Lawmakers are debating over Congressional Maps in Senate Governmental Affairs after a court-imposed deadline of June 20^th remains in effect for a map with two majority-Black districts. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01 (36)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

State Police say a Bossier Parish man died early this morning, when his car left the roadway and smashed into some trees – ejecting him. 37-year-old Geoffrey Davis was pronounced dead at the scene. Troopers say they don’t know if he was wearing a seatbelt or not. A blood tox test will reveal whether impairment played a role in the crash.

There is now a hefty reward for information to solve the one-year-old murder of 17-year-old Shamia Little in Shreveport. Special Agent Doug Williams says she was found dead from a single gunshot in a public park, and they now hope a $50-thousand reward may prompt someone to come forward…:

CUT 11 (11)      “.,.leads for us.”

Those with tips should call 800-CALL-FBI

A crime watchdog group says someone needs to take another look at a Tangipahoa Parish case wherein a rape victim, who was impregnated by her alleged attacker was ordered to pay him child support. Metropolitan Crime Commission head Rafael Goyeneche says the girl did lodge a complaint, albeit years after the crime occurred…:

CUT 14 (12)      “…hasn’t been investigated.”

He’s referred the case to another agency to see if investigating the man is merited.

Shreveport Police and the FBI are asking for help in the search for the killers of Shamia Little. David Grubb has more…:

CUT 02(37)      “…David Grubb.”

Lafourche Parish deputies arrest a contractor in the town of Larose for allegedly planting a hidden camera in a customer’s bathroom. 37-year-old Chase Cheramie was charged under the state’s video voyeurism law. His bond is set at $75-thousand.

Five juvenile offenders escaped early this morning from the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish. Office of Juvenile Justice spokesperson Nicolette Gordon says four of them have been apprehended, but one remains at large. How they escaped is yet unknown. She says these facilities have escape mitigation measure in place, however…:

CUT 09(10)      “…chance that we get.”

With a major widening of Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge getting underway soon, some are concerned about what will happen during rush hour traffic, and – even worse – what about a hurricane evacuation? DOTD says lane reductions aren’t due to start until early next year, but nevertheless recommends you plan a hurricane escape route that doesn’t involve using a busy major highway.

Lawmakers are debating Congressional Maps in Senate Governmental Affairs after a court-imposed deadline of June 20^th remains in effect for a map with two majority-Black districts. Brooke Thorington has more…:

CUT 01(36)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Meanwhile, the federal judge who tossed the congressional map passed by lawmakers in February has denied an extension of the June 20^th deadline to submit a new map to her. Lawmakers now have four days to complete their work.

New Orleans Police say two people were wounded in separate shootings as they drove on Interstate 10 in the Crescent City yesterday. One in Eastern New Orleans and another near the Gentilly area. They ask residents who may know anything about who’s pulling the trigger to please come forward.

A crime & corruption watchdog group calls for review of a Tangipahoa Parish case wherein a rape victim was ordered to pay child support to her alleged attacker. Metropolitan Crime Commission director Rafael Goyeneche says the victim was just 16 when the attack occurred, and the man she accuses found out she’d had a child five years later…:

CUT 13(11)      “…his paternity.”

Early this year, a judge ordered the mother to pay child support. Goyeneche says one Tangipahoa Parish law enforcement agency has failed to investigate the woman’s complaint…so he’s referred the case to another for review. He says the father of the now 16-year-old daughter could still be investigated for rape or at least carnal knowledge of a juvenile.

Lawmakers are discussing two Congressional maps in Senate Governmental Affairs in an effort to meet the June 20^th court-imposed deadline. In discussions over Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ map, Republican and Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt believes the current enacted map meets the guidelines set forth by the Voting Rights Act with only one majority Black district.

Cut 5  (12) “…and state law”

With a third of the state’s population Black, Fields says the Congressional map should reflect and allow for proper representation of minorities. He argued that the current map approved by the majority Republican legislature is not fair.

Cut 6  (08) “…come on now.” 

US Judge Shelly Dick denied a request from Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder for a deadline extension.

At around 2 am this morning, five juveniles escaped from the Bridge City Center for Youth. The Office of Juvenile Justice went into an immediate lockdown and notified law enforcement. OJJ spokesperson Nicolette Gordon says three of the five have been located and they’ve established a temporary command center to assist in collecting and distributing information to aid in their capture.

