The presidents of the Orleans and Jefferson Parish medical societies have begun a push to raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products in Louisiana to 21 years. Smoking Cessation Trust CEO Mike Rodgers is a co-sponsor of a letter sent to lawmakers and Rogers says by raising the age, it could reduce the millions spent every year on health care costs associated with smoking…
cut 8 (12) “….a toxic substance”
There are six states where you have to be 21 to buy a pack of smokes.

The National Hurricane Center says a tropical wave in the southern Gulf has a medium chance for further development as it moves into the Western Gulf. State Climatologist Barry Keim….
cut 13 (11) “…become Joyce”
If Joyce does form, a landfall is more likely on the Texas coast than in Louisiana.

Westwego police say an alleged rape victim used her teeth and a coffee table on her attacker. Lt. Eric Orlando says the woman bit down on the assailant’s genitals and then used a coffee table to fend off an attack with a knife….
cut 11 (12) “….to her”
Orlando says the victim eventually fled the home and they arrested 54-year-old John Patton on various charges, including second-degree rape.

Louisiana is the recepient of a seven-million dollar federal grant that will result in the construction of a new veterans cemetery in Jennings. Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Joey Strickland says currently Southwest Louisiana families have to drive at least 80 miles to find the nearest veterans cemetery.
Cut 3 (08) “…leesville”
Groundbreaking is set for November 1st.