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• Vaccinate horses, La. official says

  April 29, 2013 8:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State Agriculture Commissioner Mike Strain is advising horse owners to vaccinate their animals for eastern equine encephalitis and west Nile virus as mosquito season kicks in. Strain said authorities have not found cases of either disease so far this year in sweeps across the state.... more »

• Acadiana Teachers Rally at State Capitol Play Video

  April 24, 2013 10:26 PM

  Teachers from all over Acadiana hit the steps of the Capitol calling for change. They made it very clear they don't support Governor Bobby Jindal's education proposals, specifically the Act One Legislation. That plan consists of a number of education bills, some deal with teacher evaluations and others would... more »

• La. black bears active early

  March 18, 2013 9:01 AM

  PATTERSON, La. (AP) - Though they'd normally still be in winter dens, Louisiana black bears are unusually active in St. Mary Parish, For some reason bears in coastal areas couldn't fatten up enough for denning, so they're awake, active and hungry, Maria Davidson, the state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries... more »

• Assistant hire continues driving drama at LPSS Play Video

  March 5, 2013 6:33 PM

  While Lafayette Parish Public Schools Superintendent Pat Cooper has repeated his support for Special Assistant Thad Welch, the hiring of his former school maintenance and transportation director from McComb, Miss., has raised questions among school board members, especially after they learned that Welch does not have a high school diploma... more »

• LAE Education Forum Play Video

  February 13, 2013 8:30 AM

  LAE presents Louisiana Stakeholders Speak Out: A Discussion Surrounding Issues Impacting Our Public Schools. The LAE will host a Lafayette-area forum Thursday, February 21st at the David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and the forum starts at 6:00 p.m. The forum will consist of open,... more »

• Smoothie King HQ to stay, expand in La.

  November 21, 2012 6:29 AM

  METAIRIE, La. (AP) - Louisiana-based Smoothie King, which was sold in July to a South Korea-based corporation, will move its headquarters from Covington to Jefferson Parish and expand its 45-person headquarters staff with 60 new jobs. The announcement was made Tuesday by state officials and Greater New Orleans Inc., the... more »

• Irish doctors seek new abortion law after a death

  November 15, 2012 10:31 AM

  DUBLIN (AP) - Pressure is mounting in Ireland for the government to draft a law spelling out when life-saving abortions can be performed following the death in the hospital of a pregnant woman who was denied an abortion. Thousands have rallied in London, Dublin, Cork and Galway in memory of... more »

• AG: 5 drug companies to pay $18.6M to La.

  October 25, 2012 7:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell's office says five pharmaceutical companies will pay the state more than $18.6 million to resolve allegations they misreported drug price information to the state's Medicaid program. Caldwell's office says it has recovered a total of more than $83.8 million... more »

• Amendment 2 Could Expand Where Gun Owners Can Carry Concealed Weapon Play Video

  October 17, 2012 7:50 PM

  The right to bear arms will be up to voters on November 6th as the public will decide on whether or not to pass Amendment 2. It deals with gun rights, and if passed, would delete the provision in Louisiana's Constitution that allows lawmakers to prohibit the carrying of concealed... more »

• Sec. of State: 2.92M registered to vote in La.

  October 11, 2012 8:58 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Preliminary statewide voter registration totals show that at least 2.92 million Louisianians will be eligible to vote Nov. 6 when the race for U.S. president tops the ballot. Election officials tell The Advocate on Wednesday the numbers mean there are already about 100,000 more eligible... more »

• La. gas worker dies of burns from W.Va. motel fire

  September 11, 2012 9:46 AM

  WILSONBURG, W.Va. (AP) - The West Virginia Fire Marshal's Office says a Louisiana man has died of burns he suffered during a weekend hotel fire. Media outlets identified the victim as 21-year-old Dustin McCellen. The marshal's office didn't provide his hometown, and the chief investigator on the Wilsonburg blaze didn't... more »

• Dentist charged with fraudulently billing La.

