The Louisiana National Guard says pilot error was the cause of the fatal Black Hawk helicopter crash off the Florida coast in March. They say the investigation determined that spatial disorientation of both pilots due to failing to effectively transition from visual to instrument flight procedures as thick fog rolled into the training area was the direct cause of the crash. Four Louisiana National Guardsmen and seven Marines were killed in the crash.

State Police say a Cameron Parish Sheriff’s Office deputy is under arrest after being found with about 18 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle. Sgt. James Anderson says 28-year-old Derek Nothnagel of Lake Charles was booked into the Calcasieu Parish Correctional Center and bond was set at $27,300. He says this case is extremely disappointing…

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Nothnagel has been fired from his job as a deputy.

Legislation that would put spending restrictions on the TOPS scholarship program is now headed to Governor Jindal’s desk. Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue’s bill received final legislative approval on a 28-6 vote by the Senate Wednesday. Although Jindal opposes any major changes to TOPS, his office has not stated whether the governor will veto the measure.

The State Department of Agriculture and Forestry says the national egg shortage has caused the price to nearly double over the past couple of months. Michelle Southern reports..

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