The Department of Health and Hospitals says they plan to stop billing sexual assault victims for exams and tests. DHH spokeswoman Olivia Watkins says they intend to work with the legislature to prohibit the cost of hospital visits by rape survivors to be charged to the victims for the care they receive:
CUT 12 (06) “of that nature”
She says, under the plan, hospitals would be able to seek reimbursement for such expenses from a fund that gets money from fines paid by violent criminals.

This week is National Teen Driver Safety Week and the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission is urging parents to set rules for their kids before they get the keys. Lt. Col John LeBlanc says parents should tell there teens the “5 to drive Rules” – No cell phones, no extra passengers, no speeding, not alcohol and EVERYONE must be buckled up. He says nobody has more of an impact on our children than their parents…:
CUT 8 (04) “some lives”
LeBlanc says according to a recent survey, only one in four parents had talked seriously with their teens about what it means to be a safe driver.

According to location marketing firm Development Counselors International, the business climate in Louisiana is the 10th best in the nation. Additionally DCI said the Louisiana Economic Development agency is the nation’s second best.

An investment group has agreed to buy Pineville based Cleco for a reported $3.4 billion. Eric Gill has more…:
CUT 1 (27) “reporting”