Qualifying began today for this fall’s statewide elections and the four major gubernatorial candidates all qualified before 10AM. Eric Gill reports…:
CUT 1 (30) “I’m Eric Gill”

Two of four workers who were injured in an explosion and fire at a plant in Ascension Parish last week have been released from the hospital. Renewable Energy Group said the unnamed worker was discharged from the Baton Rouge General Regional Burn Unit fight nights after the explosion. Two other workers remain hospitalized with one in reported good condition and another in serious condition.

A 54-year-old man from Lake Providence died after his house caught on fire that was likely started by a cigarette in his bed. State Fire Marshal Butch Browning says 54-year-old Kenneth Jefferson was trying to put the fire out and died from injuries he sustained. He says whenever there is a fire, one should notify everyone in the area and then escape to safety, not stay behind to put it out…:
CUT 5 (08) “trapped themselves”
Browning adds that you should never smoke in bed.

The Natchitoches Police Department has identified the high school student who was shot to death Monday evening outside a home in the city. They say 17-year-old DeMarcus Pye was found lying in a ditch shot two times. It’s reported that there was some type of fight the victim could have been involved in and cops say arrests may be forthcoming.