LRN PM Newscall January 22

You might be tempted to prune foliage that was damaged during last week’s freeze, but experts encourage you to resist the urge. Brooke Thorington has more

Cut 1 (30)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

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Governor Jeff Landry is expected to sign the new Congressional district map approved by lawmakers. Jeff Palermo reports the new map makes it harder for Republican Garret Graves to get re-elected this year…

Cut 2 (32)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo” 

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After last week’s deep freeze, chances are your lawn isn’t as attractive as it used to be, and you might be tempted to prune away unsightly foliage. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says not to because the damaged leaves will protect the plants from the next freeze.

Cut 3 (09) “…bounce back.”

Kirk-Ballard also discourages you from fertilizing because you don’t want to encourage new growth when we’ll most likely have another freeze. She says to hold off until late March, or early April to prune and fertilize your garden.

Cut 4 (10) “…that time.”

To further protect your plants, especially the tropical or tender ones that received damage, Kirk-Ballard says to keep them covered and to add mulch.

Cut 5 (08) “…be patient.” 

But if you’re unable to resist the urge and choose to go ahead and remove the dead foliage, she encourages you to then cover the plant and insulate it with mulch to further protect it.

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A wet week is coming up for the Bayou State. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says to expect heavy rainfall and the possibility of flooding through Thursday..

Cut 6 (07) “…higher amounts” 

Jacquemin says forecasts show average rainfall totals between four and eight inches through the week, with the possibility of  higher amounts. He says localized flooding for urban and poor drainage areas is possible and water levels for multiple river basins will rise…

Cut 7 (12) “…of Louisiana.” 

Jacquemin says the first round of heavy rainfall will arrive late tonight into Tuesday and flood watches and warnings are possible…

Cut 8 (09) “…do occur” 

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The political future for Baton Rouge Republican Garret Graves is cloudy after the Louisiana Legislature approved a new Congressional map that turns his district into a second Black-majority district. Political analyst Bernie Pinsonat says Graves has served in Congress since 2015 and his re-election chances for this year have taken a major hit

Cut 9 (04) “…big disadvantage” 

Graves’ current district includes the Baton Rouge capitol region, down the Mississippi River, and into Thibodaux, Houma, and Morgan City.

The new sixth Congressional district will stretch from Baton Rouge through Alexandria and Natchitoches and into Shreveport.

A federal judge ordered the Louisiana Legislature to draw a new map after it was determined the one approved in 2022 underrepresented the Black vote by not having two majority-minority districts. Pinsonat expects a lawsuit contesting this latest map…

Cut 10 (05) “…the Constitution”

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is not happy the Louisiana Legislature drew a new map. He believes they should have demanded a federal trial on the map approved in 2022. Pinsonat says the Congressional redistricting battle is far from over…

Cut 11 (11) “…one particular district”

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Jury selection is underway in the re-trial of Cardell Hayes. He fatally shot former Saints star Will Smith in 2016. Hayes says the shooting was in self-defense after an argument erupted following a car crash in the Garden District. Hayes was convicted of manslaughter, but it was tossed out due to a non-unanimous jury verdict. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says typically the defense has an advantage in re-trials

Cut 12 (10)  “…and accuracies”  

10 of the 12 jury members who sat through Hayes’ first trial determined he was guilty of manslaughter. Ciolino says if the jury splits again, it’s a victory for the defense…

Cut 13 (12) “…plea” 

Hayes has been free since 2021. The judge expects the trial to last about a week.