Leader of Louisianas health department to resign

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Three years after becoming the leader of Louisiana’s Department of Health, Secretary Dr. Courtney N. Phillips is resigning. Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a news release Monday that Phillips’ resignation is effective Thursday. Veteran attorney Stephen Russo, who has served as executive counsel since 2008, will replace her, the governor said. “Secretary Phillips is one of the hardest working, most capable, and most accomplished people I’ve ever met,” Edwards said. He said Phillips’ “decisive and thoughtful leadership saved lives” as she assumed the post at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. “She spearheaded our…