  July 27, 2012 8:25 AM

  SHREVEPORT, La. (AP) - A Shreveport dentist has been charged with fraudulently billing Louisiana's Medicaid program. Louisiana Attorney General James "Buddy" Caldwell's office says 48-year-old Charles S. Williams Jr. was arrested Tuesday on 16 counts of Medicaid fraud and booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Caldwell's office Thursday... more »

• La. taking applications for Katrina loan program

  July 19, 2012 7:15 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state of Louisiana is accepting applications for a program offering low-interest loans of up to $5 million to businesses affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. The state Office of Community Development said in a statement Wednesday that the loans are designed to... more »

• La. energy customers can expect some refunds soon

  July 19, 2012 6:28 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Officials say customers at two Louisiana-based energy companies will be receiving refunds as credits on their energy bills this summer. Members of the state's Public Service Commission voted to let Pineville-based electricity provider Cleco Corp. put a refund on its customers' September bills. PSC attorney... more »

• Orleans Parish School Board to lay off 21

  July 13, 2012 7:35 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Orleans Parish School Board plans to lay off nearly two dozen employees, largely because of a drop in federal funding for low-income students and those with special needs. The Times-Picayune reported the list of staff losing their jobs includes four teachers. Interim Superintendent Stan Smith,... more »

• Jindal signs roadside pet sale ban into law

  June 13, 2012 7:05 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The sale of dogs and cats will be banned from roadsides, flea markets, public parks and public playgrounds. Gov. Bobby Jindal signed into law Tuesday the prohibition included in a bill by Jefferson Parish Rep. Tony Ligi. Violation will carry up to a $250 fine... more »

• Bayou Country Superfest to begin Saturday in La.

  May 25, 2012 7:00 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A horn section backs up country singer Jerrod Niemann this weekend in south Louisiana's Bayou Country Superfest, a two-day festival that includes Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Sara Evans and others. "We're going to be in an area with a history of jazz... more »

• La. man gets prison in bankruptcy case

  April 19, 2012 6:51 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - A Maurice man who was convicted of concealing bankruptcy assets has been sentenced to more than two years in prison. U.S. District Judge Rebecca Doherty in Lafayette on Tuesday sentenced 52-year-old Thad Corey Theall to 27 months in prison and ordered him to repay $50,000 to... more »

• Proposed Bill Would Rewrite Louisiana's "Right to Bear Arms" Play Video

  April 4, 2012 7:18 PM

  The right to bear arms, and it's core values, will now go to discussion on Louisiana's state senate floor as part of Senate Bill 303. Senator Neil Riser's bill would change the wording of Louisiana's Constitution, making it harder for lawmakers to pass restrictions on people's right to own... more »

• Law center sues N.O. jail over conditions

  April 2, 2012 10:44 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Southern Poverty Law Center has filed a class-action lawsuit that accuses New Orleans jail officials of routinely subjecting prisoners to brutal and inhumane conditions. The federal suit filed Monday against Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman and other jail officials claims Orleans Parish Prison is oversized... more »

• St. Helena hires legal expert to craft new sex law

  April 2, 2012 8:44 AM

  GREENSBURG, La. (AP) - The St. Helena Parish Police Jury has hired Scott Bergthold, a Chattanooga, Tenn.-based lawyer whose practice specializes in helping local governments draft laws that regulate adult businesses. Police Jury Vice President Thomas Wicker tells The Advocate Bergthold was recommended to the police jury by the Moral... more »

• Judge forbids La to enforce abortion liability law

  March 30, 2012 9:19 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A federal judge says Louisiana cannot enforce a 1997 law that allowed lawsuits against abortion doctors even without allegations of negligence or poor care. The law also kept doctors who perform abortions out of a state-run medical malpractice review process and a fund to pay malpractice... more »

• La. House approves private school tax rebate

  March 28, 2012 6:29 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana House backed a proposal Tuesday to give a dollar-for-dollar state tax rebate to people who donate money to nonprofits that give scholarships to help students attend private and parochial schools. The proposal by Rep. Kirk Talbot, R-River Ridge, is part of Gov. Bobby... more »

• NJ ticket wins Powerball, no big winners in La.

