| BY CHAD CALDER | Staff writer |
Dropping out: U.S. Rep. Steve Scalise withdrew from the race to be the next Speaker of the House on Thursday night, saying the Republican party is still too divided to chose a leader. He also had choice words for those he said were putting their own interests first. Mark Ballard has the story. Saltwater wedge continues retreat: This week's saltwater wedge prognostication from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in and it now looks like even Gretna and Algiers will likely be spared drinking water contamination. Mark Schleifstein explains what's changed, and why it's still a concern for the state. Clemency process begins: Antoinette Frank, the New Orleans police officer who gained infamy in the 1990s for fatally shooting two victims in a triple homicide, will begin to make her case before before the state pardon board Friday, along with four condemned men. Frank, the only woman on death row, is among 56 condemned people who filed petitions in June asking Gov. John Bel Edwards to convert their death sentences to life in prison. Jillian Kramer has the details on Frank's plea for mercy. Thanks for starting your day with Morning Headlines. Check out all the latest news, sports and entertainment coverage from The Times-Picayune. Chad | 