Governor John Bel Edwards says changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it are likely coming, because of a 750-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year’s budget. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…

Cut 13 (07)  “at risk”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs.

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. She says if they are unlicensed that should be viewed as a red flag.

CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

Many Louisiana residents probably do not know this, but there is an election coming up. And early voting for the April 9th Municipal Election begins today. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there are 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:

CUT 3 (07)  “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday.

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010.  DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says Louisiana is the first state to adopt a statewide blood test for the detection of tuberculosis.

Cut 11 (09) “of cases”

Governor John Bel Edwards says changes in TOPS as we know it are likely coming because of next year’s 750 million dollar deficit. Edwards says the program costs 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…
Cut 13 (07) “at risk”

Many Louisiana residents don’t know but there is another election coming up April 9th. Early voting for this municipal election starts Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there was a 30 percent turnout in the March Presidential primary, and this ballot likely won’t generate as much buzz, but people still need to vote.
CUT 5 (10) “than 30%”

The State Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s tuberculosis case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010. DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne attributes the drop to a new blood testing procedure to improve the diagnosis and a new therapy to prevent the progression of the tuberculosis. He says to keep the number down, they focus on high risk populations, like those with HIV or born outside of the country…
cut 10 (10) “that group”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is cautioning flood victims that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says FEMA won’t ever call you asking for financial account information and they always carry identification badges. She says don’t hesitate to call the AG’s office to ensure a contractor legitimate.
CUT 8 (10) “double check”

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the the future of TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”

A Pastor in Shreveport has sealed himself in a coffin until the morning of Easter Sunday. Sunrise Baptist Church Bishop Ricky Moore says he wants to get people’s attention and the lord give him a sign to do something extreme. While in the locked in the coffin, Moore will be fasting, as well, as praying. He says if people want answers to their questions about his time sealed inside the casket, they’ll have to come a visit themselves.

Early voting for the April th Municipal Election beings Saturday and Secretary of State Tom Schedler says 41 parishes statewide are holding elections. Schedler says items on the ballot include local tax renewals, or runoffs if there were municipal elections in March to fill city council or mayoral seats…:
CUT 4 (11) “April”

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says educate yourself before you donate to a charity or hire a contractor. She says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors.
CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

There’s another election coming up and early voting for the April election begins Saturday morning. Michelle Southern reports…:

CUT 1 (27)  “I’m Michelle Southern”

================

Governor John Bel Edwards says he’s concerned about the the future of  TOPS. Jeff Palermo has the story…

CUT 2 (30)  “I’m Jeff Palermo”

===================

Many Louisiana residents probably do not know this, but there is an coming up. And early voting for the April 9th Municipal Election begins Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says there are 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:

CUT 3 (07)  “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday. Schedler says items on the ballot include local tax renewals, or runoffs if there were municipal elections in March to fill city council or mayoral seats…:

CUT 4 (11)  “April”

Schedler says there was a 30 percent turnout in the March Presidential primary, and this ballot will not generate as much buzz, but people still need to know it’s important to vote…:

CUT 5 (10)  “than 30%”

============================

The Louisiana Attorney General’s office is warning flood victims or those donating to charities that there are fraudulent people looking to make a quick buck. Spokesperson Ruth Wisher says educate yourself before you donate to a charity or hire a contractor.  She says never donate to a charity that asks for cash or wire transfers and doesn’t provide proof your contribution is tax deductible.

CUT 6 (10) “.com”

Wisher says they’re encouraging flood victims looking for home repair to get at least itemized, detailed bids from licensed contractors. She says if they are unlicensed that should be viewed as a red flag.

CUT 7 (10) “never hurt”

Wisher says FEMA will never call asking for financial account information and they always carry identification badges. She says don’t hesitate to call the Attorney General’s Office to ensure a contractor or charity is legitimate.

CUT 8 (10) “double check”

=========================================================

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces Louisiana’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010.  DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says the potentially fatal bacterial infections can be both prevented and cured with proper treatment and the state has taken steps to do that

CUT 9 (07) “for us”

Lacassagne attributes the decrease to a new blood testing procedure to improve the diagnosis and a new therapy to prevent the progression of the tuberculosis. He says to keep the number down, they focus on high risk populations, like those with HIV or born outside of the country…

cut 10 (10)  “that group”

Lacassagne says Louisiana is the first state to adopt a statewide blood test for the detection of tuberculosis.

