A federal lawsuit filed today by Governor Bobby Jindal accuses the Obama Administration of illegally using federal money to force states to adopt the controversial Common Core education standards. The suit claims the US Department of Education used a muti-billion dollar grant program to encourage states to adopt Common Core. The lawsuit claims this violates federal law prohibiting national control of education policy.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says they have some serious problems with a swamp tour operation out of Hammond. PETA council Brittany Peet says not only are the animals at Harvey Kliebert’s Turtle & Alligator Farm & Tours living in deplorable conditions, but they are also putting their employees at risk…

cut 10 (12) “for these tours”

Peet says they’ve filed a complaint with the Occupational Health and Safety Administration to investigate reports of employees being required to taunt the animals. Kliebert’s has yet to respond to our request for comment.

Natchitoches Central High Principal Bill Gordy says it was a random act of violence that led to the death of 18-year-old Johnquaries Smith. Smith died yesterday from the head injury he sustained during a fight with another student at school. Gordy says they don’t know much about the 16-year-old who punched Smith because he just started at the school…

cut 4 (10) “or an adult”

The suspect has been charged with manslaughter. Because he is a juvenile, his name will not be released.

Carencro High School and the WD and Mary Baker Smith Career Center were placed on lockdown today after anonymous threats were called in to both campuses. Authorities say the threats indicated there would be a random shooting at both schools. The schools are working with local law enforcement to ensure students’ safety.