The US Supreme Court has thrown out Louisiana’s congressional map. In a six-to-three ruling that fell right along ideological lines, the court ruled that Cleo Fields’ district, which stretches from Shreveport to Baton Rouge, relied too much on race. Loyola University law professor Dane Ciolino says the state intentionally went to extraordinary lengths to create that district, and that’s what the court took exception to.
Cut 9 (10) “…unconstitutional racial gerrymander.”
Fields says the Supreme Court’s ruling is a grave setback to voting rights and to the promise of equal political representation for all Americans.
So what happens now that the nation’s highest court has struck down Louisiana’s second majority Black congressional district. Governor Jeff Landry says they are still analyzing the ruling…
Cut 6 (08) “…moving forward”
Secretary of State Nancy Landry says the case has been sent back to the Western District of Louisiana. Fields says the Supreme Court’s ruling does not require a new map to be drawn so the upcoming federal elections should go on as scheduled. Early voting for the May 16th primary is Saturday.
Ground breaking takes place this afternoon on a new I-10 bridge in Lake Charles. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
Funeral services for the 17-year-old Lafayette Parish girl who was killed last week during a mass shooting at the Mall of Louisiana will be next Saturday 10 AM at the Episcopal Church of Ascension in Lafayette. The public can donate to the Martha Odom Legacy of Joyful Grace in Motion fund at the Community Foundation of Acadiana.