SUMMARY: A federal judge in Baton Rouge heard arguments regarding Louisiana’s Act 259, which creates a 25-foot buffer zone around police officers, potentially violating First Amendment rights. The law, passed in May, criminalizes entering this zone after being asked to step back. News organizations argue the law restricts journalists’ ability to observe and report on police actions, especially misconduct. State officials defend it as a safety measure. Similar laws in other states have faced legal challenges, with some ruled unconstitutional. Judge deGravelles has yet to rule, awaiting additional briefs from both sides.

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SUMMARY: The FCC has introduced a comprehensive maternal health map that combines broadband access data with maternal health indicators like food insecurity and gestational diabetes. This initiative comes amid heightened concerns over maternal health, particularly following reports of preventable deaths in states like Georgia and Texas post-Roe v. Wade reversal. FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel emphasized the need for measurable data to tackle the U.S.’s alarming maternal mortality rates, which disproportionately affect women of color. The map aims to identify areas lacking broadband, crucial for telemedicine, highlighting the intersection of internet access and maternal health outcomes, ultimately seeking solutions to improve care.

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SUMMARY: The weather is chilly with temperatures dropping, currently at 54°F, and winds have calmed. The cold front has brought clear skies and low humidity, leading to a chilly night with lows in the 30s to 40s. A light freeze and frost are expected, especially on the North Shore. Tomorrow’s high will be in the mid-50s. The cold air will start to retreat by Friday, with temperatures rising into the 60s and 70s for the weekend. Another cold front is expected by midweek, but no significant temperature drop is expected until Thursday.

Chief Meteorologist Chris Franklin says expect a light freeze on the Northshore tonight, colder Thursday morning and warmer start to the weekend.

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