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The LSU Health System is exploring new funding models that could stop a bloodletting of budget cuts in recent years. The tipping point came this year with a reduction of the federal Medicaid reimbursement to Louisiana. Dr. Hugh Mighty, vice chancellor for clinical affairs at LSU Health Shreveport, met with reporters to clear the air about what options are on the table. He said the LSU Health System does not intend to "sell off the hospital" as it seeks potential investors to engage in public-private partnership talks.

Centenary College in Shreveport has launched its Passport Points rewards program. It gives students point-based incentives to attend certain events on campus. Associate dean Melva Williams says the program is an easy way to help pay for international travel. She says students can earn up to 2,000 points during their college career, and the points can be used toward travel costs on education-related trips abroad.

The state-run emergency shelter in Shreveport has closed, after housing Hurricane Isaac evacuees for seven days. The evacuees were bused to points around the hardest hit areas of New Orleans. Some will stay in transitional shelters there, while others will return home. Caddo-Bossier Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness director Sandy Davis says the Jewella Avenue shelter will be cleaned and ready for the next hurricane evacuation in a matter of days.