After the 5^th U.S. Circuit court of Appeals blocked a lower federal court’s order for lawmakers to redraw its submitted Congressional district map, Governor John Bel Edwards releases a statement saying it’s too early to cancel a special session for that purpose. Acadiana state Representative John Stefanski worked on the map rejected by Baton Rouge Judge shelly Dick, who says it violates the Voting Rights act. Stefanski says the state should be able to use that map for fall elections…:

CUT 11(06)      “…down the line.”

Critics of the map say it SHOULD have two majority minority voting districts among its six because the state is one-third Black voters. Others say it’s more complicated than simple math and doing that would gerrymandering. The governor says he’ll rescind his call for the special session IF the 5^th Circuit has a stay in place by 4 pm June 14^th.

A Lafayette man has been arrested for the impersonation of a police officer, among other charges. Senior Corporal Matthew Benoit of the Lafayette Police says 57-year-old Brad Schexnayder forced a big rig off the road, ordered the driver out and then punched him. The whole thing was caught on the big rig’s dash camera. Schexnayder was arrested later at his home. Benoit says people impersonating cops is not a common occurrence..:

CUT 08(07) “…kind of occurred.”

If convicted Schexnayder could face up to $1000 in fines and up to 2 years in jail.

This weekend is the annual Free Fishing Weekend, and state Wildlife & Fisheries spokesperson Danica Williams says you won’t need a license at all…:

CUT 03(07)      “…in Louisiana.”

For information, visit “wlf.louisiana.gov”

New Orleans Police issue arrest warrants for four people wanted fort the May 31^st shooting death of an 80-year-old grandmother at a high school graduation held on the Xavier University campus. Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says two young women got into a spat after the ceremony, other family members entered the fray and someone began shooting…:

CUT 13(11)      “…using…guns.”

Among those wanted for manslaughter are a 40-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man.

GOP lawmakers urge Governor Edwards to hold off on a special session to redraw a congressional district map, after a federal appeals court blocks a lower federal courts order tossing the map passed by lawmakers last February. At issue: the existing map has only one Black majority voting district, while the state has a one-third Black population. The governor wants House & Senate members to return June 15^th to submit a new map.

Looking for something to do this weekend? State Wildlife & Fisheries say “go fish”….free!  Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Kenner residents say a tornado hit last night; doing structural damage to property and killing power for thousands. Weather authorities cannot yet confirm it was a twister, because Jefferson Parish has had more heavy storms today. Witnesses say they did see a funnel cloud, though.

A Lafayette man is under arrest for impersonating a cop and assaulting a truck driver. LPD Corporal Matt Benoit says 57-year-old Brad Schexnayder was wearing a security guard uniform when he identified himself to the trucker as a Lafayette cop…right before he hit the man in the face. He says Schexnayder forgot there are things called dash cameras available now to most everyone…:

CUT 07  (10)        “…where he lived.”

If convicted, Schexnayder faces fines up to $1000 and up to 2 years in jail.

NOPD says arrest warrants are out for five people who participated in a reckless driving exhibition at a busy intersection of the city last weekend. The five – all males – are from New Orleans, Metairie and Baton Rouge. They’re to be charged with aggravated obstruction of a highway, criminal damage to property, simple assault, disturbing the peace and rioting. Police say more arrests are coming as they crack down on lawless behavior.

The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked an order from a Baton Rouge federal judge that called for state lawmakers to redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski helped draw up the House version of that Congressional map – with one Black majority district. He is pleased with the appellate court’s action…:

CUT 09(10)      “…that was exercised.”

GOP lawmakers want Governor Edwards to hold off on a special session to redraw that map, until the courts decide the matter once and for all.

New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says four arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the fatal shooting of an 80-year-old grandmother at a high school graduation ceremony on Xavier University’s campus on May 31st. He says two young women got in a dispute, family members got involved, then the guns came out…:

CUT 12(08)      “…particular incident.”

The wanted suspects are a 40-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man.

Republican legislative leaders say next week’s special session to redraw a Congressional district map should be canceled as a result of a stay issued by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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Kirt Guerin, the warden of the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, is suspended from his duties pending an investigation following his arrest for DWI involving the use of prescribed pain medication. State police arrested Guerin on Memorial Day after he had sustained minor injuries in a one-car crash while on his way to work.

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It’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Free Fishing Weekend. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says it’s the perfect opportunity for avid anglers to share their love of the sport with individuals who don’t have a fishing license and hopefully they’ll choose to take up the hobby as a result.

Cut 5 (10) “…to fish.”

