SUMMARY: As Louisiana faces rising temperatures and soaring energy costs, low-income residents struggle to keep homes safe. Sheryl Doiron, caring for her disabled daughter, relies on the Low Income Housing Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which the Trump administration labeled “unnecessary” and has defunded by firing federal staff. In 2022, over 17,000 Louisiana households received LIHEAP aid, critical for seniors and vulnerable populations during extreme heat or cold. Yet funding faces uncertainty as Congress negotiates. Local agencies have long waiting lists amid limited resources. Advocates warn cuts could cause hardship and deaths, emphasizing energy assistance as a vital lifeline for those in crisis.

Read the full article

The post LIHEAP helps Louisiana beat the heat — Trump wants it cut appeared first on thecurrentla.com

SUMMARY: A heatwave continues with feels-like temperatures exceeding 110°F through Tuesday, particularly in the metro area under an extreme heat warning. Relief depends on increased rainfall, typically tropical, expected midweek as an upper-level ridge shifts west. This will bring a 60% chance of rain and thunderstorms Wednesday through Friday, helping to cool temperatures slightly. The eastern U.S. may see below-average temps late July to early August due to upper troughing. Despite heat, tropical storm activity remains minimal with no significant developments expected over the next week. Rain chances taper off by the weekend, with hotter, drier conditions returning Sunday and Monday.

A break from the extreme temps and better rain chances returning Wednesday

Source

SUMMARY: In response to rising heat in New Orleans, the city launched the NOLA Ready Heat Relief Map offering public cooling locations July 28-29, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Libraries across the city will provide water and air-conditioned spaces. Multi-service and recreation centers will remain open until 9 p.m., along with indoor and outdoor pools operating on specified schedules for public use. Overnight cooling centers and heat relief resources are available for unhoused individuals at locations including the Rosenwald Recreation Center and shelters like Ozanam Inn and Salvation Army. Residents are urged to stay cautious amid extreme heat conditions.

Read the full article

The post Heat relief resources, cooling centers available in New Orleans appeared first on wgno.com