On the same day that smoking is banned from college campuses, drivers who throw cigarette butts out car windows face hefty fines. Michelle Southern reports.

CUT 1 (35) “reporting”

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Colorado State University researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. Michelle Southern has that…:

CUT 2 (33) “reporting”

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This week’s state sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy according to the National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana. Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street…:

CUT 3 (09) “at small businesses”

The Louisiana Department of Revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, Friday and Saturday, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2500, other than vehicles and meals. Pack says this is exactly the shot in the arm small businesses need…:

CUT 4 (12) “for small business”

Pack says when you shop at  mom and pops you’re helping your friends and your neighbors…:

CUT 5 (08) “in the community”

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On the same day that smoking is banned from public colleges and universities, motorists could face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says littering has to stop:

CUT 6 (08) “on the street”

The new law increases first offense fines from $250 to $300, plus community service. Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “clean up days” in his district…:

CUT 7 (08) “is a problem”

Under the new law, 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 the key to the success of this law is enforcement…:

CUT 8 (05) “cleaner state”

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Another one of the state’s 551 laws that go into effect today would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says before today, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you get a divorce…:

CUT 9 (07) “healthcare”

Morrell says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused and can show that in court, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away…:

CUT 10 (13) “at that time”

Morrell says also beginning today, abusers under a protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years. He says Louisiana is one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to domestic violence situations that end in death so one of the major goals of the 2014 session was to pass sweeping anti-domestic violence legislation…:

CUT 11 (11) “both parties“

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The 11th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off is being held Saturday morning in New Orleans when 19 chefs from throughout the US will compete for the high honor of best seafood chef in the nation. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says this is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on Louisiana and gulf seafood…:

CUT 12 (14) “and blogger”

Dardenne says the competition takes place at the Convention Center in The Big Easy at 11:30am tomorrow and it is open to the public to come out and taste some amazing seafood. Dardenne says this event is all about promoting sustainable and domestic fisheries…:

CUT 13 (09) “which is obviously huge”

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. He says it doesn’t get much better than Gulf seafood…:(Tickets are just $5 in advance and $10 at the door.)

cut 14 (10) “of our product”

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Colorado State University researchers continue to predict a below average 2014 Atlantic Hurricane season. CSU Report Author Dr. William Gray says they are now calling for a total of 10 named storms with four becoming hurricanes and one to reach major hurricane strength. He says the storm deterring El Nino is still expected to arrive…:

CUT 15 (11) “Atlantic Basin”

Gray says the Atlantic Ocean itself has exceptionally unfavorable hurricane formation conditions…:

CUT 16 (13) “good season”

Gray says they predict this year will be a lot like last year where we had 13 named storms but only 2 minor hurricanes. He says that doesn’t mean residents along the Gulf Coast shouldn’t take the usual precautions because you just never know…:

CUT 17 (13) “extensive damage”

On the same day that smoking is banned from public colleges and universities, motorists could face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle. First offense fines are increased from $250 to $300, plus community service. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says the key to the success of this law is enforcement…

cut 8 (05) “cleaner state”

Under the new law, 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.

The Slidell Police Department has arrested three suspects allegedly involved in a shooting at a Slidell party on July 20 that has left a 26-year-old man fighting for his life. 21-year-old Tyrone Ward, 24-year-old Michael Harris, and 17-year-old Ashley Brandon, all of Slidell, were arrested on charges stemming from the shooting. Jamar Wilson remains hospitalized in guarded condition.

Another law that goes into effect today would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused and can show that in court, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away. He says Louisiana is one of the leaders in the nation when it comes to domestic violence situations that end in death so one of the major goals of the 2014 session was to pass sweeping anti-domestic violence legislation…

cut 11 (11) “both parties“

Morrell says also beginning today, abusers under a protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

The 11th Annual Great American Seafood Cook-Off is being held Saturday morning in New Orleans where 19 chefs from throughout the US will compete for the high honor of best seafood chef in the nation. Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne says this is a great opportunity to put the spotlight on Louisiana and Gulf seafood…

cut 12 (14) “and blogger”

Dardenne says the competition takes place at the Morial Convention Center beginning at 11:30 and the public is invited to come out and taste some amazing seafood.

