Ongoing rain is causing widespread flooding across the southern part of the state. Forecasters are urging residents to watch for rising streams, creeks and other low lying areas. East Feliciana OEP Deputy Director Jim Parker says this is the worst flooding he’s ever seen.
Cut 5 (10) “getting stranded.”

Weather experts says the Florida Parishes are getting hit especially hard.

A 68-year-old Zachary man has drowned after trying to escape his rapidly flooding home. Frank Rivette with the National Weather Service in Slidell says southeast Louisiana received a ton of water in only a couple hours.
CUT 7 (08) “in some of that area”

State emergency officials are urging people in flood prone areas to evacuate to avoid needing rescue.

State Superintendent of Education John White has proposed a plan to allow voucher students placed on a waiting list to still enroll in a nonpublic school. White says this would get all 362 kids waiting, into the private school of their choice. He says the money the state pays for the voucher students is basically the same as if the child attended a public school.
Cut 16 (05) “…financially.”

He says they will know by August 22 if the private schools who participate in the voucher program will agree to these new terms.

The DEA announces marijuana is will remain a schedule I drug under federal law. Louisiana along with 24 other states have legalized medical marijuana. Author of the legislation to legalize medical cannabis Parks Senator Fred Mills says he isn’t worried because they planned for this when writing the bill.
Cut 10 (10) “Schedule II”