Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a letter to federal leaders urging them to keep Medicaid expansion. Spokesperson for the Governor’s Office, Richard Carbo, says in addition to saving lives, the expansion has been good for the state’s economy and budget.

Cut 15 (09) “hear that”

In the letter, Edwards says changes can be made without harming people who now have healthcare.

The Legislative Auditor is the latest to launch an investigation into the travel spending of Louisiana State Police, joining ongoing inquiries by LSP and the Governor’s Office after four troopers made taxpayer funded side trips in route to a training conference. Superintendent Col. Mike Edmonson is still at the helm of LSP, despite rumors he would step down.

Cut 6 (10) “State Police”

The Louisiana Workforce Commission finds Louisiana’s unemployment rate has stayed mostly stagnant over the last year, except in Baton Rouge. After losing 13-hundred jobs in the past year, Baton Rouge gained 41-hundred over the last month. LSU economist Loren Scott says the Capitol City has a number of projects underway.

Cut 12 (09) “growth path”

Lake Charles, Monroe, and New Orleans also saw job growth over the last year.

A mumps outbreak in Arkansas is making its way to Louisiana, Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health says the majority of cases have been on LSU campus, but they’re also educating young children about the disease.

Cut 9 (11) “good hygiene”

Welch encourages everyone to get two doses of the mumps vaccine.