Governor John Bel Edwards held a press conference in Jackson Parish following a tornado outbreak that left widespread damage in the area.  Kevin Barnhart has the story.

Cut 1 (30) “I’m Matt Doyle”

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Much of the state is under a flash flood watch through Saturday. Matt Doyle reports northwest Louisiana is already dealing with flooding.

Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Matt Doyle”  

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 LSU will be handing out diplomas today, and state leaders are anxiously hoping that most of those graduates will chose to keep their talents within state boarders. Matt Doyle has the story.

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The Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance is urging high school seniors to take the proper steps prior to graduation to ensure there are no unforeseen issues that may delay TOPS scholarship for college.  Administrator of Scholarships and Grants Paula Smith says inconsistencies in student records can often cause a snag.

Cut 4 (09) “…numbers incorrect.”

Smith says they do not have a way of knowing there is an issue until a student flags a problem.  From that point, the amount to time to make corrections can vary with each student.

Cut 5 (09) “…the ball rolling.”

Smith recommends all students visit the LOSFA website and creating a student hub account.

Cut 6 (10) “…have a TOPS.”

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Governor John Bel Edwards says nine parishes across north Louisiana experienced wind damage Wednesday night and Thursday morning, with extensive damage to the Jimmie Davis Park in Jackson Parish. Edwards says the park is closed until further notice…

Cut 7 (09) “…road is impassable”

An EF-1 tornado touched down just south of Jonesboro.  Edwards says over 100 homes in Jackson Parish are reporting damage and two schools also sustained damage from a possible tornado. He says the national guard is on the ground…

Cut 8 (13) “…debris removal”

Edwards says he’s also concerned about the potential for another four to eight inches of rain by Saturday night over north and west Louisiana

Cut 9 (12) “…other structures″

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Much of Louisiana is under flash flood watch until Saturday evening as a nasty storm system continues to dump rain on the region. Portions of Bossier Parish took on surprisingly large amounts of water Thursday, and Sheriff’s spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis says those areas and others could be in for another round of flooding…

Cut 10 (12) “…thing out.”

Davis says the Red River is expected to rise to about 31 and a half feet, but it should not cause tributaries to back up the 2015 flood event. The Lt. says low lying areas with poor drainage are likely the be the problem areas this time around…

Cut 11 (10) “…quickly.”

Two to four inches of rain are expected over the next two days.

Davis hopes locals are prepared, as many homes and businesses have already flooded as a result of the rains. He says the long running rain event had local authorities out rescuing a few unlucky folks throughout the parish…

Cut 12 (10) “…badly.”

All of north and central Louisiana are under a flash flood watch., as well as southwest Louisiana.

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LSU seniors are set to walk the stage today and exit the Pete Maravich Assembly Center into a job market that appears to be on the upswing as the national economy continues to grow.

LSU economist Dr. Loren Scott says grads with in-demand degrees are likely to do well as the need for skilled workers increases.

Cut 13 (10) “…good”

Louisiana has seen 13 straight months of job gains, according to the latest figures from the Workforce Commission.

Scott says grads looking to stay home are getting a bit of a mixed bag. If you’re from the Houma area, or central and northern Louisiana, you could have trouble getting a desirable gig, but there’s a few markets that look promising in the south.

Cut 14 (11) “…announced”

Shreveport alone lost 1,700 jobs over the last year.

But as strong as Louisiana’s recent growth has been, the specter of a booming Texas still lingers over Bayou State grads. Grads can grab high paying Texas jobs, live in bustling Texas cities, and still live close enough to see the family on the weekend. Scott says it’s a tempting offer…

Cut 15 (12) “available”

Keeping locals from fleeing the state post-graduation has been a top goal of the Edwards Administration.

A struggling LSU baseball team begins a series tonight against one of the SEC’s best teams. Arkansas leads the West Division with a 17-7 record, while the Tigers have lost three in a row and sit in fourth place in the West. Coach Paul Mainieri says Arkansas is an outstanding team, but they plan to battle as hard as they can
Cut 16 (12) “…finish strong”
The Tigers have had a lot of success against Arkansas, winning 13 of their last 14 SEC regular-season series, including the last seven in a row. First pitch is at 6:30.

The weather is causing problems at the state baseball tournament in Sulphur. All state semifinal baseball games scheduled for today have been postponed. An updated schedule will be posted on the LHSAA website by 6 PM.

Former Saints tight end Ben Watson’s retirment looks to be a short one as the veteran will reportedly sign with the Patriots. New England needs help at that position with the retirement of Rob Gronkowski. Watson caught 46 passes for the Saints last season. He’s a former first round pick of the Patriots and played his first six seasons in New England.

Shreveport native and former Louisiana Tech star Terry Bradshaw has been picked to deliver the commencement speach at Tech’s May 25th graduation ceremonies.

In college hoops news, Ragin Cajuns forward Justin Miller has announced he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal. Miller started the last two seasons and during his three-year career in Lafayette he averaged nine points and five rebounds a game. He did not give a reason on why he’s leaving.

