The Supreme Court agrees to hear a challenge to the redistricting of Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District. Andrew Greenstein reports.
Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”
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A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has died. Colleen Crain reports.
Cut 2 (36) “…I’m Colleen Crain.”
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The 6th Congressional District was redrawn to make it the second majority-Black district in the state. The question is – will it stay that way? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear two consolidated cases to determine whether race was the determining factor in the drawing of the district in violation of the 14th Amendment. Professor Dane Ciolino at the Loyola University-New Orleans College of Law says the case could have additional ramifications.
Cut 3 (16) “…Constitution’s 14th Amendment.” (Does Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act violate the 14th Amendment?)
Ciolino says how the conservative court will rule is anyone’s guess.
Cut 4 (11) “…in education, employment.” (The court has been skeptical about race-based preferences.)
The court will hear a one-hour oral argument early this winter, and the court will issue its ruling towards the end of June of next year. And Ciolino says depending on how the court rules, the lines could be redrawn by the next congressional election in 2026.
Cut 5 (07) “…by mid-2025.”
But for now, the lines as redrawn will remain in place, very likely resulting in a Democratic pickup today that could alter the balance of power in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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Tropical Storm Rafael is expected to intensify into a hurricane as it moves through the western Caribbean. NWS Meteorologist Christopher Bannon anticipates Rafael will become a Category 1 hurricane before hitting western Cuba.
Cut 6 (09) “…Wednesday evening.”
Bannon says Rafael’s exact path remains uncertain as it approaches the Gulf of Mexico midweek, with two potential scenarios. One model predicts a northward track toward the U.S. Gulf Coast, while another suggests a westward turn that could send Rafael toward northeastern Mexico.
Cut 7 (12) “…anything significant.”
Despite the path uncertainty, Louisiana is expected to experience some rain starting later this week with a moderate risk of flash flooding in some areas. Bannon says residents along the Gulf Coast are advised to monitor updates as forecasts should become clearer within the next two days.
Cut 8 (10) “…over the Central Culf.”
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Hundreds of thousands cast their ballots in early voting in Louisiana, and hundreds of thousands more are expected to do so today. Secretary of State Nancy Landry says they’re expecting a huge overall voter turnout.
Cut 9 (12) “…to 71-percent.”
Landry says presidential elections always bring out voters.
Cut 10 (09) “…the presidential election.”
Polls close at eight tonight; those already in line at that time will be allowed to vote.
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A man considered to be football royalty in Ruston has passed away. William “Dub” Jones died over the weekend at the age of 99 – just one month shy of his 100th birthday. One of his sons, Ben Jones, says his father was an amazing man.
Cut 11 (10) “…so many people.”
Jones spent eight seasons with the Cleveland Browns of both the All-American Football Conference and later the NFL, leading them to two AAFC titles and three NFL titles. On November 25th, 1951, against the Chicago Bears, he scored six touchdowns, tying an NFL record set in 1929 by Ernie Nevers and has since been equaled by Gayle Sayers and Alvin Kamara. Son Ben said with five touchdowns already under his belt, quarterback Otto Graham was determined to get his father the record when coach Paul Brown called a running play late in the game.
Cut 12 (14) “…sixth touchdown pass.”
Ben says his father was an old-school player all the way.
Cut 13 (13) “…talking for you.”
Another of Dub Jones’ sons was Bert Jones, who was an NFL quarterback for ten seasons and was the NFL MVP in 1976.