  March 22, 2012 7:49 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Lottery officials say the winning ticket in Wednesday's $70 million Powerball drawing was sold in New Jersey and there were no big winners in Louisiana. The winning numbers for Wednesday's drawing were 32, 43, 53, 55, 56 and Powerball was 6. The next Powerball drawing... more »

• Landrieu: La. get $63.5M for hurricane recovery

  March 22, 2012 7:25 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu says Louisiana is getting about $63.5 million in hurricane recovery funds that will be spent on levees, the Port of New Orleans, raising homes and to fix other damage from hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Landrieu said Wednesday that $55 million will go... more »

• With tweaks, coastal plan heads to La. lawmakers

  March 22, 2012 6:26 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A $50 billion, 50-year proposal aimed at stopping coastal land loss in Louisiana was approved unanimously Wednesday by a governor's panel and moved on to the state Legislature. The Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority approved a series of changes to a draft report issued in January,... more »

• La. man pleads guilty to stealing $42K in benefits

  February 9, 2012 9:33 AM

  LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - An Opelousas man has pleaded guilty to fraudulently obtaining disability insurance benefits from the Social Security Administration. Forty-six-year-old Kevin V. Leday faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison following his guilty plea Wednesday in Lafayette to theft and fraud charges. Federal prosecutors say Leday... more »

• Workshops in Ark & NW La about forestry & law

  February 6, 2012 9:34 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Foresters and forest landowners in Arkansas and Louisiana can learn how to manage their legal risks at any of three workshops this winter and spring. Topics will include wildlife management, insurance, leasing contracts, landowner liability and agritourism, the LSU AgCenter said in a news release.... more »

• Antitrust suits target La. pool products company

  January 16, 2012 9:53 AM

  EW ORLEANS (AP) - A Louisiana company that bills itself as the world's largest wholesale distributor of swimming pool products is becoming an Olympic-size target for plaintiffs' lawyers filing antitrust lawsuits. In November, Pool Corp. settled claims by the Federal Trade Commission that the Covington-based company used its "monopoly power"... more »

• Appeals court: Texas may enforce abortion law

  January 10, 2012 11:10 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The federal appeals court in New Orleans says Texas can enforce an abortion law passed last year while opponents challenge it in court. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Tuesday overturned a district judge's temporary order against enforcing the law.... more »

• Man accused of killing ex-wife in Winnfield

  January 6, 2012 9:39 AM

  WINNFIELD, La. (AP) - Winnfield police have arrested a man in the death of his ex-wife. Gregory Washington has been booked with second-degree murder. He is accused of killing Jacquelyn Washington after a domestic argument got out of control. Police say the victim was found shot and stabbed multiple times... more »

• Cantaloupe eater diagnosed with listeria in La.

  October 3, 2011 6:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana's health department says someone who ate cantaloupe about two weeks ago has been diagnosed with listeria. Department spokeswoman Lisa Faust said Sunday that epidemiologists are investigating whether the cantaloupe can be linked directly to the illness. She said she cannot confirm any details about... more »

• La., W.Va. chefs team up to benefit fallen miners

  September 21, 2011 9:33 AM

  MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (AP) - Fans of West Virginia and LSU football are laying the rivalry aside until Saturday night to collaborate on a culinary fundraiser for the families of 29 coal miners killed in an explosion last year. Morgantown's Richwood Grill is dishing up shrimp, crab and crawfish omelets, crab... more »

• Synthetic Marijuana Troubles Law Enforcement

  September 14, 2011 10:56 PM

  Known as "legal herb," "spice" or "herbal incense," synthetic marijuana has been around for a few years now. But getting it off the streets hasn't been easy for law enforcement. "They're called synthetic cannabinoids, they're not actually cannabinoids," said Acadiana Crime Lab Director Kevin Ardoin. Ardoin sees packets... more »

• Architect named to La. fire board

  September 5, 2011 9:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Jeffrey Smith has been named to the state Fire Prevention Review Board. Smith, an architect with the Hammond, La., firm Holly & Smith Architects, was appointed to the post by Gov. Bobby Jindal. The board reviews laws and regulations established by the state fire marshal. more »

• Corps, La. join forces to study river diversions

  August 24, 2011 6:54 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Army Corps of Engineers and state officials say they will join forces to study the best methods for turning the Mississippi River into a land-making device by diverting its water and sediment into coastal areas that are eroding. Army Corps and state officials say they... more »

• Group Says it Hacked US Law Enforcement Websites

  August 6, 2011 12:01 PM

  LONDON (AP) - The group known as Anonymous said Saturday it has hacked some 70 law enforcement websites across the southern and central United States in retaliation for the arrests of its sympathizers in the U.S. and Britain. The group also claimed to have stolen 10 gigabytes of data, including... more »

• Lawmakers Trying to Make Governor's Records More Transparent

  June 10, 2011 7:40 PM

  Some lawmakers feel Governor Jindal is hiding too much information from the public. Senator Robert Adley has been pushing for more transparency in the governor's records for years, but hopes this year his bill will finally pass. Adley said, since Governor Jindal took office, he's made too many of... more »

• Navy CPO Arrested in Wife's Fatal Stabbing in La.

