There’s extensive tornado damage in New Orleans east after a large twister ripped through the area around 11 o’ clock this morning. Craig Smith was working at New Orleans East Hospital when he saw the menacing tornado…
cut 15 (11) “…down in”
Governor John Bel Edwards has declared a state of emergency as his office says as at least six tornadoes caused severe damage, including multiple injuries and dozens of homes and business were damaged.

Officials in Livingston Parish say two twisters touched down in Killian today, damaging homes and injuring two people. Mark Harrell, director of the Livingston Parish Office of Emergency Preparedness, says they know of 5 residences impacted…:
CUT 7 (07) “and moved”
He says two people in a home that was hit sustained minor injuries.

The U-S Senate has voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as Education Secretary. Both of Louisiana’s U.S. Senators, Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy, voted to confirm her appointment. But Louisiana Federation of Teachers spokesperson Les Landon says they would prefer an Education Secretary who is a strong supporter of public schools…
cut 14 (11) “…religious schools”
Cassidy says he voted for DeVos, because of her belief that underserved children should have access to a quality education.

State lawmakers are taking a look at Governor Edwards’ proposal to eliminate a 304-million dollar budget deficit. It relies on legislators approving the use of 119-million rainy day dollars to fill the shortfall. Alexandria Representative Lance Harris says the state needs to address the real problem with state government…
cut 4 (08) “….and year out”
Harris has been an outspoken critic of using rainy day money to alleviate the deficit.