Benton News

Louisiana lawmakers have offered Hollywood a gift, hoping that studios will continue to send in film crews to make moves and to pump money into the state's economy.

A bill that would maintain the secrecy of most records in Gov. Bobby Jindal's office -- and possibly put a seal on documents that are now public -- cleared the Senate today in a 28-8 vote, sending the controversial measure to the governor's desk for his certain signature.

BATON ROUGE - Although Monday was technically the last day that legislators could consider bills, the House and Senate are taking advantage of an option that allows the passage of legislation that didn't get heard by the 6 p.m. deadline.

The normally harmonious Bossier Parish School Board had some contentious moments Thursday during debate over the contract for new Superintendent D.C. Machen Jr., but finally approved a modified contract 10-1. The single vote against was from District 8 Rep.

Bossier Parish is moving toward creating zoning across the parish, which might not sound like the most exciting of topics - until an oil company clear-cuts the land behind your house.

Three people are recovering after a car wreck Thursday afternoon in Bossier City.

The Bossier Parish Pupil Progression Plan Policies and Procedures for the 2009-2010 school year is available for public review from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. through June 18 at the Bossier Parish School Board Central Office, 316 Sibley St.

BATON ROUGE - Plans to grant practically everyone in the state a tax break this year have taken a back seat to trying to manage a faltering budget.

It's Christmastime in Bossier City and many have responded to my recent wish list column with their own deep desires for Bossier City.

Legislation that would require all passengers in vehicles to wear seat belts is one step away from final legislative approval after the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works approved one version of the proposal Thursday.

BATON ROUGE - A Senate committee has approved increasing the amount of tax credits available for filming movies in Louisiana despite a warning from an administration official.

It's ironic that language overriding Gov. Bobby Jindal's rejection of $98 million in federal stimulus money was slipped into a bill in the Louisiana House last week, approved 99-0 and later actually read by those who passed it.

A Waskom, Texas, man is free on $20,000 bond after being accused of exposing himself and performing a sex act while stopped May 4 at a red light on Airline Drive at Beene Boulevard in Bossier City, according to police.

The Shreveport city engineer has announced the following street inconveniences and closures for this week.

All occupants of cars, trucks and vans will have to use seat belts if legislation approved Thursday by the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works becomes law.

Oh, the world of hurt Bobby Jindal was supposed to be in by now. A month ago, his constant coast-to-coast fundraising was straining the patience of even his friends, who wished aloud that he were spending more time at home dealing with the state's problems.

Wayne Waddell hardly seems the type to take on the state's most powerful politician, but the mild-mannered state representative from Shreveport -- the longest-serving current House member -- is tenaciously fighting the administration of Gov.

BATON ROUGE, La. - Wayne Waddell hardly seems the type to take on the state's most powerful politician, but the mild-mannered state representative from Shreveport - the longest-serving current House member - is tenaciously fighting the administration of Gov.

Shreveport Police detectives have charged two suspects in connection with a string of purse snatchings that occurred in Shreveport.

BATON ROUGE, La. - A near-annual debate on the governor's ability to hide records from public view heads to the Senate floor, centered on a bill that prompts opposite interpretations about its impact.