  May 30, 2011 7:35 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New Orleans police say a Navy chief petty officer stationed in Virginia has been arrested and faces charges in the fatal stabbing of his wife - possibly with a pen. Officer Williams of the New Orleans police says a first-degree murder warrant accuses 43-year-old David Hugh... more »

• Jindal Budget Criticism Comes from GOP

  May 29, 2011 12:51 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The opposition party isn't the only one giving Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal fits these days. It's his own GOP. Conventional wisdom would have suggested Republican takeovers of both the House and Senate would have given Jindal an easier path for passage of his legislative agenda... more »

• Anti-Bullying Bill Rejected in the House

  May 20, 2011 7:01 PM

  Representatives in the house give thumbs down to an anti-bullying bill. The current anti-bullying law prohibits"harassment, intimidation and bullying" in schools. The new additions would go more into detail about "who" is commonly bullied. Forum of Equality Field Director, Collin Miller, said "there are a number of characteristics... more »

• Homeowner's Group Sues Over Sign for Son

  May 8, 2011 11:48 PM

  BOSSIER CITY, La. (AP) - A Bossier City couple's big banner supporting their son's service in Afghanistan has brought a lawsuit from the subdivision's homeowner's association. The multicolored banner bears a Marine Corps portrait of 20-year-old Corey Burr and the sentence "Our son defends our freedom." Jodi Burr and her... more »

• La. Man Gets 17 Years in Prison for Child Porn

  May 6, 2011 7:19 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - A Houma man has been sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for downloading child pornography to his home computer. U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon also ordered 55-year-old Robert Kim Istre on Thursday to register as a sex offender following his prison term.... more »

• Rising Big River Poses Threat to La. Oyster Trade

  May 6, 2011 6:55 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Just a year after the BP oil spill crippled Louisiana's oyster industry, the fishermen face a new problem. Freshwater is set to be diverted from the mighty Mississippi River into the salty waters where the shellfish grow, potentially killing them. To protect people, homes and businesses... more »

• Protest Rally Planned to Push Science Law Repeal

  April 28, 2011 6:55 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A Baton Rouge high school senior is planning a protest to push for repeal of the Louisiana Science Education Act, which critics say can be used to promote creationism in schools. The rally, organized by student Zack Kopplin, is scheduled for today on the Capitol... more »

• Meth Labs Growing Problem in Acadiana

  April 1, 2011 6:37 PM

  Narcotics agents arrested one man in connection with a shake and bake methamphetamine operation in Carencro Friday, after finding by-products in the 600 block of Benoit Road. Agents said they've seen a significant increase in meth labs just this year alone. Glenn Usie's step-son, Brett Barrilleaux, was arrested in... more »

• Coast Guard responds to ruptured pipeline near Cameron, La.

  March 31, 2011 3:06 PM

  The Coast Guard continues its response Thursday to the report of a ruptured condensate oil and natural gas pipeline near Cameron, La., received Wednesday by watchstanders at Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Lake Charles. At approximately 8:30 p.m., Wednesday, the dredging barge Bayport reported that a 12-inch, condensate oil and... more »

• May 16 Deadline for LA Individual Returns

  January 8, 2011 11:00 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State officials have set a May 16 filing deadline for Louisiana indvidual income tax returns. The Department of Revenue normally sets a May 15 deadline, but that date falls on a Sunday this year. So, the deadline is being extended to the next business day. more »

• New Law Adds Restrictions for Young Drivers

  December 31, 2010 4:39 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Young drivers face tougher restrictions on the road starting Saturday, and parents will have to wade through a lengthier list of requirements for their children to get licenses. The change to teenage driving rules is among the most noticeable of 40 news laws that take... more »

