U-S District Judge Shelly Dick ruled the congressional map the Louisiana Legislature approved in 2022 violates the Voting Rights Act, because only one of the six districts provides an avenue for a Black candidate to get elected.

U S House Speaker Mike Johnson says there should be a full blown trial on Louisiana’s current map, but Attorney General Liz Murrill says they have to follow Judge Dick’s order to draw a new map by January 30th…

Cut 10 (10) “…my remedies” 

Nicholls State University has received a $3-million donation, the largest in the school’s history. Nicholls’ spokesperson Jerad David says the Mary and Al Danos Family Foundation commitment will be used to construct a new College of Business Administration.

Cut 4 (11) “…Business Administration.”

Louisiana is looking at warmer temperatures up to the mid-60s Thursday but Montra Lockwood with the National Weather Service Lake Charles says another cold snap rolling in Friday will drop temperatures into the 20s again for North Louisiana by Saturday morning but as far as snow and freezing rain, Lockwood says…

Cut 8 (10) “…next week.” 

Lockwood says warmer weather, up into the 60s is coming next week.

At the special session, the first map to receive approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee is a redesign of the seven-district Louisiana Supreme Court district map. Chief Judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal John Michael Gray spoke in favor of the map

Cut  14 (14) “..re-election”

There is also a proposal to add two more districts to the Louisiana Supreme Court map to increase voting power in the Shreveport-Bossier area.

The frigid temperatures are causing problems with some water treatment facilities and several communities across Louisiana are under boil advisories. The town of Vivian, the Village of Elizabeth, Junction community and all customers served by Beauregard Parish Waterworks District 6, Basile, and Oberlin are currently advised to boil water by bringing it to a rolling boil for a full one minute then allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes. Authorities recommend boiling water before consuming it, making ice, brushing teeth and rinsing anything that will be consumed. If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, check with water provider.

There are numerous road closures in the Bayou State after an arctic cold front swept across the country Monday creating hazardous conditions. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says Because elevated roads and bridges ice over first, DOTD crews in conjunction with State Police worked throughout the day and overnight…

Cut 4 (10) “…US-51.”

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge after a single vehicle wreck led to a massive traffic jam. Westlake Police Chief Chrstopher Wilrye says the driver involved in the single vehicle wreck lost his life after either jumped or fell off the bridge…

Cut 9 (12) “…events yesterday.” 

The Special Legislative session to redraw congressional maps got underway Monday and The House Governmental Affairs Committee has approved a map proposed by Pineville Representative Mike Johnson. The proposal keeps District 7 in New Orleans as a majority-Black district. District two would be the second majority-Black District stretching from Monroe through the Delta Parishes into Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge Representative Denise Marcelle supports this redrawing…

Cut 13 (06) “…possible fix” 

Three Natchitoches police officers are recovering from injuries after attempting to arrest 25-year-old Lakendra Bolton who allegedly tried to steal from Super One Foods yesterday afternoon. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says one of the officers was injured when she rammed a police-vehicle head on. He says all three officers injured were transported to local hospitals.

Cut 7 (10) “…the hospital.” 

There are numerous road closures in the Bayou State after an arctic cold front swept across the country Monday creating hazardous conditions. DOTD spokesperson Rodney Mallett says even though crews began applying brine and salt to roadways Monday afternoon…

Cut 3 (12) “…our drivers.”

Windy and cold weather continues to grip Louisiana. Bill Jacquemin has the latest on the weather warnings…

Cut 2 (35)  “…untreated surfaces” 

At the special session, the first map to receive approval from the House Governmental Affairs Committee is a redesign of the seven-district Louisiana Supreme Court district map. Pineville Representative Mike Johnson’s proposal adds a second majority-minority district, which the courts have suggested is needed…..

Cut 12 (09)  “…federal judge does”  

25 years ago was the last time Louisiana’s Supreme Court map was drawn.

Three Natchitoches police officers are recovering from injuries after attempting to arrest 25-year-old Lakendra Bolton who allegedly tried to steal from Super One Foods yesterday afternoon. Natchitoches police spokesperson John Greely says two of the officers were injured when trying to arrest her in the parking lot

Cut 6 (05) “..over them.” 

