Governor John Bel Edwards deploys 23 State Fire Marshal personnel to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery from a recent earthquake and tremors. State Fire Marshall Butch Browning says Urban Search and Rescue specialists will survey and access damaged buildings.

Cut 3 (10)  “…longer if needed.” 

This is the first time for they’ve been deployed for an earthquake.

Lawsuit reform and car insurance rate arguments are set to dominate the upcoming session, and a new group has been formed to push back against leading Republican proposals for TORT reform. Real Reform Louisiana Executive Director Eric Holl, a former Governor Edwards staffer opposes the Republican-crafted omnibus TORT reform bill he says is a giveaway to big business.
Cut 6 (12) “…to work”
HB 9 is being brought by Chalmette Representative Ray Garofalo, who believes the legislation will lower auto rates in two to three years.

The U-S Senate rejects both articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump. Louisiana Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy voted to acquit the president. Kennedy says House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s attempt to normalize impeachment was reckless…
cut 11 (10) “…rage’
Utah Senator Mitt Romney was the only Republican to cross party lines and vote for impeachment.

Governor John Bel Edwards spoke at the Louisiana Municipal Association meeting and had this warning for local officials when it comes to cyberattacks…
Cut 13 (10) “…very very problematic.”
A recent cyberattack on New Orleans government cost the city more than seven million dollars. Edwards has established a cybersecurity emergency response team to respond to ransomware hits.