A bill to ban corporal punishment in public schools fails to pass in the Louisiana House by two votes. Michelle Southern has the story…:

Cut 01  (30)      “…Michelle Southern.”

Traffic on I-49 in Desoto Parish ground to a halt today, as an alligator blocked the roadway. DeSoto Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Dunn says the reptile was about 10 feet long. He grappled with the gator, picked it up with his bare hands and carried it to safety. The DPSO Facebook page has a hilarious description of the incident.

A man accused of abducting & raping a Southeastern Louisiana University student was arrested within just a few hours of the crime. SLU campus Police Chief Mike Beckner says it happened Thursday morning, right after the victim parked her car…:

CUT 04(06)      “…at gunpoint.”

Beckner says they got a good description from the victim, and had surveillance cam video of 19-year-old Demetris Harris – of Jackson, Mississippi. He was arrested before noon Thursday and is in custody.

Entergy says it will create its expanded customer service call center in West Monroe. The company will build out existing commercial property to accommodate 170 new customer care representatives. Entergy spokesperson Yovanka Daniel says the announcement is good news for the regional economy…:

CUT 12(10)      “…seamless and positive.”

Daniel says hiring for the expanded customer call center will begin soon. To apply go online to “entergy-louisiana.com.”