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When Louisiana defended its congressional map at the U.S. Supreme Court back in March, Solicitor General J. Benjamin Aguiñaga told justices that state officials “would rather not be here.” 
But while some in Louisiana are ready to be done with SCOTUS, the court isn’t done with Louisiana and issued an order two weeks ago placing Attorney General Liz Murrill squarely in the middle of a national controversy — not for the first time, and likely not for the last. 
The court is asking parties to the suit to address the constitutionality of creating a majority-minority district to protect minority voting power, which states often do to comply with the Voting Rights Act. The question highlights the possibility that justices will strike down a key provision of the act, only two years after upholding it. 
“At a very fundamental level,” Murrill said, “we need clarity.” 
Murrill was then-AG Jeff Landry’s solicitor general before her election to Landry’s former position in 2023. She has been a loyal lieutenant to the governor and to President Donald Trump. Yet she’s also the state’s top lawyer, independently elected to serve its citizens regardless of political leanings. 
She doesn’t see any tension between the roles of political advocate and Louisiana’s chief counselor, adding, “I’ve been very supportive of the governor and worked with him for eight years, and I haven’t seen any conflict so far.”  
The Supreme Court is asking “whether the State’s intentional creation of a second majority-minority congressional district violates the Fourteenth or Fifteenth Amendments to the U. S. Constitution.” The plaintiffs seeking to overturn Congressman Cleo Fields’ district didn’t press that argument earlier this year, Murrill said. 
She said Louisiana has argued in other cases that it’s not constitutional to violate the Equal Protection Clause to address an issue with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, and her office will not shy away from that history in the brief that’s due in two weeks. The court’s question suggests justices believe lawmakers and Landry may have done just that when they created the current map with a second majority-minority district. 
“The Supreme Court created the morass with its own jurisprudence,” she said. “We have consistently said that they need to fix that problem.” In the meantime, a lawsuit over the Louisiana Legislature’s map is on hold while the Supreme Court case plays out. 
Murrill might also find her way to SCOTUS in her defense of Louisiana’s law mandating the Ten Commandments in public schools. On social media recently, Landry declared the separation of church and state to be a “myth.”
Asked if she agrees, Murrill said there is “great misunderstanding” about how the Constitution treats religious liberty and government actions in this area, but stressed that she is defending the law based on current precedents. 
While you can’t post the Ten Commandments to advocate for a religion, previous decisions have stated you can do so if it’s placed within a historical context, and Louisiana’s law stays inside those guardrails, she said.  
A federal appeals court ruled the law unconstitutional, though Murrill and Landry pledged to challenge that ruling; experts have said the case is likely to make its way to the Supremes. 
Also on tap for Murrill: her three pending lawsuits against CVS. State officials have accused the pharmacy giant of improperly using customers’ sensitive information to send them text messages as part of a lobbying effort against legislation targeting the company’s business structure. 
Murrill also alleges that CVS has used its market power as a pharmacy benefit manager to undermine competition and impose “unethical and exceedingly high fees on independent pharmacies.” While the company has denied wrongdoing, Murrill said CVS has reached out for discussions. 
She said some of the issues with CVS can be resolved fairly quickly because the facts are clear. But the suit dealing with vertical integration, challenging the company’s alleged control over multiple tiers of the health care system, could drag on for quite some time, since it challenges their entire business model. 
Back at the Capitol, Murrill has successfully pushed an extensive legislative agenda, with 10 bills going into effect Aug. 1.
Asked to identify the main themes of the package, she cited a continuing emphasis on criminal justice reform, ensuring that death penalty cases can move forward, and protecting victims of crime.
HB 64 by Speaker Pro Tem Mike Johnson speaks to the attorney general’s authority to “defend the state’s autonomy, independence, and sovereignty in all legal matters and disputes involving the federal government.”
Basically, the law bans state and local government actors from entering into consent decrees with the federal government without approval from the governor and attorney general. 
Looking ahead, Murrill would like to establish a dedicated, state-funded unit to investigate Medicaid recipient fraud. The office already has a Medicaid fraud unit that’s federally funded, but federal law doesn’t allow that money to be used to go after recipients. 
Not that her office doesn’t enthusiastically go after recipient fraud, and publicize the results when someone is reeled in.
Late last month, to name only one example, she touted the arrest of a “Medicaid millionaire” from Slidell, who she said bought a Lamborghini and plastic surgery while on government assistance. 
Murrill joined Landry in bashing the Crescent City IDs that New Orleans officials unveiled two weeks ago. The initiative is modeled after programs in other cities.
The cards can be used as a library card, to access recreational programming and public transportation discounts, and to interact with local law enforcement. The list of accepted documents to obtain the card includes some that are not accepted for state or federal identity verification, such as student IDs. 
“It doesn’t seem like they’re making it very hard to get the card, so it doesn’t seem like it would be hard to get 10 different ones for 10 different aliases,” Murrill said.
She said the issue could be ripe for legislation next year.
For more Louisiana political news, visit www. LaPolitics.com or follow Alford on X @ LaPoliticsNow.

