President Biden pardoned thousands of persons convicted of federal marijuana possession last week, and challenged state governors to follow suit. Governor John Bel Edwards was asked last Friday if he would follow the President’s lead. Edwards says many states are reforming marijuana laws; decriminalizing and even making it legal altogether. However, he says he does not have sole authority to write pardons. Louisiana has a process to follow…:

CUT 11(12)      “…and so forth.”

Edwards says marijuana convictions shouldn’t impede one’s access to employment, housing or education. He says he will consider any such pardons that reach his desk.

Lafayette Parish deputies report they confiscated a “potential explosive device” during a Sunday traffic stop near the Evangeline Thruway. Deputies stopped the vehicle for a suspected swapped license plate and found the device. The driver, 44-year-old Jade Merantel was arrested for multiple narcotics charges, traffic offenses, and manufacturing in possession of an explosive device.

There’s a new Louisiana Lottery $20 scratch-off ticket but a high price tag also brings about bigger prizes. Brooke Thorington explains…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Thorington.”

Louisiana has received $270 million in federal cash to repair local bridges. The money comes from the bipartisan Infrastructure Law.  The Department of Transportation closed 25 of them last year and 31 so far this year. The money will go a long way toward getting routes closed – due to bridges out – reopened.