Hundreds of new laws are now in effect including one that would double the fine for not wearing your seat belt. Interim Director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission Ken Trull says the fine for a first offense has went from $25 to $50, and second offense citations from $50 to $75. He says this is not about money, it’s about driver safety…:
Cut 10 (09) “buckle up”
This new law applies to everyone in the vehicle, not just the driver.

Louisiana has the worst public schools in the country, according to a new report from the personal finance website WalletHub. Analyst Jill Gonzales says Louisiana ranked near the bottom in reading and math scores, ACT scores, and student safety. She says the state also ranked 45th in dropout rates…:
cut 4 (07) “the country”
In response to this report, the state department of education says public school students have made tremendous growth.

US Senate candidate and former-KKK leader David Duke has an 82% disapproval rating, according to a University of New Orleans poll of about 600 likely voters. UNO pollster Ed Chervenak says this survey indicates that there is a wholesale rejection of Duke’s candidacy by Louisiana voters…:
CUT 7 (09) “rating”
Chervenak says 9 in 10 respondents in the 2nd and 3rd congressional districts in south Louisiana disapproved of Duke.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission says an Imperial Sugar Co. packaging plant is closing in September meaning 49 people will lose their jobs. State officials say they will help workers try to find new jobs.