The House Criminal Justice Committee approved two high profile bills of the legislative session. One of the measures would allow riverboat casinos to move some of their gambling operations on land and also change the rules regarding gaming space. Opponents say the measure expands gambling, but the bill’s author Lake Charles Senator Ronnie Johns disagrees…
cut 10 (06) “..what so ever”
The bill passed on a 10-4 vote.

The same panel voted for a measure that would prohibit abortions 15 weeks after conception. Pro-choice attorney Ellie Schilling warned the committee that this abortion restriction law would lead to more legal costs for the state as it will surely be challenged in the federal court system…
cut 9 (12) “…like these”
This measure would not go into effect unless a federal appeals court rules favorable on the challenge to Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.

Gnats are overstaying their welcome this year as a result of the abnormally cooler temperatures. Matt Doyle has more.
Cut 2 (30) I’m Matt Doyle”

The mayor of Cotton Valley in Webster Parish has been arrested on a charge of felony abuse of power. Joseph Alexander allegedly mishandled town funds on two different occasions.