The suspect, Bolton was not injured

State Transportation crews are working to keep motorists safe after an artic cold front blanketed Louisiana with frozen perception. Brooke Thorington has more…

Cut 1 (32)  “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Hundreds of vehicles were stranded on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge after a single vehicle wreck led to a massive traffic jam. Westlake Police Chief Chrstopher Wilrye says the driver involved in the single vehicle wreck lost his life after either jumped or fell off the bridge. The accident blocked a portion of the westbound lanes. And while some drivers were able to move to the next lane to avoid the accident, one vehicle traveling west…

Cut 10 (08) “..drivers vehicle.” 

Two adults and a minor have been arrested in connection with the shooting outside Bogalusa High School that took the life of a 14-year-old body and left a 13-year-old hospitalized last week. Bogalusa Police say a 16-year-old has been charged with first degree murder. 21-year-old Jamichael Spikes has been charged with several offenses including principal to attempted second degree murder. 18-year-old Caleb Moss was arrested on several charges including accessory after the fact of first-degree murder. The investigation is ongoing.

An arrest has been made in the weekend murder of a mother and her young child in Gonzales over the weekend.  Investigators are calling the shootings of Christina Lynn Artus, 41, and Kaylee Forcell, 1 year a domestic violence situation.The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested Kalvin N. Forcell, 39, of Donaldsonville, on two counts of first-degree murder; simple burglary (vehicle); unauthorized entry of an inhabited dwelling; theft of a vehicle over $25,000; illegal use of weapons; and possession of a firearm by persons convicted of certain felonies.

Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. For south Louisiana light rain is expected to turn to freezing rain into tomorrow morning but only a glaze of ice is possible on roads and the ground. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin

Cut 8 (09) “…into tomorrow” 

Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

Sonnier had a reputation for generosity. He performed and collaborated with many well-known Cajun and Country artists.

The Louisiana Legislature begins a special session at 4 PM today with the main priority of redrawing the Congressional boundaries with two majority minority districts. Senate President Pro Tem and Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow says House Democrats are proposing a second district that covers a significant portion of the Baton Rouge area, the Felicianas, Avoyelles Parish, the Mississippi River Delta parishes and northeast Louisiana…

Cut 10 (09) “..to be submitted.” 

Snow sleet and freezing rain has been falling across northern parishes of Louisiana. LRN meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says it’s been a light dusting so far…

Cut 6 (09) “..ice up first” 

Jacquemin says there’s a hard freeze warning out for most of the state…

Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier. He died while on tour in Texas Saturday doing what he had done his whole life, bringing joy to his audience with his songs like No More One More Time, Come on Joe, Raining in My Heart and others. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon says the Emmy award winning Cajun brought music to the world on local and national record labels and stages, and his remarkable career started early…

Cut 13 (09) “…ever since then.” 

With the extreme Winter weather expected this week and lows predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside. Director Jeff Dorson says When it comes to larger animals like livestock, put them in stalls, sheds, or barns and give them enough food. He says its important for owners to bring pets inside when the temperature dips to freezing conditions.

Cut 4 (09) “…as well.”

Arrests have been made after a violent weekend in Louisiana. In Shreveport 70-year old Joan Johnson, and 29-year old Jasmine Johnson died after being shot in the early morning Sunday. A male victim was also shot and remains hospitalized. Shreveport police have arrested 30 year old Donald White with whom Jasmine Johnson had had a romantic relationship. White has been charged with 2 counts of 2^nd degree murder, one count of attempted 2^nd degree murder.

Louisiana and the world of Cajun and Country music morns Jo-El Sonnier, the man who took the music of South Louisiana to the world. Saturday, while on tour in Texas, Sonnier received a standing ovation for one of his biggest hits, Tear-Stained Letter, before he left the stage to rest before signing autographs. Minutes later he suffered a fatal heart attack. Cajun Music Historian, Wade Falcon…

Cut 12 (11)  “…this world.”  

State lawmakers begin a special session at 4 PM today. Teiko Foxx reports the top priority is drawing new boundaries for the state’s Congressional map…

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Winter weather is expected this week with the low predicted to be in the teens. Humane Society of Louisiana urge pet owners not to leave pets outside especially overnight. Director Jeff Dorson says if it’s too cold for you to be outside, its probably too cold for your furry friends.