ESPN reports Golden State star Kevin Durant suffered a mild calf strain in last night’s Game 5 win over Houston and he’ll be re-evaluated next week, which means he miss the rest of the series.

Another tornado outbreak has hit Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”
Storm damage assesment is underway at Jimme Davis State Park, one of the areas hit by those Wednesday tornadoes. Early appraisals indicate widespread damage, including major structural damage to most buildings, and falled and snapped trees throughout the park. 50 people were at the park when the twister ripped throught he area, but no major injuries were reported. The park will remain closed until further notice.
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New Orleans Police say a teenager fatally shot a woman and injured her husband in an attempted car robbery in Mid City last night. Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says the couple went outside of their home when their car alarm went off and another suspect in a nearby getaway car shouted to the teen to start shooting…
Cut 3 (11) “…between the two.”
The woman was shot in the head, the man in the arm and the teen also suffered a gunshot wound.
State Police arrest a man following a 911 call claiming the suspect pointed an AR-15 style pellet rifle at another vehicle on I-10. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says 40-year-old Jason Jarreau of Baton Rouge had an outstanding warrant.
Cut 15 (09) “…back in 2015.”
Jarreau was later booked on several charges.

It’s been an active weather day in Louisiana as a result of an unsettled weather pattern. National Weather Service Forecaster Brandi Richardson says various roads in northwest Louisiana have experienced flooding and more rain is on the way…
cut 10 (10) “…so full”
A possible tornado hit Jimmie Davis State Park last night in Jackson Parish. The Lt Governor’s office says there appears to be major structural damage to most buildings. The park is closed for further notice.

New Orleans Police say a teenager attempting to rob a vehicle fatally shot a woman and injured her husband who were checking on why a car alarm was going off. Chief Shaun Ferguson says a shootout occurred when the male victim approached the vehicle…
cut 4 (10) “….is four”
A wounded 17-year-old Emanuel Pipkins reportedly was later apprehended at a local hospital, and is facing multiple charges.

The House approved a proposed 30-billion dollar budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1st. House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says the spending plan contains money to give teachers a pay raise of 12-hundred dollars and there’s money to improve government services…
cut 8 (13) “…60 individuals”
The budget heads to the Senate, where money will be shifted around, requiring House and Senate leaders reaching a compromise in the final days of the session.

State Police arrest 40-year-old Jason Jarreau of Baton Rouge after he allegedly pointed an AR-15 sytle pellet rifle at another vehicle on Interstate 10 in East Baton Rouge Parish. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they ask anyone who may have witnessed the activity to contact authorties, as far as a motive…
cut 14 (10) “…rifle at someone”

New Orleans Police say a teenager fatally shot a woman and injured her husband in an attempted car robbery in Mid City last night. Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says he’s seen an uptick in juvenile crime in the city over the past few months, specifically car robberies. He calls on everyone in the city to help keep kids from falling into a life of crime.
Cut 5 (09) “…parents”
17-year-old Emanuel Pipkins has been charged in the case.
State Police arrest a man following a 911 call claiming the suspect pointed an AR-15 style pellet rifle at another vehicle on I-10. Trooper Taylor Scrantz says they eventually caught up to 40-year-old Jason Jarreau of Baton Rouge and stopped his vehicle.
Cut 13 (08) “…of the vehicle.”
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Another tornado outbreak has hit Louisiana. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
cut 2 (31) I’m Kevin Barnhart”
A one-year-old child is dead after a crash involving a group of children crossing the street in Napoleonville. Investigators say a 52-year-old woman was travelling down Jones Street when a group of children cross ahead of her. After the initial group of children crossed the street, the one-year-old attempted to follow them, and was struct by the driver’s truck and killed. Police do not suspect speed or impairment were a factor in the crash. The woman was not charged, but the crash remains under investigation.

Governor John Bel Edwards is spending his afternoon in Jackson Parish where two possible tornadoes have caused a lot of property damage. State representative Jack MacFarland says many residents in his district are also without power…
cut 12 (10) “…without power again”
No serious injuries have been reported but several cabins at the Jimmie Davis State Park are reportedly destroyed.

At the state capitol, the Louisiana House approved a 30-billion dollar budget but it does not contain 39-million dollars in block grant funding requested by the governor for public schools. Bogalusa Representative Malinda White is concerned about that…
cut 7 (06) “….put on them”
The proposed spending plan heads to the Senate, who may look at providing more dollars for K-through-12 education.

A New Orleans teenager allegedly shot a woman dead and injured her husband while attempting a car robbery last night. Matt Doyle has the story.
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Lafayette Police have charged a 13 and 16-year-old for second degree murder in the shooting death of 54-year-old Michael Thomas. Thomas died at a local hospital after police responded to a shots fired report at a local park. Authorities say the 13-year-old has several curfew violations.

