

  On the heels of Pfizer's announcement that its vaccine will soon receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pharmaceutical company Moderna is informing the public that new studies show its COVID-19 vaccines are 93% effective for six months after a person receives a second dose. The... more »

• Mask mandate returns as Louisiana battles spike in COVID cases

  August 4, 2021 10:09 AM

  BATON ROUGE - As of Wednesday, the state of Louisiana is under a reinstated mask mandate until the first of September. The order, issued by Governor John Bel Edwards, requires that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals age five and older wear a face mask that properly covers their mouth... more »

• Pfizer appears on track to become first fully-approved COVID vaccine

  August 4, 2021 9:28 AM

  The United States may have its first fully-approved vaccination against COVID-19 before Labor Day. Last month, Pfizer-BioNTech announced the U.S. government is likely to complete the approval process by the start of next month and grant full approval of their vaccine as a way of boosting the public's confidence... more »

• OLOL welcomes Disaster Medical Assistance Team to help with COVID surge Play Video

  August 2, 2021 10:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A number of Louisiana hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of the dozens of virus patients who've been checking in during the most recent resurgence of COVID-19. But healthcare workers at Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) in Baton Rouge are now hoping they'll be... more »

• At least one COVID patient checked in every hour at Baton Rouge hospital Play Video

  August 2, 2021 7:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge is one of 45 Louisiana hospitals requesting extra staff during the recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers across the state are being stretched thin as large numbers of COVID-19 patients request care for symptoms. On... more »

• Man from New Orleans, teen from Lafayette win big in weekly 'Shot At a Million' campaign

  July 30, 2021 1:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE — One man from New Orleans is $100,000 wealthier thanks to getting a COVID vaccination and a teenager from Lafayette is paving his way to the future with a bright and shiny $100,000 scholarship, all because he chose to get the vaccine. Stephen Curry, a 57-year-old man... more »

• White House official visits Louisiana to encourage more vaccinations amid COVID resurgence Play Video

  July 29, 2021 10:57 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Since Louisiana began administering COVID-19 vaccine doses and moved into a cautious reopening process, state leaders and citizens alike have been faced with a challenging balancing act of resuming everyday activities while taking steps to mitigate the spread of novel coronavirus. The question of how to... more »

• More Americans are being vaccinated; CDC reports significant 24-hour period increase Play Video

  July 26, 2021 6:55 AM

  According to a White House official, an increasing number of people in the United States are being vaccinated. Ronald Klain, the White House Chief of Staff announced Sunday, via his Twitter account , that The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a significant jump in the number of... more »

• RSV infections on the rise in children across Baton Rouge area Play Video

  July 7, 2021 7:01 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Doctors say it's unusual to have a wave of respiratory syncytial virus cases in the summer. But since COVID restrictions were lifted, doctors say there's been a spike in cases, particularly in children. It's been a tough week for Amanda Bethel and her 1-year-old daughter Cora.... more »

• CDC: Delta becomes dominant coronavirus variant in US

  July 7, 2021 9:23 AM

  The delta variant of the novel coronavirus, also known as B.1.617.2, has become the dominant strain in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ABC News reports. Data updated by the CDC on Tuesday evening revealed that this highly contagious variant was estimated to... more »

• How China's power shortage impacts the global community

  June 30, 2021 10:03 AM

  GUANGZHOU, China - In a world still recovering from the reverberating effects of the COVID-19 health crisis, one of the international community's wealthiest nations is struggling through a power shortage that may impact the global economy. China's struggles are causing problems for its international partners, according to a recent... more »

• Superdome to require masks or proof of vaccination during 100 percent capacity events

  June 25, 2021 4:57 AM

  NEW ORLEANS — Across the state, masks appear to be coming off as the number of those who've been fully vaccinated continues to rise, but in one major Crescent City venue, masks will continue to be a requirement. According to WWL.com , officials with the New Orleans' Mercedes-Benz Superdome... more »

