Lawmakers at the State Capitol are hoping to address the ever-growing problem of drug overdose deaths. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt’s Senate Bill 49 in essence doubles the current penalties for those who manufacture fentanyl in clandestine labs…:

CUT 14(11)      “…with fentanyl.”

A first offense would carry a 10-to-40-year prison sentence, ten years without parole, and up to a $50,000 fine. It passes the full Senate by a 33-2 vote, and moves now to the House.

Rapides Parish Sheriff Deputies have arrested two men in the death of an Alexandria man found in a ditch on LA Highway 1 North last week. Sheriff’s spokesman Tommy Carnline says they’ve arrested 32-year-old Donald Ray Sias, Jr. and Othey Lee Tatum, Sr. for the death of 42-year-old Rochaune Prenell. He says Tatum was also arrested for obstruction of justice and criminal conspiracy…:

CUT 09(05)      “…degree murder.”

Legislation to prohibit insurance carriers from using gender as a factor when setting auto insurance rates advances from Senate Insurance. Bill author Alexandria Senator Jay Luneau says women are often charged a higher premium than men even if they have an identical driving record…:

CUT 10(12)      “…charged more.”

But Insurance Committee Chairman Senator Kirk Talbot opposes the legislation; saying it would cause insurance rates for male drivers to increase…:

CUT 13(06)      “…young woman.”

The legislation passed narrowly on a five to four vote and moves to the Senate floor.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival opens up Friday for two full weekends of major musical entertainment, plus all the great food, arts and crafts. You May be able to find tickets on a resale site, like StubHub.