Lawmakers will gather at the State Capitol tomorrow for a special session that the governor called to fulfill a federal judge’s order for legislators to approve a Congressional district map with two Black majority districts. The deadline for a new map is June 20th. Erath Representative Blake Miguez says that is insufficient time…:
Cut 14 (14) “…the House and the Senate.”
It’s possible Republican lawmakers will not pass another map and let the courts decide if the map they approved in February is legal.

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement.
Cut 5 (07) “…an answer”
New Orleans has seen a 37-percent increase in fatal shootings and a 28-percent increase in armed robberies in 2022, compared to this time last year.

A group of Democrats in the Legislature are pushing Governor Edwards to veto a bill approved in the regular session that would ban abortions in Louisiana if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade.
cut 28 (11) “….bad legislation”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they are also concerned the legislation does not contain an exception for rape or incest.

Oil City Representative Danny McCormick’s effort to pass a permitless concealed carry bill was derailed in the final days of the legislative session when the legislation was completely amended to allow school teachers to carry guns. McCormick does not believe the amendment was sincere…
cut 6 (10) “….Senate floor”
McCormick’s bill was heavily amended days after the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

The possibility of bringing in the National Guard to help New Orleans Police with surging violent crime in the city has been suggested but only as an option of last resort. Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s not received a formal request to mobilize the Guard in New Orleans…

Cut 4  (11) “…law enforcement officers”

A special session to redraw a Congressional district map that would have two Black majority districts instead of one is set to begin tomorrow. A federal judge has ordered state lawmakers to approve a new map by Monday. Erath Representative and House Republican Delegation Chairman Blake Miguez

Cut 13 (11) “… it’s even possible.”
But Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s enough time to pass a Congressional map that reflects the state’s one-third Black population.

A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions.  New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they haven’t received a response if Edwards will either sign or veto the legislation, but she has received feedback from some constituents.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pushing back.”

Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s calling it a day at the end of his term next year. The Republican who’s served more than four decades in office, which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish, and now four years in the Senate.

Cut 10 (10) “…term of office.”

Rep Allen Seabaugh has announced his candidacy for Bernard’s seat.

It’s been suggested Louisiana should bring in the National Guard to help New Orleans Police with surging violent crime in the city. But Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s against the idea…

Cut 3 (08) “…not an answer.”

New Orleans councilmember Oliver Thomas brought up the possibility of using the National Guard to fight crime but stressed it’s an option of last resort.

Lawmakers will gather at the State Capitol tomorrow for a short special session to redraw a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to the federal courts by June 20^th. New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez says that is insufficient time to put such a map through the process…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…the House and the Senate.”

A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, says the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest before Roe v Wade’s anticipated overturn.

Cut 7 (11) “…and complicated.”

So far no response from the governor.

Lincoln and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says it’s still possible federal civil rights charges and state criminal charges could be handed down against the State Troopers involved in the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Belton says he recently met with federal officials who have been investigating the case.

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

State lawmakers are scheduled to return to the State Capitol tomorrow for a redistricting session that’s been called by the governor to redraw a Congressional district map with two Black majority districts. The state legislature has been given a court-ordered deadline of June 20th. But Erath Representative Blake Miguez says many of his Republican colleagues believe the map they passed in February will eventually be accepted by the courts…
cut 15 (09) “…next two days”

Who saw the most graphic body camera video from the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene and when has been a story. District Attorney John Belton still wonders why it took nearly two years before he saw the video that came from Lt John Clary’s body cam…
cut 6 (11) “…..April of 2021”

A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the abortion ban bill that passed in the regular session. Brooke Thorington has more.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s not seeking a second term in the Louisiana Senate. The 71-year-old wants to spend more time with family…
cut 12 (08) “….issues”
Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.

Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal and local investigations into the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…
Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he opposes the idea of sending the National Guard to New Orleans to help with the city’s crime problems. Edwards says guardsmen are soldiers, not law enforcement.

A special session to redraw a Congressional district map that would have two Black majority districts instead of one is set to begin tomorrow. A federal judge has ordered state lawmakers to approve a new map by Monday.
cut 13 (11) “…even possible”
That’s Erath Representative and House Republican Delegation Chairman Blake Miguez. But Governor John Bel Edwards says there’s enough time to pass a Congressional map that reflects the state’s one-third Black population.

Meanwhile, a group of Democrats in the Legislature are pushing Governor Edwards to veto a bill approved in the regular session that would ban abortions in Louisiana if the Supreme Court overturns Roe versus Wade.
cut 8 (11) “….bad legislation”
New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry says they are also concerned the legislation does not contain an exception for rape or incest.

Lawmakers are expected to return to the state capitol tomorrow to redraw a six-district Congressional map with two Black majority districts. But Kevin Gallagher spoke with the head of the House Republican delegation who is skeptical they can approve a map by a court-ordered June 20th deadline…
Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.”

It’s another Air Quality Action Day as southwesterly winds continue to transport Sharan dust across the Bayou State. The state Department of Environmental Quality says conditions will result in unhealthy air for sensitive groups due to particles from the dust.