Another one of the state’s 551 laws that go into effect today would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says before today, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you get a divorce. Morrell says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused and can show that in court, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away…

cut 10 (13) “at that time”

Morrell says also beginning today, abusers under a protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

Another law going into effect today bans anyone under the age of 18 from using tanning facility equipment. The previous law allowed teens, aged 14 to 18, to use tanning facilities with the permission of a parent or guardian.

There are two incidents involving trains in the state today. In Monroe, a train collided with a car that failed to yield to the train. The driver of the car was taken to a local hospital with moderate injuries. And seven train cars derailed on South Choctaw Drive in Baton Rouge causing heavy traffic delays. Officials say there were no chemical spills associated with the derailment.

On the same day that smoking is banned from public colleges and universities, motorists could face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases fines for the intentional disposal of a cigarette from a motor vehicle. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says littering has to stop…

cut 6 (08) “on the street”

The new law increases first offense fines from $250 to $300, plus community service. Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “clean up days” in his district.

On the same day that smoking is banned from college campuses, drivers who throw cigarette butts out of car windows face hefty fines. Michelle Southern has that…

cut 1 (35) “reporting”

It’s looking like a tough day for trains in Louisiana. A train and a car collided in Monroe this morning. No other details are available at this time. And in Baton Rouge seven train cars derailed on South Choctaw Drive causing heavy traffic delays. It is not known what substances the train cars were carrying.

One of the state’s 551 laws that go into effect today would grant an immediate divorce in domestic violence situations. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell says before today, even if you had tons of evidence that you were a victim of domestic violence, you’d still have to wait 6 months to a year before you get a divorce…

cut 9 (07) “of a spouse”

He says now if someone has reasonable proof that they’ve been abused, they will be able to divorce the abuser right away.

This week’s sales-tax holiday will be a big help to local businesses that have been struggling in this sluggish economy according to the National Federation of Independent Business Louisiana. Spokesman Todd Pack says weak sales continue to be a problem for your shops down the street…

cut 3 (09) “at small business”

The Louisiana Department of revenue says the state sales-tax holiday, Friday and Saturday, applies to all consumer purchases of tangible personal property up to $2,500, other than vehicles and meals.

Researchers at Colorado State University continue to predict a below-average hurricane season this year. After the formation of Hurricane Arthur and Tropical Storm Bertha, they predict eight more named storms and three hurricanes for the remainder of the season.

On the same day smoking is banned from public colleges and universities, motorists could face a much stiffer penalty if they throw a cigarette butt from a car window. The new law increases first offense fines from $250 to $300, plus community service. Marrerro Representative Patrick Connick says he was inspired to write this legislation after participating in “Clean Up Days” in his district…

cut 7 (08) “is a problem”

Under the new law, 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.

There are over 550 new laws going into effect in the state today including laws addressing domestic violence. Beginning today, domestic abuse is grounds for immediate divorce. Also, abusers under a protective order are prohibited from possessing a firearm and those convicted of domestic abuse are banned from possessing a firearm for 10 years.

The 2014 Louisiana Sales Tax Holiday is underway. Today and tomorrow most retail purchases in the state are exempt from the 4 percent sales tax on the first $2,500 of each item you buy. Local sales taxes will still apply, unless the local taxing authority has created its own exemption.

The Air Force’s oldest bomb wing, located in Bossier City, is now being commanded by its first ever female bomb wing commander. Col. Kristen Goodwin is taking command of the 2nd Bomb Wing based out of Barksdale Air Force Base. The Air Force began training its first female pilots in 1976 and its first female fighter pilots in 1993. Retired Master Sgt. and military archivist at LSU-S Shawn Bohannon says those first graduates are beginning to move into upper level commands…

cut 8 (14) “Air Force Academy”

Goodwin is now commanding the dozen squadrons that make up the 2nd Bomb Wing.

