The House Appropriations Committee approves a budget that would fully fund TOPS, but health programs and money for partner hospitals would be cut. Baton Rouge Representative Patricia Smith doesn’t like the idea of fully funding TOPS at the risk of negatively impacting a sick person…
cut 5 (11) “…not die”
The budget will be discussed by the full House on Thursday.

In an effort to combat the significant traffic problems in Baton Rouge, the House Transportation Committee approved legislation that says 18-wheelers can only use the right lanes of the interstate in East Baton Rouge every weekday from 4 to 7 PM. Maria Bowen from the Louisiana Motor Transporat Association testifed against the legislation…
cut 12 (10) “…major towns”
The measure heads to the House floor for more discussion.

The National Weather Service confirms three tornadoes touched down in Acadiana Saturday morning. Parishes affected included Lafayette, St. Landry and St. Mary Parish, with the strongest tornado touching down north of Carencro. National Weather Service Lake Charles Meteorologist Donald Jones they varied in intensity…
Cut 14 (12) “Mary Parish.”
Debris clean up is also ongoing in the northern parts of Bossier Parish. Most of the damage occurred just north of I-20 near Red Chute. Bossier Sheriff spokesperson Lt. Bill Davis…
Cut 7 (10) “their land”
Also, a two-year-old was killed in Haughton when a tree fell on her mobile home.