SUMMARY: The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), aimed at holding social media companies accountable for cyberbullying, has divided Republicans in Congress. While it passed the Senate with strong support, it faces opposition in the House, with Speaker Mike Johnson expressing concerns over potential First Amendment violations and the bill’s “duty of care” provision. Advocates, including parents whose children died due to online harassment, pressure Johnson to act. However, some Republicans fear it could restrict free speech, and critics from both conservative and LGBTQ+ communities worry about censorship. Despite the bill’s bipartisan backing, its future remains uncertain, especially as the deadline for a government shutdown approaches.

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SUMMARY: Several new laws will take effect in Louisiana on January 1, 2025, impacting insurance, hemp sales, social media advertising, and seafood transparency. Notably, House Bill 611 modifies homeowners’ insurance rules, allowing companies to drop customers after three years if approved by the insurance commissioner. House Bill 952 restricts hemp products to 5 milligrams of THC and bans sales at gas stations. Additionally, House Bill 577 prohibits targeted ads to minors on social media, while Senate Bill 166 mandates restaurants disclose imported seafood and requires schools to use local shrimp or crawfish, imposing fines for misleading packaging.

Dozens of bills signed into law in 2024 are going into effect on New Year’s Day 2025.

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SUMMARY: A massive crash on the Causeway Bridge Tuesday involved over 60 vehicles in six separate incidents, but safety measures prevented a potential tragedy. The bridge’s strict safety protocols, including fog logs, rolling convoys, and flash warnings, helped manage the situation. Thick fog led to the crashes, and while 33 people were treated for injuries, there were no fatalities. Safety upgrades, such as added shoulder space and new guardrails, have helped prevent vehicles from plunging into the water. Officials report that since these improvements, crashes on the Causeway have decreased by at least 50%, potentially saving numerous lives.

Causeway Bridge crashes: 15 people still recovering, fire officials say

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