The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for all of southeast Louisiana, and areas in the central and southern most parishes of the state until 2pm this afternoon. Severe thunderstorms were reported by forecasters in Pointe Coupee, northwestern East Baton Rouge and West Baton Rouge Parishes capable of producing twisters. They are urging area residents to be vigilant and monitor local news for weather updates.

Governor John Bel Edwards is proposing lawmakers use the Rainy Day Fund and make cuts to areas including the Department of Health to close the $304 million dollar shortfall. The Governor’s spokesperson, Richard Carbo, says LDH would sustain the largest budget reduction at $128 million, but not in vital services and hospitals that care for the poor:
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The governor’s deficit elimination plan will be debated in a special session that begins next week.

LSU Student Government believes the Board of Regents’ proposed changes to the TOPS program will force students out of the state for college. Emelie Gunn has more…:
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State Superintendent of Education John White travels to Caddo Parish to host a public meeting tonight to discuss recommendations on improving struggling schools in Shreveport. White says 15 out of 66 schools in the parish have “F” letter grades and 22 have “Ds”…:
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