The four candidates for Louisiana met today for a forum to discuss Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. At the end of the forum, each candidate had a chance to say why they should be Louisiana’s next governor. Amite Representative John Bel Edwards says the state has been going in the wrong direction under the Jindal Administration which he’s been saying for years
CUT 12 (12) “joining me”
The three Republican challengers each spoke about how they are separating themselves from each other on conservatism level.

Eglin Airfoce Base announces they’ve contracted another company to complete the recovery of the Blackhawk helicopter which crashed and claimed the lives of 11 on board. They say a salvage barge is expected to be on site mid-day and the operation is expected to take 8 hours – weather permitting. Military officials report the bodies of nine of the eleven servicemen killed have been found. The other two Guardsmen are believed to still be inside the helicopter.

The state Department of Agriculture and Forestry is taking precautionary measures against a highly pathogenic avian influenza strain, also known as bird flu, after cases have been confirmed in Arkansas. Commissioner Dr. Mike Strain says outbreaks of avian influenza have been confirmed in several states…:
CUT 6 (06) “H-5-N-1”
Although this flu strain is not normally contracted by humans, Strain says the public should be cautious about transferring the disease.

State Police is investigating a hit and run fatality out of St. Mary Parish. They say after 1am this morning east of Jeanerette, 33-year-old Krista Sedotal was walking along LA highway 192 and was hit by a truck. The vehicle, believed to be a white Dodge Ram, then fled and Sedotal was later pronounced dead. Troopers are urging anyone with information to contact authorities.