As Louisiana deals with a $600 million dollar shortfall, Governor John Bel Edwards is asking a group of individuals to present ideas on ways to fix this crisis. Council for a Better Louisiana President Barry Erwin is on the task force and says they will be looking at corporate and personal income taxes to see if enough revenue can be raised by removing some exemptions and deductions…:
Cut 15 (06) “bottom line”
Their deadline is May 15th.

ULM students are getting together today to collectively email lawmakers expressing concerns about the future of higher education in the face of possible budget cuts. The governor’s proposed budget calls for a 183-million dollar cut to TOPS, and this is an opportunity for people to make their voice heard. ULM Online Program Coordinator Katherine Dawson is asking people to use their hashtags today…:
CUT 9 (07) “maroon”
She hopes hundreds of emails will make a difference.

Most of southeast Louisiana is under a flash flood watch until 7pm today. Forecasters say rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches with isolated 6+ are possible, especially south of I-10. This wet weather is hitting already saturated soils which could lead to quick flooding.

A teenager from Rapides Parish was killed in a high speed crash in Rapides Parish. State Police say troopers responded around 12:15 am Sunday and determined that 18-year-old Guillermo Maldonado-Ramos was speeding when he exited the road and smashed into a culvert. He was pronounced dead.

Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser is traveling the state this week to get the word out about National Tourism Week. He says in 2015 nearly 29-million people visited the state, which was a record, but…:
Cut 5 (10) “hit parishes”
He says he’ll be in in West Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and St. Francisville today and then head to the northern part of the state later in the week.