Senate Governmental Affairs debated one of the two congressional map offerings for almost five hours on Thursday, as the court-imposed June 20th deadline to submit a new plan looms. Brooke Thorington has more…:
Cut 1 (40) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Say it isn’t so. The statewide average price of a gallon of gas actually fell one cent overnight, but we still stand at $4.54.

A bipartisan gun safety bill is up for consideration in the US Senate. The bill calls for background checks and billions in funding for community mental health centers. When asked about his thoughts on the legislation on his monthly radio call-in show, Governor John Bel Edwards applauds the legislation…:
Cut 13 (09) “Uvalde”
The Governor says he supports the Second Amendment but says expanded background checks seems to be common sense.

The New Orleans Saints unveiled an alternate helmet that will be worn in the 2022 season, which is entirely black with a gold fleur de lis. The Black and Gold haven’t indicated which game or games the new helmet will be worn, but it’s expected to be paired with the color rush uniforms — which have been the most popular among fans in recent years. The last time the Saints wore black helmets was the preseason in 1969 but those were scrapped because they weren’t approved by the NFL.

A federal judge rejected a request by legislative leaders to extend the deadline of June 20th for a new congressional map, while lawmakers debated for hours Thursday. Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ bill, which has two Black-majority districts instead of one, was delayed for discussion until today, and he wasn’t happy about that…:
CUT 4 (08) “Federal Court”
4 congressional maps are on the docket in a House Committee today.

Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon addresses homeowners’ worries after another property insurance carrier cancels tens of thousands of policies, with hurricane season underway. Donelon says Lighthouse Excalibur has declared insolvency…:
Cut 7 (08) “a new policy”
He says if you need help getting new coverage visit ldi.louisiana.gov.

State offices are closed today for the first official observance of Juneteenth, which became a legal holiday in Louisiana last year. Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865, when Union soldiers reached Galveston and relayed the news that the Civil War had ended those enslaved were now free. Larry Selders sponsored the legislation to make Juneteenth a Holiday which he says is about awareness and education..:
Cut 11 (09) “kids to know”
Federal offices will be closed on Monday.

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office says the Galliano contractor accused of illegally installing a camera in a bathroom vent of a home where he was working a job has turned himself in. Chase Cheramie is charged with video voyeurism.

Legislative leaders appear in a federal court seeking more time to redraw Louisiana’s Congressional district map. Kevin Gallagher reports…:
Cut 2 (32) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

During his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards reiterated his support for a second majority-Black congressional district…:
Cut 10 (11) “redistricting principles”

The US House of Representatives has passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which dedicates $1.4 billion annually to prevent wildlife extinction. Executive Director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Rebecca Triche says this would mean a significant boost to help endangered wildlife and the state’s ecosystem. Current support for such preservation is funded by hunting and fishing license fees..:
Cut 5 (09) “recovery work”
Triche says three-fourths of voters in Louisiana agree that more needs to be done to conserve land and wildlife in the state.

Saints minicamp continues and Quarterback Jameis Winston is working hard following his ACL surgery and recovery. He says he’d love to get as many reps as possible in games but for now he’s just working on the mental side of the game and leadership…:
CUt 18 (15) “everybody again”

Lawmakers resume talks today on two potential Congressional District Maps. One map submitted by Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields contains two majority-Black districts which he says voters across the state support…:
Cut 15 (12) “black district”

Meanwhile Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder are scheduled to appear in court today to request a deadline extension to redraw the map to at least June 30th. Many House & Senate Republicans feel there’s insufficient time with the six days allotted to get a map passed in both chambers. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino in the bigger scheme of things, today’s court appearance by legislative leaders is…:
Cut 9 (14) “in mid-July”

With the special legislative redistricting session underway, Governor John Bel Edwards says he expects the legislature will do its duty. David Grubb has more..:
Cut 3 (39) “I’m David Grubb”

The Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s Office is looking for a contractor from Galliano who allegedly installed a camera in a bathroom vent in a home where he was working a job. They say 37-year-old Chase Cheramie is wanted for video voyeurism and if you know where he is please visit CrimeStoppersBR.org to submit an anonymous tip.

There was plenty of tension and arguing going on at the Capitol Wednesday as lawmakers began a special session on congressional redistricting.

