Rebecca Harris

Louisiana lawmakers increased monthly per-child payments for foster care families, raising board rates from approximately $600 to $900 effective July 1. However, the state Department of Children and Family Services later stopped reimbursing families for day-to-day expenses and mileage for necessary travel. Foster parents expressed frustration that these reimbursement cuts effectively negate part of the financial increase.

Child deaths possibly linked to abuse and neglect in Louisiana are on pace to surpass 2025 numbers, according to the state’s child welfare agency. This year's investigation count stood at 55 as of Monday, with 25 substantiated fatalities related to abuse or neglect. DCFS reported these figures during a hearing for state lawmakers, who also questioned department leaders on staff turnover and caseload management.

HHS is investigating the American Psychological Association over alleged Jew-hatred and anti-Israel bias. The Brandeis Center hopes HHS will ensure APA complies with federal civil rights laws if it receives federal funds.

Louisiana lawmakers approved double-digit raises for seven of Gov. Jeff Landry’s cabinet secretaries, effective July 1, while excluding stipends for public school teachers and support staff. Landry pledged to reallocate funds to avoid teacher pay reductions but has not detailed how.