Now that schools are in session across the state, teachers are in classrooms with no idea what assessment test will be given this year. Michelle Southern reports…

cut 1 (32) “reporting”

Ponchatoula Police are investigating the death of a former LSU and UNO basketball player who was found in a friends swimming pool yesterday. Authorities do not suspect foul play in the death of 22-year-old Matt Derenbecker. An autopsy will be performed to determine the exact cause of death.

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”

Not much is known about the latest victim other than it was a person over the age of 75.

Farmers across the state are beginning to harvest another rice crop. LSU AgCenter Rice Specialist, Dr. Johnny Saichuck, says last years crop produced a phenomenal statewide average of 7,500 pounds per acre. Saichuck says this year’s rain and cloud cover has really affected this year’s crop, but he’s not ready to give up on it…

cut 6 (08) “expect yieldwise”

He estimates this year’s rice crop to yield around 6,500 pounds per acre.