• American Airlines cancels hundreds of flights amid labor shortages

  June 21, 2021 9:06 AM

  American Airlines is canceling hundreds of flights amid the company's struggle to maintain service as a massive amount of COVID-weary customers book flights and a labor shortage causes significant issues for the airline, CNN reports. The cancellations are expected to continue through at least mid-July. Shannon Gilson, a... more »

• New Orleans airport to offer COVID-19 vaccinations to travelers

  June 17, 2021 6:07 AM

  KENNER - As of Thursday, travelers passing through the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) in Jefferson Parish will have access to COVID-19 vaccinations, according to a Wednesday news release from Ochsner Health. The news release stated that the medical facility is teaming up with the airport to offer vaccinations... more »

• Royal Caribbean postpones inaugural ship sailing after multiple crew members test positive for COVID

  June 16, 2021 8:39 AM

  Royal Caribbean is officially delaying the inaugural sailing of its cruise ship Odyssey of the Seas due to eight vaccinated crew members testing positive for COVID-19, according to CNN . The positive test results were discovered during routine testing, Royal Caribbean President and CEO Michael Bayley said in a... more »

• Members of Congress hold moment of silence for America's victims of COVID-19

  June 15, 2021 6:05 AM

  Even as the U.S. continues to move forward in its reopening process, the nation's leaders are demonstrating that those who lost their lives to the deadly impact of novel coronavirus will never be forgotten. On Monday evening, members of Congress gathered on the east front steps of the U.S.... more »

• Louisiana among states that may be severely impacted by Delta variant, expert says

  June 14, 2021 6:42 AM

  As the Delta variant continues to make its way into the United States, CNN reports that the variant appears on its way to becoming the nation's dominant strain of COVID-19. Some experts are concerned this implies an impending rise in outbreaks among the US's most vulnerable communities by the... more »

• Moderna seeks FDA authorization for COVID vaccine for children ages 12 to 17

  June 10, 2021 9:52 AM

  Moderna has officially requested that the US Food and Drug Administration approve emergency use authorization for its COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 17, according to a news release from the company, CNN reports. The vaccine is currently authorized for people ages 18 and older and CNN notes... more »

• Florida concert offers vaccinated guests nearly $900 discount on tickets

  May 28, 2021 6:44 AM

  TAMPA BAY, Florida - Around the country, local governments and business owners have been thinking up creative ways to promote COVID-19 vaccinations in their communities. In Florida , music-lovers were encouraged to get vaccinated when a concert promoter announced an over $900 discount on concert tickets for vaccinated individuals.... more »

• LSU to keep mask requirement despite state lifting mandate

  May 27, 2021 10:01 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Though a number of COVID-19 related restrictions have eased across the state , Louisiana State University is keeping at least one restriction in place. The university announced Thursday that its mask mandate will remain as is. LSU's interim president, Tom Galligan, released the following statement... more »

• First cruise ship to set sail since COVID-19 shutdown approved to depart in June

  May 27, 2021 8:56 AM

  As U.S. citizens continue to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in droves, a major cruise line has announced that it will set sail next month. CNN reports that Celebrity Edge will be the first major cruise ship to sail from the United States in over a year. The ship... more »

• COVID-19 vaccination sites in Ascension Parish

  May 25, 2021 5:58 AM

  ASCENSION PARISH - Officials in Ascension Parish issued a Monday news release, reminding locals that COVID-19 vaccinations are available at several locations within the parish. The list of locations can be found below. Frank Sotile pavilion The Louisiana National Guard will be administering the Pfizer vaccine, May... more »

• Salma Hayek reveals details of her nearly fatal battle with COVID

  May 20, 2021 7:17 AM

  A familiar face in Hollywood is speaking out about her ordeal with COVID-19 early on in the pandemic. Salma Hayek, the 54-year-old star of Like a Boss and Desperado, says she battled a near-fatal case of the virus that resulted in the deaths of over 500,000 people in the... more »

