6:30 LRN Newscast

LSU says the number of students infected with the mumps has increased to 12, so the university is offering free MMR vaccines to any student who falls under a high-risk group. The high-risk groups include the LSU tennis team, fraternity and sorority members, and musicians in the Tiger Band. LSU Health New Orleans Infectious Disease Specialist Dr. Fred Lopez says the vaccine is crucial because on rare occasions the mumps can lead to severe complications.
Cut 13 (10) “…deficits.”

Louisiana has a new health secretary. Louisiana native Courtney Phillips, who is currently the executive commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Phillips previously worked at the Louisiana Health Department during the Jindal administration. Her new job begins in April.

The DeSoto Parish Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of one of their deputies who died in a two-vehicle crash on US Highway 84. State Trooper Brent Hardy says L-S-P responded yesterday to a collision between a 2008 Jeep Cherokee and an unmarked Ford Crown Victoria…
Cut 10 (10) “…of the crash.”
The other driver in the crash suffered moderate injuries.

Valentine’s Day is tomorrow so heads up procrastinators you are running out of time to buy your loved one flowers. Before you sign up for some express delivery or pick up the standard dozen red roses, President of the Louisiana Florists Association Samantha Bates says consider mixing things up.
Cut 4 (11) “…dozen.”