Louisiana has received more than $100 million in federal housing assistance to assist over 20-thousand residents with past rent dating back as far as April 2020. Gina Campo, Deputy Executive Director with the Office of Community Development says the program will assist those who are in danger of being evicted.

Cut 3 (10) “…guidelines.”

The website is laCOVIDhousing.com

Health officials say Louisiana is experiencing its sixth surge of COVID. State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says this surge differs from previous ones because we aren’t seeing an increase in hospitalizations and deaths.

Cut 9 (08)  “…blip right now.”

Kanter says of those hospitalized with COVID, 63 percent are not fully vaccinated, and 87 percent have not been vaccinated nor boosted.

New Orleans Representative Candace Newell’s CROWN Act is officially law. The law prohibits intentional discrimination based on hairstyles. Research shows 80 percent of Black women have endured some type of discrimination based on their hair in the workplace. Newell says the law sends a strong message.

Cut 10 (12) “…your character.”

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 a 15 percent increase in traffic fatalities among drivers ages 16 to 19. Reed says no law enforcement officer ever wants to tell a parent about the death of their child.

Cut 15 (11)  “…tragic happens.”

Governor John Bel Edwards signed several bills into law yesterday, one of them prohibits law enforcement from releasing the mug shots of suspects arrested for non-violent offenses. New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says he brought the legislation because mug shots are hardly ever retracted if a person was found innocent…
Cut 5 (09) “…digital Scarlet Letter.”
Duplessis says once a non-violent offender is convicted of the crime they were arrested for, then the mugshot would be made available to the public.

The governor also signed legislation that would prevent employers or those who provide housing from discriminating against an individual because of their natural or protective hairstyle. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell is the author of the Crown Act…
cut 11 (12) “…legislation statewide”
Previous attempts to pass this legislation in Louisiana failed.

The Louisiana Department of Health says the state is in its sixth COVID surge…
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Louisiana Tech is mourning the death of former football star Jaylon Ferguson, who died at the age of 26. The Saint Francisville native is the NCAA’s all-time sack leader as he racked up 45 sacks and was known as the “Sack Daddy.” He was set to begin his fourth season with the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have not released any details on Ferguson’s death.

The Governor signs into law a bill prohibiting the publication of most booking photos; aka “mug shots” before a conviction. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

State Police announces a multi-violent crime enforcement operation results in 171 arrests in Rapides, Natchitoches and Grant parishes. There were 278 total charges, 140 were drug charges, 28 weapon charges and 57 other felony charges. 31 illegally possessed firearms were seized.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation that would prohibit discrimination based on a person’s natural, protective or cultural hairsytles like afros, dreadlocks, twists, locs, braids and cornrow braids. Similar attempts to pass this measure failed in the past. New Orleans Representative Candace Newell says she had some hard conversations with some of her House colleagues in order to pass this bill…
cut 12 (11) “….of something”
Newell says for Louisiana to reach its potential more difficult conversations will have to take place.

Law enforcement refers to this time period as the 100 Deadliest Days of summer as there tends to be an increase in deaths among younger individuals. State Trooper Christian Reed has this advice for young drivers…
cut 14 (06) “….a vehicle”

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.”

Another bill signed into law will result in law enforcement no longer releasing the booking photos of suspects arrested for nonviolent offenses.
cut 6 (09) “…we’re trying to strike”
New Orleans Representative Royce Duplessis says publicizing a mug shot will be OK if the subject is a wanted fugitive, considered dangerous and/or a threat to public safety.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon announces policyholders with Lighthouse Excalibur, Maison and Southern Fidelity can be insured by Louisiana Citizens for 60 days after they are cancelled by their current insurance provider. Donelon says failed insurers Lighthouse Excalibur and Maison will cancel their Louisiana policies on June 30th, but these policyholders will have coverage through July and August. He says Citizens can also provide coverage for 60 days for Southern Fidelity policyholders who see their current coverage canceled on July 15th.

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the state is experiencing its sixth COVID surge as the state reported 28-hundred new cases yesterday. But Kanter says unlike previous surges, there’s not been a dramatic increase in COVID hospitalizations or deaths…
cut 8 (12) “…time around”
The state reported five more COVID deaths yesterday.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed legislation into law that would close Louisiana’s three abortion clinics should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe v Wade. The legislation does not criminally punish pregnant women, but doctors or others who perform an abortion could be sentenced for up to 10 years in prison. The trigger law does not contain exception for rape and incest, but Benjamin Clapper with Louisiana Right to Life says there are exceptions for medical causes, like ectopic pregnancies, stillbirth diagnoses and to protect the health of the mother….
cut 28 (12) “….through abortion”
The Supreme Court could overturn Roe Versus Wade as early as today.

State health officer Doctor Joe Kanter says the state is experiencing its sixth COVID surge. L-D-H reported close to 29-hundred new cases yesterday, but Kanter says that does not take into account positive at home tests…
cut 7 (09) “….right now”
Statewide COVID hospitalizations are at 375.

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”
Even though the law goes into effect August first, some sheriff offices have already announced they will begin following the legislation.

Law enforcement officials say we are in the midst of the 100 Deadliest Days of summer. State 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.

Edit

Governor Edwards signs a new abortion “trigger law” that will take effect should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn Roe vs Wade. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 2 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”  

The governor also signed the bill that removes Robert E. Lee Day and Confederate Memorial Days from the list of state holidays. He also signed a measure overhauling the regulation of medical marijuana in the state, it switches regulation from the Department of Agriculture and Forestry to the Department of Health.

The Louisiana Department of Health, the American Academy of Pediatrics along with the Louisiana chapter are recommending COVID vaccines for children ages 6 months and older. President of the state chapter Dr. Rachel Chatters says parents should speak with their pediatricians about their child’s health and not assume rumors against vaccines are true.

Cut 5  (10) “…unfounded claims.”

As temperatures continue to soar, people aren’t the only ones who need to be concerned about staying out of the heat. Pets are particularly vulnerable and Jeff Dorson of the Louisiana Human Society has some tips on how to keep our furry friends safe.

Cut 6  (11) “…that’s their name.” 

Now that the COVID vaccine has been approved for kids 5 and under, Louisiana health care providers are preparing to give out the shots. State health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says 175 providers have ordered tens of thousands of children’s doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. He says for Moderna, it is two shots…and the Pfizer requires 3…:

CUT 04  (07)        “…the other.”

Kanter says call your pediatrican for information, or visit “ldh.la.gov”

As it gets hotter, we’re all reminded to protect our precious pets from heat-related illness and death. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane society says pets can die in a hot car, or exposed to sun & heat, within a very short time. He says you could even be charged with aggravated cruelty to animals…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…be mindful please.”

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law a new “trigger law” that would outlaw abortions in Louisiana should the U.S. Supreme Court overturn “Roe vs Wade”. The legislation does not criminally punish pregnant women, but doctors or others who perform abortion could be sentenced for up to 10 years. Louisiana Right to Life executive director Ben Clapper…:

CUT 12(14)      “…abortions in Louisiana”

Senate Bill 342, by Monroe Senator Katrina Jackson, has exceptions for ectopic pregnancies and health threats to the mother. It will take effect immediately, should Roe by overturned.

A judge at the center of a high-profile custody battle where a woman was ordered to pay her accused rapist child support has temporarily reversed his decision to grant the now-teenage daughter’s father full custody. Judge Jeffrey Cashe, in Tangipahoa Parish, decided Tuesday to revoke John Barnes’ custody. A new custody trial has been scheduled for July 15^th.