More victims are now covered under Louisiana’s domestic violence laws. Two laws take effect today that expand the statutes to include same-sex couples and dating partners. Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence Mariah Wineski says this extends legal protections to more victims.
Cut 12 (10) “domestic abuse battery law”
Wineski says the laws passed by the legislature strengthen the penalties for those found guilty of abusing a dating partner.

Colorado authorities say a Baton Rouge area fire captain committed suicide in Durango, Colorado. The coroner says 48-year-old Rudi Shoats died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Shoats was wanted in Mississippi for fatally shooting his wife. 45-year-old Khristie Rollins Shoats was found dead in a vehicle outside her in Woodville, Mississippi on Sunday.

Governor Edwards toured the home of Lillie Gumm of Baton Rouge. The repairs to her flooded home are nearly complete thanks to the state’s homeowner assistance program, which uses money appropriated by Congress to help flood victims move back in their home. She encourages everyone impacted by the flood to complete the survey found at restore-dot-la-dot-gov….
cut 8 (11) “….the survey”
The governor’s office estimates 37-thousand flood victims have completed the survey.

Today is the first that all bars in the city of Lafayette are non smoking. Robin McMillan owns McMillan’s Pub and she’s hopeful nonsmokers will help keep her in business…
cut 11 (08) “….my business”