Auto burglaries in Shreveport's downtown area are down 75 percent since May thanks to a campaign designed to make people think about removing valuables and locking up their vehicles.

Shreveport Attorney Carl Henry Franklin has gained the endorsement of Caddo Parish Commissioner Ken Epperson, Sr., in his run for Caddo district judge. Franklin seeks the vacancy in drug court. Shreveport Attorney Ramone Lafitte and Ron Stamps, assistant Caddo district attorney, also are vying for the post. "Carl Henry Franklin posses all of the characteristics of a judge -- integrity, credibility, and he is an experienced practioner of law for over 23 years, and an excellent Christian, family and community oriented man," Epperson said. " I did not hesitate or waiver in my decision to support Carl Henry Franklin as candidate for district court Judge because of his impeccable background and community record."

A clerk at a local convenience store was jailed for using a stolen credit card number to make 110 purchases at the store where she worked. Erica Mason, 21, of the 1100 block of Crofton, faces charges of unauthorized use of an access card, said Cindy Chadwick, spokeswoman for Caddo sheriff's office. In a two-week period, Mason charged $10,758 in merchandise for herself and friend using the stolen number. The store manager noticed the excessive use of the card number and notified the card holder, who was unaware of the charges, Chadwick said. The case remains under investigation and more arrests are expected.

The Sabine Parish School Board will be the host for the state's first Neighborhood Place, a one-stop shop for human services delivered by state agencies and local providers.

A Haughton man faces multiple charges for firing shots at his fiancé and her two children.

Shreveport Mayor Cedric Glover and Councilman Calvin Lester will announce the availability of 85 air conditioners at 10 a.m. today at Caddo Council on Aging, 4015 Greenwood Road.

The 1-year-old's temperature was nearly 106 degrees when the ambulance arrived at her babysitter's home. It was too late.

An American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana report has accused of the city of Bunkie of engaging in racial profiling.

ALEXANDRIA, La. (AP) _ Octavia Williams and Timothy Benjamin found a new use for their barbecue pit — one that landed them in jail. An argument over whether a third guest should stay got so heated that Williams says she picked up a barbecue pit and hit Benjamin over the head with it. Williams told police she then picked up the barbecue pit and hit the back window of Benjamin's car. Police say the whole situation was confusing, but after medics treated both Williams, who is 47, and the 35-year-old Benjamin, they were handcuffed, read their rights and taken to jail. Benjamin was booked on a charge of aggravated battery. Williams was booked with aggravated battery and simple criminal damage to property valued less than $500.

The following roadways will be closed or under construction this week.