DEAR ABBY: I am a 54-year-old mother of two, a wife and a full-time teacher. My days are long, busy and usually uneventful. Every evening, I am expected to call my 84-year-old mother, who lives a few states away. I oblige, of course, listening patiently to all of her stories, ranting and gossip.
If, for any reason, I happen to fall asleep or forget to call, it’s as if my face will be plastered on a milk carton. The texts and emails start, as well as calls and texts to my husband and sometimes even my children.
Abby, I have tried explaining that this leaves me annoyed and frustrated, only to be dismissed with, “Well guess what X said today?” Or, “Did I tell you what R said to J?” (Yes, you did, in fact, TWICE already). Should I bite my tongue or insist on a better schedule that will hopefully prove to be mutually beneficial? It’s difficult to engage in meaningful conversations when they are forced and mostly one-sided.
BURDENED
IN NEW YORK
DEAR BURDENED: It is within your power to curtail the schedule your mother has instituted. However, doing so will require a conversation with her that may not be pleasant for either of you. TELL her you will call her once (or twice) a week, because talking daily isn’t working for YOU. Tell her that if she wants to gossip, she should do it with her contemporaries rather than demand you listen on a daily basis.
Be prepared for the fact that she isn’t going to like it. If she calls your husband or children to complain, ask them to please reiterate to her that you are fine, but you are too busy to talk, and that she should expect your calls at the agreed-upon time.
P.S. If her memory is faulty, she should be evaluated by her doctor.

DEAR ABBY: My husband’s best friend, “Herb,” (aka “Mr. Cheapo”) is getting married for the third time. He’s planning the wedding and suggesting the attendees pay for their meals. I told my husband that Herb is setting himself up for failure again. (Not to mention he’s having his fiancée sign a prenup as he did with his other two wives.) I’m beside myself just thinking about it. Attendees have expenses, too, and what will his fiancée think when people send their regrets or don’t bring a gift?
I’m ready to override my husband’s suggestion not to educate this man on wedding etiquette. Otherwise, Herb’s a super guy, very nice and well-mannered. I know for a fact that his cheapness destroyed his second marriage and a subsequent relationship. Both women complained profusely to me about it before storming out. Should I educate Herb?
SEES THE WRITING ON THE WALL

DEAR “SEES”: From what you have written about Herb, he is not doing what he’s doing out of ignorance. If you would like to be helpful, quietly suggest to his fiancée that when he hands her the prenup document, she have it reviewed by HER OWN LAWYER to avoid any surprises in the future (or she could hand him one of her own).

***

For an excellent guide to becoming a better conversationalist and a more sociable person, order “How to Be Popular.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 to: Dear Abby, Popularity Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447.

FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Council on Wednesday voted to remove the board for the recreation district that serves Amelia.
The council voted for the resolution removing the Recreation District No. 1 board after a 66-minute closed-door session.
Two board members defended their work since the board removed Wednesday was seated in March, pointing to a revitalized soccer program and physical improvements at the community’s recreation center.
But the board has also faced accusations of open meetings law violations and of staffers being ordered to perform work not authorized by the full board.
Then, on Tuesday, the recreation board called a special meeting, during which 15-year recreation director Mike Beadle was terminated.
After Wednesday’s personnel discussion in executive session, Councilman the Rev. Craig Mathews of Jeanerette moved to dismiss the board, setting the process in motion.
“In light of the fact that there has been substantial evidence presented that adversely affects Recreation District No. 1 of St. Mary Parish, that could create serious legal challenges for our parish, this council has no other alternative but to remove the Recreation District No. 1 Board of Commissioners,” Mathews said.
Mathews’ motion passed on a voice vote with only Councilman Mark Duhon, who represents Amelia, objecting.
Then the resolution calling for the board’s removal passed 11-0.
Board members Andrew Gros Jr. and Russell Blanchard had defended their work in comments to the council.
“I was asked to be on the board to do a job,” Blanchard said. “We did it.”
Beadle, known locally as professional wrestler Mustang Mike, also spoke in his own defense. Beadle said he has been harassed since the board removed Wednesday was seated in March.
“My integrity in this community has been harassed,” Beadle said. He said he was fired “in front of my family, in front of my friends.”
Beadle, who said he has never received a bad employee evaluation, told the council that other employees at the recreation center are considering leaving their jobs.
Council Chairwoman Gwendolyn Hidalgo of Bayou Vista had called a special meeting for July 29 to consider removing the district’s board. That action was delayed on the advice of legal counsel because a closed-door session to discuss personnel was not on the special meeting’s agenda.
At that time, Hidalgo spoke of her desire to avoid a hostile workplace and to protect the jobs of district employees.
She referred to “complaints that have only come up since this board has been in place” earlier this year.
She also said she wants to “keep a facility that has been one of the most well-run and well-kept and has been an asset to the Amelia community for 15 years or more from becoming a source of chaos and drama and a liability to the parish.”
At that meeting, Gros blamed “retaliatory motives” related to the board’s supervision of Beadle.
Joining Gros and Blanchard on the board that was removed Wednesday were Denise Chaisson, Tyrone Richardson and Cheryl Dugas.
Also Wednesday:
•The council passed a resolution of respect for AnnaLee Marie Daigle, who died July 24. Councilman Patrick Hebert of Berwick praised the Morgan City resident for her commitment to helping others.
•EBP Community Boxing organizer Eframzimbalist Randle said the group’s Lace Them Up event is scheduled for Sept. 20 at the Berwick Civic Center. The boxing program for young people has about 20 members.

pi.

Alfred Arceneaux Jr., who was 95 and a resident of Morgan City, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at his home.
Alfred was born on December 30, 1929 in Morgan City, the son of Alfred Arceneaux Sr. and Wilda Duplantis Arceneaux.
Alfred was known for being a practical joker, a star athlete, singer in the choir. He was also known for being a successful entrepreneur. Alfred was part of the Galatea Mardi Gras royalty. He was known for being the family’s patriarch and mentor. Alfred was known to touch the lives of everyone he knew and was everybody’s favorite uncle, the most helpful neighbor, a devoted husband, and a father that would do anything for his children. He was a very active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church.
Alfred is survived by his loving wife, Linda Y. Arceneaux, his four children, Dirk Arceneaux (Kay) of Stephensville, LA, Robin Bailey (Herman) of Morgan City, LA, Madge Dubuc (James) of Morgan City, LA, and Jody Flippin of Abbeville, LA. He is also survived by his three step children, Val Tamporello-Murray (John) of Waco, TX, Ted Young (Robbie) of Friendswood, TX, and Jim Young (Lydia) of Lafayette, LA. Seven grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his first wife, Judith W. Arceneaux; one son, David Arceneaux, and one grandson, Bryan Bailey.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Visitation was held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025 at Holy Cross Catholic Church from 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Alfred was laid to rest after Mass in the Morgan City Cemetery.