PM LRN Newscall Aug 9

New laws pertaining to immunization requirements for students are in effect. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 1 (33) …I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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May 7, 2025, is now the final deadline for U-S residents to obtain a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. Sean Richardson has more.

Cut 2 (35)  “…I’m Sean Richardson.” 

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Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) has partnered with the Louisiana Automobile Dealers Association (LADA) to launch the “Put the Brakes on Litter” campaign. KLB Director Susan Russel says participating dealers will distribute litter kits to customers, aiming to raise awareness about the environmental impact of littering.

Cut 3 (11) “…all throughout Louisiana.”

The campaign, a result of a recent study that found there are 143.8 million pieces of litter on the roadways, emphasizes the role that individuals can play in reducing litter, particularly from vehicles. Russel says the initiative is designed to address the state’s litter problem by leveraging the influence of car dealerships.

Cut 4 (10) “…expand it to other dealerships.”

KLB and LADA hope that by educating drivers and encouraging responsible disposal habits, they can make a significant impact on keeping Louisiana’s roads and communities clean. The collaboration highlights the importance of community involvement and shared responsibility in tackling environmental issues.

Cut 5 (07)  “…intentional and unintentional littering.”

Each year local governments and other agencies spend more than $91 million cleaning up litter and illegal dumping with cigarette butts being the most littered micro-sized item on the roadway.

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This school year two new laws are in effect emphasizing a parent’s existing right to have their children opt out of vaccine requirements and prevent schools from requiring COVID vaccinations. Gonzales Representative Kathy Edmonston authored the legislation…

Cut 6 (13) “…no mandate.”

Governor John Bel Edwards vetoed two similar bills that Edmonston authored in 2023. The new laws pertain to public and private schools.

The second law emphasizes an existing law that parents can have their child opt out of any vaccination to attend school. Edmonston says now when schools send out information about required immunizations….

Cut 7 (08) “…child out.”

Edmonston says if parents have any issues opting out with their child’s school to call the State Department of Education or her office…

Cut 8 (08)  “…correct it.”

Edmonston says the laws stop mandates, it’s not a debate about vaccines it’s merely allowing parents to have their child opt out of immunizations.

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Starting May 7, 2025, U.S. residents will need a REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. The REAL ID Act, passed by Congress in 2005 in response to the 9/11 attacks, sets security standards for issuing driver’s licenses and other forms of identification. Louisiana OMV Commissioner Dan Casey says REAL ID is marked with a star at the top of the card, indicating that it meets these federal requirements.

Cut 9 (12) “…issued.”

Without a REAL ID, travelers must present an alternative form of acceptable identification, such as a U.S. passport, to board flights or enter secure federal buildings. The Department of Homeland Security has extended the deadline multiple times to give states and residents more time to comply, but Casey says May 7, 2025, is now the final deadline.

Cut 10 (06) “…another extension.”

Casey encourages travelers to check their current ID and, if necessary, visit their state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to obtain a REAL ID before the deadline to avoid travel disruptions.

Cut 11 (12) ” …one of our offices.”

Currently, only 25 percent of Louisiana residents have obtained a REAL ID.

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The Saints preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals kicks off tomorrow at 7 P.M. Ross Jackson, host of the Locked On Saints Podcast, says he’s not sure if the Saints will play their starters like they did last preseason. If they don’t, he says, the race is on for who gets to be second-string quarterback.

Cut 12 (15) “…preseason.”

There are still a number of lingering questions for the Saints to answer after they finished 9 and 8 last season but missed the playoffs. Jackson thinks preseason could provide some answers, especially about the offensive line.

Cut  13 (15) “…this offseason.” 

One offensive player to watch this offseason is Dallin Holker, an undersized, undrafted rookie tight end from Colorado State who could prove to be a starter while T-E-1 Juwan Johnson recovers from foot surgery. On the defensive side of the ball, Jackson recommends you watch the D-line.

Cut  14 (13) “…as well.”