Governor John Bel Edwards said he would not veto language in the appropriations bill that would “front load” the TOPS scholarship program. The governor added that student’s tuition would be mostly funded in the fall, but they’d have to cover more than half in the spring. Higher Education Commissioner Dr. Joe Rallo he’s glad the governor didn’t use his veto pen…;
CUT 1 (06) “and how much”
But those who oppose say this would place a massive burden on students in the spring. Edwards did criticize the legislation calling it a disingenuous budgeting gimmick by the Louisiana Legislature.

State Police say a trooper was hit on the side of I-55 while assisting a disabled vehicle and that the road is closed northbound north of I-10. They are requesting thoughts and prayers, but no other details have been released at this time.

Able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents who do not work or go to school will now be required to participate in job training programs because of an executive order that goes into effect today. Halen Doughty has more…:
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The state’s newly expanded Medicaid program goes into effect today. Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says this will change the dynamic of the well-being of people in the state….:
CUT 30 (07) “uninsured”

Governor John Bel Edwards surprisingly upheld the language that front-loads the TOPS scholarship program in the hopes of more money coming in before the start of the spring semester. Many people expected the governor to remove the language from the bill that means TOPS would be fully funded for the first semester but only 40% funded for the second semester. The governor has made it clear, however, that he is not happy with this approach.

Many Americans will be on the road for the 4^th of July holiday but that also means thieves will be on the prowl. Emelie Gunn has more on how to protect your home over the long weekend…

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State Treasurer John Kennedy has announced that Louisiana has received $2.4 million for residents who are owed money from a settlement after the 2008 housing bubble burst. Kennedy says if your home was foreclosed during the financial crisis, you can go to LaTreasury.com to see if you have any unclaimed money.

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Kennedy says the average amount owed to each person is $300.

As people spend time outside in the heat this Fourth of July weekend, the LSU Veterinary School is reminding pet parents to make sure their animals don’t get too hot. Associate professor and veterinarian Dr. Kirk Ryan says there are steps pet parents can take to make sure their animals stay as cool as possible.

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Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana this weekend could reach 110 in some places.

As many Americans are traveling over the holiday weekend, thieves are on the lookout for those leaving their homes. State Farm spokesperson Roszell Gadson says July is the third highest month for home theft claims. He says it’s very important that your home is prepared during the 4th of July weekend if you’re going to be hitting the road…:
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He says they saw 1,420 theft claims in Louisiana last year. The average cost of a crime-related claim is $2,789.

Able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents who do not work or go to school will now be required to participate in job training programs. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary, Sammy Guillory, says not taking part could have consequences for those who depend on the SNAP assistance…:
cut 12 (10) “SNAP benefits”
Guillory says this new requirement will affect about 52-thousand food stamp recipients.

People and pets will be spending a lot of time outside this hot Fourth of July weekend, and the LSU Veterinary School advises people to protect their fur babies from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, which can be fatal. Dr. Kirk Ryan says pets can get easily overheated when exercising outside….:
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Forecasters say the heat index in Louisiana this weekend could reach 110 in some places.

A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of a Raising Cane’s restaurant manager in Kenner. 18-year-old Gregory Donald is also facing murder and armed robbery charges, in the death of 21-year-old Taylor Friloux. 24-year-old Mark Crocklen and Joshua Every have already been booked in the case. Authorities say Friloux was stabbed 8 times.

Job training requirements for more than 52,000 people on food stamps who are non-working, childless adults in Louisiana, kick in today.
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Kenner Police Chief Michael Glaser announced that a third suspect has been arrested in the armed robbery of the Raising Cane’s in Kenner. The third suspect is identified as 18 year-end Gregory Donald. He admitted to being the getaway driver when 21-year-old Taylor Friloux was stabbed to death. He’s facing murder and armed robbery charges. Donald was a previous employee at the establishment.

Alligators have been popping up in recent national and local headlines as spottings in strange places are reported. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries says if you see a gator, say, in your neighborhood, you should never approach it or try to feed it. LDWF Alligator Program Manager Edmond Mouton encourages people to visit LAgatorprogram.com..:
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He says it’s against the law to take matters into your own hands with gators and you should contact LDWF right away if you encounter one.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine is not sorry about a report that is widely circulating online where he calls the Louisiana high school sports landscape “a proverbial dumpster fire.” Bonine issued a statement saying, “The phrase was used as it pertained to our association ‘not being on solid ground as it pertains to finances, perception and good standing with our membership.”

