Governor John Bel Edwards says at least seven tornadoes in six parishes caused severe damage across southeast Louisiana today. There have been reports of some injuries and damage to dozens of homes and businesses. Edwards has declared a state of emergency. But he says the good thing is that there were zero fatalities.

One of the hardest hit areas is New Orleans East, which was slammed in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Craig Smith was working at New Orleans East Hospital when the twister came through. He says it remains a chaotic scene…
cut 16 (10) “….non stop”
Thousands of people are also without power in the area. Other tornadoes were also reported in Livingston, Tangipahoa, St. James and Ascension Parishes.

Officials say at least two tornadoes touched down in Killian today, which is in Livingston Parish. Two people were injured in that community.

Louisiana U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy were among the 51 who voted to confirm Betsy DeVos as the Secretary of Education. President of the Louisiana Federation for Children, Ann Duplessis, says as a proponent of school choice and vouchers for low-income students, DeVos will bring a welcomed change to the education system.
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But Democratic New Orleans Congressman Cedric Richmond says DeVos is an unqualified billionaire who has attacked public education.

State legislators are taking a look at Governor Edwards proposal to close a 304-million dollar midyear deficit. Franklin Senator Bret Allain (Ah-lan) says he wants to know more about a proposed six-million dollar cut to the budget of the Attorney General’s office…
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Legislators will find out more about the cuts when they begin a special session next week.