Cut 3 (13) “…be comfortable.”

Forecasters say an artic blast will invade the Bayou State around Sunday into Tuesday. Teiko Foxx has more.

Cut 1 (33)  “…I’m Teiko Foxx”

Governor Jeff Landry issues his first state of emergency. Landry signed an executive order Friday ahead of the severe cold weather expected to impact Louisiana between Sunday January 14^th and Wednesday the 17^th. He and his administration are encouraging Louisianans to prepare and offering preparedness guides at GetAGamePlan Dot Org The Governor’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is on standby to assist local areas. Road Crews are also on stand by. For the latest on road conditions check 511LA Dot org

Pipes and pets are on our minds as frigid weather heads toward the Bayou State but we should also be preparing our autos for the freezing temperatures. Triple A Spokesperson Don Redman says to make sure you’re not stranded with a dead car battery…

Cut 9 (12) “…weak battery.” 

Redman says your mechanic and some auto parts stores can check your battery’s health for you.

Entergy Louisiana is temporarily suspending their disconnections for non-payment from Monday January 15^th through Friday January 19^th. Entergy says they are taking the action out of an abundance of caution for customer safety in the expected prolonged freezing temperatures in Louisiana. Beyond January 19^th, Entergy says they will take a day by day approach. For cold weather safety and energy tips, visit EntergyNewsRoom dot com slash storm dash center slash extreme dash cold.

A former Baton Rouge police officer was charged Friday with third-degree rape and has been fired. 30-year-old Demichael Robertson was fired last month. He had been arrested by Zachary Police twice last August, First accused of inappropriately touching a young girl. The second arrest was on a count of third-degree rape stemming from a December 2022 incident. According to an affidavit, The victim said she had been afraid to report it sooner, “due to Demichael being a well-known Baton Rouge Police Officer,”

A basketball game turned deadly Thursday night after a shooting in the parking lot at Bogalusa High School. Acting Bogalusa Police Chief Percy Knight says it happened but before 9 pm during the game against Covington.

Cut 6 (11) “…full recovery.” 

As Louisiana prepares for the coldest temperatures we’ve seen in years. Don’t forget to prepare your automobile.

Cut 2 (30) 

LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says to protect your immovable plants, cover them with plastic, a sheet, or a frost cloth so they can trap in the heat from the day.

Cut 13 (12) “…it warm.” 

A basketball game in Bogalusa turned deadly Thursday night after a shooting in the parking lot at Bogalusa High School. Acting Bogalusa Police Chief Percy Knight says it happened but before 9 pm during the game against Covington. They do not have any suspects at this time and are asking for the public’s help. Knight says they believe the two victims were together and the shooting happened near a car that was in a parking lot located outside of a fence near the school.

Cut 8 (03) “…not a driveby.” 

A 14-year-old boy was killed, and a 13-year-old boy was shot in the leg.

Extreme cold for Louisiana is blowing in. The National Weather Service says, by Sunday, the coldest weather the state has seen in years. Temperatures drop as low as thirteen degrees north of I-20 next week. Shreveport Meteorologist Carly Kovacik says the cold front will drop temperatures across the state and by the end of next week, temperatures will start to warm a bit into the 50s. but, she says don’t put away those coats just yet.

Cut 5 (10) “…next month.” 

With a deep freeze in the forecast, you’ll want to be sure to protect your tropical plants. LSU Ag Center Horticulturist Heather Kirk-Ballard says if they are in containers move them indoors like a garage or your porch. But if those tropical plants are in the ground…

Cut 12 (11)  “…insulator.”  

Don Redman with Triple A says it’s time to check the fluids in your vehicle. Wiper fluid should be winter-appropriate and anti-freeze is especially important. If you find it low, it’s important to remember…

Cut 11 (06) “…fits all.”

Your mechanic or auto parts store can recommend the appropriate fluids for your vehicle. Redman says the cold is a challenge for tires and batteries so before the cold hits, check your tires including your spare, and have your battery checked too especially if it’s 3 years or older.