Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards is not happy with the state legislature as the special session still ended ended with a $30 million dollar hole this budget year, and $800 million for next. He says another special session is possible in mid-June, but he wishes it was settled now…:
Cut 10 (08) “before them”
Republican House Speaker Taylor Barras says he’s disappointed too, but it’s not easy to vote on higher taxes on individuals and businesses.

Heavy rain is expected to move into central and southeast Louisiana over the next few days with totals by Saturday morning averaging 6-10 inches. State Climatologist Barry Keim says our biggest risk with this weather is flash flooding…:
cut 12 (10) “or two”
He says the worst of this to come is expected more in the southeastern part of the state.

The teddy bear will be officially removed from the endangered species list today . Robert Barham was the Secretary of LDWF who oversaw efforts to grow the black bear population…:
CUT 6 (03) “bear now”
He says at one time there were less than 100 black bears.

Louisiana uses the most demeaning language on social media than any other state in a study done by rental finder website Abodo. Spokesman Sam Radbil says they analyzed for negative language against a person’s race, gender, sexual orientation and weight…:
CUT 16 (04) “our study”
He says New Orleans also had the third highest use of anti-black slurs.

Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for several parishes in north Louisiana which continue to deal with flooding. The National Weather Service at Shreveport forecasts more rain for the region until at least Saturday. LDWF and the National Guard continue search and rescue. It’s reported that an elderly man drowned Wednesday trying to cross a flooded road in Bienville Parish.