Early voting results show lower turnout

By Jessica Williams | Capitol News Bureau Editor​ ​ ​

Early voting: Nearly 345,000 people voted early this year, an 8% dip from 2019, James Finn reports. Republicans voted early more often than did Democrats. And fewer Black residents voted early this year than in 2019.

Purchase delayed: After state Bond Commission members picked apart their proposal, the Port of South Louisiana delayed its proposed purchase of the former Avondale shipyard, Sam Karlin reports. Port leaders say they want time to address commissioners' concerns. 

Scalise speaker bid: Most of Louisiana's congressional delegation has kept mum about whether they will support U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise's bid for House Speaker, Mark Ballard reports. U.S. Rep. Julia Letlow, R-Start, is the exception. Speaker Kevin McCarthy's ouster has created a power vacuum in the House that Scalise and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, want to fill.