The state has been hit with another tornado outbreak. Rep. Jack McFarland says in Jackson Parish residents are dealing with the aftermath of what appears to be two different tornados.

Cut 11 (11)   “…on the home.”

Some roads are impassable due to fallen trees.  McFarland says about 20,000 residents were without power after storms passed through last night. No serious injuries have been reported. Governor Edwards is scheduled to speak at the Jackson Parish Sheriff’s Office at 3PM.

Louisiana’s Community College system will offer a new two-year associate degree in cloud computing in partnership with Amazon Web Services. Delgado interim chancellor Doctor Will Wright says this will help students get tech-related jobs…
cut 14 (10) “….aerospace”

The House approved a 30-billion dollar budget. It contains money to give public school teachers a 12-hundred dollar raise. There’s a concern the raise is actually a one-time bonus. But House Appropriations Chairman Cameron Henry says the pay raise will be permanent once the funding formula for public schools is approved…

Cut 6 (08) “…be a run-off.”

The M-F-P is making its way through the legislative process. The spending plan does not contain the 39-million dollars in block grant funding that the governor and the state’s education board.

Many around the Bayou State woke up to damage from severe weather overnight. Meteorologist Brandi Richardson says the National Weather Service Shreveport office has deployed tornado survey teams to Nachitoches, Caddo and northern DeSoto Parishes.
Cut 9 (09) “…of next week“.
There are reports of extensive tornado damage in Jackson Parish.

New Orleans Police say a teenager fatally shot a woman and injured her husband in an attempted car robbery in New Orleans last night. Police Chief Shaun Ferguson says the couple went outside of their home when their car alarm went off and another suspect in a nearby getaway car shouted to the teen to start shooting…
Cut 3 (11) “…between the two.”
The woman was shot in the head, the man in the arm and the teen also suffered a gunshot wound. The suspect faces murder charges.

A constitutional amendment to exempt diapers and tampons from the state sales tax fails in the Senate, but the measure got a second chance at life before discussion wrapped for the day. Kevin Barnhart has the story.
Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Kevin Barnhart”

The full House has approved a 30-billion dollar budget for next fiscal year. It contains a 12-hundred dollar teacher pay raise, but it does not have the additional 39-million dollars that the governor is seeking for public schools.

LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight at Arkansas, who leads the SEC West Division. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says Zack Hess will be in the bullpen again this weekend and it’s up to the starters to pitch well, so that Hess can be used effectively…
cut 17 (11) “….that point”
Sophomore right-hander Ma’Khail Hilliard will get the start tonight on the mound for the Tigers, he’ll be opposed by junior right-hander Isaiah Campbell, who is 8-1 with 2.54 ERA. Arkansas also has a very good closer, Matt Cronin has 10 saves on the year.

Fresh off of their 12-1 win over LSU, Louisiana Tech will open a weekend series against Western Kentucky tomorrow. The series will be played on ULM’s campus, because of tornado damage to Tech’s baseball stadium. The Diamond Dogs are in 4th place in the Conference USA Standings, the Hilltoppers are in third place.

Louisiana Tech legendary football player Terry Bradshaw will be the commencement speaker for Tech’s May 25th graduation ceremonies. After his collegiate career in Ruston, Bradshaw won four Super Bowls for the Steelers and is now a successful NFL analyst.

Two of the six LSU basketball players who entered the NBA draft process have been invited to participate in next week’s NBA draft combine. Point guard Tremont Waters and Forward Naz Reid are among the 66 players invited to work in front of coaches and scouts from all 30 teams.

Ragin Cajuns forward Justin Miller has announced he’s entering the transfer portal. Miller started the last two seasons and during his three-year career in Lafayette he’s averaged nine points and five rebounds a game. He did not give a reason why he’s leaving U-L Lafayette.

Strong storms have moved through Monroe and Alexandria this morning and high water is flooding roads in northwest Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says more severe weather is expected today…
cut 10 (10) “…marginal risk tomorrow”
Much of the state is under a flash flood watch until Saturday night.

Despite concerns over the impact to the budget and doubts it will result in real savings for families, the state senate approved a measure that would change the state’s laws so that diapers, tampons and other feminine products are exempt from the state sales tax. New Orleans Senator JP Morrell is passionate about his bill…
cut 8 (10) “…more than 67 cents”
The bill still needs House approval.

The Louisiana Community and Technical College system has partnered with Amazon to create a new two-year degree in cloud computing, a skill which is mandatory in the tech industry. Governor John Bel Edwards says this will help keep more tech savy students in state after they graduate…
Cut 13 (08) “…pipeline”
The “Amazon Web Service Educate” initiative is part of the company’s worldwide effort to expand access to cloud learning on the AWS systems.

LSU baseball begins a three-game series tonight at Arkansas, who leads the SEC West Division. Tigers Coach Paul Mainieri says Zack Hess will be in the bullpen again this weekend and it’s up to the starters to pitch well, so that Hess can be used effectively…
cut 17 (11) “….that point”
First pitch is at 6:30.