37,000 letters go out today to recipients of four Medicaid programs that reads “Because of possible budget cuts, these programs may end as of July 1, 2018.” 20,000 of those recipients are nursing home residents who could be thrown out as a result. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says after multiple failed attempts to fund the programs, people need to start preparing for the worst.
Cut 4 (11) “be coming”
But many Republicans are balking at the release of those letters, saying they amount to a political stunt. Haughton Representative Dodie Horton, who voted for the House spending plan that included the Medicaid cuts, says the panic isn’t justified.
Cut 5 (08) “figure is”
Governor Edwards is in Lafayette today to tour a public-private hospital that has sent termination notices to employees because of state budget cuts.

Two bills that would make medical marijuana availbable to more diseases and disorders are close to final passage after receiving approval from the Senate. One bill would add intractable pain, PTSD and Parkinson’s to the already existing list diseases medical marijuana is eligible to treat, and the other would add autism patients. New Iberia Senator Fred Mills.
Cut 15 (07) “so critical”

A study for the Louisiana Chemical Association shows the industry is responsible for nearly 80-billion dollars in annual sales. But the industry is concerned about changes to a tax exemption program. Economist Doctor Loren Scott says I-TEP allows Lousiaina’s chemical industry compete with Texas…
cut 14 (09) “…sales tax system”

The NFL says Saints running back Mark Ingram has lost his appeal of a four-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances. Ingram’s representative, David Jones, says they vigorously challenged the test results and they’ll consider their options once the arbitrator’s opinion is released next week. An NFL report says the Saints do not plan on signing a veteran running back, so that means Daniel Lasco, Jonathan Williams, Trey Edmunds and former Louisiana Tech star Boston Scott will get a chance to share carries with Rookie of the Year Alvin Kamara.

Ohio State grad transfer quarterback Joe Burrow will reportedly be on the LSU campus this weekend. Burrow is also expected to take a look at Cincinnati. The former four-star prospect can play immediately. He also two years of eligibility left.

And LSU has received a verbal pledge from a four-star offensive lineman from Michigan. Anthony Bradford is ranked among the top 30 offensive tackles in the Class of 2019.

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Last night in college baseball, a couple of blow outs. LSU thumped McNeese 13-3. Daniel Cabrera hit a three-run homer and drove in four runs. Nick Storz pitched two innings of scoreless relief in just his second appearance of the season. Tigers host Bama this weekend.

La Tech trounced Grambling 12-1. The Diamond Dogs have won 28 straight games over the Tigers. The Bulldogs begin a big three-game series on Friday versus 9^th ranked Southern Miss.

Nicholls scored six times in the third inning in an eight to four win over Southern. Sophomore catcher Dillon Belle hit a grand slam in that inning.

Adidas will be the official athletic footwear, apparel and accessory brand for Grambling State through the 2022-2023 season.

Owner Gayle Benson published a letter to the fans thanking them for their support of the Pelicans during the 2017-18 NBA season. Benson wrote the franchise was genuinely moved and inspired by the fans’ support. Benson added that she’s confident about the team’s direction and believes they are building a championship caliber team.

The Edwards administration will send out 37-thousand letters tomorrow notifying Medicaid patients they could lose their benefits on July 1st and be forced to leave a nursing home or long term care facility. Jeff Palermo has the story…
Cut 2 (27) I’m Jeff Palermo”

Governor Edwards said he’ll hold a press conference tomorrow to announce his plans on how health care could be funded to avoid deep cuts to health care services. It will require a special session. Legislative leaders have discussed ending the regular session May 18th and starting a special session a few days later.

A terrible automobile accident in Richland Parish claims the life of a 6 year old Houma boy. On Tuesday afternoon, 33-year old Trina Robinson of Houma was westbound on I-20 when she exited at Bee Bayou road. Her Yukon went off the road slightly, she over compensated and the S-U-V flipped. Sevanti Robinson was in the back seat and died. Trooper Michael Reichardt…
Cut 10 (07) “hear about”
Four passengers in the vehicle were also injured.

