Republican Congressman Garret Graves of Baton Rouge publicly spoke for the first time since announcing he will not run again after a new map redrew the district he represents. Mel Bridges has more.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Mel Bridges.”
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The PSC will vote tomorrow on a proposal to refund SWEPCO customers $23 million. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”
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Republican U-S House of Representative Garret Graves of Baton Rouge publicly spoke for the first time today since announcing he will not seek a sixth term in Congress after a new map dramatically changes the sixth district that he currently represents. Graves says he was thinking about running for either district six or district two, but ultimately…
Cut 3 (12) “…try that.”
The congressional district map approved last month creates two new majority-Black districts by redrawing some districts, including stretching district 6 from Caddo to East Baton Rouge Parish. Graves says that’s unfair to those he represents.
Cut 4 (10) “…thrown out.”
Graves says he doesn’t think any representative will be able to fairly represent the needs of all the different areas in the new district 6. In fact, Graves says he plans to take a break from politics altogether.
Cut 5 (07) “…level set.”
Congressional elections will be held in November using the new districts.
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New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s temporary restraining order against a woman who photographed Cantrell and her then-bodyguard Jeffrey Vappie (rhymes with happy) sharing dinner and wine while on duty at a French Quarter restaurant has been thrown out. Anne Breaud (Brohd) says she snapped the pictures of the two from her own balcony due to safety concerns.
Cut 6 (09) “…at me.”
Breaud shared the photos with media outlets and watchdog groups, one of which filed a complaint with NOPD against Vappie. Vappie was then investigated and taken off the mayor’s security detail. Justin Schmidt, who represented Breaud in court, says while today was a victory for his client, the case sparked a bigger question than the photographs.
Cut 7 (09) “…citizens.”
The information in question included Breaud’s social security number, date of birth and photograph, which appeared on Cantrell’s petition unredacted. The judge dismissed Cantrell’s temporary restraining order against Breaud and denied her a permanent restraining order, which Schmidt says is a good thing for both his client and free speech.
Cut 8 (10) “…you for it.”
Breaud is pursuing a counterclaim against Cantrell to figure out how the mayor got that sensitive information.
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Because SWEPCO overcharged customers $23 million, Public Service Commissioner Foster Campbell says he is proposing a plan for the utility provider to issue refunds. He says the average customer would receive a credit of $62, to be divided over three billing periods July, August, and September.
Cut 9 (06) “…to do.”
Twelve northwest parishes were impacted by the overcharge. Campbell says once SWEPCO discovered the error they contacted him.
Cut 10 (07) “…(x2) the people.”
Campbell says the refund for businesses that use a large amount of wattage will be substantial.
Cut 11 (11) ” …(x2) thousands of dollars.”
Campbell says the PSC will vote on the refund proposal at Wednesday’s meeting.
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Louisiana Tech student Olivia Grace George has been crowned as Miss Louisiana 2024. George beat out 32 other women to win the award
Cut 12 (09) “…is key.”
George was a first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Louisiana Competition. George plans to pursue a career as an educator and during her time as Miss Louisiana she wants to help students grow their love for learning…
Cut 13 (08) “…take care of us.”
Her community service initiative is “Knowledge Empowers Youth to Do More – Education is KEY.”