The U. S. Supreme Court issues a hold on Baton Rouge federal Judge Shelly Dick’s court order for state lawmakers to draw a new congressional district map that has two majority-Black districts. State Attorney General Jeff Landry is happy with the ruling, and says the High Court will be making hard rulings on district maps for Louisiana and Alabama later this year…:

CUT 15  (11)        “…here in Louisiana.”

Democrat state Senator Cleo Fields, of Baton Rouge, authored one of the two-Black-district maps. He says he is disappointed but continue to fight for districts to more accurately reflect the minority population of the state…:

CUT 14  (11)        “…ruling of the court.”

A Louisiana legal advocates group says they’ll offer help to persons who find themselves facing criminal charges related to abortion. Here’s Fair Fight Initiative founding member David Utter…:

CUT 10(09)      “…legal counsel.”

The current ban on abortions in Louisiana has been lifted due to a temporary restraining order that’s in effect until a July 8^th hearing.

A new law signed by Governor Edwards makes it a crime to ship abortion pills to Louisiana, via parcel delivery or mail-order. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt authored the bill. She says it applies to at-home, self-treatment using the morning after pill, and does not ban legitimate, doctor-guided use…:

CUT 05(12)      “…the law.”

That new law takes effect August 1^st.

Governor Edwards signed into law another abortion-related bill last week; making it a crime for a company to send abortion pills through the mail or parcel delivery. The original bill’s author is Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who says the so-called “morning after pill” – which is actually usable up to 10 weeks – should only be taken by a woman under a licensed doctor’s supervision…:

CUT 04(11)      “…with this legislation”

Under the new law, a woman wanting to use the pill to end a pregnancy would have to do so under a doctor’s care and would only have ten weeks from conception to do so. That law takes effect August 1^st.

In Shreveport, opening statements are expected today in the trial of Dewayne Watkins; accused of kidnapping & robbing a couple, then killing them and burning their bodies inside a car. This happened in 2018. The Caddo D.A. is seeking a death sentence, should the jury find Watkins guilty of 2^nd degree murder.

Fireworks and the Fourth…David Grubb tells us how local retailers are hoping for a boom this holiday weekend…:

CUT 02(33)      “…David Grubb”

If you’re using fireworks this weekend, please be extra careful. Fireworks-related injuries are up 25% over the past 15 years, and 9 Americans died while using fireworks last year. Most common injuries are severe burns from sparklers and fuses and trauma from firecrackers going off in one’s hand. Keep a bucket of water handy while setting off your display as well.

Once abortion trigger laws go into effect in Louisiana a performing physician could be heavily fined and serve jail time, but a legal advocacy group says they’ll defend their case. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 03(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

There’s also a newly signed law that would punish those who provide abortion pills via mail order or parcel delivery. It would punish the provider with fines and even jail time. The women who take the pills would not be prosecuted. That bill takes effect August 1^st.

The United States Supreme Court issues a hold on a lower court ruling that Louisiana must draw a new congressional map. Federal Judge Shelly Dick was to receive a map with two Black majority districts drawn by attorneys today.  But Attorney General Jeff Landry petitioned the high court for the map passed by the majority Republican legislature to be effective for the fall 2022 election…:

CUT 13(08)      “…by that legislature.”

Baton Rouge Democrat Senator Cleo Fields says he’s disappointed, but he’ll continue to fight for that second majority Black district.

Buying fireworks for the Fourth? Todd Tullier of Louisiana Fireworks in Denham Springs says some traditional items like sparklers and smaller firecrackers may be harder to come by, but there’s plenty of “the big stuff”…:

CUT 07(08)      “…ready to go.”

Make sure it’s legal to use fireworks in your area.

The Governor has signed a bill into law that bans selling “morning after” abortion pills in Louisiana via mail order. Kevin Gallagher has more…:

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

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Fireworks and the Fourth…David Grubb tells us how local retailers are hoping for a boom this holiday weekend.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

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Once abortion trigger laws go into effect in Louisiana a performing physician could be heavily fined and serve jailtime, but a legal advocacy group says they’ll defend their case. Brooke Thorington explains.