• DWI Crackdown During Holidays

  December 27, 2010 11:21 PM

  The holidays are a time for celebration, but a drunk driving arrest or worse, an accident, can ruin your holiday season. The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission has contracted with 87 agencies this year in a DWI crackdown during the Christmas and New Years holiday season. There were already several... more »

• Two Children Found and Parents Arrested in Home Meth Lab Bust

  November 11, 2010 9:43 AM

  On November 10, 2010 at approximately 04:15 p.m. narcotics agents with the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Office acted on a tip received on a methamphetamine lab at 3606 L. Theriot Road Lot 2 in Iberia Parish. Once inside the residence agents located a working methamphetamine lab along with three adults and... more »

• Second Meth Lab Found in Iberia Parish

  November 10, 2010 6:20 PM

  Iberia Parish deputies tell us they've uncovered a second meth lab today. They are responding to a building off L. Theriot Road. Deputies say one officer may be injured. Three people have been detained. This is the second meth lab uncovered in Iberia Parish in the past 24 hours. The... more »

• Another Meth Lab Located in Iberia Parish

  November 10, 2010 6:20 PM

  Breaking news in Iberia Parish. Deputies tell us they've uncovered a second meth lab today. They are responding to a building off El Theriot Road. Deputies say one officer may be injured. Three people have been detained. This is the second meth lab uncovered in Iberia Parish in the... more »

• Louisiana Man Pleads not Guilty in Infant Son's Death

  October 28, 2010 8:44 AM

  MONROE, La. (AP) - A 38-year-old West Monroe man has pleaded not guilty in the Sept. 16 death of his infant son. James Edward "Juicy" Clampit, who was charged with one count of negligent homicide, entered his plea on Wednesday. Police say the 11-month-old boy's death was attributed to a... more »

• Democrats accused of skirting campaign finance law

  October 27, 2010 9:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Republican Jay Dardenne has accused his Democratic opponent's family of trying to sidestep limits on campaign contributions in the lieutenant governor's race by funneling money through the Democratic Party. Democrat Caroline Fayard's family has given thousands of dollars to the Louisiana Democratic Party, which has... more »

• La. jurors see video of man dying after stun gun

  October 22, 2010 9:30 PM

  WINNFIELD, La. (AP) - Minutes after a doctor testified that he believed a combination of medical conditions made worse by repeated shocks from a Taser stun gun caused the death of Baron Pikes, the jury watched a video of the dying man writhing on the police station floor. Scott Nugent... more »

• Louisiana agency: missing items found

  October 20, 2010 10:25 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A recent state audit accuses the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections of losing track of $1.5 million in property. Officials agreed with the audit's findings at first but said that they have located most of what was missing after looking around a little... more »

• Louisiana Corrections Agency may Sell off State Prisons

  October 14, 2010 10:50 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The state Department of Corrections is contemplating the sale of prisons to cut costs during difficult budget times. State Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc that everything has been put on the table. LeBlanc said he is looking for creative ways to chop his budget. The state... more »

• 101st Airborne member killed, was from La.

  October 14, 2010 8:57 AM

  FORT CAMPBELL, Ky. (AP) - Military officials at Fort Campbell say improvised explosives killed a U.S. Army truck driver. Spc. Matthew C. Powell of Slidell, La., was assigned to Company A., 526th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault). A news release from the post... more »

• Actor Tony Curtis dies at Las Vegas-area home

  September 30, 2010 4:19 PM

  HENDERSON, Nev. - Tony Curtis shaped himself from a 1950s movie heartthrob into a respected actor, showing a determined streak that served him well in such films as "Sweet Smell of Success," "The Defiant Ones" and "Some Like It Hot." The Oscar-nominated actor died Wednesday evening of cardiac arrest... more »

• Allen Says Nation Needs to Change Law to Better Handle Oil Spills

  September 30, 2010 3:49 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says the nation needs to change the law to better handle major oil spills in the future. Allen spoke Thursday in New Orleans, one day before the end of his mission overseeing the response to the BP PLC oil spill.... more »

• La. Traffic Stop led to TX Murder Arrest

  September 28, 2010 10:32 AM

  LIVONIA, La. - A Louisiana traffic stop led Texas authorities to the man accused of killing a 13-year-old girl in March 1996 and leaving her body under a bridge in Chambers County. Livonia Police Officer John Thibodaux stopped a car in January for swerving between lanes in Livonia. He... more »

