On the same day that smoking is banned from college campuses, drivers who throw cigarette butts out of car windows face hefty fines. Michelle Southern has that…

cut 1 (35) “reporting”

It’s looking like a tough day for trains in Louisiana. A train and a car collided in Monroe this morning. No other details are available at this time. And in Baton Rouge seven train cars derailed on South Choctaw Drive causing heavy traffic delays. It is not known what substances the train cars were carrying.

One of the state’s 551 laws that go into effect today would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says before today, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you get a divorce…

cut 9 (07) “of a spouse”

He says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away.

This week’s sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy according to the National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana. Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street…

cut 3 (09) “at small business”

The Louisiana Department of revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, Friday and Saturday, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2,500, other than vehicles and meals.

Researchers at Colorado State University continue to predict a below-average hurricane season this year. After the formation of Hurricane Arthur and Tropical Storm Bertha, they predict eight more named storms and three hurricanes for the remainder of the season.

On the same day smoking is banned from public colleges and universities, motorists could face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases first offense fines from $250 to $300, plus community service. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “Clean Up Days” in his district…

cut 7 (08) “is a problem”

Under the new law, third and subsequent offense fines jump to $1,500 plus 80 hours of community service and suspension of your driver’s license for one year.

There are over 550 new laws going into effect in the state today including laws addressing domestic violence. Beginning today, domestic abuse is grounds for immediate divorce. Also, abusers under a protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

The 2014 Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday is underway. Today and tomorrow most retail purchases in the state are exempt from the 4 percent sales tax on the first $2,500 of each item you buy. Local sales taxes will still apply, unless the local taxing authority has created its own exemption.

The Air Force’s oldest bomb wing, located in Bossier City, is now being commanded by its first ever female bomb wing commander. Col. Kristen Goodwin is taking command of the 2nd Bomb Wing based out of Barksdale Air Force Base. The Air Force began training its first female pilots in 1976 and its first female fighter pilots in 1993. Retired Master Sgt. and military archivist at LSU-S Shawn Bohannon says those first graduates are beginning to move into upper level commands…

cut 8 (14) “Air Force Academy”

Goodwin is now commanding the dozen squadrons that make up the 2nd Bomb Wing.

The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” opens in theaters today and officials in Natchez, MS want to take advantage of the film’s buzz by developing a tour map of filming locations. Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson, Jessica Cauthen, says Greenville, MS is still hosting bus tours from the movie “The Help” three years after its release. Cauthen says they’d like to do the same for “Get On Up”…

cut 5 (14) “our fingers crossed”

Cauthen is hopeful the map will be out in a couple of weeks.

Starting today, individuals with a concealed carry permit are allowed to bring a concealed firearm into restaurants that serve alcohol. HB 72, sponsored by Metairie representative Joe Lopinto, is now in effect, along with a host of other bills that were passed in the last legislative session. Bossier City representative Jeff Thompson says the intent here is to protect responsible concealed carry holders and their families…:
CUT 15 (12) “weapon with me”

Another law that goes into effect today allows teachers to ethically get a gift from a student of up to $25, three times a year. Before now public servants such as school teachers were prohibited from getting gifts from those they serve, but the bill’s author, Gonzales Representative John Berthelot thought this would be a fair exception.

A man who was convicted on five counts of aggravated incest with juveniles attempted suicide in a St. Martinville courtroom just before he was about to be taken into custody Thursday according to officials. They say the 57-year-old man used a concealed razor blade to slit his throat and his wrists. He is currently being treated for his injuries at a hospital but his condition is unknown at this time.

Louisiana’s  sales tax holiday starts today. For the next two days, customers will not have to pay the 4% sales tax on the first 25 hundred dollars of each item they buy. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says not all items and services will qualify. He says many bigger purchases and popular services are not on the list…:
CUT 12 (13) “taxable services”

The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” opens in theaters everywhere today and officials in Natchez, MS want to take advantage of the film’s buzz. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 1 (33) “reporting”

Louisiana’s  sales tax holiday starts today. For the next two days, customers will not have to pay the 4% sales tax on the first 25 hundred dollars of each item they buy. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says any other taxes will apply…:
CUT 11 (11) “its own exemption”
The exemption does not apply to restaurants, hotels or vehicles.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office is looking for a man they believe broke into a woman’s home and raped her. They say it happened in New Iberia Thursday morning when detectives learned the suspect entered the home with a firearm and sexually assaulted an adult female victim inside the residence before fleeing on foot. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

The American Automobile Association report another drop in gas prices today in Louisiana. The statewide average for a gallon of regular is $3.33 now down over 16 cents from this time last Friday.

