Tag: Louisiana News

Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits 20 States: Full List of Affected Areas

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anonymous man hanging toilet paper in bathroom

A parasite that causes explosive, watery diarrhea has sickened 145 people across 20 US states, prompting an ongoing investigation by federal and state health officials into the source of the outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the cases were reported between May and June 16 and involve patients ranging in age from 5 to 86 years old. So far, 20 people have been hospitalized, but no deaths have been reported. Breaking It Down What is Shigella and how does it spread? What are the symptoms of Shigella infection? How are health authorities responding to the outbreak in Wayanad? Created with AI. Health officials believe the illnesses are linked to contaminated food because none of the patients reported recent international travel.

However, investigators have not yet identified the exact source. The parasite, Cyclospora cayetanensis, causes cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness that commonly leads to explosive, watery diarrhea, severe stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Symptoms usually appear about a week after infection and mainly affect the intestines, although some infected people may not develop symptoms. The CDC said local, state, and federal public health authorities are investigating several clusters of cases spanning multiple states. Officials also noted that the true number of infections may be higher because some cases may not have been diagnosed.

List of 20 States Affected By The Outbreak The CDC has reported cases in the following states and Washington, DC:

  • New York
  • New Jersey
  • Connecticut
  • Pennsylvania
  • Massachusetts
  • Rhode Island
  • Delaware
  • Maryland
  • Virginia
  • North Carolina
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Wisconsin
  • Illinois
  • Georgia
  • Florida
  • Texas
  • Louisiana
  • Colorado
  • Alaska
  • Washington DC

Among the affected areas, New York has reported the highest number of cases, with between 31 and 80 infections, followed by Texas and Illinois, which have each recorded between 11 and 30 cases. While cyclosporiasis can resolve on its own, symptoms may last for a month or longer if left untreated, increasing the risk of dehydration. The CDC says the infection is typically treated with the antibiotic trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, also sold under the brand names Bactrim, Septra and Cotrim. The agency also recommends following safe food handling and storage practices. Previous US outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh produce, including cilantro, raspberries, sweet peas, mesclun lettuce and basil.

Source: Explosive Diarrhea Parasite Outbreak Hits 20 States: Full List of Affected Areas | Times Now

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5

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States That Allow Bible in the Classroom

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Elementary students and teacher sitting and reading books in a classroom reading corner

Texas public schools will now require students to read Bible passages and stories as part of the latest conservative push to expand the role of religion in public education—a move bound to escalate wrangling over the separation of church and state doctrine derived from the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment.

The Texas State Board of Education, which is controlled by Republicans, approved a reading list on Friday that would mean millions of public school children must read excerpts from the Book of Job and New Testament passages, alongside traditional literary works like Charles Dickens. The list will be phased in beginning in the 2030-31 school year.

The decision places Texas at the center of an ongoing national debate over religion in public schools. While no state requires devotional Bible study in public school classrooms, four states—Texas, Utah, Louisiana and Oklahoma—have adopted or proposed policies that significantly expand the Bible’s presence in schools.

Texas

Texas approved a required statewide reading list that includes Bible passages ranging from the story of Jonah to selections from Genesis, Psalms and Lamentations. Supporters say the Bible is being taught as an essential work of literature and history rather than as religious doctrine. Critics, however, contend the curriculum gives Christianity preferential treatment over other religions and reduces local educators’ ability to choose instructional materials. “This is unique,” Antero Garcia, president of the National Council of Teachers of English and a Stanford University professor, told the Associated Press.

“I don’t know of any other state with a mandatory reading list that includes religious texts.” The vote builds on earlier Texas initiatives, including the Bluebonnet Learning curriculum, which offers districts financial incentives to adopt reading lessons containing biblical references, and a 2025 law requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. Another 2025 law, SB 11, allows school districts to adopt a voluntary period for prayer and reading religious texts, including the Bible.

Utah

Utah lawmakers approved legislation requiring selected Bible passages to be incorporated into public school social studies standards beginning with the 2028-29 school year. The law directs educators to use the Bible when teaching subjects such as American history, civics and Western civilization, while emphasizing that instruction should be academic rather than devotional. Supporters argue the Bible is foundational to understanding Western history, while opponents say the law risks favoring Christianity in public education.

Louisiana

Louisiana took a different approach by requiring the Ten Commandments to be displayed in every public school classroom. The law does not require students to read the Bible or participate in Bible study, but supporters have argued the displays reflect the historical foundations of American law. The measure remains the subject of ongoing constitutional litigation.

