After his congressional district was completely redrawn to favor electing a Democrat, Republican Garret Graves says he’s still running for office. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Several inches of rain has fallen across most of Louisiana today and more rain is on the way. LRN chief meteorologist Bill Jacquemin reports this weather system has already delivered when it comes to producing flooding rains…
Cut 2 (29) “…I’m Bill Jacquemin”
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Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves, whose district was completely redrawn in the newly passed congressional map is criticizing the Republican-controlled state legislature and Governor Landry for their support of the map. He says it could ultimately hurt the GOP’s status in the US House.
Cut 3 (09) “…boneheaded move.”
Graves, a Republican, says the legislature didn’t have to redraw the map to include a second Majority-Black district, with the potential to elect another Democrat. While he says Judge Shelly Dick made it clear she didn’t like the map passed in 2022, it was still making its way through the courts.
Cut 4 (07) “…existing map.”
Graves says the new map also jeopardizes key committee appointments in DC for Louisiana, like the Chair of Transportation and Infrastructure. It’s a vital appointment for much-needed projects like the new Calcasieu River and Mississippi River Bridges. And more…
Cut 5 (12) “…and fix.”
Despite frustration over his district being redrawn Graves says he plans to run for his sixth term in Congress in the fall.
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State Police reminds drivers of large commercial trucks and 18-wheelers that driving through the I-20 construction zone in Bossier City is off limits. DOTD Spokesperson Erin Buchanan says accidents involving large trucks have increased on that stretch of highway that is down to one lane.
Cut 6 (12) “…begin with.”
Last month a ban went into effect to keep large trucks from driving through the construction zone.
Buchanan says law enforcement have issued more than 200 warnings and citations. She says there are plenty of signs in the area…
Cut 7 (13) “…and Bossier.”
Concrete barriers were added as a safety precaution to prevent drivers from leaving the travel lane and entering the area where lanes are actively being removed and reconstructed.
As work continues, Buchanan says drivers of oversize loads should remain vigilant while driving through Bossier between Hamilton Road and Industrial Drive. She encourages truck drivers to use the I-220 detour to help keep everyone safe.
Cut 8 (09) “…for everyone.”
Travelers can check 511la dot org or download the Louisiana 511 app to monitor road condition.
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We’ve seen flooding rains for certain portions of our state as a half a foot of rain has fallen in some areas. National Weather Service Lake Charles meteorologist Doug Cramer says the Natchitoches area go soaked this morning…
Cut 9 (09) “…to the north”
Cramer says they’ve received reports of flooding of homes and businesses in Avoyelles Parish. Several highways across south and central Louisiana are under water…
Cut 10 (10) “…flood waters”
Cramer says the National Weather Service is forecasting additional rainfall for the rest of the day and into tonight…
Cut 11 (12) “…of flooding.”
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Four people were shot during a drive-by shooting in Lafayette this morning. Lafayette Police Sergeant Robin Green says three men were standing outside of a home on Sunset Drive when shots were fired from a passing vehicle that stopped in front of the home
Cut 12 (12) “..at the vehicle”
Green says two of the victims are in critical condition and two are in stable condition. She says when officers arrived they found a man on the ground….
Cut 13 (10) “…gunfire”
Green says they are looking for the person that was standing outside of the home and fired shots at the vehicle.