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.

The U.S. Justice Department formally announces its investigation of the Louisiana State Police over numerous roadside beatings in recent years – mostly of Black men. Ronald Greene died during such an encounter with troopers. DOJ Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke says they are asking for the public to share what they know about these type incidents…:

CUT 12(08)      “…the department.”

She says they have also received full cooperation from the LSP and Governor John Bel Edwards.

The legislative session that ended Monday was good to higher education. State Higher Ed Commissioner Kim Hunter Reed says a 12-percent funding increase will help to do a lot. She says there’s also million for a financial aid program for adult learners…:

CUT 04(09)      “…real difference.”

That program is named for former Governor Mike Foster.

A recent AAA survey done in Florida shows a large number of respondents said the cost of gas would deter them from evacuating for a hurricane. Here in Louisiana, gas is at $4.50 a gallon and climbing. Louisiana AAA’s Don Redman says evacuating will cost an average family of four about $1000, and you need to do whatever is necessary to be prepared for that…:

CUT 09(11)      “….to evacuate.”

Redman says gas prices will get worse before they get better.

Congratulations to Lake Charles Chef Amanda Cusey, who won the 15^th annual Louisiana Seafood Cookoff this week in Lafayette. She’s Top Chef at Villa Harlequin in L.C. and says she entered just to have some fun…:

CUT 13(09)      “…number one.”

He winning dish was a pan-seared red drum over tomato polenta with crawfish cream sauce.

Question: if a hurricane is approaching and you’re advised to evacuate…will you let the high cost of gasoline deter you? A large number of respondents to a AAA poll in Florida said “yes”, they’d consider hunkering at home to save the cash. Here in Louisiana GOHSEP spokesman Mike Steele says the state is taking those concerns into consideration as it puts its systems for this hurricane season into place…:

CUT 06(12)      “…in their planning.”

The statewide average for regular gas hit $4.50 this morning. As you know the price often spikes even higher when a storm approaches.

Baton Rouge Police arrest a local man they say broke into a business and attempted to rape the two guard dogs there. Security video captured disturbing images of 28-year-old Rage Hewitt’s assault on the animals. He was arrested Wednesday for aggravated cruelty to animals, attempted sexual abuse of an animal and unauthorized entry.

The legislative session that ended Monday produced a banner year for higher education funding. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation of Louisiana State Police, after several roadside beating incidents over the past few years have come to light; many of those Black men. It’s the first federal investigation of a law enforcement agency in over twenty years.

The U.S. Department of Justice announces a pattern or practice investigation of State Police after reports of civil rights violations including the beatings of Black men. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 02(38)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Meanwhile, Union Parish D.A. John Belton, who is prosecuting the Ronald Greene case locally, has announced he will run for Louisiana Attorney General in 2023. Current AG Jeff Landry is rumored to be planning to ruin for governor.

Troubling news out of Florida, as a recent survey of residents there indicates a good many would NOT evacuate for a hurricane, because of skyrocketing fuel costs. Mike Steele, with the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, says gasoline assistance for emergencies IS available here, but you’ll need to register to get that help sooner rather than later…:

CUT 07(10)      “…to these factors.”

The statewide average price of regular gas today is $4.50-a-gallon.

The legislature was very good to Higher Education this year; increasing funding by about 12-percent overall. That will include decent faculty pay raises. Higher Ed Commissioner Dr. Kim Hunter Reed says that will help the state keep its best professors…:

CUT 03(10)      “…grateful for this.”

After a federal judge tosses the congressional district map passed by lawmakers in February, the governor calls a June 15^th Special Session to re-draw and re-submit that map. The issue is the lack of a second majority minority district, which would reflect the state’s one-third Black population. But, Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who authored the rejected map, says federal law does not assure a minority the right to proportional representation…:

CUT 08(11)      “…Voting Rights Act”

The VRA says minority populations must be “compact and contiguous” with a proposed district. Hewitt hopes an appeal of the ruling comes before lawmakers have to go back to work.

The House committee investigating the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene while in State Police custody will have to wait to hear from Governor John Bel Edwards. His testimony was scheduled for June 16^th, but the special session to redraw that congressional map will mean his appearance will have to be postponed.

Sheriff’s deputies in Morehouse Parish are investigating the murders of three teenage boys late last night in Bastrop. Chief Deputy James Mardis says it happened around 12:30 AM. Two boys were pronounced dead at the scene and one died later in a hospital. Mardis says they have little to go on at this time, and he asks anyone who saw anything to please come forward.

Kids attending city-sponsored summer camps in Lafayette this week are also learning how to respond to active shooters. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(34)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Once again this year, a bill to ban using a hand-held cellphone while driving failed to win final passage among lawmakers. Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval says he’s disappointed with his bill’s fate, because he worked hard to address concerns voiced by others; like oversight of LEO’s to assure they don’t use the law just to pull people over and search their vehicle…”

CUT 10(10)      “…a phone in their hands.”

Huval says he will try again next year.

While Americans are watching their pennies due to inflation, Senator Bill Cassidy has some positive news to report. Cassidy’s “No Surprises Act,” to keep patients from being caught off guard by medical bills, is showing results…:

CUT 12(11)      “…solution is working.”

He says over $12-million in surprise medical bills should be avoided this year alone.

