State health officials say the mumps outbreak in Louisiana will get worse before it gets better. Dr. Frank Welch with the Department of Health says after someone is exposed to mumps, it can take two to three weeks for them to show symptoms.

Cut 3 (09) “lag time”

LDH has confirmed at least 12 cases of mumps so far.

As federal lawmakers work to repeal and replace the affordable care act, US Senator John Kennedy says he’ll vote for anything that’s better than Obamacare, even if it’s not perfect. He says one change he’d like to see in the House bill is more healthcare assistance for those that need it.

Cut 7 (08) “the help”

Kennedy says he also wants more flexibility for states to run Medicaid.

There have been three arrests made after a noose was found hanging at Westminster Christian Academy. Major Eddie Thibodeaux with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office says two juveniles and one 18-year-old, Judah Barber of Opelousas, have been arrested on one count.

Cut 12 (06) “to intimidate”

The incident began after three black boys and three white boys were arguing on the baseball field. All three of those arrested are students.

A Rapides Parish man will spend 21 months behind bars after authorities say he stole more than $100-thousand in Veterans Affairs benefits. 51-year-old Tracy Marler of Ball withdrew more than $100-thousand from a deceased woman’s account between 2008 and 2014. He was sentenced for one count of theft of government property. The judge also sentenced Marler to two years supervised release and ordered him to pay restitution.