A likely tornado injured several people and caused extensive damage in Slidell this morning. Slidell police spokesperson Daniel Seuzeneau provided an update on Facebook…
cut 6 (10) “…buildings damaged
Seuzeneau says the worst hit area appears to be Pontchartrain Drive near Kostmayer Avenue and he says it’s a miracle that the only injuries they’ve seen are minor to moderate. No reported fatalities.

Nearly the entire state has experienced storm damage as fierce winds toppled trees and power poles. About 165-thousand people are without power. Entergy Louisiana spokesperson David Freese says crews are working to assess the damage and restore power as soon as possible…
cut 12 (12) “…restore power”
Freese says because of the widespread damage, it could take some time to restore power.

A three day hearing wraps up today in a federal courtroom in Shreveport where arguments have been made concerning the legality of the Congressional map approved by state lawmakers in January. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry testified yesterday. Landry, who’s also an attorney, says she was a bit surprised at the number of attorneys and out-of-state lawyers who were spectators. She says it drove home the importance of congressional maps and how decisions made in DC are riding on political boundaries.
Cut 5 (10) “…the second.”
Sixth district Congressman Garret Graves believes the map is unconstitutional because race was the driving factor for the new map.

Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis is gearing up for a second term in office. Ellis’ administration helped secure a big economic development win earlier this year, when Amazon announced plans to build a 56 thousand square foot last mile facility. The mayor is excited about bringing more jobs to the area.
Cut 11 (09) “…business grow.”