0930 Newscast August 1, 2014

Starting today, individuals with a concealed carry permit are allowed to bring a concealed firearm into restaurants that serve alcohol. HB 72, sponsored by Metairie representative Joe Lopinto, is now in effect, along with a host of other bills that were passed in the last legislative session. Bossier City representative Jeff Thompson says the intent here is to protect responsible concealed carry holders and their families…:
CUT 15 (12) “weapon with me”

Another law that goes into effect today allows teachers to ethically get a gift from a student of up to $25, three times a year. Before now public servants such as school teachers were prohibited from getting gifts from those they serve, but the bill’s author, Gonzales Representative John Berthelot thought this would be a fair exception.

A man who was convicted on five counts of aggravated incest with juveniles attempted suicide in a St. Martinville courtroom just before he was about to be taken into custody Thursday according to officials. They say the 57-year-old man used a concealed razor blade to slit his throat and his wrists. He is currently being treated for his injuries at a hospital but his condition is unknown at this time.

Louisiana’s  sales tax holiday starts today. For the next two days, customers will not have to pay the 4% sales tax on the first 25 hundred dollars of each item they buy. Louisiana Department of Revenue spokesperson Byron Henderson says not all items and services will qualify. He says many bigger purchases and popular services are not on the list…:
CUT 12 (13) “taxable services”

The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” opens in theaters everywhere today and officials in Natchez, MS want to take advantage of the film’s buzz. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 1 (33) “reporting”