April 2022

Abortion restriction bill signed by Fla. Gov. DeSantis

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a 15-week abortion ban into law Thursday as the state joined a growing conservative push to restrict access ahead of a U.S. Supreme Court decision that could limit the procedure nationwide.

Grand Isle beaches now open to public

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The Town of Grand Isle announced the opening of their beaches to the public this week, after being closed for nearly nine months due to the devastation of the bayou community by the Category 4 storm Hurricane Ida in August 2021.

Bills to curb health emergency powers advance in La.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The state Legislature could end public health emergency declarations by future governors under legislation approved Wednesday by a House committee in Baton Rouge.

Group: Feds hid plans to weaken whooping crane protection

(AP) — The Biden administration made secret plans to weaken protection for whooping cranes, and documents obtained through an open records request show officials “seem to have been deliberately misleading the public,” an environmental group says.

STATE BRIEFS

Sheriff: Man fell from bridge while crabbing, died

Texas keeping most truck inspections despite border gridlock

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Wednesday defied intensifying pressure over his new border policy that has gridlocked trucks entering the U.S. and shut down some of the world’s busiest trade bridges as the Mexican government, businesses and even some allies urge him to relent.

Biden approves $800M in new military aid for Ukraine

WASHINGTON (AP) — In anticipation of a new Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine, President Joe Biden on Wednesday approved an $800 million package of military assistance, including additional helicopters and the first provision of American artillery.

CDC extends travel mask requirement to May 3 as COVID rises

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration announced Wednesday that it is extending the nationwide mask requirement for airplanes and public transit for 15 days as it monitors an uptick in COVID-19 cases.

23 injured in Texas storms; more tornadoes forecast

SALADO, Texas (AP) — Nearly two dozen people were injured when tornadoes swept through central Texas as part of a storm system that was expected to spawn more twisters and damaging winds Wednesday.

Wall Street ends higher, breaking a three-day losing streak

NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks closed broadly higher on Wall Street Wednesday, ending a three-day losing streak as an upbeat report from Delta Air Lines sparked a rally for companies in the travel industry.