The expanded Medicaid program begins today, and many Louisianans now have health insurance for the first time. Halen Doughty has more…:
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Governor John Bel Edwards says CSRA plans to establish a Customer Engagement Center in Bossier City to support IT solutions and professional services offered by the company, which would create 300 new direct jobs. LED estimates the project will result in 131 new indirect jobs, for a total of 430 new jobs in Northwest Louisiana.

Summer is upon us and many people will be out enjoying the water, so the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is giving out some tips on what to do in the event of an alligator encounter. LDWF Alligator Program Manager Edmond Mouton says whatever you do, don’t feed or approach alligators…:
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Mouton advises Louisiana residents to visit LA-gator-program-dot-com (LAgatorprogram.com) to learn more about what to do when encountering an alligator.

Two people are under arrest in connection to the death of a Slidell man who cops say was the victim of an online dating scheme. Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand says 25-year-old Cordarlye Roberts arranged to meet up with 28-year-old Terrance Calloway and 23-year-old Dana Lemar…:
CUT 14 (12) “the victim”
The two suspects are charged with murder.

Governor John Bel Edwards says more than 235,000 adults have received their health insurance cards today and can begin receiving care as part of the newly expanded Medicaid program. Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says the expansion also has a lot of economic benefits for the state:
Cut 6 (10) “new revenue”
She says this expansion means more people will have access to cancer screenings, medication, and primary care physicians.

The Shreveport Police Department has identified the woman who died in the car/train collision while on the way to a funeral. 45-year-old Lisa Ferguson of Shreveport passed away several hours after the vehicle she was in tried to beat a freight train over the tracks, but didn’t make it. The driver, 44-year-old Shane Ferguson and a 15-year-old passenger remain hospitalized but are expected to recover.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is giving out tips in the event of an alligator encounter. Emelie Gunn has more on how to stay safe…:
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Beginning today, able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents will be required to participate in job-training if they do not work or go to school. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary, Sammy Guillory…:
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Job training requirements for more than 52,000 people on food stamps who are non-working, childless adults in Louisiana, kick in today. Halen Doughty has more..:
CUT 3 (30) “I’m Haley Doughty”

The state treasury department issued a release once again telling folks to be sure to check their website for unclaimed property, as more than 4,000 borrowers in Louisiana are owed money from a settlement with mortgage services stemming from the 2008 housing bubble burst. They say more than $2 million dollars is owed to Louisianians with the average amount at $300 per borrower.

Alligators have been popping up in unusual places throughout the state, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has some recommendations if you encounter one. LDWF Alligator Program Manager Edmond Mouton says if you see an alligator in an area that could pose a public safety hazard, call LDWF immediately. He says state law prohibits taking care of it yourself…:
Cut 8 (08) “professionals”
Mouton advises Louisiana residents to visit LA-gator-program-dot-com to learn more about what to do when encountering an alligator.

The state’s newly expanded Medicaid program goes into effect today. Louisiana Department of Health Secretary Rebekah Gee says this will change the dynamic of the well-being of people in the state….:
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Gee says people who have not already enrolled can do so at healthy.la.gov.

The state’s newly expanded Medicaid program goes into effect today, and the Louisiana Department of Health says some people may be able to see a doctor for the first time in their lives. Secretary Rebekah Gee says the expansion will improve health outcomes for Louisiana residents…:
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Gee says people who have not already enrolled can do so at healthy.la.gov.

Beginning today, able-bodied food stamp recipients without dependents will be required to participate in job-training if they do not work or go to school. DCFS Deputy Assistant Secretary, Sammy Guillory, says this requirement will help people who are able to transition off the assistance program…:
cut 11 (09) “self-sufficient”

Two people have been arrested in connection to the death of a Slidell man who was the victim of a deadly social media scheme. 28-year-old Terrance Calloway and 23-year-old Dana Lemar are charged with second degree murder and obstruction of justice. Slidell Police Chief Randy Smith says investigators used cell phone information to try and locate where the victim, 25-year-old Cordarlye Roberts, could be.”..:
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Normand says it’s dangerous to meet up with strangers you met online. He says you never know who you’re dealing with on the internet.