The Pelicans season ended last night with a 113-to-104 loss to Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. All-Star Anthony Davis was asked after last night’s game if this was a successful season…
cut 7 (09) “…really had”
We’ll see if the Pelicans re-sign the injured DeMarcus Cousins.

About 37-thousand Medicaid recipients are set to receive a letter from the state informing them they may lose their benefits on July 1st that pays for their nursing home, insurance or care at a long-term faciliy. Republicans say the letters are going out too soon, because there’s still time to find the funding by July 1st. But Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says impacted patients need to consider their options…
cut 16 (09) “…Iam eligible”

Livingston Sheriff Jason Ard is re-opening the case in the disappearance of Barbara Blount. The then 58 year old went missing in the middle of the day on May 2nd, 2008 and has never been seen again. Back then a dozen or so volunteers combed the woods surrounding her house in Holden, Ard says it’s time to stir the pot again.
Cut 3 (11) “we get”
Ard says it’s possible someone lured Blount out of her home and dumped her body somewhere else.

The Pelicans season ended last night a 113-to-104 loss to the defending NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Golden State was just too good in this series, but New Orleans Coach Alvin Gentry still sees his team is one on the rise…
cut (12) “…you advance”
Gentry and General Manager Dell Demps will preview the offseason with a press conference tomorrow.

A 20-year-old Thibodaux man has been arrested for allegedly running over one woman and punching another one in the face, knocking her unconscious. Both victims survied the attack. LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office Lt. Brennan Matherne says it all began with a domestic argument…
cut 13 (08) “…yesterday’s incident”
The woman ran over was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The state will send out 37-thousand notices tomorrow informing the elderly and disabled they may have to leave their nursing home or long term care facility because of budget cuts. Louisiana Health Secretary Doctor Rebekah Gee…
cut 15 (11) “…take action”
Some Republican lawmakers believe the letters are going out too soon and there’s time to find money to pay for the Medicaid programs that are on the chopping block.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard is asking the public for its help as they re-open a 10-year-old missing person’s case. Ard says they believe 58-year-old Barbara Blount was taken out of her home in Holden on May 2nd, 2008….
cut 4 (09) “…came forward”
Ard says they have very few clues to go on as there was no forced entry.

Authorities say a south Louisiana woman is lucky to be alive after she was intentionally run over by 20-year-old Kip Leblanc of Thibodaux who was driving a pickup truck….
cut 12 (08) “….the time”
That’s Lt. Brennan Matherne with the LaFourche Parish Sheriff’s office, who says they also believe Leblanc punched another woman in the face and knocked her unconscious. He was arrested and posted bond.

A single vehicle wreck in Richland Parish has claimed the life of a 6 year old Houma boy. On Tuesday afternoon, 33-year old Trina Robinson of Houma was on I-20 when she exited at Bee Bayou. Trooper Michael Reichardt says her Yukon went off the road slightly and she over compensated and the S-U-V flipped, killing Sevanti Robinson.
Cut 9 (12) “his injuries”

If you are a State Farm customer, you might see your auto insurance rates come down after years of rate hikes. The insurance provider says about a million customers will see on average a three-percent decrease this summer. Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says the savings are not really the result of federal tax reform, but a better than expected series of results for insurance companies…
cut 11 (12) “…years before”

The Pelicans season ended last night with a 113-to-104 loss to Golden State in the Western Conference semifinals. A-D was asked after last night’s game if this was a successful season…
cut 7 (09) “…really had”
We’ll see if the Pelicans re-sign the injured DeMarcus Cousins.

Livingston Parish Sheriff Jason Ard is revisiting a 10- year-old missing person’s case…
Cut 1 (31) “I’m Jim Shannon”

State officials are set to release more information about notices going out tomorrow informing some 20-thousand nursing home residents on Medicaid they could lose their benefits, because of state budget cuts.