State Police are investigating a single-vehicle crash that claimed the life of a Prairieville woman after her car was submerged in the Amite River. Troop A spokesman Trooper Chris Reed says it happened Saturday night and they still do not know why 37-year-old Sarah Marshall drove off the roadway. Impairment has not been ruled out. Reed says please remain alert and unimpaired while driving.

Cut 5 (05)  “…and death. ” The crash remains under investigation.

The first cases of malaria in the country have been detected in Florida and Texas; the first of domestic origination in two decades. Dr. Ben Springgate with LSU Health in New Orleans says mosquito bites are the culprit…:

Cut 9 (11) “…hospitalization.”

Symptoms can develop ten days to four weeks after an individual is infected. In the more severe cases, individuals can have neurological damage.

Beginning August First health insurers in Louisiana will be required to offer six months of smoking cessation to help them kick the habit. Metairie Representative Laurie Schlegel

Cut 7 (07)  “…people’s health.” 

Insured individuals will not have to pay co-pays or any out-of-pocket expenses due to the new law going into effect. Louisiana has the 11th highest percentage among U.S. states of adults who smoke, according to the American Lung Association.

If you plan to spend the holiday on the water, you’ll be pleased to know that five lakes in the state made Bassmaster Magazine’s Best Bass Lakes in America. In the overall list Toledo Bend ranked sixth. And for the Central United States best lakes list, Caney, Bussey Brake, Caddo Lake and Lake Bistineau made the top 25. They don’t call us the Sportsman’s Paradise for nothing…