A second special session on redistricting began today as Republican lawmakers push back on a court order that the Legislature must redraw a Congressional map with two majority-minority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(37)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

From the state Department of Health… 1544 new cases of coronavirus statewide, with 325 person in the hospital with symptoms of the virus. Seven new deaths are also reported.

The Governor has signed a bill to make your property insurance bill clearer and more understandable. The legislation should help make property owners more aware of their hurricane, named storm, wind, and hail deductibles. Real Reform Louisiana’s Eric Holl says many who submit storm damage claims are often shocked to discover how much will have to come out of pocket…:

CUT 10(12)      “…deductible is.”

Acadia Parish deputies seek a Church Point teen for allegedly firing shots into a vehicle with six people inside. Officers say 18-year-old Destron Goodwin shot at the wrong car due to mistaken identity. About 20 rounds were fired and two persons were wounded. When captured Goodwin faces six counts of attempted murder. They ask anyone with tips on Goodwin to call Church Point Police at (337) 684-5455.

Governor John Bel Edwards has signed into law legislation that would make property owners more aware of their hurricane, named storm, wind, and hail deductibles. Eric Holl, executive director of the consumer advocacy group Real Reform Louisiana, says many policyholders don’t even know they exist…:

CUT 09(12)      “…their insurance useless.”

Holl says the bill was signed into law Tuesday, adds a greater level of transparency that should better protect policyholders from those surprise costs.

Gasoline prices in Louisiana are nearly $2 more than they were one year ago. The statewide average for regular gas is now $4.55. Tulane University Energy Institute director Eric Smith says Biden Administration energy policies are partly to blame, but energy prices would still be surging without them…:

CUT 08(11)      “…that impact.”

A virus that usually causes winter colds for kids is surging in Louisiana’s summer heat. Brooke Thorington looks at why…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

The first-ever matchup of the LSU and Southern University football teams will be broadcast on live TV.  SEC Network will carry the historic game on Saturday, September 10^th. Kickoff is at 6:30 pm. The two Baton Rouge universities have never before played against one another.

As violent crime and open lawlessness surge in New Orleans, could the Governor call in the National Guard to help maintain peace & order? The city has seen a 37-percent spike in fatal shootings in the first five months of this year. Armed robberies are up nearly 30-percent. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’d prefer not to resort to calling in troops…:

CUT 03  (08)        “…not an answer.”

Federal law forbids using the regular military to augment civilian police without a declaration of martial law…however a Governor does have discretion to use the National Guard. Edwards says Guardsmen are soldiers, not cops.

West Baton Rouge deputies arrested a Gonzales man Sunday, after he ran amok in a gas station/convenience store; stripping naked, defecating in the store and attacking customers and staff. It took several officers with tasers to bring 50-year-old Joel Pennington under control. He’s charged with obscenity, assault, resisting arrest and criminal damage to property.

An effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session but the bill’s author says he’s determined it will become law in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Calcasieu Parish Sheriff Tony Mancuso warns elderly residents to be aware the old “grandchild in trouble” scam is afoot once again. He says scammers will call, identify themselves as a family member in jail or badly needing money. He says, unless you’re certain it’s really them…hang up.

Legislative leaders are seeking more time to comply with a federal judge’s order to redraw a Congressional District map. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

Shreveport authorities say a 4-year-old girl is dead, after drowning in an apartment complex swimming pool. Little Amelia Gray was found submerged at around dinner time last night. She was rushed to an emergency room, where she passed away.

As you remember, a bill to allow concealed carry of a gun without a permit was derailed in the closing days of the legislative session, but its author vows he’ll bring it back again and again, until it passes. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s bill was amended into a school safety bill on the Senate floor. The time ran out on the session. McCormick says, despite the setbacks, he’s determined to have Constitutional Carry in Louisiana…:

CUT 08  (10)        “…that’s my plan.”

Meanwhile a group called 10-thousand Women Louisiana has asked the state’s largest gun wholesaler to quit distributing semi-automatic weapons. Here’s the group’s chairperson Melissa Flournoy, who says they’re not asking for an all-out gun ban…:

CUT 11  (08)        “…assault-style weapons.”

The letter sent to Lipsey’s distributors has over 1100 signatures.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll resist ordering the National Guard into New Orleans to help with its surge in violent crime and lawlessness. New Orleans Councilman Oliver Thomas brought the idea up last week, as an option of last resort. However, the governor says he’s received no such formal request from the city…:

CUT 04  (11)        “…law enforcement officers.”

