New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says it is time to ramp up security for federal lawmakers, after a shootout at a baseball park in Virginia left House Majority Whip Steve Scalise critically injured…:
Cut 13 (09) “that’s us”
Scalise had a security detail because he is the third highest ranking member of the US House, but other congressmen do not have such protection.

The House Majority Whip underwent another surgery on Thursday, and will remain in the hospital for some time, according to MedStar Washington Hospital. They say Scalise remains in critical condition, but has improved in the last 24 hours.

Lawmakers could be leaving the special session before the Monday deadline as the full Senate is set to vote on the House-approved $29 billion dollar spending plan this morning. If no changes are made to HB1 today, it will head to Governor John Bel Edwards, who supports the bill.

The LSU AgCenter selects a vendor for the medical marijuana program. AgCenter Chancellor Dr. Bill Richardson says the plan is to contract with a bio-pharmaceutical research company from Las Vegas called GB Sciences:
Cut 4 (08) “to work with”
He says this is the last major hurdle to getting the drug into the hands of those who need it, hopefully by early next year.

State Police say a trooper is under arrest for allegedly using excessive force when taking someone into custody in New Orleans. John Neal is accused of going too far when chasing after a fleeing suspect. LSP spokeswoman Melissa Matey…:
Cut 10 (08) “at that time”
Neal has been on forced leave since the February incident and is booked with on one count of simple battery.