Louisiana residents are evenly split in their opinions of religious freedom laws that allow businesses to refuse service based on sexual orientation. Dr. Michael Henderson with the LSU Public Policy Research Lab says the survey also finds three-fourths of respondents support protection from workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Cut 8 (09) “the workplace”

Louisiana has selected a contractor to oversee the homeowner assistance program for flood victims. The Governor’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Julie Baxter Payer, says the first round of assistance will go to low-income and disabled individuals.

Cut 11 (08) “couple of weeks”
Flood victims should fill out the survey at restore.la.gov to see if they’re eligible for federal aid.

Authorities are still not sure why a Vermillion Parish man set fire to a home, killing an 89-year-old Ponchatoula woman who lived there. Tangipahoa Sheriff Daniel Edwards says they don’t know of a motive, but 26-year-old Timothy Rouchon did know the victim.

Cut 3 (07) “I believe”

The state Fire Marshal’s Office found the presence of accelerant used to fuel the fire.

Distracted driving is a dangerous epidemic in Louisiana. That’s according to Executive Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission, Dr. Katara Williams, who says they’re educating the public about the dangers of distracted driving. She says it’s also important for parents to set a good example for their kids.

Cut 14 (10) “they’re seeing”