Cut 3 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Governor Edwards signed into law another abortion-related bill last week; making it a crime for a company to send abortion pills through the mail or parcel delivery. The original bill’s author is Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt, who says the so-called “morning after pill” – which is actually usable up to 10 weeks – should only be taken by a woman under a licensed doctor’s supervision…:

Cut 4 (11)  “…with this legislation.”

The drugs have been available for 20 years, and induce a woman’s body to abort her fetus. The FDA recently dropped its requirement the drug be dispensed only during an in-office doctor visit. Hewitt says a number of physicians still think it is unsafe for a woman to simply take the drug at home, on her own. She says the new law doesn’t ban the pills for legitimate, doctor-guided use…:

Cut 5 (12) “…the law.”

Under the new law, a woman wanting to use the pill to end a pregnancy would have to do so under a doctor’s care and would only have ten weeks from conception to do it. It would not punish a woman who uses mail-order abortion meds, but would go after the company or agency that sent them. Hewitt says the drugs used are potentially dangerous if used incorrectly…:

Cut 6 (10)  “…with these pills.”

The new law takes effect August 1^st.

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Last year Americans spent nearly $2.5 billion on fireworks, and retailers throughout the state have their tents on the ground and their inventory stocked. Todd Tullier of Louisiana Fireworks Store in Denham Springs says while some traditional items like sparklers and smaller firecrackers may be harder to come by, there are plenty of other favorites to go around.

Cut 7 (08) “…ready to go.”

Tullier says that so far, sales have been in line with what he’s seen over the past few years. He expects that with the high price of gas, and the 4^th of July falling on a Monday, people may be more interested in some explosive at-home entertainment.

Cut 8 (09)  “…do it themselves.”

The COVID pandemic generated a boost in sales as public gatherings were limited and families were forced to stay home. Tullier says that’s a trend he and other retailers would like to see continue.

Cut 9 (07)  “…4th of July season.”

Please make sure it’s legal to use fireworks in your parish or city before you buy, know the guidelines for where they can be used, and follow all recommended safety measures.

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The Fair Fight Initiative provides legal services for those who otherwise can’t afford it and founding member, David Utter says they’re also offering to help individuals who find themselves facing criminal charges related to abortion.

Cut 10 (09) “…legal counsel.”

Critics of Louisiana abortion trigger laws say they are unconstitutionally vague however Attorney General Jeff Landry says he will defend the abortion ban to the fullest extent in Louisiana. Utter says Fair Fight Initiative is prepared.

Cut  11 (12)  “…Gen Landry.” 

The current ban on abortions in Louisiana has been lifted due to a temporary restraining order that’s in effect until a July 8^th hearing.

Under the Louisiana trigger law there are no exceptions for rape or incest and the penalty for providers who perform abortions is one to 10 years in prison and fines up to $100,000. Utter says the Louisiana abortion ban laws are draconian they are ready to assist if someone is charged.

Cut 12 (09) “…been healthcare.” 

Utter says you can seek legal services and also donate through their website at FairFightInitiative-dot org.

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The United States Supreme Court issues a hold on a lower court ruling that Louisiana must draw a new congressional map. Federal Judge Shelly Dick was to receive a map with two Black majority districts drawn by attorneys today.  But Attorney General Jeff Landry petitioned the high court for the map passed by the majority Republican legislature to be effective for the Fall 2022 election.

Cut 13 (08) “…by that legislature (x2).”

The court’s ruling is similar to a February order that allows Alabama to hold their 2022 election under a map approved by Alabama’s Republican controlled legislature.

Democrat and Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields says while the court has not decided the merits of the case, he’s disappointed the fall election with the current map will stand, but he plans to continue to fight for Louisiana to have two Black majority congressional districts.

Cut 14 (11)  “…ruling of the court.”

Landry is pleased with the ruling and believes the US Supreme Court made the right decision and it’s expected to be ruled on after hearing arguments in the Alabama case in October.

Cut 15 (11)  “…here in Louisiana.”

The map passed by the legislature in the redistricting session in February will be used in the Fall 2022 election.