• Former State Senator's Law License Suspended

  September 28, 2010 8:10 AM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Louisiana Supreme Court has suspended the law license of former state Sen. Charles Jones after his conviction last month on federal income tax evasion charges. Monday, the Supreme Court granted a request by the state Attorney Disciplinary Board to suspend Jones' license in the interim... more »

• Thursday is the Deadline for last Louisiana Casino License

  September 23, 2010 10:18 AM

  BATON ROUGE, La. - Thursday is the deadline for applications for Louisiana's 15th and final riverboat casino license allowed by law. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board put the license up for applicants after it was returned to the state in April by Pinnacle Entertainment Inc. Pinnacle had planned to use... more »

• Miami Court Upheld Ruling Overturned Law Banning Adoption by Gays

  September 22, 2010 11:32 AM

  MIAMI (AP) - A Miami appeals court has upheld a ruling overturning Florida's law banning adoption by gays. The 3rd District Court of Appeal issued its decision Wednesday affirming a lower court's decision that the ban is unconstitutional. Florida is the only state with a law flatly banning gays from... more »

• 2nd Acadiana Victim Has Died Following Plane Crash in Las Vegas

  September 21, 2010 7:19 PM

  A second Acadiana victim has died following a plane crash in Las Vegas earlier this month. According to family members, Susan Touchet has passed away. Her husband Doug, the pilot of the plane, was also killed in that crash. The couple lived in Erath with their family. Two other passengers,... more »

• Effort to Repeal Law Banning Gays in the Military Blocked

  September 21, 2010 3:17 PM

  WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Republicans have blocked an effort to repeal the law banning gays from serving openly in the military. The partisan vote was a defeat for gay rights groups who saw the provision in a defense authorization bill as their last chance any time soon to overturn the... more »

• Abortion clinics sue over new La. law

  September 20, 2010 9:52 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - A group of abortion clinics sued the state health department Monday over a new law that gives Louisiana's health secretary more discretion to shut down an abortion clinic for safety or health concerns. The Center for Reproductive Rights, which filed the lawsuit for the clinics,... more »

• La. 87 Drain Replacement-Detour Set

  September 20, 2010 12:36 PM

  La. 87, 0.4 of a mile west of La. 3182 (Bayside Bridge), in Iberia Parish will be closed for cross-drain replacement beginning Tuesday, September 21, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The detour will consist of La. 3182, La. 182 and La 320. DOTD appreciates your patience and... more »

• Horse Racing Law Suit

  September 10, 2010 1:40 PM

  More than a dozen trainers and horse owners at Evangeline Downs are suing the Louisiana Racing Commision. Don Stemmans has owned thousands of racing horses since the 1960s. He said, "I've never seen a racing commission, ever like this, do anything like this." Stemmans is one of many... more »

• Man Shot By Father-N-Law Second Time in Five years

  September 10, 2010 11:50 AM

  MANSFIELD, La. (AP) - DeSoto Parish sheriff's deputies say a man who refused to prosecute his father-in-law for a shooting five years ago has allegedly been shot by him again. Cpl. Dusty Herring said 74-year-old Alvis McKinney was booked Wednesday with third-offense DWI as well as aggravated battery against 39-year-old... more »

• Local Pilot Being Called a Hero

  September 8, 2010 12:42 AM

  As the FAA and NTSB investigate the Labor Day plane crash in Las Vegas that claimed the life of an Erath pilot and severely injured his wife and two friends, some are hailing the pilot a hero. "It could've been a lot worse," said Ray Savoy, whose son Randal and... more »

• Locals Involved in Las Vegas Plane Crash

  September 7, 2010 12:10 AM

  Four locals were onboard a small plane that crashed in a residential area outside of Las Vegas Monday. The pilot, identified by family-members as 45 year old Douglas Touchet of Erath was killed in the crash. Touchet's wife, Susan was critically injured, their friends Randall and Tamika Savoy of Catahoula... more »

• 28th South West Louisiana Zydeco Festival

  September 1, 2010 6:31 AM

  PLAISANCE, La. (AP) - Louisiana's oldest zydeco festival gears up this week with a parade and a free jam session at what organizers say is one of the oldest zydeco clubs still standing. The 28th Annual Original Southwest "La-La" Zydeco Music Festival on Saturday in Plaisance will culminate three days... more »

