Louisiana’s domestic abuse laws now include dating partners, as a new law takes effect today. Executive Director of the Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Mariah Wineski, says previously these abusers could only be charged with simple battery, but the new law creates the crime of battery of a dating partner.

Cut 13 (11) “dating partners”

As of today, all bars in Lafayette are smoke free, but not everyone is happy about it. Robin McMillan owns McMillan’s Pub. She says 80 percent of her customers are smokers, and this new city ordinance could push them to other bars outside the city limits.

Cut 9 (08) “not coming”

Almost a full year later, a flooded homeowner in Baton Rouge is almost ready to go home. Lillie Gumm will be the third person to have her home repaired through the state’s homeowner assistance program. She says it was even better than expected.

Cut 6 (10) “gone through”

Gumm’s home should be complete in the next two weeks.

Two Minnesota teens are well on their way to becoming the youngest team to kayak the entire Mississippi River. Matt Rens Jesse Richard are paddling through the Bayou State today getting closer to New Orleans. Rens says they have encountered some unexpected challenges along the way, like poison ivy.

Cut 4 (10) “unknown things”

The pair should reach the Big Easy by tonight.