The Louisiana Senate has approved a bill that would require first offense DWI offenders to install an interlock ignition device for at least six months in order to get their driver’s license back. Baton Rouge Senator Rick Edmonds says passing this legislation will save lives and it will result in federal grant dollars from the National Traffic Safety Administration…
cut 16 (08) “…having struggles”
The measure sill needs House approval.

Wildfires in the Bayou State increased dramatically over the weekend which has led to parishes issuing burn bans again. Ag and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain says some of the fires were a result of burn piles that got out of control or were abandoned.
Cut 3 (10) “…aggressively.”
The next big chance for rain is on Friday.

Civil rights lawyer Ben Crump was in Avoyelles Parish today as he’s representing Jerome Stevenson. He died while in custody at the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s jail in Marksville last November. An inmate and two correction officers have been charged in his murder. Crump says he will fight for justice for the Stevenson family
Cut 6 (11) “…were fighting”
37-year-old John Williams of Mansura has been charged with second degree murder. He was an inmate at the jail. Corrections deputies, 60-year-old Byron White and 61-year-old Frank Overbey also face charges.

A little good news from UL Lafayette Economist Gary Wagner’s latest Louisiana Economic Activity Forecast. The state has gained nearly 40,000 jobs in the last 12 months, the biggest increase in almost 20 years…
Cut 26 (07) “…metro region.”
New Orleans and Baton Rouge areas are responsible for about 62% of the growth.