The National Guard has been mobilized to help out communities throughout the state who face the threat of Mississippi River flooding as near record crests are expected. 24 hour levee inspections will begin tomorrow in Concordia, East Carroll, Madison and Tensas Parishes. Col. Pete Schneider says The Guard stands ready to help the people of the Louisiana…:
CUT 5 (10) “for the state”

The US Army Corps of Engineers is opening the Morganza Spillway beginning Monday to divert water from the Mississippi River into the Atchafala Basin. Baton Rouge Congressman Garret Graves says how long it remains open will depend on how the Mississippi flows in the next week or two…:
CUT 8 (09) “ramping down”
Graves was the head of the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority when the Morganza was last opened in 2011.

The new mayor of Springfield has reinstated former Police Chief Jimmy Jones after he pled guilty to misdemeanor criminal mischief last year for trashing a woman’s DUI citation as a favor to the previous mayor. The town’s attorney Brian Abels says Springfield needed a police chief and the people of the town wanted him back in the position…:
Cut 11 (10) “law enforcement”

Louisiana ranks 49th in the country for academic achievement in a report conducted by Education Week Magazine. Jeff Palermo has the story…:
CUT 2 (30) “I’m Jeff Palermo”