• La. HWY 70 Reopens After Oil and Gas Well Blowout

  August 30, 2010 12:40 PM

  PAINCOURTVILLE, La. (AP) - A section of La. Highway 70 closed for nearly three weeks because of an oil and gas well blowout in Assumption Parish has been reopened to traffic. The Mantle Oil and Gas LLC well blew Aug. 11 and forced authorities to shut down La. 70 between... more »

• Randall Hayes, Lib, Nominated U.S. Senate, LA

  August 28, 2010 10:39 PM

  BULLETIN (AP) - Randall Hayes, Lib, nominated U.S. Senate, Louisiana. more »

• David Melville, Dem, Nominated U.S. House, District 4, LA

  August 28, 2010 10:37 PM

  BULLETIN (AP) - David Melville, Dem, nominated U.S. House, District 4, Louisiana. more »

• 4 Apply for LA. Higher Ed Commissioner Job

  August 25, 2010 8:57 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Four candidates have applied so far to be Louisiana's new higher education commissioner, but the Board of Regents hasn't yet worked out a salary range for the job with lawmakers, who must approve the amount. The board, which governs public higher education in Louisiana, hopes... more »

• Immigration Law: LA State Senator Supports Arizona

  August 25, 2010 7:44 PM

  Louisiana State Senator, Troy Hebert, from St. Martin Parish, wants to file a friend of the court brief. That's paperwork intended to send a message to Washington D.C. saying Louisiana supports Arizona's immigration laws. "Since the hurricanes, we've had a lot of illegals coming into the state," Herbert tells... more »

• Number of state-owned vehicles drops in La.

  August 24, 2010 9:42 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration has cut the state-owned vehicle fleet by more than 1,000 cars, trucks and vans over the last year. The administration says that's the lowest level since the 2003-04 fiscal year - but it's still short of an administration goal to trim... more »

• Faith Hill in concert in La. for Katrina's victims

  August 24, 2010 9:35 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Country music star Faith Hill says giving back just comes naturally for the Mississippi native, and she has a message for those still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. "We are here for you still and you are not forgotten," Hill said before headlining a free concert Tuesday... more »

• Hopes of Bringing Whooping Cranes Back Into South LA

  August 19, 2010 3:33 PM

  NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hopes to bring whooping cranes back into south Louisiana, establishing a flock that lives and breeds on state-owned land in Vermilion Parish. Whoopers are the world's most endangered crane, with just under 400 birds in the wild and fewer than... more »

• Libertarians Set to Hold 1st Party Primary in LA

  August 18, 2010 11:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Libertarians are making history next week in Louisiana, holding their first primary election in the state after two candidates aligned with the party signed up for the Senate race. Anthony "Tony G" Gentile, an oil refinery supervisor from the New Orleans suburb of Mandeville, will... more »

• Rayne SONIC Crew Member Wins Trip to Skating Finals in Las Vegas

  August 18, 2010 11:09 AM

  (Oklahoma City) - Aaron McClasky of Rayne was recently named one of the six finalists to travel to Las Vegas on Oct. 2-8 and compete in SONIC Drive-In's "So You Think You Can Skate" finals competition, presented by Dr Pepper® and RC Sports®. McClasky will be showing off his skating... more »

• New Texting While Driving Law

  August 16, 2010 2:24 PM

  ACT 203 (Effective August 15, 2010) makes text messaging, using a wireless communication device while driving a motor vehicle, a primary offense for all Louisiana drivers. The new law also prohibits persons 17 years of age or younger to operate a motor vehicle while using any "wireless telecommunications device".... more »

• New Laws go into effect Sunday- Texting and Driving one of them

  August 14, 2010 7:28 PM

  Let's admit it- if you can text, you've probably tapped your phone while driving. "I see women all the time with children in the car," Abbey Bandali said. "(They're) weaving in and out of traffic." Bailey Bobbitt says, "look over and sure enough, they're texting or talking... more »

• Rapper Juvenile pleads guilty in La. drug case

  August 13, 2010 9:55 PM

  CHALMETTE, La. (AP) - New Orleans rapper Juvenile has pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge in Louisiana. The St. Bernard Parish sheriff's office says the 34-year-old, whose real name is Terius Gray, entered the plea Thursday. The rapper and an aquaintance were arrested Feb. 25. He received a... more »