For a list of 17 fishing sites visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

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A Lafayette man has been arrested for the impersonation of a police officer, among other charges. Senior Corporal Matthew Benoit of the Lafayette Police says 57-year-old Brad Schexnayder was driving recklessly on Northeast Evangeline Thruway before he suddenly came to a stop in front of an 18-wheeler and stepped out of his vehicle…

Cut 6 (12) “…fled the scene.”

If convicted Schexnayder faces up to a $1000 fine and potentially two years in jail.

There’s a chance the special session Governor Edwards’ called for next week will not happen after a federal appeals court blocked a lower court”s ruling that ordered legislators to redraw a Congressional district map by June 20th. Republican legislative leaders say next week’s special session should be canceled. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says lawmakers could also convene on Wednesday and adjourn minutes later
Cut 10 (06) ” ..first day.”
Stefanski believes the Congressional District map with one Black Majority district should be used for the fall elections, but the governor says there should be two because of an increase in the black population.

The city of Bastrop continues to try and comprehend a triple homicide that took place early Wednesday morning. Three teenage males were killed…
cut 12 (10) “…..and outrage”
Morehouse Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says three people have been arrested in connection with the gunfight that resulted in the three fatalities.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, it’s a perfect opportunity to go fish. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

A federal appeals court blocks an order from a U-S District Judge calling on lawmakers to redraw a Congressional district map. This means a special session for lawmakers to draw a six-district Louisiana Congressional map with two majority Black Districts will probably not happen. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says that based on an ongoing Alabama redistricting case, Louisiana can use the Congressional map approved by lawmakers in February for this fall’s congressional election…
Cut 11 (06) “…down the line”

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry says there were several big legislative wins in the just-completed legislative session, including the creation of Education Savings Accounts that expand education options for children. But LABI President Stephen Waguespack regrets that one bill they deemed critical failed to pass…
cut 6 (11) “…..at the ballot”

Food banks are also feeling the pinch with record inflation and gas prices. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Anyone can fish this weekend in Louisiana without a fishing license. It’s the state’s annual free fishing weekend and in preparation, LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says they’ve stocked 17 waterways across the state with ample catfish to improve the odds of catching a fish…
cut 4 (04) “….go fishing”
For a list of 17 fishing sites visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

The 5th U-S Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked an order from a federal judge that called for state lawmakers to redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski played a major role in drawing the Congressional district map and is pleased with the appellate court’s action

Cut 9 (10) “…exercised”

The city of Bastrop continues to try and comprehend a triple homicide that took place Wednesday. Morehouse Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says three male teens were killed and a fourth teen who escaped described the horrible sequence to law enforcement…

Cut  11 (11)  “…ambush style.” 

The U-S Justice Department has announced it will look into the patterns and practices of the Louisiana State Police as the law enforcement agency has been the subject of criticism for excessive force arrests, U.S. Attorney Ronald Gathe for the Middle District of Louisiana says the civil rights investigation is imperative to restore public confidence in law enforcement…

Cut 14 (08)  “…and police.”
It’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Free Fishing Weekend. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says it’s the one weekend where a fishing license is not required. She says the annual event is ideal for residents who have yet to enjoy one of the state’s favorite pastimes.

Cut 3 (08) “…in Louisiana.”

Even though a license is not required to fish in Louisiana this Saturday and Sunday, fishing regulations remain in effect

More details are now available regarding the triple homicide in Bastrop that took the lives of three teens Wednesday night. After receiving multiple 9-1-1 calls about shots fired, Morehouse Parish Sheriff’s deputies mobilized. Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says a retired reserve deputy was the first to reach the scene.

Cut 10 (12) “…laying in the street.”

Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the third died from his injuries at Morehouse General Hospital.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he and Louisiana State Police Superintendent Col Lamar Davis will cooperate with the Department of Justice’s civil investigation of state police. Kristen Clarke, US Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division says such cooperation will assist in their thorough investigation.

Cut 15 (06)  “…timely manner.”

Louisiana Association of Business & Industry (LABI) CEO Stephen Waguespack says the legislature made good use of billions in federal dollars to address road and bridge needs in the most recent session. He says there’s always a temptation for lawmakers to use big windfalls of one-time money on recurring expenditures…:

Cut 5 (09) “…unemployment trust funds.”

LBI also applauds the legislature’s investments in workforce development.

As the country continues to face record inflation, food banks continue to meet unprecedented demand. Natasha Curley with Second Harvest in Louisiana says demand has been nonstop since COVID, and with three devastating hurricanes and now the economy, demand has only increased.

Cut 7 (07) “…also helps.”
Curley says there are many individuals who continue to donate as well.