Union Parish District Attorney John Belton provided an update on the federal investigation into the death of Ronald Greene. David Grubb has more…

Cut 1 (37) “…I’m David Grubb.”

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A group of Democratic lawmakers is asking Governor Edwards to veto the most recent abortion bill that passed in the session. Brooke Thorington has more.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.” 

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Lawmakers have to go back to the drawing board tomorrow to make a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to minorities and the courts. More from Kevin Gallagher…:

Cut 3 (28) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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Lincoln and Union Parish District Attorney John Belton says it’s still possible federal civil rights charges and state criminal charges could be handed down against the State Troopers involved in the fatal arrest death of motorist Ronald Greene. Belton says he recently met with officials in the Civil Rights Office in Washington, D.C who have been investigating this case for multiple years and could determine Greene’s civil rights were violated

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says justice for the family of Ronald Greene could come from his office too. He would like to present evidence from the case to a special grand jury. He says he’s anticipating getting critical investigative files from the FBI this week

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

Cut 4 (09)  “…final decision.”

Belton says he is still pursuing justice for the family of Ronald Greene and that he may be able to take another step in that pursuit this week, as he anticipates the receipt of critical files related to the case from the FBI.

Cut 5 (09) “…on Wednesday.”

During his remarks, Belton was asked about the apparent discrepancy between his and the governor’s accounts of when he received the body cam footage taken from Lieutenant John Clary. He says that his greater concern is with the actions of LSP.

Cut 6 (11)  “…April of 2021.”

Belton has announced his candidacy for State Attorney General and says he will run without a party affiliation.

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A group of Democratic Louisiana lawmakers is asking Governor John Bel Edwards to veto Senate Bill 342 which outlines penalties for physicians who perform abortions. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry, who’s also an attorney, says the bill was the last opportunity to add the exception of rape and incest.

Cut 7 (11) “…and complicated.”

Landry says prior abortion laws were based on Roe v. Wade remaining in place and now with Senate Bill 342 awaiting Governor Edwards’s signature…

Cut 8 (08)  “…bad legislation.”

To date, Landry says they haven’t received a response from Edwards if he will either sign or veto the legislation, but she says she’s has received feedback from some constituents.

Cut 9 (11)  “…pushing back.”

After a document was leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States earlier this year, Roe v. Wade is expected to be officially overturned this summer.

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Natchitoches Senator Louie Bernard says he’s calling it a day at the end of his term next year. The Republican who’s served more than four decades in office, which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish, and now four years in the Senate.

Cut 10 (10) “…term of office.”

Bernard says he’s making the announcement now to allow potential candidates ample time to lay the groundwork for their campaigns.

Cut  11 (11)  “…raise money.” 

Bernard says he has grandchildren in Baton Rouge and recently they lost their other grandfather who was also a dear friend. He says it was that loss that made inspired him to leave public life and spend more time with his family.

Cut 12 (08) “…issues.” 

Bernard says he will finish out his current term which ends December 31, 2023.

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Lawmakers will gather again at the State Capitol tomorrow for a short special session to redraw a Congressional district map that’s acceptable to the courts. The GOP majorities in the House & Senate pushed through a map with only one majority minority district. Blacks make up one-third of the state’s voters, so many feel two of our six districts should be Black majority. New Iberia Representative Blake Miguez says the 5^th U.S. Circuit Appeals court’s ruling is a tall order…:

Cut 13 (11) “…it it’s even possible.”

A federal judge has given Louisiana until June 20^th to submit a map that reflects two majority-minority districts. Miguez says that is insufficient time to put such a map through the process…:

Cut 14 (14)  “…the House and the Senate.”

Miguez says the federal judge could have allowed more time for legal objections to the existing map – passed back in February – to play out in the court system. But, he says, he and colleagues will have to go back to Baton Rouge and do the best they can…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…the next two days.”

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Another first for new Saints head coach Dennis Allen today as the team opens its mandatory minicamp. Ross Jackson, the host of the Locked On Saints podcast, says from rookie camp to OTAs, Allen’s approach has been well-received.

Cut 16 (13)  “…for the season.”

There are plenty of players to watch, with so many new additions to the roster. Jackson says a heavy dose of attention will be focused on this year’s rookie class, highlighted by dual first-rounders: wide receiver Chris Olave and left tackle Trevor Penning.

Cut 17 (20) “ …Chris Olave.” 

Last season at this time the Saints’ defensive secondary and wide receiver positions were the positional groups that had the biggest questions surrounding them. This season both look fully stocked, and Jackson says there are new position battles to monitor that will be just as intriguing.

Cut 18 (17) “ …question mark there.” 

Jameis Winston takes the field as the number one starter from Day One, a luxury he didn’t have as he battled Taysom Hill for the job last year. Jackson says that should benefit Winston and the Saints offense tremendously.

Cut 19 (19) _“…to get better.” 

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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.”

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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.” 

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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 (38) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

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With no relief in sight for gas prices, some workplaces could return to virtual work options that were implemented during the pandemic. University of New Orleans business professor Mark Rosa says it’s a simple decision for those businesses that already have the technology in place.

Cut 4 (07)  “…return to it.”

Another option to reduce gas usage for commuters is a four-day work week. Rosa says some workplaces could be even more flexible…

Cut 5 (10) “…many places.”

However, there are some professions that don’t allow an individual to work from home, for example, a bank teller or a construction worker. Rosa says high gas prices might also impact filling essential and front-line worker positions.

Cut 6 (08)  “…in fuel.”

Rosa says some employers could be faced with increasing wages in an effort to keep employees.

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Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and millions of people will be traveling the highways en route to their vacation destinations. 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.”

