Legislation that looks to reduce the penalties for those convicted multiple times of marijuana possession makes progress in the state legislature. A Senate committee has approved New Orleans Senator JP Morrell’s bill that would change a second-offense from a felony to a misdemeanor charge. He says third or four offenses would still be felonies, but with lower maximum sentences than current law…:
CUT 3 (06) “20 times higher”
The House has also approved its own legislation that will reduces penalties for multiple marijuana offenders.

In the House Education Committee today, a couple of bills that seek to control the cost of the TOPS scholarship program advanced to the full House. One bill would let colleges set their own tuition rates without legislative approve — a measure that’s tied to one that limits TOPS rewards. The Jindal administration issued a card in opposition to the spending restriction on TOPS legislation.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is making an important announcement at the Governor’s mansion this afternoon…:
CUT 1 (29) “reporting”

A former Baton Rouge teacher Ashley Dowden has been sentenced to seven years probation for having sex with two male students. Dowden must also register as a sex offender. The 43-year-old admitted to having sex with two teenage boys as part of her plea deal.