New Orleans firebrand state Senator Karen Carter Peterson has resigned from the legislature, after 23 years of service. Her resignation was effective today. In a written statement, Peterson says she is stepping down to focus on her mental health and well-being. She has struggled with depression and a gambling addiction for several years. A special election will be called to replace Peterson in the Senate.

That is one less vote on the Senate floor for a bill to bring Louisiana’s one-year-old Name, Image & Likeness endorsement law into line with other states, and make it easier for Louisiana to recruit top athletic talent. Bill sponsor Patrick Connick, of Marrero, says Texas A&M landed the nation’s number one football recruiting class because their boosters negotiated NIL deals for recruits as a way to get them to sign with the Aggies…:

CUT 13(09)      “…to participate”

Connick’s bill will make Louisiana NIL law match other SEC states.

A Baton Rouge man faces murder charges for the death of his 5-year-old daughter. BR Police says the little girl was brought to an ER this week unresponsive, but later died. An autopsy determined she died from blunt force trauma. The father, 23-year-old Aaron Hawkins in behind bars; charged with Murder One.

The second-in-command at State Police has been put on administrative leave as he’s under an internal investigation for erasing data on his state-issued cell phone. Jeff Palermo has the story…:

CUT 01(35)      “…Jeff Palermo.”