A West Monroe lawmaker has filed legislation for the upcoming session that would increase the legal age a person can purchase or possess tobacco and vaping products. Brooke Thorington…
Voicer 3 (29) “I’m Brooke Thorington”

Mississippi authorities say a Tulane student was killed in a freak accident at an Interstate 10 rest stop in Gautier. Authorities say 21-year-old Margaret Maurer was walking back to her car when she was struck by a tire that came loose from a passing 18-wheeler. Maurer was a Minnesota native.

Senator John Kennedy and Representative Ralph Abraham have filed legislation that would require states to verify eligibility for government assistance programs, before the benefits go out. The Income Verification Act would apply to Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and food stamps. Abraham says the legislation is in response to a legislative auditor’s report that found Louisiana spent as much as 85-million dollars on ineligible Medicaid recipients…
Cut 4 (10) “…really need help.”
Kennedy says taxpayer money should never be spent willy-nilly.

Switzerland-based helicopter maker Kopter selects the Lafayette Regional Airport to assemble helicopters, creating 120 jobs. Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Don Pierson says Kopter looked at 38 locations before picking Lafayette…
Cut 13 (08) “…strong workforce.”
Kopter plans to make a four million dollar investment in new equipment and building additions to the Lafayette site.