A state lawmaker wants to close a loophole in the state's Smoke-Free Air Act that allows smoking in bars that serve food. The bill would allow smoking ONLY in bars that serve no food at any time. LA. Restaurant Association spokesperson Wendy Waren says that WOULD make the smoking ban more fair. Waren says restaurant owners fought the law, which went into effect in January 2007, citing the unfairness of allowing bars that serve food to be exempted from the smoking ban. She says while they have no official position on the bill yet, she favors anything that levels the playing field for eateries and bars. Carrie Broussard, with the Louisiana Campaign for Tobacco-Free Living, says the bill is a surprise to them; however, they like the intent to end smoking in bars that serve food. Broussard says the bill will likely have support from anti-smoking lobbies, who want to limit people's exposure to second-hand smoke in enclosed areas. She expects the general public to back it too--except of course, cigarette smokers.

Lafayette Police have arrested a man they say admitted using an AK-47 assault rifle to defend himself and his property. Authorities say 29-year-old Christopher Pitre told officers he awoke to find two men trying to steal the rims off his vehicle. Pitre says one man pointed what appeared to be a gun at him, and he went back into his house, emerged with the AK-47 and began firing shots. Officials say witnesses saw Pitre chasing the men up the street while firing the weapon. Police say no one was hit, but several rounds penetrated some apartments. The two suspects are still at large. Pitre is charged with aggravated criminal damage to property.

A resolution allowing Lafayette Consolidated Government to negotiate automated collection service with Allied Waste will be considered Tuesday by the City-Parish Council. If the plan is approved, Allied will outfit garbage trucks with mechanical arms that pick up specially-designed bins and empty garbage into the trucks. The method means less manpower. The council will likely address the issue of cost -- whether the new system would mean a rate increase for customers.

The wife of a  Keithville man found murdered in his home Sunday has been arrested for hiring someone to kill her husband.

State Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Robert Barham reopens part of the Mississippi River delta in Plaquemines Parish to recreational fishing.

First Lady Supriya Jindal was in Shreveport and Alexandria today to rally support for an effort to assist those affected by the Gulf oil spill crisis.

Here's a look at stories making national news.

A new national poll finds former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is currently the Republican with the chance of defeating President Obama in 2012. 

Arizona has filed an appeal in the federal lawsuit which resulted in an injunction against portions of the state's new immigration law.