The Crescent City has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings, a 28-percent increase in armed robberies and an 8-percent increase in carjackings so far this year.

Speaking of surges…Louisiana is seeing another surge in COVID-19 cases. The Department of Health reports over 2350 new cases of the virus statewide, with over 300 people under hospital care with symptoms. That’s an increase of over 18-percent. LDH also reports one new COVID-related death.

Senator Bill Cassidy spoke to reporters today to promote a bipartisan proposal on gun violence in the aftermath of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. Cassidy says that the proposal increases resources for mental health, improves school safety, and will help keep weapons out of the hands of dangerous criminals while preserving 2^nd Amendment rights. Some are concerned about so-called red flag laws they worry could lead to gun confiscation. Cassidy says this agreement lays out strong guidelines to protect due process…:

CUT 13(09)      “…2^nd Amendment rights.”

An Ascension Parish man has died from injuries sustained ten days ago, when he was struck by a big rig on Interstate 10. State Police say 75-year-old Nelson Nunez lost cargo off the roof of his vehicle on June 4th, and had pulled over to get it out of the roadway when the truck hit him. The crash is still under investigation.

Union Parish D.A. John Belton is meeting with federal investigators to obtain additional materials related to his investigation of the 2019 death of Ronald Greene while in State Police custody. Belton revealed this latest news while speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club today. He also made his candidacy for Attorney General in 2023 official. Belton will run as a “no party” candidate.

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested an Oil City Police officer Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission and touched her inappropriately. The victim says that’s what woke her up to 39-year-old William Fitzpatrick’s presence in her apartment. Caddo sheriff’s spokesperson Bia Rolden says this isn’t his first arrest either…:

CUT 14(12)      “…simple battery.”

He’s charged with unauthorized entry and sexual battery.

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to declare today an Ozone Action Day. DEQ’s Jason Myers…:

CUT 08(07)      “…similar tomorrow.”

The alert means little kids, senior citizens and those with heart or respiratory issues should try to remain indoors. Those who work outside should take care. To monitor air quality, visit “deq.louisiana.gov.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not be calling in the National Guard to help with crime in New Orleans. Crescent City Councilman Oliver Thomas called for the troops to come in, after the city has seen a 37-percent year-to-date increase in fatal shootings, a 7% increase in carjackings, and a 28% increase in armed robberies.

Three Shreveport residents are in the hospital after running gas-powered generator inside their home. Firefighters found an adult and two kids in the home. Their condition is listed as serious.

A ruling from a federal appeals court could force state lawmakers to approve a Congressional map with two Black majority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

In New Orleans, a horse pulling a funeral wagon late last week collapsed and died shortly afterward. A necropsy is scheduled for beloved animal, but the Humane Society says heat exhaustion is the likely cause. Temperatures exceeded 90 that day. a jazz funeral for the horse is scheduled as well.

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group in the Senate agree on a bill they say will curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. Cassidy says, because a majority of school shootings are committed by males 18 to 21, the bill allows for a more thorough background check because juvenile records are expunged…:

CUT 03(11)      “…in the past.”

The bill – which is not yet drafted – would also provide for mental health funding.

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to declare today and tomorrow Ozone Action Days. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care. DEQ’s Jason Myers says you can monitor daily air quality in our state by visiting “deq.louisiaina.gov”…:

CUT 07(11)      “…e-mail notification.”

Deputies in Caddo Parish arrest an Oil City cop, after a resident complains he illegally entered her home. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bia Roldan says 39-year-old Officer William Fitzpatrick allegedly entered the woman’s apartment without permission and inappropriately touched her as she slept. Roldan says they are unaware of any real relationship between Fitzpatrick and the victim…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…like that.”

Charged with unauthorized entry and simple battery…if convicted, Fitzpatrick could face fines up to $1000 and up to six months in jail.

A man who once ran for D.A. in the Felicianas pleads guilty to indecent acts with juveniles back in 2001 through 2003. 60-year-old David Opperman received a 14-year sentence, with 9 of those suspended; meaning he’ll be out in 5 years. He must also register as a sex offender for life.

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a bipartisan group of Senators presenting a bill to address school shootings by permitting more thorough background checks for some. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Dust from the Sahara Desert has caused the state Department of Environmental quality to declare today and tomorrow as Ozone Action Days. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults should try to avoid outdoors activities, if possible.

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.