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Cut 16 (15)  “…pitching coach.”

Cut 17 (15) “ …like that” 

Cut 18 (16) “ …some gusto” 

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Cut 19 (16) _“…when you know, you know.” 

Cut 20 (12) “ …in high school” 

After receiving a tip, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cites 40-year-old Caleb Hudson of Breaux Bridge for illegal possession of two venomous and restricted snakes. Adam Einck with LDWF says agents found two copperheads in plastic totes inside Hudson’s home. Einck says copperheads are on the list of restricted snakes in Louisiana and being in possession of venomous and restricted snakes can be costly.

Cut 4 (10) “…as well.”

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Dozens of leaders within the oil and gas industry have signed off on a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to visit domestic energy facilities prior to a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia next month. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says that before the President considers asking other nations to increase their production, he’d like him to take a closer look at how to do so here at home.

Cut 6 (09) ”…energy companies.”

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A class-action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. D. R. Horton issued a statement saying, “The health and safety of our homeowners is a top priority, and D.R. Horton is committed to superior customer service and building quality homes.” Attorney Lance Unglesby says photos prove otherwise and the homebuilder should defend their case in court and not hide it in arbitration.

Cut 11 (11) “…feel better.”

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One day before her order was set to go into effect, the U.S. Supreme Court put Baton Rouge federal Judge Shelly Dick’s order for lawmakers to give her a new congressional district map that includes two majority-Black districts on hold. The court granted a last-minute stay of her ruling without signature or explanation. The order is not a decision on the merits of the case, but the action means the one-Black-district map passed in February will be used for the 2022 elections this fall. The stay will remain in effect until justices decide on a similar Alabama lawsuit, which isn’t expected until next June.

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The U.S. Supreme Court today put on hold Baton Rouge federal Judge Shelly Dick’s order for lawmakers to give her a new congressional district map that includes two majority-Black districts; instead of just one. The action means the one-Black-district map passed in February will be used for the 2022 elections this fall. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s reaction…?

CUT 28(04)      “…this week.”

Minden Mayor Terry Gardner passed away today at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Gardner publicly announced on May 24th he had pancreatic cancer and it also spread to his liver. Minden Councilwoman Pam Bloxom says Gardner loved his city, and got it on firm fiscal ground and was bullish about keeping Minden beautiful…:

CUT 14(11)      “…spotlessly clean.”

A class action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 02(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Vandals broke into the Vidalia Junior High School, in Concordia Parish, over the weekend. They generally trashed the whole place; doing over $200-thousand in damage. Surveillance video shows them all to be kids – some as young as ten. Several have been rounded up and volunteers started working on cleanup & repairs today.

A class-action lawsuit against homebuilder D.R. Horton alleges the company is not building homes to properly withstand the heat and humidity of Louisiana. Attorney Lance Unglesby says after receiving calls from several homeowners they had experts inspect the homes and they found high humidity levels…:

CUT 09(09)      “…grow mold.”

Horton attorney James Brown says their homes are continuously inspected and meet all state building codes…:

CUT 10(09)      “…warranty act.”

The U.S. Supreme Court today put on hold a lower court ruling that Louisiana must draw new congressional districts before the 2022 elections to increase Black voting power. The high court’s ruling effectively ensures the Republican-drawn map from last February will remain in place for the 2022 elections.

Dozens of leaders within the oil and gas industry have signed off on a letter to President Joe Biden, urging him to visit domestic energy facilities prior to a scheduled visit to Saudi Arabia next month. Tommy Faucheux, president of the Louisiana Mid-Continent Oil & Gas Association says he understands the White House’s commitment to reducing fossil fuel emissions, but he believes that can be done while meeting U.S. energy needs…:

CUT 07(11)      “…one or the other.”

Acting on a tip, state Wildlife & Fisheries agents bust a Breaux Bridge man found to be in possession of two deadly copperhead snakes. LDWF spokesman Adam Einck says agents found them inside 40-year-old Caleb Hudson’s home, in plastic totes…:

CUT 03(05)      “…his possession.”

The snakes were taken to two Louisiana zoos.