The Supreme Court heard oral arguments this morning on Louisiana’s congressional map that analysts say could chip away at the 1965 Voting Rights Act. At issue is the creation of the state’s second majority Black district. Janai Nelson, the head of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, says its creation was not done with the purpose of achieving a certain outcome.
Cut 4 (08) “…not party discrimination.”
But Solicitor General Ben Aguinaga (ahg-yee-NYA-gah) rejects Nelson’s assertion that the creation of that district was done without regard to political preference.
Cut 6 (10) “…same political candidates.”
While the Supreme Court normally issues its rulings in June, the court is expected to rule on this case in the next two to three months, so that if a new map needs to be drawn, it can be done in time for the 2026 elections.
Baton Rouge Police arrest a 16-year-old boy in connection with Saturday night’s shooting on the LSU campus that injured two people. Lieutenant L’Jean McKneely Jr. says thanks to good detective work, they identified the shooter and released a photo of the suspect, seeking the public’s help in finding him.
Cut 8 (11) “…juvenile detention.”
With burn bans in effect in 11 parishes, there is relief in sight. State Climatologist Jay Grymes says a cold front will boost rain chances this weekend. He says much of the northern half of the state could see one inch or more, while southern parishes could get a half inch of rain or less.
Grymes says the state has not seen much rain since late August and expects more parishes will issue outdoor burn bans this week.