Cut 11 (09) “of cases”

=========================================================

Governor John Bel Edwards says changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it are likely coming, because of a 750-million dollar shortfall for next fiscal year’s budget. Edwards says because lawmakers are not able to raise additional revenues in this regular session, some tough cuts are needed…

cut 12 (09) “of those”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year and the price tag is expected to rise as colleges and universities hike tuition costs. The governor says in these tough budget times, many government services and programs will unfortunately suffer…

Cut 13 (07)  “at risk”

If no legislation comes out of this session that changes the TOPS program, Edwards says there are policies already in place spelling out who would  receive the scholarship, if the state can’t afford the program under the current eligibility requirements…

cut 14 (12)  “financial need”

===========================================================

Governor John Bel Edwards says we will likely see changes to the TOPS scholarship program as we know it coming soon, because of next year’s 750-million dollar shortfall. Edwards says because lawmakers are not able to raise additional revenues in this regular session, some tough cuts are needed…
cut 12 (09) “of those”

Edwards says the cost of the TOPS scholarship program is 300-million dollars this fiscal year.

Many Louisianans probably don’t know there is another election coming up on April 9th. Early voting for this Municipal Election starts on Saturday morning. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says 41 parishes statewide holding elections…:
CUT 3 (07) “g-e-a-u-x”

The early voting period runs through Saturday April 2nd, but polls are closed Easter Sunday.

 
The Office of the Attorney General wants to remind flood victims or those donating to charities of fraud schemes. Attorney General Jeff Landry’s Press Secretary Ruth Wisher says they’re encouraging people to educate themselves of fake charities, rental properties, and scamming contractors. She says never donate to a charity that asks for cash or wire transfers and doesn’t provide proof your contribution is tax deductible.
Cut 6 (10) “…com.”

A few years ago, Louisiana was ranked in the top ten nationally in tuberculosis rates, but the state Department of Health and Hospitals announces the state’s case rate has fallen 43-percent since 2010. DHH Tuberculosis controller Michael Lacassagne says the potentially fatal bacterial infections can be prevented and cured with proper treatment and the state has taken steps to do that.
CUT 9 (07) “for us”

To close a budget deficit for this fiscal year, Governor John Bel Edwards has announced a 70-million dollar reduction in state funds for the state department of health and hospitals. Edwards says 40-million of that is lower than projected Medicaid expenditures and efficiencies his administration put in place when he took office…
cut 7 (11) “…to our people”
Colleges and universities avoided the budget ax for at least the next three months.

Jefferson Parish Sheriff deputies are still trying to determine why 73-year-old John Thomas of Kenner fatally shot a 75-year-old urologist while he was treating a patient near the East Jefferson General Hospital. Authorities say Thomas took his own life at a nearby fast food restaurant. Thomas did not have a prior criminal history.

Because of the flooding, hundreds of Louisiana residents will spend this Easter weekend out of their homes. Mike Steele, with the governor’s office of homeland security and emergency preparedness, says if the water has gone down, you don’t have to wait on a FEMA inspector to begin repairs…
cut 30 (10) “…assessment teams”
Steele also advises people to document and take pictures of damage to their homes.

Louisiana may have to relinquish control of state museums over to local agencies due to money concerns. Secretary of State Tom Schedler says his budget has taken a massive hit amid the fiscal crisis….
Cut 9 (05) “proposed scenario”
Schedler says there’s legislation moving through that would allow local governments to run several musuems like the Germantown Colony Musuem in Minden and the Chennault Musuem in Monroe.

The state department of health and hospitals will receive a 70-million dollar cut in state funding this fiscal year, while higher education is spared. Governor John Bel Edwards says DHH was better positioned to absorb these cuts…
cut 8 (09) “…our citizens”
30 million of the 70-million dollar cut is the result of lower-than projected expenditures with the state’s medicaid program.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says money problems is making it difficult for his office to operate various state musuems. Schedler says he may turn some of the state museums over to local governments for them to run…
cut 11 (07) “…local community’
He says that includes the Eddie Robinson Museum on Grambling’s campus.

