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”

Senator Bill Cassidy and a bipartisan group of senators agree on a bill they say will curb the threat of school violence and preserve Second Amendment rights. Cassidy says because a majority of school shootings are committed by males ages 18 to 21, the bill allows for a more thorough background check because juvenile records are expunged.

Cut 3 (12) “…in the past.”

It appears a special session to redraw a Congressional District map will begin on Wednesday. Yesterday, the 5th U-S Circuit Court of Appeals ruled lawmakers must follow a lower court’s order and redraw a U-S House map that has two Black majority districts by June 20th. Crowley Republican Representative John Stefanski says legislators have a difficult task in front of them

Cut 9 (05) “…nearly impossible”

Stefanski says Republican legislative leaders are meeting today to discuss their next steps.

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.” 

State Police have arrested 64-year-old Peter Doland of Lake Arthur for felony hit and run and careless operation after the June 6^th death of Jerry Hughes of Welsh in Jefferson Davis Parish. The victim was riding a bicycle on LA 1126 and struck from behind and pronounced dead on the scene.

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 (30) “…I’m Kevin Gallagher.” 

State Senator Louie Bernard announces he will not seek re-election. The Natchitoches Republican says at 71 it’s time to retire when his term ends next year. Bernard will have served 44 years in office which includes police jury, clerk of court for Natchitoches Parish and four as a senator.

Summer is here, the kids are out of school, and millions of people will be traveling for vacation. 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.”

In Louisiana today the average price for a gallon of regular gas is $4.55.

Record high inflation is causing more people to surrender or even abandon their pets because they can no longer afford to care for them. Jeff Dorson with the Louisiana Humane Society says in the past out-of-state shelters have helped reduce the burden but with gas prices, they can’t afford to animal transports.

Cut  11 (10)  “…of many.” 

Dorson says the state’s low spay and neuter rate also contributes to overcrowding.

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”

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.

—

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…

—

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