One of the 551 new laws going into effect today allows CCP holders to bring their weapon into a restaurant that sells alcohol. Places like Applebees are considered Class A establishments and apply under this law sponsored by Metairie Representative Joe Lopinto. Bossier City Representative Jeff Thompson says this does not make it legal to carry a gun into a bar…:
CUT 14 (10) “irresponsible with alcohol”
Thompson says the intent of this law is to protect responsible concealed carry holders and their families.

Barksdale Air Force Base, just outside of Bossier City, is now home to the Air Force’s first ever female Bomb Wing Commander. Matthew Doyle has the story…:
CUT 2 (35) “reporting”

Starting today, individuals with a concealed carry permit are allowed to bring a concealed firearm into restaurants that serve alcohol. HB 72, sponsored by Metairie representative Joe Lopinto, is now in effect, along with a host of other bills that were passed in the last legislative session. Bossier City representative Jeff Thompson says the bill clears up a conflict in the law…:
CUT 13 (14) “from alcohol sales”
A couple of other new laws going into effect today include one prohibiting drivers from using handheld cell phones in school zones or face fines. Parents convicted of battery of a school or recreation contest official face toughened penalties. The state’s cockfighting ban is expanded. Also domestic abuse is now one of the grounds for immediate divorce in Louisiana.

The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Bertha has formed and was speeding toward the Lesser Antilles early this morning. It was located about 170 miles east of Barbados at 4am. Forecasters say little change is expected in the storm’s strength over the next couple of days and added it does not post a threat to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Air Force’s oldest bomb wing, located in Bossier City, is now being commanded by its first ever female bomb wing commander. Col. Kristen Goodwin is taking command of the 2nd Bomb Wing based out of Barksdale Air Force Base. Retired Master Sgt. and military archivist at LSUS Shawn Bohannon says first and foremost, it’s about a qualified officer getting a well earned promotion…:
CUT 7 (08) “her own merit”
Goodwin is now commanding the dozen squadrons that make up the 2nd Bomb Wing and Bohannon says it’s one of the best jobs in the Air Force.

The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” opens in theaters everywhere today. Officials in Natchez, MS want to take advantage of the film’s buzz by developing a tour map of filming locations around the area. Natchez Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson, Jessica Cauthen, says their brochure is based on a similar map of Greenville, MS following the movie “The Help”…:
CUT 4 (09) “of the movie”
“Get On Up” was filmed in 21 locations in and around Natchez.

Governor Bobby Jindal has written a letter to the federal government saying he’s furious over what he says is a lack of disclosure on the 1,071 children who came illegally into the country and made their way into Louisiana. Jindal demands to know where the children are living and a timeline for determining their ultimate status.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says a man cut his wrists and throat with a concealed razor blade inside a courtroom after being convicted on five counts of aggravated incest Thursday. They say 57-year-old Robbie Frith is found guilty of sexual assaulting five juveniles from 2009 until 2011. After Frith’s suicide attempted he was taken to a hospital but his condition is unknown at this time.

Louisiana’s  sales tax holiday starts today. For the next two days, customers will not have to pay the 4% sales tax on the first 25 hundred dollars of each item they buy. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says it only comes once a year…:
CUT 10 (09) “tangible personal property”

Concealed weapons with permits are now legal in restaurants across Louisiana that serve alcohol. Matthew Doyle has the story…:
CUT 3 (33) “reporting”

The man in St. Charles Parish who was wanted for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death in Destrehan and critically injuring her mother is now in custody. The Sheriff’s office says Bruce Bourgeois Jr was arrested in Independence and once transported will be booked on charges of 1st degree murder, attempted first degree murder and armed robbery.

Louisiana State Police say a former Baldwin Police officer is under arrest amid allegations he fathered a baby with a 14-year-old girl. Master Trooper Brooks David says they were initially called to investigate 39-year-old Joseph Brent about possible drug dealing in 2013. David says detectives couldn’t substantiate the narcotics allegation, but they discovered that Brent was living with a minor who was carrying his child. He says the baby was born this month and DNA was collected from all parties…

cut 4 (06) “of the child”

David says charges against Brent include molestation of a juvenile, sexual battery, and malfeasance in office. Brent has been booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail.

Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals officials have confirmed the state’s first death from West Nile Virus this year in Caddo Parish. They say say the case involves a patient who was between 60 and 74 years of age. It’s one of four cases of West Nile confirmed in Caddo Parish this week.