Oklahoma

Oklahoma drew national attention in 2024 after then-state Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters directed public schools to incorporate the Bible into instruction for grades five through 12. Walters said the Bible was an “indispensable historical and cultural touchstone” for understanding the nation’s founding documents and history. The directive prompted multiple lawsuits, and subsequent state leaders declined to continue enforcing the policy, leaving Oklahoma without a statewide Bible mandate.

What Does the Supreme Court Say About Teaching the Bible in School?

The U.S. Supreme Court has long distinguished between teaching religion and teaching about religion. In Abington School District v. Schempp (1963), the court struck down school-sponsored Bible readings but also emphasized that objective instruction about the Bible’s role in history, civilization, ethics and literature is constitutionally permissible. Justice Tom Clark wrote that “the Bible is worthy of study for its literary and historic qualities,” adding that such study, “when presented objectively as part of a secular program of education,” is consistent with the First Amendment. That distinction remains central to current legal debates. States defending Bible-related curriculum changes argue they are teaching the Bible for its historical and literary significance rather than promoting religious belief. Civil liberties organizations counter that some recent policies cross the constitutional line by advancing Christianity over other faiths.

What Are Released-Time Bible Programs?

Released-time programs allow public school students, with parental permission, to leave campus during the school day to receive religious instruction from private organizations. The classes are voluntary, privately funded and conducted off school property. The practice was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Zorach v. Clauson (1952), which found that schools may accommodate religious instruction provided they do not sponsor or fund it. More than a dozen states now require school districts to accommodate released-time religious instruction if requested, and organizations such as LifeWise Academy have rapidly expanded Bible education programs under those laws.

Why It Matters The Texas vote represents the most expansive effort yet to make biblical texts a required part of public school instruction and is likely to intensify legal challenges over the separation of church and state. Whether other states follow Texas could shape the next chapter of the national debate over religion’s place in public education—and potentially invite another review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Source: Map Shows States That Allow Bible in the Classroom – Newsweek

No one is holy like the LORD, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:2

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8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, police say

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Eight children and teens were killed early Sunday in a mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, authorities said. The suspected shooter is also dead, according to police. Ten people were struck by gunfire in all, Shreveport Police Department spokesperson Chris Bordelon said at a news conference. He described the incident as “domestic in nature” and said authorities believe at least some of those shot were the “descendants” of the shooter. The ages of the deceased ranged from 1 to approximately 14 years old, police said. None of the people killed or injured were identified by name. Some of the injured have been hospitalized, said Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. According to police, two adult women were being treated for “serious injuries.”

A teenager was also injured in the shootings, but those injuries were not considered life-threatening, Shreveport police said in a statement.   The shootings took place at multiple locations in the city, police said. The suspect first shot a woman on the street before going to a nearby residence, where all eight people who were killed were shot, according to police. One of the victims then ran to an adjacent residence, police said. Shreveport police identified the suspected shooter to CBS News as Shamar Elkins.

Source: 8 children killed in mass shooting in Shreveport, Louisiana, police say – CBS News

Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began.
2 Timothy 1:9

Car slams into Louisiana Lao New Year parade, injuring about 15 people

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paramedics pushing a stretcher

An estimated 15 people have been injured in Louisiana’s Iberia Parish, after a car struck participants at a Lao New Year parade in the United States. According to a statement from the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office on Saturday, some attendees were seriously injured. “Based on the preliminary investigation, this does not appear to be an intentional act,” said Rebecca Melancon, a sheriff’s office spokesperson. The Acadian Ambulance company confirmed on social media that it had taken 11 people to the hospital using ground transport, and another two victims were airlifted to seek urgent care.

Ten ambulances and two medical helicopters were deployed to the scene. The incident took place in New Iberia, a city of more than 28,000 in Iberia Parish, some 34km (21 miles) south of Lafayette, Louisiana. It is situated roughly 214km (130 miles) west of New Orleans. The Louisiana Lao New Year Festival parade is an annual tradition on Easter weekend in the parish, and the celebration features live music, food vendors and a beauty pageant. In the aftermath of the car crash, the festival issued a statement on social media, saying that all of its security resources had been surged to the scene. “We are profoundly saddened by the news of the incident near the festival grounds,” festival organisers wrote. “We are awaiting additional details from authorities as they become available.” They added that Saturday’s musical events were cancelled, though vendors were permitted to stay open until 9pm local time (2:00am GMT, Sunday). “We are praying for the victims and for their families during this difficult time,” the organisers wrote. “As of now, and if security resources are restored for tomorrow (Sunday) we will reopen only the religious services of the festival, and vendors will stay open.”

Source: Car slams into Louisiana Lao New Year parade, injuring about 15 people | Health News | Al Jazeera

He who follows righteousness and mercy Finds life, righteousness, and honor.
Proverbs 21:21