Even though Governor John Bel Edwards says the state is on the downswing from the latest surge of COVID cases, he plans on renewing the public health emergency order for another 28 days, but it will not include any mention of masks. Edwards says the state department of health will give additional guidance for K-through-12 schools today…
cut 13 (11) “…mandates either”

And when it comes to the redistricting session, Governor Edwards says congressional maps that do not create an additional majority-Black district are very problematic. Edwards says the 2020 Census indicates one-third of the state is Black, so two of the state’s six congressional districts should be majority-minority…
cut 6 (09) “…as well”
Opponents argue a second majority-minority district would actually dilute the Black vote in those districts.

Louisiana Congressman Mike Johnson has introduced the Cease Overdose Act. Johnson says it would remove the need for Congress to reauthorize illicit fentanyl’s classification as a deadly substance every couple of months. Johnson says his legislation is needed because fentanyl overdoses recently became the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45…
cut 8 (07) “…lethal dose”

Vincent Simmons is out of jail after spending nearly 45 years in prison after he was convicted of attempted aggravated rape of 14-year-old white twin sisters in 1977. An Avoyelles Parish Judge ruled that Simmons should get a new trial after determining he did not receive a fair trial. Avoyelles District Attorney Charles Riddle…
cut 11 (12) “….in his possession”
Riddle says he and the accussers are okay with Simmons leaving prison because he’s already spent 44 years behind bars.