A Southern Media and Opinion Research Poll finds Governor John Bel Edwards’ approval rating has dropped nine percentage points since September of 2016. It now stands at 54-percent. Pollster Bernie Pinsonat says the public is sick and tired of the governor and legislature not coming to an agreement on how to fix the state’s budget woes.
Cut 13 (09) “they’re saying”
He says African American residents continue to give Edwards’ a positive rating, while only 44-percent of white voters feel that way about the governor.

In a Baton Rouge courtroom today, former “Sons of Guns” reality television star Will Hayden was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 40 years for raping two young girls. The victims were about 12 years at the time of the sex acts. Hayden also faces charges in Livingston Parish.

The full house has approved a bill that would make it easier for voters to recall an elected official. Current law requires signatures from one-third of the registered voters in large districts and 40-percent of voters in small jurisdictions. Covington Representative Paul Hollis says that isn’t feasible in 180 days….
cut 5 (08) “…or greater”
The measure heading to the Senate reduces the number of signatures required.

A measure approved by the House would give voters the chance to decide if they want to prevent a convicted felon from running for office until 8 years after they serve their sentence. Norco Representative Gregory Miller is the author of the constitutional amendment…:
Cut 9 (10) “of trust”
The legislation now moves to the Senate and if it clears the upper chamber, it will need voter approval.