Stories from New Orleans · United States

Early voting in Louisiana is scheduled to begin this weekend for upcoming primary elections. Voters will cast ballots for candidates in existing districts. Early voting for Louisiana's primary elections began on Saturday. This follows a Supreme Court ruling that found the state's redrawn congressional maps unconstitutional. State officials have suspended elections for Louisiana's House seats despite more than 100,000 absentee ballots already being sent to voters. These ballots contain the slate of House races. The process includes ballots for various House races.

Voters in Louisiana will face a postponed primary election due to upcoming redistricting processes. The shift follows various court decisions that necessitate new district boundaries.

A court ruling on Louisiana's congressional map has declared the state's map an unconstitutional racial gerrymander.

Lester Wright has died at the age of 103. At age 100, Wright set a record for his age in the 100-meter dash with a time of 26.34 seconds.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest the LIV Golf tour will address its staff and players within the next 24 hours. The Saudi public investment fund plans to stop bankrolling the Livgolf breakaway tour after this summer. Founded in 2022, the league spent billions of dollars to attract top global players. Livgolf plans to inform staff and players today regarding the decision. The league is currently evaluating strategic alternatives to maintain operations, according to reports from CNBC and US media. LIV Golf has announced the formation of a new independent board following news that Saudi backing for the league will end. The announcement of the independent board followed the confirmation regarding the cessation of Saudi support. The organization is transitioning towards a long-term structure.

A special grand jury has indicted Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hudson on 30 felony counts. The indictment was announced by the Louisiana Attorney General's Office. No specific details regarding the nature of the charges were provided in the report. The indictment follows an event where 10 inmates broke out of a facility. A sheriff in Louisiana has been indicted following an incident where 10 inmates escaped from a New Orleans facility. Officials confirmed the indictment following the investigation into the breach. Brown faces 20 felony counts in connection with the same incident. The indictment involves allegations of mismanagement related to a jailbreak.

U.S. Congressman Cleo Fields called the Supreme Court's decision regarding redistricting a grave setback to voting rights and equal political representation. Fields represents the Louisiana district at the center of the case.

Louisiana's solicitor general is addressing efforts to redraw electoral districts currently represented by Black Democrats.

A court decision regarding Louisiana's second majority black congressional district could allow Republican-led states to eliminate black and Latino electoral districts. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis stated on X that the ruling allows Florida to redistrict without race being the defining factor. Democrats dispute the ruling, claiming the new map undermines minority voting power and divides Democratic votes. Louisiana Republican Governor Jeff Landry stated that a court decision prohibits the state from proceeding with next month's primary elections under the current congressional map. Governor Landry is working with state lawmakers and the Louisiana Secretary of State to develop a path forward. The announcement was made via an online post by the Governor. This decision follows a redistricting move two years ago that established a second district out of six total.

Golf players are expressing concern regarding a potential deal with Live that could be worth up to $500 million. The discussion involves players participating in $30 million tournaments. The outcome of the New Orleans event remains uncertain at this time. Players are reportedly seeking funding and interest from Saudi Arabia, while existing spending patterns on the tour are being questioned. Uncertainty is increasing regarding Saudi Arabia's willingness to continue funding golf projects. Latest developments from New Orleans have added to the uncertainty surrounding the tour's future. No specific terms or outcomes of the discussions were disclosed.