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s office says a man is dead after his neighbor allegedly shot him in the groin last night. Col John Fortunato says they responded to an apartment complex around 1:30am and found the body of a 54-year-old at the door step of the suspect’s residence. Witensses told investigators the two had a long time feud:

cut 6 (08) “over and over”

The victim’s name is being withheld upon notification of family. No charges have been filed against the suspect, 61-year-old Frank Stewart, at this time. The case has been turned over to the District Attorney’s Office.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia has rolled out the red carpet for the New Orleans Saints who begin training camp there today. Kara Dense, with the Greenbrier County Convention and Visitors Bureau, says they were thrilled when the team bus rolled in…

cut 24 (12) “next few weeks”

The Black and Gold will spend the nest three weeks getting ready for the upcoming season at the Greenbrier Resort.

Lousiana State Police say a former Baldwin Police officer is under arrest amid allegations he fathered a baby with a 14-year-old girl. Master Trooper Brooks David says they were initially called to investigate 39-year-old Joseph Brent about possible drug dealing in 2013, but they ended up finding more information…

cut 3 (05) “juvenile”

He says they discovered Brent was living with a minor who was allegedly carrying his child. David says the baby was born this month and DNA tests confirmed Brent fathered the child. Charges against Brent include molestation of a juvenile, sexual battery, and malfeasance in office.

Louisiana State Police say an accident involving a motorcycle has killed a Houma man. Their preliminary investigation revealed a GMC Denali was attempting to turn left on Kettle Lane in Thibodaux when a Harley Davidson, driven by 43-year-old Byron Mabry, struck the Denali. Mabry and his passenger, 46-year-old Francis Plotner, were thrown from the motorcycle. Mabry was pronounced dead at the scene. Plotner was taken to a local hospital with severe injuries. Authorities suspect impairment on the part of Mabry.

There is still around three thousand people without power in the Shreveport-Bossier City area as a result of Wednesday’s thunderstorms that knocked down trees and power lines. SWEPCO spokesperson Scott McCloud says they’ve brought in utility crews from surrounding states to get the power back on…

cut 13 (14) “safely as possible”

The storm took out power across other SWEPCO served states as well, with the Shreveport-Bossier area being hardest hit.

LSU AgCenter researchers continue to look at ways to combat the feral hog populations throughout the state. They are beginning to look at baits containing sodium nitrite, which is effective in taking the oxygen out of the hog’s blood causing death. Animal Science researcher Glen Gentry says the first step is to find an effective dose of the chemical to eliminate the animal…

cut 10 (10) “with these hogs”

He says they are also testing flavors that are attractive to the hogs and a delivery system that specifically targets the animal. Gentry thinks it will be about four years before there is a product the public will be able to use.

State Police report a single vehicle crash has claimed the life of a Pineville man who was not wearing a seat belt. Authorities say 41-year-old Todd Fogleman was driving his truck on Highway 1 near the Poland community when he lost control of the vehicle and entered a ditch colliding with a driveway embankment and overturning.

There is still around 37-hundred people without power in the Shreveport-Bossier City area as a result of Wednesday’s thunderstorms that knocked down trees and power lines. The storm actually took out power across other SWEPCO served states, with the Shreveport-Bossier area being hit the hardest. SWEPCO spokesperson Scott McCloud says the storm rode right along state lines…

cut 15 (12) “long period of time”

McCloud says they’ve brought in utility crews from surrounding states to get the power back on as quickly and safely as possible.

Authorities say a Sunset woman is under arrest for allegedly running over her boyfriend with her car. Police say after an argument, 24-year-old Dontrell Thibodeaux got out of the car and started walking away. That’s when 23-year-old Chestina Clark ran him over. Thibodeaux was taken to a local hospital. Clark is charged with attempted first degree murder and driving without a license.

The annual International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo is underway and thousands of people are expected to descend on the coastal town to enjoy the festivities. Anglers from across the area will compete to see who can catch the biggest fish in a number of categories. Property tax clerk for the town of Grand Isle, Bonnie Pizani says businesses across the island look forward to the economic boost the thousands of people who attend the event bring every year. She says the locals get into the spirit, too…

cut 6 (13) “on the board”

In addition to the fishing, the event features family events, craft vendors, crab races, live music and more. It runs through Saturday.

White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia has rolled out the red carpet for the New Orleans Saints who begin training camp there today. Greenbrier county is home to only 35 thousand people and they aren’t used to getting big name stars like Quarterback Drew Brees. Kara Dense, with the Greenbrier Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, says the locals are eating it up…

cut 9 (13) “for our area”

The team will spend the next three weeks getting ready for the upcoming season at the Greenbrier resort.