As the June 20^th court-imposed deadline lingers, Senate Governmental Affairs debated one bill for almost five hours on Thursday. Committee members voted to hold Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ bill over for debate until Friday. Fields’ bill has two Black-majority districts instead of one. He says delaying the vote is a slippery slope on the existing timeline.

Cut 4 (08)  “…Federal court.”

Committee Chair, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who also has a congressional map bill in the special session, countered when Fields when reminded members of the looming deadline

Cut 5 (07) “…our job.”

Senate Governmental Affairs is scheduled to meet at 1 this afternoon.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon addresses homeowners’ worries after Lighthouse Excalibur, cancels tens of thousands of property insurance policies.  Lighthouse customers have until the end of June to secure new coverage. And he says that’s not ALL of the bad news, though…:

Cut 8 (10)  “…Southern Fidelity Insurance Company.”

Call the Department of Insurance for more information.

State offices are closed today for the first official observance of Juneteenth. Baton Rouge Representative Larry Selders who advocated for Juneteenth says while some didn’t know the history of the holiday, he believes we can reckon with the worst of our shared past while working toward a better future.

Cut 12 (11) “…progress.” 

Federal offices will be closed on Monday.

State offices are closed today for the first official observance of Juneteenth…:
Cut 3 (34) “I’m David Grubb”

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says another property insurance carrier, Lighthouse Excalibur, has declared insolvency. He says they along with Southern Fidelity make five such companies to exit the state…:
CUT 9 (12) “Lighthouse”

Lawmakers today are back discussing the Congressional District map they must present by June 20th. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields has a bill up for debate with two Black Majority districts, and discussion took place Thursday to amend it if courts ultimately ruled that the enacted map with only one Black Majority is legal. Fields wasn’t happy about that…:
CUT 6 (08) “bad advice”
A Federal judge denied the request for an extension yesterday.

A bipartisan gun safety bill is up for consideration in the US Senate. The bill calls for background checks and billions in funding for community mental health centers. Governor John Bel Edwards said on his monthly radio show that he supports the Second Amendment but is in favor of background checks…:
CUT 14 (10) “long ago”
Edwards also believes the age limit to purchase certain types of guns should be raised.

State Offices are closed today in observance of Juneteenth. It’s the first official observance of the Holiday in Louisiana, and Baton Rouge Representative Larry Selders sponsored the legislation to make it so…:
Cut 10 (11) “part of it”

However, lawmakers will be at the Capitol today as they have just a few more days before they must approve a new Congressional map. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo fields has a map with two Black-majority districts but debate on that was held to today. Senate Governmental Affairs Committee Chair, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who also has a congressional map bill but with one majority Black district, countered when Fields when reminded members of the looming deadline…:
Cut 5 (07) “our job”
A Federal judge denied the request for an extension yesterday.

Another property insurance company exits Louisiana, leaving thousands seeking coverage…with the hurricane season already underway. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (30) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and SWAT had to regain control at the Bridge City Youth Center as 20 juveniles seized the facility last night causing authorities to be called in to help. The disturbance comes hours after 5 juveniles had escaped the center. Four were caught and one remains at large.

Senate Governmental Affairs debated one of the two congressional map offerings for almost five hours on Thursday, as the court-imposed June 20th deadline to submit a new plan looms. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 1 (40) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Say it isn’t so. The statewide average price of a gallon of gas actually fell one cent overnight, but we still stand at $4.54.

A bipartisan gun safety bill is up for consideration in the US Senate. The bill calls for background checks and billions in funding for community mental health centers. When asked about his thoughts on the legislation on his monthly radio call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards applauds the legislation…:
Cut 13 (09) “Uvalde”
The Governor says he supports the Second Amendment but says expanded background checks seems to be common sense.

The New Orleans Saints unveiled an alternate helmet that will be worn in the 2022 season, which is entirely black with a gold fleur de lis. The Black and Gold haven’t indicated which game or games the new helmet will be worn, but it’s expected to be paired with the color rush uniforms — which have been the most popular among fans in recent years. The last time the Saints wore black helmets was the preseason in 1969 but those were scrapped because they weren’t approved by the NFL.

A federal judge rejected a request by legislative leaders to extend the deadline of June 20th for a new congressional map, while lawmakers debated for hours Thursday. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ bill, which has two Black-majority districts instead of one, was delayed for discussion until today, and he wasn’t happy about that…:
CUT 4 (08) “Federal Court”
4 congressional maps are on the docket in a House Committee today.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon addresses homeowners’ worries after another property insurance carrier cancels tens of thousands of policies, with hurricane season underway. Donelon says Lighthouse Excalibur has declared insolvency…:
Cut 7 (08) “a new policy”
He says if you need help getting new coverage visit ldi.louisiana.gov.

State offices are closed today for the first official observance of Juneteenth, which became a legal holiday in Louisiana last year. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston and relayed the news that the Civil War had ended those enslaved were now free. Larry Selders sponsored the legislation to make Juneteenth a Holiday which he says is about awareness and education..:
Cut 11 (09) “kids to know”
Federal offices will be closed on Monday.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says the Galliano contractor accused of illegally installing a camera in a bathroom vent of a home where he was working a job has turned himself in. Chase Cheramie is charged with video voyeurism.

Lawmakers in Senate Governmental Affairs debated only one map for five hours Thursday and opted to hold the vote over for another day. A June 20^th court-imposed deadline remains in effect despite a request for an extension.

