The Edwards Administration has informed public universities in Louisiana that cuts are likely to come this fiscal year. Jeff Palermo has more…

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The state Fire Marshal’s Office says a fire in West Monroe has critically injured a family of four, including a pregnant mother. 26-year-old Jeremiah Owojori and his 7-month old son were transported to an area hospital where they remain on life support. His pregnant wife, 24-year-old Ashley and their 5-year-old son were transported to LSU Medical Center in Shreveport where they remain in critical condition. Authorities suspect faulty wiring led to the fire. The investigation is ongoing.

A former teacher’s aide was acquitted of molestation of a juvenile by a St. Tammany Parish jury. Wendell Troullier was arrested in 2014 after a 10-year-old boy claimed he was inappropriately touched while at the man’s house. Defense attorney Robby Gill says Troullier was never arrested before this case and he maintained his innocence throughout, even during intense interrogation at police headquarters…

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Troullier, who was employed by the St. Tammany Parish School System for 11 years, was fired following his arrest.

Governor John Bel Edwards has proposed a 22 cent hike in the cigarette tax to help with the state’s budget crisis. Consultant with the Invest in a Healthy Louisiana campaign Randy Hayden says right now it looks like this proposed tax could go up or down, depending on negotiations…

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He says studies show cigarette tax increases start to impact health when they’re raised over a dollar.