Starting today, there are new restrictions for SNAP recipients. Louisiana Health Secretary Bruce Greenstein (green-steen) says the state received a waiver from federal officials that prevents SNAP recipients from using government assistance to purchase certain items.

Cut 4 (11) “…traditional candy bars.”

Greenstein hopes this change will result in SNAP recipients purchasing healthier foods.

Some Louisiana schools are moving to four-day work weeks. David Claxton, the executive director of the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents and Administrators, says four-day schools will still have to adhere to the state law requiring 63,720 minutes of instruction time per school year.

Cut 11 (09) “…five-day week gets.”

Louisiana continues remembering a civil rights icon. Andre Champagne has more on the passing of Reverend Jesse Jackson.

Cut 2 (27) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Closer to home, Louisiana has lost legendary civil rights leader and former president of Xavier University Dr. Norman C. Francis. He died early this morning at Ochsner Hospital. Francis led the only Catholic historically Black university in the country for almost 50 years and is credited with transforming Xavier into a standout institution for medical education. Francis also advised eight U.S. presidents and was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Dr. Francis was 94 years old.