The Louisiana Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against mosquitoes and the spread of the West Nile Virus. That’s because the state has the most human cases in the country this year with 53, including two deaths. State Epidemiologist Dr. Raoult Ratard says the number of cases can vary from year to year.
Cut 10 (13) “…be fairly high.“
Out of the 53 cases, 31 are neuroinvasive, the more serious form of the disease that can lead to death, paralysis and brain damage.

A member of the Hammond police department has been booked on sexual battery and carnal knowledge of juvenile charges. The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s office says 44-year-old Brad Core of Hammond surrendered to detectives without incident.

A Thibodaux man has been arrested after he allegedly threw his girlfriend’s cat into a bayou, then killing it with a machete. Matt Doyle has the story.
Voicer 2 (30) ”I’m Matt Doyle”

A task force set up by the Department of Insurance has begun its work on coming up with recommendations that could reduce the state’s high auto insurance rates. River Ridge Representative Kirk Talbot chairs the task force and says there are state laws that can be changed, which can possibly reduce rates…
cut 5 (08) “…awarding damages”
Insure-dot-com says Louisiana has the second-highest auto insurance rates in the country.