The state department of health is facing a massive budget reduction, and Secretary Rebekah Gee pleaded with lawmakers to restore funding for her department. But Mandeville Senator Jack Donahue says healthcare spending has increased by $1.4 billion since 2010.

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Donahue notes the health budget accounts for nearly half of the state’s entire budget.

State Police arrest 13 people in an insurance fraud scam. Master Trooper Brooks David says three suspects are still at large, and it’s possible more people may have been involved. He says these fraudulent claims can drive up premiums for everyone.

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The suspects were involved in at least 7 fictitious crashes.

On Saturday and Sunday consumers can purchase hurricane preparedness supplies at a state sales tax discount. Jeff Palermo has more…

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A note on a napkin saved a woman’s life in West Monroe. A woman was reportedly being held against her will at a motel, where her boyfriend was beating her. The victim convinced 30-year-old Dennis Griffin to take her to Chilli’s, where she passed a note to her server asking for help. West Monroe Police were on the scene in minutes and brought the woman to safety.