There will be plenty of crawfish boils this Easter weekend. But Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Assocation president David Savoy says the untold story is that the farmers are not making as much money for their catch as they did last year. He says someone has to be making money, because customers are not seeing a break…
cut 5 (11) “…gone down”
Savoy says the middle man is the one making money this year.

Louisiana Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain is urging those affected by the recent flooding to take precautions to prevent termites during clean-up and remodeling. Strain says flooding can ruin the termite traps around your home…
cut 12 (10) “….barrier out”
Strain also warns flooded structures are prone to infestation by termites.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the state’s $70 million dollar budget holef for this fiscal year will be filled within the state Department of Health and Hospitals. Edwards says he could not in good conscious make any more reductions to higher ed…
cut 6 (12) “….in the contry”
But Edwards says more reductions to higher education could come next year as the state is staring at a 750-million dollar shortfall for the fiscal year that starts July 1st.

It’s a big weekend for crawfish. Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association president David Savoy says there’s plenty of mudbugs to go around, but consumers are still paying the same prices for crawfish, even though production costs are down…
cut 4 (10) “…the same”
Savoy says crawfish farmers are also not seeing more money for their catch.

The state may have to give up control of its museums because of budget concerns. Halen Doughty has more…
voicer 2 (31) “..Halen Doughty”

Ag Commissioner Mike Strain is concerned about an increase in the termite population in areas that experienced flooding. Strain says once the water is gone, termites that remain tend to come back more prevalent than before…
cut 14 (07) “….to infest”
Strain says if you had a termiticide barrier around your house, flood waters most likely washed it away and the area needs to be retreated.

Governor John Bel Edwards says one state agency will aborsb 70-million dollars worth of cuts for this fiscal year to make up for a budget deficit….
voicer 1 (27) “….I’m Michelle Southern”

Authorities in Jefferson Parish are trying to determine why a 73-year-old man walked into the East Jefferson General Hospital and fatally shot 75-year-old Doctor Elbert Goodier. Authorities say the gunman, John Thomas of Kenner, left the hospital and shot himself at a nearby Wendy’s. Investigators have learned Thomas was a patient of Doctor Goodier.

Crawfish-lovers can expect to find a good batch of mudbugs this Easter weekend. That’s according to David Savoy, president of the Louisiana Crawfish Farmers Association, who says they should be able to meet the demand…
cut 3 (03) “…right time”
Savoy says while there’s plenty of mudbugs, the price for consumers is as high as last year, despite lower gas prices.

Budget constraints could result in Secretary of State Tom Schedler turning control of several state museums to local governments. Schedler says he’s already returned a few musuems back to local governments, like the Louisiana State Cotton Museum in Lake Providence. He says tough decisions are coming regarding the rest…
cut 10 (08) “….close some”
Schedler says one of the museums he may have to give up is the Chennault Aviation and Military Museum in Monroe.

Governor John Bel Edwards says the plan to cut the budget by $70 million by June 30 will be shouldered by DHH, not higher ed. He says colleges have had to endure enough cuts over the last 8 years, and he ouldn’t in good conscience place any more burden on the backs of students. $40 million in the cuts to DHH are from Medicaid efficiencies, and the other $30 million is to the private-public partnership hospitals.

Alto Congressman Ralph Abraham is visiting Cuba next month to establish potential agriculture trade with the island…

CUT 2 (31)  “I’m Emelie Gunn”

Three people were killed in a tragic fire during the overnight hours in Winnsboro, a father and two sons. A mother, a daughter, and another son were also seriously injured. Brant Thompson, with the State Fire Marshal’s Office, says when the firefighters arrived, they found the singlewide trailer fully engulfed in flames.

CUT 3 (10)  “8-year-old-child”

Derrick Boley, his 3-year-old son Kenderrick Boley, and 8-year-old Bryson Scobbee were killed in the fire.

Matthew Flugence of Marrero has entered a guilty plea in the death of a 6-year-old girl who was killed then stuffed into a trashcan in 2013, and he was sentenced to life in prison. Jefferson Parish District Attorney Paul Connick Jr. will not pursue the death penalty. Legal analyst Tim Meche says in Louisiana there is no chance of getting out of a life sentence, like there may be in other states.

cut 10 (05)  “in Angola”