Governor John Bel Edwards says he’ll spend the weekend putting the finishing touches on the proposed budget for next year, which will contain a 750-million cut in state spending. Edwards says the spending plan he’ll present to lawmakers on Tuesday will be very sobering…:
cut 12 (08) “of Louisiana”
Healthcare, higher ed, TOPS and social services are expected to receive cuts.

It’s election day for 41 parishes tomorrow. Polls open at 7 AM and close at 8 PM. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says this Spring election typically has a low voter turnout because so many people aren’t aware there’s an election…:
CUT 3 (08) “in March”
Schedler says for many parishes, tax renewals are the big item on the ballot.

State Police have been called in to investigate after a woman was run over by a police vehicle on the beach in Grand Isle. Sgt. Nick Manale says two women were tanning when the truck drove near them. He says the woman struck by the vehicle received moderate injuries.
cut 15 (06) “several surgeries”
Manale says no decisions have been made whether to cite or arrest the officer involved, who has been identified as 52-year-old Norris Esponge Junior, the assistant police chief.

The Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today. It wasn’t a good year for Louisiana strawberries, because of recent flooding, but festival Spokesperson Shelley Matherne says that won’t stop anyone from having a great time at the festival:
CUT 7 (10) “local farmers”
You can get more information at lastrawberryfestival.com.