Governor Bobby Jindal met with officials in Caddo and Bossier Parish on Friday to discuss what the state is working towards in response to the Red River Flood. The projected crest of 36.5 feet in the Shreveport area would be the highest crest of the Red River in 70 years. Jindal says it’s obvious the water is going to be around for a while…:
CUT 1 (10) “some time”
Jindal says the problem areas will be Rapides and Natchitoches next week and they are working to ensure they are also prepared.

The Baton Rouge Police Department says a 22 month old child was found dead in a day’s vehicle on Friday after she was allegedly forgotten by two workers. They say 47-year-old Sheila Newman and 26-year-old April Wright are under arrest in connection with the death. Authorities believe the child was left inside the hot car for about 2 hours on a day when the heat index in Baton Rouge was 96 degrees.

The state Senate voted to increase the cigarette tax by 72 cents which would bring it up to $1.08 and match the Southern regional average. The House approved a 32 cent cigarette tax increase bringing the state rate to 68 cents and it’s not likely the lower chamber will go along with what the Senate approved. The session ends Thursday.

Willie “Dynamite” Larkin is the new president at Grambling State University. The University of Louisiana system Board selected Larkin over Gilbert Rochon and three other candidates who were interviewed on Grambling’s campus this week. Larkin says the difficult selection process should benefit him when he takes over as Grambling’s president on July 1st…:
CUT 9 (10) “few months”
UL System president Sandra Woodley calls Larkin a strong leader who will move Grambling to the next level.