Governor John Bel Edwards has sent a 23 page letter to the White House asking for a federal disaster declaration for five parishes following Tuesday’s tornado outbreak. They are Orleans, Ascension, Livingston, Jefferson and St. James. The National Weather Service said that last week’s storm system was the first recorded as spawning two EF3 tornadoes in southeast Louisiana.

Officials in St. Charles Parish have still not identified the missing worker involved in the large Phillips 66 Pipeline explosion on Thursday; and the person remains unaccounted for. Todd Denton with Phillips 66 expressed his sorrow for the six workers…:
Cut 6 (12) “those impacted”
Phillips 66 issued a statement saying ongoing air monitoring of the area indicates no health impacts to the surrounding community.

Iberville Parish authorities have arrested a father and son from Florida who were running the largest gas skimmer operation in the state’s history. Sheriff Brett Stassi says they apprehended the duo during a traffic stop. Stassi says in their vehicle they found gas skimmers and equipment to make fake credit cards…
cut 10 (08) “….criminal families”
Skimmers are placed on card-readers at gas pumps and it gives crooks the ability to steal credit card numbers and PIN information.

Tomorrow is College Goal Sunday across the state, with events that lend a hand to students and families who are applying for financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a requirement to be considered for state and federal aid — and grants and loans. Louisiana Office of Student Financial Assistance Spokesperson Gus Wales says professional help will be offered tomorrow…:
CUT 4 (08) “free event”
15 sites are hosting the events and you can get more information online at osfa.la.gov.