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.

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.

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”

Record high inflation and gas prices are prompting many businesses to consider remote work options. Brooke Thorington has more
Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

How are high gas prices impacting vacations that many of us planned when gasoline was well below four dollars a gallon…
cut 8 (10) “….staying as long”

A ruling by a federal appeals court on Sunday appears to pave the way for a special session to begin Wednesday to redraw a Congressional District map with two Black majority districts. A federal judge in Baton Rouge ordered state lawmakers to submit a new map by June 20th, but last week a stay was placed on that order. However yesterday the U-S 5th Circuit denied a motion for a permanent stay and Governor Edwards says it’s time for the Legislature to draw a congressional map that reflects the state’s population which is one-third Black.

Next year will be statewide elections and Baton Rouge Representative Scott McKnight who has served in the Louisiana Legislature since 2019 has announced he’s running for state treasurer as current state treasurer John Schroder is expected to run for governor. Jeremy Alford of La-Politics-dot-com explains why State Treasurer is a coveted political position…
cut 14 (13) “….U-S Senate seat”

A bipartisan group of U-S Senators including Louisiana Republican Bill Cassidy says they’ve reached an agreement on gun control legislation. The proposal includes funding for states to establish red flag laws, courts would also have the ability to take guns from people who are deemed dangerous and there will also be major investments in mental health care.

In Baton Rouge, looks like a six-day special session for the Louisiana Legislature to redraw a Congressional map will happen after a federal appeals court lifted a stay on a federal judge’s order that calls for lawmakers to redraw a map by June 20th.

Today, Third Judicial District Attorney John Belton speaks to the Baton Rouge Press Club. La-Politics-dot-com publisher Jeremy Alford says Belton is expected to run for Louisiana Attorney General next year…
cut 15 (09) “…to run”

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.”

Meanwhile, there are many employers trying to work with their employees because of record gas prices. UNO Business Professor Mark Rosa says some businesses are returning to work from home shifts or even a four-day work week…
cut 5 (10) “…..many places”

According to Triple-A, the statewide average for a gallon of regular gasoline is up to $4.55 a gallon, another new record high. With no relief in sight for record-high gas prices, some workplaces could return to virtual work options that were implemented during the pandemic. That’s the word from University of New Orleans business professor Mark Rosa who says it’s a simple decision for those businesses that already have the technology in place.
Cut 4 (07) “…return to it.”
Gas prices have also led to record-high inflation and families are making difficult decisions on ways to cut costs. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says some pet owners feel they have no other choice but to bring their pet to an animal shelter.
Cut 10 (07) “…no space.”
Dorson says shelters in Louisiana are always overpopulated because the spay and neuter rate is extremely low.

A federal appeals court on Sunday has lifted a stay placed on a lower court’s ruling that has ordered the Louisiana Legislature to redraw a Congressional district map that has two Black majority districts. The decision likely means a special session to redraw the map will take place. The six-day session is set to get underway Wednesday.

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

There’s a chance the special session Governor Edwards’ called for next week will not happen after a federal appeals court blocked a lower court”s ruling that ordered legislators to redraw a Congressional district map by June 20th. Republican legislative leaders say next week’s special session should be canceled. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski says lawmakers could also convene on Wednesday and adjourn minutes later
Cut 10 (06) ” ..first day.”
Stefanski believes the Congressional District map with one Black Majority district should be used for the fall elections, but the governor says there should be two because of an increase in the black population.

The city of Bastrop continues to try and comprehend a triple homicide that took place early Wednesday morning. Three teenage males were killed…
cut 12 (10) “…..and outrage”
Morehouse Parish Sheriff Chief Deputy Jeremy Mardis says three people have been arrested in connection with the gunfight that resulted in the three fatalities.

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, it’s a perfect opportunity to go fish. Brooke Thorington explains.
Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”