Governor John Bel Edwards says the administration is going to present its budget proposal for the fiscal year that begins July 1st, which includes plans on what they’d like to see to close the $750 million dollar shortfall. He says, unfortunately, the state doesn’t have enough money to fully fund TOPS…:
CUT 12 (04) “don’t have it”
He says that’s why another special session is needed to raise more money.

A bill that adds parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities as a firearm free zone passes out of a House Criminal Justice Committee on an 8 to 6 vote. The legislation faces opposition from gun rights supporters but Baton Rouge Rep. Denise Marcelle understands we have the right to bear arms but the safety of our children and loved ones is more important…:
Cut 14 (09) “do something”
The measure heads to the House floor.

The state Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is monitoring the deer population for chronic wasting disease. LDWF veterinarian Dr. Jim LaCour says this disease, which has been confirmed in Arkansas and Texas, basically eats holes in the deer’s brain. He says infected deer are not symptomatic in the beginning, but they show signs of CWD as it progresses…:
Cut 5 (08) “of weight”
The CDC says there is no evidence that CWD can infect humans, but urges caution when handling venison in the infected region.

The famous Pontchatoula Strawberry Festival kicks off this weekend, but it wasn’t a great year for the crop due to the massive flooding in Tangipahoa & Livingston Parishes. Strawberry farmer Eric Morrow says 90% of his crop was damaged and he doesn’t qualify for federal assistance because government aid doesn’t usually go to specialty crops…:
CUT 9 (04) “our own”
Between four to more than 16 inches of rain fell on parts of southeast Louisiana over a one week period in March.