7:30 AM LRN Newscast

After a debate that lasted about eight hours, the Louisiana House approved a Congressional map that eliminates one of the state’s existing majority Black districts. The vote was 66-35. The Republican-led legislature is drawing a new map because the U.S. Supreme Court says race played too much of a factor in the current map. Democrats say race should still be a factor in the drawing of a new map, but House Governmental Affairs Chairman Beau Beaullieu says that would lead to more litigation.

Cut 10 (09) “…is too much?”

Every Black member of the Louisiana House spoke in opposition to the legislation, including Opelousas Representative Dustin Miller.

Cut 12 (10) “…mean we should.”

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The Shreveport grandmother accused of starting a fire that led to the deaths of her two young granddaughters was in court yesterday.  Rita Montgomery pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and other charges.  The next hearing in the case is scheduled for July 16.

The program that provides money to kids who receive free or reduced-price school meals during the summer months has begun sending out the one-time payments of 120 dollors to recipients.  SUN BUCKS can be used on any SNAP-eligible food items, and that does not include hot prepared food, energy drinks, soda, candy or any other junk food.  And Economic stability director at the Louisiana Department of Health, Tim Jenkins says there is a time limit to use the benefit.

Cut 5 (10) “…cannot be recovered.”