A three-day trial ended today regarding a lawsuit filed by Republicans over the constitutionality of the Congressional map approved by lawmakers in January. Brooke Thorington spoke with a lawmaker who testified
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A tornado has caused extensive damage to the St. Tammany Parish city of Slidell. Jeff Palermo has the story…
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New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry was one of several lawmakers who testified in the congressional map trial that concluded today in Shreveport. The Democrat says she told the court there were two reasons why lawmakers were pressured to pass the map with two majority Black districts, the timeline issued by Federal Judge Shelly Dick…
A group of Republicans, which include Congressman Garett Graves, filed the lawsuit claiming the map violated the equal protection clause and is a case of racial gerrymandering.
As to why the governor wanted to alter Graves’s district, Representative Landry says she believes it’s because the two don’t see eye-to-eye and Graves backed another candidate in the governor’s race…
Landry, who’s also an attorney, says she was a bit surprised at the number of attorneys and out-of-state lawyers who were spectators in the trial. She says it drove home the importance of congressional maps and how decisions made in DC are riding on political boundaries.
Despite the ongoing litigation Rep. Landry expects the map that passed in January will be the one used for the November election.
A ruling on the trial is expected in the next few days.
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A likely tornado injured several people and caused extensive damage in Slidell this morning. Slidell police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau provided an update on Facebook…
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Seuzeneau says the worst hit area appears to be Pontchartrain Drive near Kostmayer Avenue…
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Seuzeneau describes the injuries sustained as minor to moderate.
Mayor Greg Cromer says it’s the worst damage the city has sustained since Hurricane Katrina. St. Tammany Parish government says multiple people were injured and hundreds of homes, if not more, were damaged.
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Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis is gearing up for his second term after easily winning his reelection bid in March. Ellis received 64 percent of the vote. Among the top priorities for his next term, Ellis plans to bring passenger rail service I-20 corridor.
Crime is a big problem across the state. Ellis says Monroe is unfortunately not immune, but he’s providing more resources to the issue.
Ellis’ administration helped secure a big economic development win earlier this year, when Amazon announced plans to build a 56 thousand square foot last mile facility. The mayor is excited about bringing more jobs to the area.
Ellis will be sworn-in for his second term in June.
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After strong storms moved through the state overnight and into the morning, packing winds as high as 70 miles per hour Entergy Louisiana reports widespread outages. Spokesperson David Freese says crews are working to assess the damage and restore power as soon as possible.
Freese says they are trying to notify customers with estimated restoration times, but it could take some time due to the widespread damage. He says there are reports of broken poles, trees on power lines, and debris on the roads hampering access in areas.
As of 2PM approximately 58,000 Entergy Customers are without power.
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The severe weather has left some highways impassable because of fallen trees or high water. DOTD is reminding Louisianans to travel only if necessary. Spokesperson Rodney Mallet…
DOTD crews are working to remove fallen trees, other debris, and post warning signs. Louisianans are reminded not to drive through areas with downed power lines or high standing water. If you absolutely must get on the roadway…
Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions by dialing 511 or visit dotd.la.gov.