Meanwhile legislative leaders today go before a federal judge in Baton Rouge to request more time to redraw a rejected district map. It was shot down because the judge said it didn’t reflect the state’s 1/3 Black voter population. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says he doesn’t see this as anything that will alter the job of lawmakers to pass that new map…:
Cut 7 (11) “or weeks later”
The House Speaker and Senate President are hoping the June 20th deadline will be extended.

During his monthly radio show, Governor John Bel Edwards reiterated his support for a second majority-Black congressional district. He expects the legislature will do its job…:
Cut 12 (08) “hopefully they will”

All four people believed to have been involved in the killing of an 80-year-old grandmother during a high school graduation shooting at Xavier University are in custody. Following the arrest of Brandon Rock, police say 49-year-old Frank Bartholomew and 40-year-old Laverne Duplessis and a 15-year-old juvenile turned themselves in Wednesday to the Orleans Sheriff.

The US House has passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which could mean up to $15 million annually for wildlife preservation in Louisiana. Brooke Thorington has more…;
Cut 1 (32) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Senate Governmental Affairs will meet at nine this morning to discuss two potential Congressional district maps. And the senate president and house speaker will be in court asking for more time. One map submitted by Baton Rouge Senator and Democrat Cleo Fields contains two majority-Black districts which would meet the stipulations handed down by a federal judge…:
Cut 13 (14) “right thing”
The other map to be considered is by Slidell Republican Sharon Hewitt. It’s the map that passed in the redistricting session a Federal court rejected because it only has one majority Black district. Hewitt who also chairs the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee says the June 20th court-imposed deadline is not realistic…:
Cut 14 (13) “public input”
Legislative leaders are asking to extend the deadline to June 30th.

The US House of Representatives has passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which dedicates $1.4 billion annually to prevent wildlife extinction. Executive Director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Rebecca Triche says the legislation will greatly help supplement funding to help preserve wildlife in Louisiana…:
Cut 4 (11) “greatest concern”
Triche says three-fourths of voters in Louisiana agree that more needs to be done to conserve land and wildlife in the state.

The statewide average price for a gallon of regular gasoline did not go up once again overnight. It stands at $4.55 which is still up a nickel from the same time last week and 40 cents higher than a month ago.

Hammond Police continue their investigation into a shooting Thursday night following Hammond High School’s graduation on SLU’s campus. 4 people sustained non-life threatening injuries. Tangipahoa Parish Schools Superintendent Melissa Stilley says it’s a shame a happy occasion such as graduation ended on such a sad note…:
CUT 19 (07) “who will always have this memory”
A person of interest is in custody but charges are not yet filed as the investigation continues.

As the abortion debate returns to the headlines, reaction continues to come in from both sides. Kathaleen Pittman is the Director of Hope Medical Group for Women, an abortion clinic in Shreveport. She responds to arguments which factor in religion when it comes to pregnancy termination…:
CUT 6 (08) “treat that”
Under a law signed by former Governor Kathleen Blanco, abortion would be illegal in Louisiana if Roe v Wade is overturned.

A record number of graduates will be leaving LSU and entering the workforce this weekend, but what awaits them when they do? David Grubb has the story…:
Cut 2 (34) “I’m David Grubb”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey issued a statement on Thursday publicly reprimanding Alabama coach Nick Saban and Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher after comments made by both. Saban accused Texas A&M of “buying every player” in its 2022 recruiting class and Fisher retaliated saying it’s despicable that a reputable head coach can come out and say such things.

Lawmakers deliver the state’s $39-billion annual budget to final passage…:
Cut 3 (34) “I’m Kevin Gallagher”

A record 4500 students will be graduating from LSU this weekend. What does the future hold for a college grad in 2022? LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says opportunities are endless…:
CUT 7 (07) “it seems like”

A person of interest is in custody after shots were fired as Hammond High School’s graduation was letting out on SLU’s campus last night. Hammond Police Chief Edwin Bergeron says 4 people were shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. He is asking anyone with information on the shooting to come forward..:
CUT 18 (09) “or Southeastern Police Department”
He says they don’t believe any students or juveniles were involved in the incident.

Proposed changes in policy could have a major impact on how charter schools in New Orleans are evaluated. Due to the pandemic, clear performance data was harder to come by, so adaptation became necessary says Sarah Vandergriff, Legal and Policy Director for the Louisiana Association of Public Charter Schools…:
Cut 13 (10) “pre-COVID”
The policy will likely be voted on at the July school board meeting.