As a result of this week’s U.S. Supreme Court decision regarding Louisiana’s congressional districts, state legislative leaders say they plan to approve a new map during the final month of this legislative session. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 3 (29) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

As this story continues to unfold, a federal lawsuit seeking to restore the May 16^th election has now been filed.  The case challenges Governor Landry’s decision to suspend the congressional races, saying it’s unlawful, unconstitutional, will disenfranchise voters.

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With the U.S. House elections now on hold, it means all campaigns are now null and void. Once a new map is adopted, the process will start all over from square one, with candidates going through the qualifying process in the new districts. Political strategist Lionel Rainey notes that all this comes after the 32 candidates from both parties had already raised and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Cut 8 (08) “…not exist anymore.”

A House bill that would eliminate vehicle inspection stickers is nearing final passage, despite strong opposition. Janice Aucion of Morgan City says she’s been inspecting vehicles for 26 years and told Senate Transportation that inspection stations keep unsafe vehicles off the road.

Cut 4 (14) “…that’s not obvious.”

With the U.S. Supreme Court striking down Louisiana’s congressional map, legislative leaders say they will approve a new map before the session is required to end on June 1st. LaPolitics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says a session that was coasting along could experience some turbulence over the next few weeks.

Cut 14 (10) “…a fast track.”

Meantime, a Federal lawsuit seeks to restore the May 16^th election after Governor Jeff Landry suspended congressional races.  Governor Landry signed an executive order suspending the closed party primary for US Representative and only that race. That May 16^th primary and a potential June 27^th run off for Congress are now on hold.  The new federal lawsuit  challenges the state’s decision. Plaintiffs say the suspension is unlawful and unconstitutional.
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For the 32 people who had been running for U.S. House in Louisiana, all their efforts have now gone to waste. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

A crossing guard died after being hit by a vehicle at a Denham Springs elementary school yesterday afternoon.  We’re told Katy Wells was on duty after school at Gray’s Creek Elementary when she was hit by a truck driving northwest on Hwy. 16.  Officials have said a 64 year old man is facing charges of vehicular homicide and DWI.