Cut 8 (11) “…Information Database.” 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any individuals responsible for the homicide of Shamia Little. The 17-year-old was found deceased about 11 months ago near a park in Shreveport from a single gunshot wound. Special Agent Doug Williams…

Cut 10 (10) ” …forward.” 

Another escape from a juvenile jail in Louisiana; one of several so far this year. This time, an overnight breakout at the Bridge City Center for Youth in Jefferson Parish. Office of Juvenile Justice spokesperson Nicolette Gordon says law enforcement was able to catch some of the youths shortly after the escape…:

CUT 07(08)      “…remain at large.”

Parents of the escapees have been notified, as the search for them continues.

US 5^th Circuit Court Judge Shelly Dick denies a request from Senate President Page Cortez and House Speaker Clay Schexnayder for a deadline extension to redraw the current congressional map. The deadline of June 20th remains in effect. Meanwhile law makers at the Capitol continue debate of proposed district map legislation. Judge Dick tossed the map because it doesn’t reflect the states’ one-third Black voting population, by making one-third of its six districts majority-minority districts.

With a major widening of Interstate 10 in Baton Rouge getting underway, some are concerned about what will happen during rush hour traffic, and – even worse – what about a hurricane evacuation? DOTD recommends you plan a hurricane escape route that doesn’t involve using a busy major highway.

Another day of Saints minicamp is in the books. Quarterback Jameis Winston has been setting the tone as one of the first in the building and the last to leave practice. Yesterday he told reporters that it’s been hard to keep himself from going all out as he continues to recover from ACL surgery, though he is staying on the program the team has for him…:

CUT 17(15)      “…trust them.”

Lawmakers are discussing two Congressional maps in Senate Governmental Affairs this morning, in an effort to meet the June 20^th court-imposed deadline. In discussions over Baton Rouge Senator Cleo Fields’ map, Slidell Senator, and committee chair Sharon Hewitt, who also has a map up for discussion, criticized Fields’ map with two Black-majority districts because it spilt a community in her own district…:

CUT 03(15)      “…your plan.”

But Jared Evans, with the Legal Defense Fund, endorsed Fields’ Congressional map….:

CUT 04(10)      “…called for.”

A federal judge has denied lawmakers request for more time to submit that new district map. The June 20^th deadline looms.

Iberville Parish deputies exercised search warrants for St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau’s home and office yesterday, after it was noticed a large sum of cash disappeared from the evidence room. That discovery was made as the DA prepared to take the case to trial. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the FBI is also in on the case. What was found – in anything – has not been revealed.

The US House of Representatives passes the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, which will invest $1.4-billion annually to prevent wildlife extinction. Louisiana Wildlife Federation executive director Rebecca Triche says they are enthused that the bill should get its U.S. Senate vote soon…:

CUT 26(12)      “…additional funding”

Triche says three-fourths of voters in Louisiana agree that more needs to be done to conserve land and wildlife in the state.

Iberville Parish deputies exercised search warrants for St. Gabriel Police Chief Kevin Ambeau’s home and office yesterday, after it was noticed a large sum of cash disappeared from the evidence room. That discovery was made as the DA prepared to take the case to trial. Sheriff Brett Stassi says the FBI is also in on the case. What was found – in anything – has not been revealed.

Senate Governmental Affairs is meeting to discuss two potential Congressional district maps. 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 and the other is by Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt that only has one majority-Black district.

The session began yesterday, and Fields called out Hewitt who believes the map with only one majority-Black district that passed in the February session is legal. Fields says Hewitt, who attended town hall meetings heard from voters across the state.

Cut 15 (05)  “…black district.”

Hewitt however feels the Congressional map that lawmakers gave final passage to during the redistricting session is lawful.

Cut 16 (12)  “…here we are.”

Even though Republican lawmakers have said six-days is not enough time for them to pass a new map with two majority-Black districts Governor Edwards believes otherwise. Edwards issued a statement this morning that it is too early to cancel the present session, he says major legislation has been passed in similar time frames.

Cut  11 (12)  “…was passed.” 

The US House of Representatives has passed the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, that would give Louisiana $15 million annually to prevent wildlife extinction. The bill has bipartisan support and Executive Director of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation Rebecca Triche says the bill is expected to be voted on in the Senate next month.

Cut 6 (12)  “…additional funding.”

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”