Louisiana’s law that bans most abortions is back in effect. Baton Rouge Judge Don Johnson has signed an order that suspends his preliminary injunction. Loyola University Law Professor Dane Ciolino says Judge Johnson’s action is the result of a ruling Friday from the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals…:

CUT 06(11)      “…lower court’s ruling.”

Ciolino says the case will eventually go before the state Supreme Court and he thinks the state will win.

Former state Senator and state Democrat Party chair Karen Carter Peterson pleaded guilty today to federal fraud charges. Peterson was accused of stealing tens of thousands in campaign and party funds, with the help of several associates; none of them named in court documents. A judge will decide if the 52-year-old Peterson will go to prison, when she is sentenced in early December.

The Mayor of Ville Platte, Jennifer Vidrine, was installed Saturday as president of the Louisiana Municipal Association; making her the first Black woman to hold that position. She’s been Mayor of Ville Platte, in Evangeline parish, since 2011. In her career in public service, she has broken through a number of racial and gender barriers to get where she is. Vidrine says she didn’t achieve all that alone…:

CUT 10(11)      “…I could stand here.”

A new law taking effect today makes it a crime to use marijuana in a motor vehicle. Metairie Republican Representative Laurie Schlegel brought the bill in the legislature. She says with smokable medical marijuana now legal, it’s a good idea to establish where one CANNOT use it. She says the law also applies to VAPING cannabis…:

CUT 14(05)      “…this law as well.”

Those caught using marijuana in a moving vehicle will face a $100 fine – even if they are using legally prescribed medical marijuana.