17:30 Newscast August 1, 2014

Motorists now face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window.  The new law increases first offense fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle from $250 to $300, plus community service. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says littering has to stop…

cut 6 (08) “on the street”

Third and subsequent offense fines jump to $1,500 plus 80 hours of community service and suspension of your driver’s license for one year.  Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “clean up days” in his district.

A Louisiana Public Safety delegation will travel to the US/Mexico border Monday for a security briefing and tour by the Texas Department of Public Safety.  State Police Colonel Mike Edmondson and the Louisiana State House Speaker Chuck Kleckley will be accompanied by a group of state troopers on the trip.

According to the National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana, this week’s sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy.  Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street.  He says when you shop at “mom and pops” you’re helping your friends and your neighbors…

cut 5 (08)  “in the community”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, which runs through Saturday, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2500, other than vehicles and meals.

The 11th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off happens Saturday in New Orleans as 19 chefs from across the nation will compete for the high honor of best seafood chef in the country.  Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says the 2013 Cook-Off crown went to Chef David Crews from Mississippi who prepared a Southern Nicoise Salad featuring lump crab meat and seared tuna.  Dardenne says it doesn’t get much better than Gulf seafood…

cut 14 (10)  “of our product”

The competition takes place at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans beginning at 11:30 Saturday morning.  It is open to the public.  Tickets are just $10 at the door.

The Louisiana Sheriff’s Association has endorsed incumbent Senator Mary Landrieu in this year’s upcoming Senate election.  This is the third election in a row the Sheriff’s Association has endorsed Landrieu.