Governor John Bel Edwards says it’s a new year, and he’s moving forward with making Louisiana a better place. He says one item on the agenda in his second year is criminal justice reform
CUT 15 (09) “come back in”
Edwards says in 2017 he’ll also continue to push for adequate funding for vital services, aid for flood victims, a balanced budget and comprehensive tax reform.

10 years ago this month, Louisiana banned smoking in many places – mainly restaurants, under the Smoke Free Air Act by then state Senator Rob Marionneaux. He says the measure is one of the most memorable pieces of legislation he ever pushed…:
Cut 6 (11) “Louisiana lives”
He hopes to see all bars and casinos included in the ban soon.

Democratic Congressman Cedric Richmond was one of several black lawmakers who said on Capitol Hill Wednesday that Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions is not fit to be the next Attorney General…:
cut 25 (06) “others”
On the first day of confirmation hearings, Sessions says he’s committed to maintaining the freedom and equality that the United States must provide to every citizen.

A Luling man is now behind bars for allegedly robbing a good Samaritan of $80, then brutally killing him. That’s according to St. Charles Parish Sheriff Greg Champagne. He says they have reason to believe 31-year-old Jerel Smith was hitching a ride with the victim, Ryan Dubuc of Metairie, when he shot him multiple times in the head for the cash…:
CUT 11 (08) “armed robbery”
The also believe Smith robbed another person at the same gas station on Dec. 29.