In discussions over Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ map, Slidell Senator, and committee chair Sharon Hewitt, criticized his map with two Black-majority districts because it would spilt a community in her own district.

Cut 3 (15) “…your plan.”

Hewitt’s map was never bought up for discussion Thursday.

Jared Evans, with the Legal Defense Fund, endorsed Fields’ Congressional map.

Cut 4  (10) “…called for”

House Governmental Affairs has four maps to consider in committee Friday morning at 9.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest, and conviction of those responsible for the homicide of 17-year-old Shamia Little. Little who died 11 months ago from a single gunshot wound. Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith….

Cut 12 (10) “…please help us.”  

A watchdog group calls for review of a Tangipahoa Parish case where a rape victim was ordered to pay child support to her alleged attacker. Metropolitan Crime Commission director Rafael Goyeneche says John Barnes could be guilty of rape, but – if he is the confirmed father of a child he should be investigated at least for Canal Knowledge of a Juvenile; not rewarded with child support…:

Cut 15 (13) “…should take place.” 

Lawmakers are debating over Congressional Maps in Senate Governmental Affairs after a court-imposed deadline of June 20^th remains in effect for a map with two majority-Black districts. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01 (36)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police say a Bossier Parish man died early this morning, when his car left the roadway and smashed into some trees – ejecting him. 37-year-old Geoffrey Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say they don’t know if he was wearing a seatbelt or not. A blood tox test will reveal whether impairment played a role in the crash.

There is now a hefty reward for information to solve the one-year-old murder of 17-year-old Shamia Little in Shreveport. Special Agent Doug Williams says she was found dead from a single gunshot in a public park, and they now hope a $50-thousand reward may prompt someone to come forward…:

CUT 11 (11)      “.,.leads for us.”

Those with tips should call 800-CALL-FBI

A crime watchdog group says someone needs to take another look at a Tangipahoa Parish case wherein a rape victim, who was impregnated by her alleged attacker was ordered to pay him child support. Metropolitan Crime Commission head Rafael Goyeneche says the girl did lodge a complaint, albeit years after the crime occurred…:

CUT 14 (12)      “…hasn’t been investigated.”

He’s referred the case to another agency to see if investigating the man is merited.

Shreveport Police and the FBI are asking for help in the search for the killers of Shamia Little. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(37)      “…David Grubb.”

Lafourche Parish deputies arrest a contractor in the town of Larose for allegedly planting a hidden camera in a customer’s bathroom. 37-year-old Chase Cheramie was charged under the state’s video voyeurism law. His bond is set at $75-thousand.

Five juvenile offenders escaped early this morning from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish. Office of Juvenile Justice spokesperson Nicolette Gordon says four of them have been apprehended, but one remains at large. How they escaped is yet unknown. She says these facilities have escape mitigation measure in place, however…:

CUT 09(10)      “…chance that we get.”

With a major widening of Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge getting underway soon, some are concerned about what will happen during rush hour traffic, and – even worse – what about a hurricane evacuation? DOTD says lane reductions aren’t due to start until early next year, but nevertheless recommends you plan a hurricane escape route that doesn’t involve using a busy major highway.

Lawmakers are debating Congressional Maps in Senate Governmental Affairs after a court-imposed deadline of June 20^th remains in effect for a map with two majority-Black districts. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(36)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Meanwhile, the federal judge who tossed the congressional map passed by lawmakers in February has denied an extension of the June 20^th deadline to submit a new map to her. Lawmakers now have four days to complete their work.

New Orleans Police say two people were wounded in separate shootings as they drove on Interstate 10 in the Crescent City yesterday. One in Eastern New Orleans and another near the Gentilly area. They ask residents who may know anything about who’s pulling the trigger to please come forward.

A crime & corruption watchdog group calls for review of a Tangipahoa Parish case wherein a rape victim was ordered to pay child support to her alleged attacker. Metropolitan Crime Commission director Rafael Goyeneche says the victim was just 16 when the attack occurred, and the man she accuses found out she’d had a child five years later…:

CUT 13(11)      “…his paternity.”

Early this year, a judge ordered the mother to pay child support. Goyeneche says one Tangipahoa Parish law enforcement agency has failed to investigate the woman’s complaint…so he’s referred the case to another for review. He says the father of the now 16-year-old daughter could still be investigated for rape or at least carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

Lawmakers are discussing two Congressional maps in Senate Governmental Affairs in an effort to meet the June 20^th court-imposed deadline. In discussions over Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ map, Republican and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt believes the current enacted map meets the guidelines set forth by the Voting Rights Act with only one majority Black district.

Cut 5  (12) “…and state law”

With a third of the state’s population Black, Fields says the Congressional map should reflect and allow for proper representation of minorities. He argued that the current map approved by the majority Republican legislature is not fair.

Cut 6  (08) “…come on now.” 

US Judge Shelly Dick denied a request from Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder for a deadline extension.

At around 2 am this morning, five juveniles escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. The Office of Juvenile Justice went into an immediate lockdown and notified law enforcement. OJJ spokesperson Nicolette Gordon says three of the five have been located and they’ve established a temporary command center to assist in collecting and distributing information to aid in their capture.

Cut 8 (11) “…Information Database.” 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for the homicide of Shamia Little. The 17-year-old was found deceased about 11 months ago near a park in Shreveport from a single gunshot wound. Special Agent Doug Williams…

Cut 10 (10) ” …forward.”