The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” opens in theaters today and officials in Natchez, MS want to take advantage of the film’s buzz by developing a tour map of filming locations. Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau spokesperson, Jessica Cauthen, says Greenville, MS is still hosting bus tours from the movie “The Help” three years after its release. Cauthen says they’d like to do the same for “Get On Up”…

cut 5 (14) “our fingers crossed”

Cauthen is hopeful the map will be out in a couple of weeks.

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”

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 any other taxes will apply…:
CUT 11 (11) “its own exemption”
The exemption does not apply to restaurants, hotels or vehicles.

The Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office is looking for a man they believe broke into a woman’s home and raped her. They say it happened in New Iberia Thursday morning when detectives learned the suspect entered the home with a firearm and sexually assaulted an adult female victim inside the residence before fleeing on foot. Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact authorities.

The American Automobile Association report another drop in gas prices today in Louisiana. The statewide average for a gallon of regular is $3.33 now down over 16 cents from this time last Friday.

One of the 551 new laws going into effect today allows CCP holders to bring their weapon into a restaurant that sells alcohol. Places like Applebees are considered Class A establishments and apply under this law sponsored by Metairie Representative Joe Lopinto. Bossier City Representative Jeff Thompson says this does not make it legal to carry a gun into a bar…:
CUT 14 (10) “irresponsible with alcohol”
Thompson says the intent of this law is to protect responsible concealed carry holders and their families.

Barksdale Air Force Base, just outside of Bossier City, is now home to the Air Force’s first ever female Bomb Wing Commander. Matthew Doyle has the story…:
CUT 2 (35) “reporting”

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 bill clears up a conflict in the law…:
CUT 13 (14) “from alcohol sales”
A couple of other new laws going into effect today include one prohibiting drivers from using handheld cell phones in school zones or face fines. Parents convicted of battery of a school or recreation contest official face toughened penalties. The state’s cockfighting ban is expanded. Also domestic abuse is now one of the grounds for immediate divorce in Louisiana.

The National Hurricane Center says Tropical Storm Bertha has formed and was speeding toward the Lesser Antilles early this morning. It was located about 170 miles east of Barbados at 4am. Forecasters say little change is expected in the storm’s strength over the next couple of days and added it does not post a threat to the Gulf of Mexico.

The Air Force’s oldest bomb wing, located in Bossier City, is now being commanded by its first ever female bomb wing commander. Col. Kristen Goodwin is taking command of the 2nd Bomb Wing based out of Barksdale Air Force Base. Retired Master Sgt. and military archivist at LSUS Shawn Bohannon says first and foremost, it’s about a qualified officer getting a well earned promotion…:
CUT 7 (08) “her own merit”
Goodwin is now commanding the dozen squadrons that make up the 2nd Bomb Wing and Bohannon says it’s one of the best jobs in the Air Force.

The James Brown biopic “Get On Up” opens in theaters everywhere today. Officials in Natchez, MS want to take advantage of the film’s buzz by developing a tour map of filming locations around the area. Natchez Convention and Visitor’s Bureau spokesperson, Jessica Cauthen, says their brochure is based on a similar map of Greenville, MS following the movie “The Help”…:
CUT 4 (09) “of the movie”
“Get On Up” was filmed in 21 locations in and around Natchez.

Governor Bobby Jindal has written a letter to the federal government saying he’s furious over what he says is a lack of disclosure on the 1,071 children who came illegally into the country and made their way into Louisiana. Jindal demands to know where the children are living and a timeline for determining their ultimate status.

The St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s office says a man cut his wrists and throat with a concealed razor blade inside a courtroom after being convicted on five counts of aggravated incest Thursday. They say 57-year-old Robbie Frith is found guilty of sexual assaulting five juveniles from 2009 until 2011. After Frith’s suicide attempted he was taken to 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 it only comes once a year…:
CUT 10 (09) “tangible personal property”

Concealed weapons with permits are now legal in restaurants across Louisiana that serve alcohol. Matthew Doyle has the story…:
CUT 3 (33) “reporting”

The man in St. Charles Parish who was wanted for allegedly stabbing his girlfriend to death in Destrehan and critically injuring her mother is now in custody. The Sheriff’s office says Bruce Bourgeois Jr was arrested in Independence and once transported will be booked on charges of 1st degree murder, attempted first degree murder and armed robbery.