• As dangerous COVID variant impacts Europe, experts warn U.S. should prepare Play Video

  March 31, 2021 6:40 AM

  As a COVID-19 variant continues to have a devastating impact on European nations, a number of experts say the United States must continue to adhere to coronavirus safety measures in preparation for another potential surge, CNN reports. The news outlet notes that the B.1.1.7 variant, first spotted in the... more »

• Crawfish Tracker: Prices soar in capital area as Louisiana gets ready to reopen

  May 14, 2020 5:17 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Things are slowly getting back to the way they were before the coronavirus outbreak, and that applies to crawfish prices as well. According to the WBRZ Crawfish Price Index , the cost of boiled crawfish jumped significantly this week. The average cost of boiled crawfish is... more »

• La. casinos will reopen next week with new rules in place

  May 12, 2020 1:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana's casinos will not immediately reopen when the governor's current stay-at-home order expires this Friday. The chairman of Louisiana's Gaming Control Board says they will remain closed until Monday, May 18. That is due largely to revised floor plans for gambling spaces needing to be approved.... more »

• Budweiser recruiting help of internet to boo Roger Goodell at virtual NFL Draft

  April 20, 2020 5:45 PM

  This year's NFL Draft will be unrecognizable compared to those is years past, but Budweiser is fighting to keep one very special draft tradition alive: fans coming together to collectively boo Commissioner Roger Goodell. The brewery announced Monday it's launching the "Boo the Commish" campaign to make sure fans... more »

• State moving inmates with coronavirus to Angola prison; one moved from Iberville jail Thursday

  April 2, 2020 6:31 PM

  PLAQUEMINE - An inmate at the Iberville Parish Jail has tested positive for coronavirus and is being moved to Angola Prison, where other sick mates are being held. Sheriff Brett Stassi confirmed Thursday that an inmate at the jail was diagnosed with COVID-19. Stassi says that inmate was sent... more »

• Officials: Expect to see more cases in EBR as parish ramps up testing Play Video

  March 20, 2020 5:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE - East Baton Rouge officials are urging residents to stay calm as the parish inevitably reports more cases of the coronavirus in the coming days. Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome's office said in a statement Friday that the parish is expecting a spike in confirmed cases as it... more »

• La. health department monitoring locals who traveled abroad amid virus scare Play Video

  February 28, 2020 4:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana state health department is checking-in with an unreleased number of people who have returned to Louisiana from places like China amid an outbreak of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. Health leaders met Friday and will meet with the governor's emergency response unit Monday. ... more »

• LSU mumps outbreak grows; university now confirms 16 cases

  February 4, 2020 7:52 PM

  UPDATE: An LSU spokesperson said Thursday that 16 cases of mumps have now been confirmed on and around campus. The handful of new cases were all said to be off campus. All 16 people infected reportedly had the mumps vaccine before contracting the illness. ***** BATON ROUGE... more »

• Saints legend Steve Gleason to receive Congressional Gold Medal

  December 20, 2018 4:32 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans Saints legend and ALS awareness advocate Steve Gleason will receive the highest civilian honor Congress can bestow, the Congressional Gold Medal. The House of Representatives unanimously approved the award on Thursday. The next step will be for President Trump to approve it next year.... more »

• Report: Man dies after eating oysters contaminated with 'flesh-eating' bacteria

  July 19, 2018 2:58 PM

  FLORIDA- Officials say a 71-year-old man in Florida died after eating raw oysters contaminated with a bacteria that is known to eat away an infected person's skin. The bacteria is known as Vibrio Vulnificus and is most commonly associated with eating raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish. According... more »

• LSU offers free mumps vaccines to students, faculty and staff Play Video

  March 20, 2017 5:04 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The LSU Student Health Center will partner with the Louisiana Office of Public Health to provide the Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR) vaccine for all students, faculty and staff starting Wednesday. The vaccinations will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Mar. 22, and Thursday, Mar. 23... more »