Entergy and DEMCO say thousands of customers are without power after a horrible storm blew through south Louisiana this morning. Entergy spokesman Tom Peters says it could be a while before they get everybody back up…:
CUT 4 (09) “straight line winds”
They say power could be out for some areas until tomorrow. Cops are urging folks to stay off the roads if possible.

The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that increases the state’s cigarette tax from 36 cents per pack to 68 cents to match the tax rate in Mississippi. The bill’s author, Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie, originally proposed a tax increase of over one-dollar, but agreed to lower the tax so the measure would be approved…:
CUT 10 (06) “trying to do”
The bill advanced on an 11-5 vote and it’s expected to generate an estimated 67 million dollars for the state annually, which could be used towards the state’s one-point-six billion dollar shortfall.

Today is the start of of Navy Week in Shreveport Bossier…an opportunity for the community to meet Sailors and learn about their missions. Lead Navy week planner Gary Ross says events include free concerts, demonstrations, commemorative events, school visits and participation in service projects;
CUT 14 (11) “contact”
Ross says this is one of 12 Navy Weeks the their Office of Community Outreach is hosting in 2015.

Gas prices keep going up. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is $2.30 which is 6 cents up from this time last week according to AAA.