• 'Granddad Bandit' Caught in LA

  August 11, 2010 4:54 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - FBI: Suspected 'Granddad Bandit,' wanted in bank robberies in 13 states, caught in Louisiana. more »

• New Drinking and Driving Laws

  August 10, 2010 7:17 PM

  Five new laws against people who drink and drive will take effect this year. Karen Stelly lost her son Shawn Lancon three years ago in the hands of a drunk driver. "I have to take something every night or I don't sleep," she said. "I see my son... more »

• Mexican Supreme Court Upheld Law Allowing Same-Sex Marriages

  August 5, 2010 3:20 PM

  MEXICO CITY (AP) - The Mexican Supreme Court has voted to uphold the constitutionality of Mexico City's 6-month-old law allowing same-sex marriages. The justices have voted 8-2 to uphold the law against challenges filed by federal prosecutors, who argued it violates the constitutional principle of protection of the family. Hundreds... more »

• RANT-Should it be a worldwide law that new mothers nurse for at least six months?

  August 4, 2010 12:50 PM

  RANT: The benefits of breastfeeding are well known-- both for newborns and their mothers. But supermodel Gisele Bunchen created such a stir, saying it should be a worldwide law that new mothers nurse for at least six months. What do you think? We could air your thoughts at 10:00 tonight!... more »

• Vitter Comments on Judge Blocking Portions of Arizona's Immigration Law

  July 28, 2010 4:11 PM

  U.S. Sen. David Vitter today made the following statement in response to a ruling by a federal judge blocking several key portions of Arizona's new immigration law: "This decision, just like the whole approach by the Obama administration, is outrageous. The Arizona law is simply trying to enforce the laws... more »

• Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Child Porn

  July 23, 2010 2:31 PM

  SHREVEPORT, La. - Curtis Dale Lolley, 55, of Doyline, La., was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for the sexual exploitation of two females under the age of 18 for the purpose of producing child pornography and possession of child pornography, U. S. Attorney Stephanie A.... more »

• Fire Truck Dedication in Andrew, LA

  July 20, 2010 11:34 AM

  Tonight, July 20th at 6 pm, a new fire truck will be dedicated at the Indian Bayou Volunteer Fire Department in Andrew, LA (near Kaplan). What makes this fire truck special is that it will be dedicated to a fireman of over 30 years with this department, Mr. Vernis Leger.... more »

• Candidates Residency

  July 16, 2010 6:26 AM

  In Opelousas a man is thrown out of the City Council race. A judge ruling....Keith Scott can not run for Alderman District Represent "D" in the October election. The judge ruled Scott does not live the district. With this ruling.....incumbent Reggie Tatum wins the seat out right. more »

• RANT: Do You Think Arizona's Law Is Unconstitutional

  July 6, 2010 5:17 PM

  PHOENIX (AP) - The federal government took a momentous step into the immigration debate Tuesday when it filed a lawsuit seeking to throw out Arizona's crackdown on illegal immigrants, calling it a law that blatantly violates the Constitution. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Phoenix sets the stage for... more »

• San Francisco Board Passes Cell Phone Emission Law

  June 22, 2010 9:10 PM

  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - San Francisco's Board of Supervisors has approved a new law requiring cell phone retailers to post the amount of radiation emitted by each phone they sell. The board voted 10-1 Tuesday to approve a first-of-its-kind ordinance that requires stores to disclose the phones' specific absorption rate,... more »

• "Cyberbullying" is now a misdemeanor in La

  June 21, 2010 3:42 PM

  Louisiana lawmakers have unanimously agreed to create the misdemeanor crime of "cyberbullying" - to ban harassing or intimidating someone under the age of 18 by text message, e-mail or posts on social networking sites like Facebook. The House and Senate gave final passage to the bill (House Bill 1259) by... more »

• Education Department to Lay Off 31

  June 11, 2010 2:28 PM

  BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - The Louisiana Department of Education is laying off 31 employees because of budget cuts. The department announced the layoffs Friday. They will take effect July 1 and include positions in management and finance, the regional education centers, and the school and community support office. Superintendent... more »