BY DEANNA B. NARVESON | Staff writer A year ago, U.S. Rep. Garret Graves was one of the most powerful people in Congress, meeting at the White House to negotiate deep budget cuts while trying to keep the federal government afloat. Graves was set to become the next chair of the powerful House Transportation Committee, and had sponsored a key portion of the Republican majority’s legislation aimed at increasing oil and gas production. But late last week, on Friday afternoon, Graves announced he wouldn't run for reelection. What gives? Read the full story from Mark Ballard here. Louisiana's Department of Environmental Quality is undergoing more changes—another top aide to the embattled DEQ chief has resigned. Stacey Holley, Aurelia Giacometto's chief of staff, submitted her resignation on Monday. Giacometto, a former Donald Trump administration official appointed by Gov. Jeff Landry as DEQ secretary, has come under fire over her management style. Read the latest here. Gov. Jeff Landry sided with trial lawyers over business interests Tuesday in a high-stakes legal and political battle in Baton Rouge over how much people who sue can collect in injury and damage claims. Read more. | 