| By Bob Warren
Released too soon: The case of a convicted pedophile who was mistakenly released from prison seven years too soon has moved from Norco, where authorities said the crimes occurred over a 20-year period, to Baton Rouge. A bill that would require more notification to victims before sex offenders are released is making its way through the Legislature.
Playing through: If you’ve found yourself in downtown Covington, you might have seen Mayor Mark Johnson driving around in his golf cart. The mayor is a noticeable presence, bopping around town. But this week the City Council heard an allegation that Johnson was driving the cart recklessly on Mardi Gras. Politics, the mayor scoffed. Sara Pagones has the story.
A deputy, an AK-47, a shooting: Authorities in St. John the Baptist Parish said they’re continuing their investigation into what led to a deputy to shoot a man inside a vehicle stuck in the swamp early Sunday. The sheriff said Wednesday the man grabbed an AK-47; the man’s family says they don’t buy it. Michelle Hunter has the latest.
Pels flying high: Good news, Pels fans – our favorite NBA team is in the league’s play-in tournament. Pretty amazing, considering that dreadful start to the season last fall. Our Pels beat reporter Christian Clark has everything you need to know about the play-in.
Hope you enjoyed today’s Lunch Line. Thanks for taking a break with us. And of course, be sure to check out NOLA.com for more news throughout the day. BW | 
