The Louisiana Department of Health has launched a statewide campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of the powerful opioid fentanyl and actions everyone can take to save lives. Governor John Bel Edwards has proclaimed today as Fentanyl Awareness Day in Louisiana. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says Louisiana overdose rates are well ahead of national averages…:

CUT 09(12)      “…highly lethal.”

Visit “OpioidHelpLA.org” for information about fentanyl and resources.

At the State Capitol, legislation to make burglary of an inhabited dwelling a crime of violence advances from Senate Judiciary C. The bill already cleared the House 73 to 28. Bill author and Jefferson Parish Representative Debbie Villio on her bill…:

CUT 12(12)      “…life-long.”

By a 4-to-2 vote, the bill now heads for the Senate floor.

The full House has approved a bill that would require parents to give written consent to school officials for their kid to be paddled as punishment. Speaking against the bill was Amite Democrat Rep. Robby Carter, who says all physical discipline is outdated…:

CUT 05(10)      “…don’t you agree?”

Metairie Democrat Stephanie Hilferty’s bill advances; headed next to a Senate committee.

A pair of southwest Louisiana teens are arrested for allegedly shooting into a crowd of people last Saturday night in Lake Charles. 18-year-old Harry Pendleton of L.C. and 19-year-old Chelsey Ned of DeQuincy each face multiple charges and are in the Calcasieu Parish jail. Cops say it’s fortunate that no one was hit by any of the gunfire.

State Police report two people died overnight in a head-on crash in Washington Parish in Franklinton. Both drivers were women, and troopers confirm at least one of them was not wearing a safety belt. The crash is under investigation.