Very strong storms with high winds and heavy rain pounded South Louisiana, causing widespread damage and power outages affecting thousands. Frank Rivette (REE vet), with the National Weather Service, says those areas are not out of the woods yet…
CUT 6 (11) Q: ‘overnight’
Entergy spokesman Tom Peters says it may be quite a while before everyone gets their power back.

There’s one less name in contention for the Louisiana governor’s race as New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu has officially ruled out a run for the fall election. Today he told reporters during a speech the Baton Rouge Press Club, if he HAD decided to run, he would win. That still leaves Amite Representative John Bel Edwards as the lone democrat in the race. Landrieu has not announced any endorsements as of yet.
————————-
The House Ways and Means Committee approves a bill that increases he state’s cigarette tax from 36-cents to 68-cents per pack, to match the rate in Mississippi. The bill’s author, Bogalusa Representative Harold Ritchie, originally proposed an increase of over one-dollar, but agreed to the lower tax, so the measure would be approved…
cut 10 (06) “….trying to do”
Opposition came from cigarette wholesalers and convenience store owners, saying it will have negative impact on jobs.

Today is the start of Navy Week in Shreveport/Bossier, and with it, comes the opportunity for the ArkLaTex to meet sailors face-to-face and learn about their missions…
cut 16 (07) “as well”
That’s lead Navy week planner Gary Ross, who says events include free concerts, demonstrations, commemorative events, school visits and participation in service projects. More information is online at NavyOutreach-dot-org.