The Governor signs into law a bill prohibiting the publication of most booking photos; aka “mug shots” before a conviction. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
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Louisiana is in its sixth COVID surge, but health officials say it’s much different than previous ones. Brooke Thorington explains
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Louisiana lands a blow in the fight against workplace discrimination. David Grubb explains…
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Governor Edwards signs into law a bill prohibiting the public release of most booking photos – also called “mug shots” – prior to the subject’s conviction. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis is the bill’s author. He says the law – which goes into effect on August 1st – will only apply to mug shots of people booked with non-violent offenses…:
Cut 4 (12) “…found not guilty”
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office, and some others, have already made a policy of prohibiting mug shots at the time of the arrest. Duplessis says he brought the legislation because mug shots are hardly ever retracted if a person was found innocent, once they’ve been made public…:
Cut 5 (09) “…digital Scarlet Letter.”
Duplessis says his bill will apply only to those arrested for non-violent offenses, and publicizing a mug shot will be OK if the subject is a wanted fugitive, considered dangerous and/or a threat to public safety…:
Cut 6 (09) “…we’re trying to strike”
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Health officials say Louisiana is experiencing its sixth surge of COVID. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says even though the dashboard Tuesday indicated close to 29 hundred new cases he says the number is misleading because home tests are not required to be reported to the department.
The positivity rate of tests reported to the state has increased from 13.3-percent to 13.6-percent in the past week.
Kanter says this surge though is much different from others. In the past when cases increase it would be followed by an uptick in COVID hospitalizations and deaths, but the current surge appears to show a decoupling of that equation.
Kanter says the current surge compared to previous ones is showing only a slight increase in COVID deaths.
Health officials say of those hospitalized with COVID, 63 percent are not fully vaccinated, and 87 percent have not been vaccinated nor boosted.
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The CROWN Act has officially become law. Sponsored by New Orleans representative Candace Newell, the law prohibits intentional discrimination based on hairstyles, particularly those that are natural or protective. Research has shown that 80 percent of Black women have endured some type of discrimination based on their hair in the workplace. Newell says this sends a strong message.
Cut 10 (12) “…your character.”
Similar measures had failed in previous years, including one by current US Congressman Troy Carter. Carter passed a national version in the US House, but it has stalled in the Senate. Newell says she was glad to take the baton on the issue and place Louisiana at the forefront of positive change.
Cut 11 (12) “…legislation statewide.”
Representative Newell said she had to have some hard, and in some cases painful, discussions with colleagues as she met with every member of the House to gain support for her bill. She says for Louisiana to reach its potential those conversations will have to continue.
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Law enforcement officials say we are in the midst of the 100 Deadliest Days of summer. Trooper Christian Reed says from Memorial Day to Labor Day there’s an increase in traffic fatalities among young drivers.
Cut 13 (11) “…in a deadly crash.”
Reed says parents need to have honest discussions with their children about the dangers of drinking and driving or getting in the car with a driver who’s impaired. And always make sure they are properly restrained.
On Sunday two teens were killed in Ascension Parish when the car they were in ended up in a pond and submerged underwater. Reed says no law enforcement officer ever wants to tell a parent about the death of their child.
Cut 15 (11) “…tragic happens.”
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Cut 16 (13) “all preventable illnesses”
Cut 17 (16) “ …(x2) all will be well.”
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