Governor John Bel Edwards has issued a public health emergency for the town of St. Joseph. Edwards advises residents of the Tensas parish town to use alternative sources for drinking water, as tests showed elevated levels of lead in the water. The Department of Health recommends using alternative sources for water for brushing teeth, food preparation, and personal consumption.

A report from United Health Foundation finds Louisiana is no longer the unhealthiest state in the country. Michelle Southern has more…

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With the state having problems fully funding the TOPS scholarship program, the idea is being kicked around to require TOPS recipients to take 30 credit hours a year, instead of 24. Higher Ed Commissioner Joe Rallo says the idea is to encourage students to graduate in four years. He says 20 years ago 15 hours a semester was the norm.

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Many students oppose this idea, as TOPS recipients are already having to pay roughly 60-percent of their tuition for the spring semester.

LSU’s Leonard Fournette has decided not to play in the Citrus Bowl to give his injured ankle more time to heal and get ready for the NFL draft. Head Coach Ed Orgeron supports the decision, but says he’ll miss the dynamic running back.

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