The district attorney who could bring state charges against State Troopers involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene says he’ll meet with the FBI this week to receive files of evidence that he could present to a special grand jury…
cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday”
That’s John Belton who made the comments during an appearance before the Baton Rouge Press Club. He also discussed his candidacy for Attorney General in 2023.

Natchitoches Republican Louie Bernard has decided not to seek a second term in the Louisiana Senate. The 71-year-old says he’s making the announcement now to give potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns…
cut 11 (11) “…raise money’
The election will take place next year.

Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal investigation into the death of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

____________________________________

A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the most recent abortion bill that passed in the session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

_____________________________________

Lawmakers have to go back to the drawing board tomorrow to make a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to minorities and the courts. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

________________________________________________

Lincoln and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says it’s still possible federal civil rights charges and state criminal charges could be handed down against the State Troopers involved in the fatal arrest death of motorist Ronald Greene. Belton says he recently met with officials in the Civil Rights Office in Washington, D.C who have been investigating this case for multiple years and could determine Greene’s civil rights were violated

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says justice for the family of Ronald Greene could come from his office too. He would like to present evidence from the case to a special grand jury. He says he’s anticipating getting critical investigative files from the FBI this week

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says he is still pursuing justice for the family of Ronald Greene and that he may be able to take another step in that pursuit this week, as he anticipates the receipt of critical files related to the case from the FBI.

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

_____________________________________________

A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, says the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest.

Cut 7 (11) “…and complicated.”

Landry says prior abortion laws were based on Roe v. Wade remaining in place and now with Senate Bill 342 awaiting Governor Edwards’s signature…

Cut 8 (08)  “…bad legislation.”

To date, Landry says they haven’t received a response from Edwards if he will either sign or veto the legislation, but she says she’s has received feedback from some constituents.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pushing back.”

After a document was leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this year, Roe v. Wade is expected to be officially overturned this summer.

_______________________________________

Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s calling it a day at the end of his term next year. The Republican who’s served more than four decades in office, which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish, and now four years in the Senate.

Cut 10 (10) “…term of office.”

Bernard says he’s making the announcement now to allow potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns.

Cut  11 (11)  “…raise money.” 

Bernard says he has grandchildren in Baton Rouge and recently they lost their other grandfather who was also a dear friend. He says it was that loss that made inspired him to leave public life and spend more time with his family.

Cut 12 (08) “…issues.” 

Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.

________________________________________

Lawmakers will gather again at the State Capitol tomorrow for a short special session to redraw a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to the courts. The GOP majorities in the House & Senate pushed through a map with only one majority minority district. Blacks make up one-third of the state’s voters, so many feel two of our six districts should be Black majority. New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez says the 5^th U.S. Circuit Appeals court’s ruling is a tall order…:

Cut 13 (11) “…it it’s even possible.”

A federal judge has given Louisiana until June 20^th to submit a map that reflects two majority-minority districts. Miguez says that is insufficient time to put such a map through the process…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…the House and the Senate.”

Miguez says the federal judge could have allowed more time for legal objections to the existing map – passed back in February – to play out in the court system. But, he says, he and colleagues will have to go back to Baton Rouge and do the best they can…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…the next two days.”

______________________________________________

Another first for new Saints head coach Dennis Allen today as the team opens its mandatory minicamp. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says from rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received.

Cut 16 (13)  “…for the season.”

There are plenty of players to watch, with so many new additions to the roster. Jackson says a heavy dose of attention will be focused on this year’s rookie class, highlighted by dual first-rounders: wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning.

Cut 17 (20) “ …Chris Olave.” 

Last season at this time the Saints’ defensive secondary and wide receiver positions were the positional groups that had the biggest questions surrounding them. This season both look fully stocked, and Jackson says there are new position battles to monitor that will be just as intriguing.

Cut 18 (17) “ …question mark there.” 

Jameis Winston takes the field as the number one starter from Day One, a luxury he didn’t have as he battled Taysom Hill for the job last year. Jackson says that should benefit Winston and the Saints offense tremendously.

Cut 19 (19) _“…to get better.” 

___________________________________________

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators propose a bill to curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. The bill calls for more thorough background checks on 18-to-21-year-olds because their juvenile record could have been expunged. After the Parkland shooting in 2018, Cassidy says similar legislation was proposed but this bill strengthens the mental health component.

Cut 4  (11) “…if necessary.”

Based on a ruling Sunday by a federal appeals court, Louisiana’s Legislature may be required to approve a new Congressional District map with two black-majority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says it will be difficult to do in a special session that’s set to begin Wednesday and end next Monday….

Cut 10 (06) ” .front running plan.” 

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested Oil City Police officer William Fitzpatrick on Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission. CPSO spokesperson Bia Roldan…

Cut 12 (11) “…touched her.”  

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to issue alerts about the air quality. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care says DEQ analyst Jason Meyers.

Cut 6  (11) “…and such.”