BY DOUG GRAHAM | Staff writer Ochsner Health, the state’s largest hospital system — and one of its largest private employers — plans to lay off 770 employees across its 42 hospitals and more than 200 urgent care and health centers in Louisiana and Mississippi. The totals represent 2% of the system's 38,000-person workforce. Ochsner says it is not closing or consolidating any of its facilities, and the cuts are expected to save the system between $125 million and $150 million a year. The cuts will not affect doctors, nurses and other patient-facing staff, according to Ochsner CEO Pete November. Affected employees will receive full pay and benefits for 60 days plus a severance package, according to a statement from the CEO. Ascension Parish school system has banned hoodies and other hooded clothing for all high-schoolers starting in the 2023-24 term. School board member Jake Lambert said the push grew out of security concerns from administrators. The hoods can prevent students involved in incidents on campus from being identified by cameras and other school security devices, he said. The changes come amid steps by other local public districts to address school security. If you are one of those people who plan their fall Sundays around the New Orleans Saints, Thursday delivered big news, as the NFL held its annual schedule release. The potentially good news: The combined winning percentage of the Saints' opponents in 2022 was .427, the worst of any team in the league. Sports columnist Jeff Duncan writes that the 2023 schedule — on paper — might be the easiest schedule in club history. | 