Governor John Bel Edwards calls for a special session to begin on June 15th to redraw a Congressional district map, but a Republican legislator says it may not happen. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(33)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

New Orleans musician Vince Vance is suing Mariah Carey and Sony Entertainment over the holiday song “All I Want for Christmas is You”; seeking $60-million damages from copyright infringement. Carey’s song came out fully five years after Vance’s song, and – other than their identical titles – the two songs bear little resemblance to one another.

GOP lawmakers at the State Capitol feel the Congressional district map they approved in February DOES comply with federal and state law; despite a Monroe are federal judge tossing it out. Senator Sharon Hewitt chairs the Senate and Governmental affairs committee. She says time to resolve this is short, because fall mid-terms are coming up fast and other states are in similar situations…:

CUT 07  (12)        “…congressional election.”

Governor Edwards has issued the call for a special session to begin on June 15th for legislators to redraw a Congressional district map. Hewitt says Louisiana is about one-third black voters, but they are not concentrated enough geographically to create two districts. An appeal of the riling is scheduled.

Morehouse Parish deputies are seeking the person or persons who shot and killed three teen boys last night in Bastrop. The sheriff’s office asks anyone who may have seen anything to contact them.

In addition to normal camp activities, children who attend city-sponsored camps in Lafayette this week will also be trained on how to respond to an active shooter. Lafayette Police Corporal Matthew Benoit says it’s a growing concern that can’t be ignored. He says the training will cover how to respond in a variety of situations…:

CUT 05(09)      “…dangerous event.”

Resource officers are also teaching campers the proper way to respond to any threat of violence not just an active shooter.

Breaux Bridge Representative Mike Huval, who watched his handheld cellphone ban go down to defeat in the Senate, says he will bring the bill back again. Huval says he believes in the safety intent of the legislation.

After only one season as an NBC sports commentator, former Saints Quarterback Drew Brees in officially out. An NBC honcho says Brees will not be back this season. His in-studio replacement has not been announced as yet.

State lawmakers may have thought their work was done, but Governor Edwards has called a June 15^th Special Session to redraw a rejected congressional redistricting map. A federal judge tossed out the map submitted by legislators during a redistricting session earlier this year because it had no second majority minority district. Black voters make up just under one-third of the state. Public Affairs Research council research director Melinda Deslatte says, with the deadline to resubmit less than two weeks out, what’ll happen is anyone’s guess…:

CUT 08  (11)        “…at the moment.”

State Police say a man fleeing a traffic stop in Carencro led to a high speed chase, then a fatal crash. LSP says the vehicle overturned on state Highway 182; ejecting a 16-year-old passenger, who was not wearing a seat belt. He died at the scene. The driver was treated for minor injuries and charges against him are pending.

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the 2022 legislative session that ended yesterday was a good one for education, especially for teachers who are getting a 15-hundred dollar pay raise. Brumley says legislators also addressed the teacher shortage by approving a program called the Geaux Teach Program…:

CUT 03(12)      “…their TOPS.”

Also, a new law mandates that all high school students must take geometry.

A former Baton Rouge Police Department officer turned himself in, after he was charged with dumping guns that were part of an investigation. Former officer Ben Zeringue allegedly did this before leaving the BRPD in 2020. The guns – with magazines carrying live rounds – were found by some school kids. Zeringue is charged with 3 counts each of malfeasance in office, injuring public records and theft of firearms.

A federal judge issues a June 20^th deadline for lawmakers to submit a new Congressional Redistricting map and Governor Edwards has called for a special session to begin June 15th. Brooke Thorington has more.

CUT 01(35)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police say a Carencro Police chase early this morning resulted in a fatal crash. Troopers say an 18-year-old driver fled a traffic stop; leading to the chase and the vehicle rolling over. A 16-year-old passenger was un-restrained and ejected from the car. He died at the scene.

One of the bills to pass the legislative session is HB 1031, which adds an annual fee of $110 for all-electric vehicles and a $60 fee for hybrid owners to help offset the losses from gas tax collections. Transportation Secretary Sean Wilson says Louisiana’s fees are lower than most states, and the money raised will go to a mounting list of highway and bridge work…:

CUT 11(11)      “…going forward.”

A Morgan City man is under arrest for possessing child and animal pornography. A cyber-crimes investigation that started in May led to the seizure of 66-year-old Keith Taylor’s computer and devices, which yielded dozens of images and videos involving juveniles and many featuring animals. As of news time he had not posted bond. The investigation continues.

New fees for drivers of all-electric and hybrid vehicles are set to go into effect. David Grubb has more on what the state will do with this additional revenue…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb.”

Another bill passed in the closing hours of the session will allow students to substitute computer coding for a foreign language when applying for TOPS academic grants. The bill’s author says computer coding is more valuable to potential employers than knowing a foreign language.

State Education Superintendent Cade Brumley says the 2022 legislative session that ended yesterday was a good one for education, especially for teachers who are getting a 15-hundred dollar pay raise. Brumley says lawmakers also approved a bill requiring every student in high school to take geometry…:

CUT 05(11)      “…is geometry.”

Louisiana is receiving 176-million dollars to bring reliable internet service to rural areas. The governor’s office says it’s enough money to connect 88-thousand homes and businesses.  Louisiana Broadband and Connectivity director Veneeth Iyengar (Vuh-neeth Eye-IN-gar) says this money is coming from American Rescue Plan that was approved by Congress, and more money will be coming via infrastructure bill passed late last year…:

CUT 14(10)      “…affordable internet.”