After the pandemic kept the country cooped up the last couple of years, Redman says Americans want to get out. However, they may modify their plans.

Cut 8 (10)  “…staying as long.”

In order to still enjoy some time away from home, Redman says that many people will have to make some tough travel choices due to the prices at the pump.

Cut 9 (12)  “…quite significant.”

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Record high inflation is also impacting animal shelters across the country and more and more animals are being surrendered or even abandoned because their owners can no longer afford to care for them. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says some pet owners feel they have no other choice.

Cut 10 (07) “…no space.”

Dorson says shelters in Louisiana are always overpopulated because the spay and neuter rate is extremely low. In the past out-of-state shelters have helped reduce the burden but with gas prices, they can’t afford to transport animals to shelters in other states.

Cut  11 (10)  “…of many.” 

If you are in a situation where you might have to give up your pet, Dorson says first spay or neuter your pet, so you won’t have an additional mouth to feed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Cut 12 (12) “…with them.” 

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Now that the 2022 Legislative Session is over, more persons are voicing plans to run for statewide office in 2023. “LAPolitics.com” publisher Jeremy Alford says possible (or probable) candidates for Governor are Attorney General Jeff Landry, Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and state Treasurer John Schroder. Alford says another possible contender is former Louisiana Western District U.S. Attorney Donald Washington, a Black Republican…:

Cut 13 (11) “…as U.S. Attorney.”

With Schroder considering running for Governor next year, Baton Rouge state Representative Scott McKnight has announced he’ll run for State Treasurer, to replace Schroder. Alford says many candidates see Treasurer as a good entry level to statewide office, and a stepping stone to bigger, better things…:

Cut 14 (13)  “…a U.S. Senate seat.”

Today at Baton Rouge Press Club, Louisiana 3^rd Judicial District Attorney John Belton is expected to officially announce he will run for Attorney General, to replace Jeff Landry who is expected to run for Governor in 2023. Belton is currently prosecuting the high-profile case of the 2019 roadside death of Ronald Greene while in State Police custody. Alford says there are other contenders for the A.G. job…:

Cut 15 (09)  “…looking to run.”

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The New Orleans Saints have wrapped up OTAs with minicamp ready to begin on Tuesday. Rookie tackle Trevor Penning is expected to be an impact player this season after being taken with the 19th overall pick. He says right now his focus is on learning the subtle differences between the college and pro games.

Cut 16 (14)  “…good technique.”

Of course, the Saints underwent some major changes in the offseason. One mainstay though is right tackle Ryan Ramczyk. The All-Pro says after injuries slowed the offense last season, he expects to go back to putting up points this season.

Cut 17 (13) “ …this year.” 

Jameis Winston is the unquestioned starter under center this year, and he will be backed up by veteran Andy Dalton. Dalton says he’s enjoying his role and believes Winston is primed for a big year.

Cut 18 (19) “ …watch him work.” 

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The 5th U-S Circuit Court of Appeals has blocked an order from a federal judge that called for state lawmakers to redraw a Congressional district map with two majority-minority districts. House Governmental Affairs Chairman John Stefanski played a major role in drawing a Congressional map with one Black majority district and is pleased with the appellate court’s action…

Cut 9 (10) “…exercised”

Friday afternoon, Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to both the Senate President and Speaker of the House saying it is still too early to cancel the session and that he will not do so unless the stay is still in place as of 4 pm on this coming Tuesday, June 14.

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New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson says four arrest warrants have been issued in connection with the fatal shooting of an 80-year-old grandmother at a high school graduation ceremony on Xavier University’s campus on May 31st. Ferguson says the shooting was the result of two juveniles arguing and then adult members getting involved with the dispute and trying to settle it with guns…

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It’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Free Fishing Weekend. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says it’s the one weekend where a fishing license is not required. And in preparation for the free weekend, Williams says they have stocked 17 ponds across the state with ample catfish to improve your odds when casting a line.

Cut 4 (04) “…go fishing.”

Even though a license is not required to fish in Louisiana this Saturday and Sunday, fishing regulations remain in effect regarding size, season, catch limits, and gear restrictions. For a list of those 17 fishing sites visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

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A Lafayette man has been arrested for the impersonation of a police officer, among other charges. 57-year-old Brad Schexnayder was driving recklessly before he suddenly came to a stop in front of an 18-wheeler and stepped out of his vehicle. He then allegedly identified himself as an officer, assaulted the driver, and fled the scene. Schexnayder was tracked to his home in Youngsville, taken into custody and booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on charges of impersonation of a police officer, simple battery, and reckless operation of a vehicle

Republican legislative leaders say next week’s special session to redraw a Congressional district map should be canceled as a result of a stay issued by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 2 (32) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Friday afternoon, Governor John Bel Edwards sent a letter to both the Senate President and Speaker of the House saying it is still too early to cancel the session and that he will not do so unless the stay is still in place as of 4 pm on this coming Tuesday, June 14.

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It’s the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Free Fishing Weekend. LDWF Biologist Danica Williams says it’s the one weekend where a fishing license is not required. She says the annual event is ideal for residents who have yet to enjoy one of the state’s favorite pastimes.

Cut 3 (07) “…in Louisiana.”

For a list of 17 fishing sites visit the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries website.

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A Lafayette man has been arrested for the impersonation of a police officer, among other charges. Senior Corporal Matthew Benoit of the Lafayette Police says 57-year-old Brad Schexnayder was driving recklessly on Northeast Evangeline Thruway before he suddenly came to a stop in front of an 18-wheeler and stepped out of his vehicle…

Cut 6 (12) “…fled the scene.”

Schexnayder was booked into the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center on charges of impersonation of a police officer, simple battery, and reckless operation of a vehicle.