Secretary of State Tom Schedler notified the governor today that he will resign, effective May 8th. Schedler is facing a lawsuit from an employee, who claims the statewide elected official sexually harassed her for a number of years. In a letter to John Bel Edwards, Schedler decries a “tabloid approach to an incredibly serious allegation”. In March, Schedler described the lawsuit as “unfair”, but the accuser’s attorney, Jill Craft disagrees.

Cut 14 (13) “about it”
Once Schedler’s resignation is effective, First Assistant Kyle Ardoin will run the department until a special election is held this fall.

The Sabine Parish Coroner’s office says 35-year-old Jessie Clavier of Many was crushed by a six-thousand pound aluminum boat. Clavier was performing maintenance on the boat while it was hoisted in the air by a trackhoe when the boat fell on him.

Louisiana will continue to remain the only state that requires its retail florists to be licensed, despite the efforts of Carencro Representative Julie Emerson….
cut 12 (07) “…as well”
But the Senate Ag Committee voted against the House-approved bill on six to one vote as they are concerned this could result in unqualified florists.

The former Baton Rouge police officer involved in the fatal shooting of Alton Sterling now faces a battery charge for allegedly slapping a handcuffed man during another arrest a month before the shooting of Sterling. Attorney John McLindon believes the battery charge is a ploy to embarass his client, Blane Salamoni…
cut 5 (09) “….my guess”
Salamoni has been fired from the force for his conduct during the Sterling shooting. He is appealing his dismissal.