The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals confirms the state’s second West Nile virus death this year. The death occurred in the Capital Area Region 2 which consists of East and West Feliciana, East and West Baton Rouge, Pointe Coupee, Iberville and Ascension Parishes. Medical Director for the Office of Public Health in central Louisiana, David Holcombe, says there are now 29 cases of West Nile in Louisiana…:
CUT 13 (07) “for the same period”
The victim is over the age of 75.

The New Orleans Police Department says they are investigating a shooting and apparent suicide that took place where four Lafayette area men were staying at the Westin on Canal Street yesterday morning after a three hour standoff with authorities. The alleged 20-year-old shooter is said to have fired at his friend in the chest. After the hours of negotiations police believe the 20-year-old shot himself. The 24-year-old shooting victim was in stable condition. The men are not being identified at this time.

A crop duster crash in Iberia Parish has claimed the life of an experienced pilot. Lieutenant Jeremy Kelley, with the Iberia Parish Sheriff’s office, says a Bell 47 helicopter crashed near a cane field north of US 90 Sunday morning..:
CUT 10 (12) “coroner’s office”
The pilot has been identified as 60-year-old Kenneth Squires of Jeanerette.

Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest another rice crop. There was a phenomenal crop last year yielding a statewide average of 7,500 pounds per acre. LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist, Dr. Johnny Saichuck (SAY-chuck), says we shouldn’t expect those same numbers with this year’s crop…”
CUT 4 (09) “had last year”
He estimates this year’s yield to come in at around 6,500 pounds per acre.