Union Parish D.A. John Belton is meeting with federal investigators to obtain additional materials related to his investigation of the 2019 death of Ronald Greene while in State Police custody. Belton revealed this latest news while speaking to the Baton Rouge Press Club today. He also made his candidacy for Attorney General in 2023 official. Belton will run as a “no party” candidate.

Caddo Parish Sheriffs arrested an Oil City Police officer Sunday, after receiving a complaint that he allegedly entered the home of a woman without permission and touched her inappropriately. The victim says that’s what woke her up to 39-year-old William Fitzpatrick’s presence in her apartment. Caddo sheriff’s spokesperson Bia Rolden says this isn’t his first arrest either…:

CUT 14(12)      “…simple battery.”

He’s charged with unauthorized entry and sexual battery.

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to declare today an Ozone Action Day. DEQ’s Jason Myers…:

CUT 08(07)      “…similar tomorrow.”

The alert means little kids, senior citizens and those with heart or respiratory issues should try to remain indoors. Those who work outside should take care. To monitor air quality, visit “deq.louisiana.gov.”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he will not be calling in the National Guard to help with crime in New Orleans. Crescent City Councilman Oliver Thomas called for the troops to come in, after the city has seen a 37-percent year-to-date increase in fatal shootings, a 7% increase in carjackings, and a 28% increase in armed robberies.

Three Shreveport residents are in the hospital after running gas-powered generator inside their home. Firefighters found an adult and two kids in the home. Their condition is listed as serious.

A ruling from a federal appeals court could force state lawmakers to approve a Congressional map with two Black majority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Jeff Palermo.”

In New Orleans, a horse pulling a funeral wagon late last week collapsed and died shortly afterward. A necropsy is scheduled for beloved animal, but the Humane Society says heat exhaustion is the likely cause. Temperatures exceeded 90 that day. a jazz funeral for the horse is scheduled as well.

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group in the Senate agree on a bill they say will curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. Cassidy says, because a majority of school shootings are committed by males 18 to 21, the bill allows for a more thorough background check because juvenile records are expunged…:

CUT 03(11)      “…in the past.”

The bill – which is not yet drafted – would also provide for mental health funding.

Saharan dust levels have been gradually increasing since the weekend, leading the state Department of Environmental Quality to declare today and tomorrow Ozone Action Days. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults, as well as those active outdoors for extended periods, should take care. DEQ’s Jason Myers says you can monitor daily air quality in our state by visiting “deq.louisiaina.gov”…:

CUT 07(11)      “…e-mail notification.”

Deputies in Caddo Parish arrest an Oil City cop, after a resident complains he illegally entered her home. Caddo Sheriff’s spokesperson Bia Roldan says 39-year-old Officer William Fitzpatrick allegedly entered the woman’s apartment without permission and inappropriately touched her as she slept. Roldan says they are unaware of any real relationship between Fitzpatrick and the victim…:

CUT 13  (07)        “…like that.”

Charged with unauthorized entry and simple battery…if convicted, Fitzpatrick could face fines up to $1000 and up to six months in jail.

A man who once ran for D.A. in the Felicianas pleads guilty to indecent acts with juveniles back in 2001 through 2003. 60-year-old David Opperman received a 14-year sentence, with 9 of those suspended; meaning he’ll be out in 5 years. He must also register as a sex offender for life.

Senator Bill Cassidy is among a bipartisan group of Senators presenting a bill to address school shootings by permitting more thorough background checks for some. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(32)      “…Brooke Thorington.”

Dust from the Sahara Desert has caused the state Department of Environmental quality to declare today and tomorrow as Ozone Action Days. Those who have lung or heart disease, children and older adults should try to avoid outdoors activities, if possible.

Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy is part of a group of 20 U-S Senators, both Republicans and Democrats, who have agreed on gun safety legislation. The measure, which is still being drafted, would provide greater mental health resources to states, and improve school safety and there are also proposals to prevent the mentally ill from purchasing weapons. Cassidy says the bill is not just in response to the latest school shooting in Uvalde, Texas…
cut 5 (10) “…as well”

Based on a ruling made yesterday 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”

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.”

An Oil City Police officer was arrested over the weekend after he entered the home of a woman without permission and inappropriately touched her as he woke her up. Caddo Parish Sheriff’s office spokesperson Bia Roldan says 39-year-old William Fitzpatrick has been arrested before
cut 14 (12) “….sexual battery”
If convicted on this latest charge Fitzpatrick could face up to six months in prison.

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.”

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.”  

A ruling from a federal appeals court could force state lawmakers to approve a Congressional map with two Black majority districts. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”  

To address school shootings Senator Bill Cassidy is among a bipartisan group of Senators presenting a bill to allow for a more thorough background check for young adults. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (32) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

Heat indices could reach 110-degrees for the northern half of the state and southeast Louisiana. Also, Saharan dust has moved into the state causing a rise in particle levels which produces unhealthy air for sensitive groups.

A federal appeals court has ruled against a permanent stay against a federal judge’s order that the Legislature must redraw a Congressional district map by June 20th. That means a special session set for Wednesday will likely happen. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski remains hopeful, that the courts will determine the Congressional map approved by lawmakers in February is legal. He says if a second majority Black district is required, Congresswoman Julia Letlow’s district could be impacted the most…
Cut 11 (08) “…the most”

A new name has emerged as a possible candidate to run for governor next year. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says its former Louisiana Western District U-S Attorney Donald Washington…
cut 13 (11) “…as U-S Attorney”

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators agree on a bill they say will curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. Cassidy says because a majority of school shootings are committed by males ages 18 to 21, the bill allows for a more thorough background check because juvenile records are expunged.

Cut 3 (12) “…in the past.”

It appears a special session to redraw a Congressional District map will begin on Wednesday. Yesterday, the 5th U-S Circuit Court of Appeals ruled lawmakers must follow a lower court’s order and redraw a U-S House map that has two Black majority districts by June 20th. Crowley Republican Representative John Stefanski says legislators have a difficult task in front of them

Cut 9 (05) “…nearly impossible”

Stefanski says Republican legislative leaders are meeting today to discuss their next steps.

Will the cost of gas keep more Americans from hitting the road this summer? David Grubb has the story…

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m David Grubb.” 

State Police have arrested 64-year-old Peter Doland of Lake Arthur for felony hit and run and careless operation after the June 6^th death of Jerry Hughes of Welsh in Jefferson Davis Parish. The victim was riding a bicycle on LA 1126 and struck from behind and pronounced dead on the scene.

Now that the legislature has adjourned, more are voicing their desire to run for office in Louisiana’s 2023 statewide elections. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

State Senator Louie Bernard announces he will not seek re-election. The Natchitoches Republican says at 71 it’s time to retire when his term ends next year. Bernard will have served 44 years in office which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish and four as a senator.

Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and millions of people will be traveling for vacation. Triple-A spokesman Don Redman says record fuel prices are a major concern, but so far it doesn’t look like people are deciding to stay home.

Cut 7 (11) “…start drawing back.”

In Louisiana today the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.55.

Record high inflation is causing more people to surrender or even abandon their pets because they can no longer afford to care for them. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says in the past out-of-state shelters have helped reduce the burden but with gas prices, they can’t afford to animal transports.

Cut  11 (10)  “…of many.” 

Dorson says the state’s low spay and neuter rate also contributes to overcrowding.