Governor John Bel Edwards and GOSHEP officials are doing flyovers of areas damaged by Wednesday’s tornados in southeast Louisiana. Edwards is asking those who received property damage to register online at “DamageLA.gov”…:

CUT 14(12)      “…federal government.”

He says he’ll work for federal recovery aid, but in the interim it’s up to state and local governments.

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a helicopter crash about 30 miles offshore of Terrebonne Bay.  The crash happened shortly before 10 this morning and Petty Officer Gabriel Wisdom says the private aircraft with three persons onboard was en route to an oil rig when the crash occurred…:

CUT 13(09)      “…oil platform.”

At last report the three men were in a life raft, but steps are being taken to get them to dry land.

State Climatologist Barry Keim says there were 62 reports of tornadoes across seven states over two days this week—21 in Louisiana, and he says the warm weather was the reason…:

CUT 06(12)      “…above normal.”

He says December tornado outbreaks are becoming more common, and the coming winter should be warmer than normal.

A grand jury’s decision on whether to hand down any state-level criminal indictments in the death of motorist Ronald Greene is expected most any time now. Greene died on a roadside in Union Parish back in 2019. His family was told he crashed his car after a high speed chase, but a year later trooper body cam footage shows he was beaten, kicked and dragged before becoming unresponsive. The grand jury will decide if any of those officers should be prosecuted.

Longtime Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere says goodbye to the PSC during an emotional farewell speech…:

CUT 01(30)      “…Palermo.”

Police detectives in Bossier City continue the investigation into a Wednesday morning shooting that left three juveniles hurt; one critically. The victims are all 16 or 17 years of age. BPD says they believe drugs were at the heart of the gunplay. The investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

At least 21 tornadoes were reported over a two-day period across Louisiana. State Climatologist Barry Keim says the usual winter combination of alternating cold and warm fronts increases the chances of tornadoes forming, especially when the warm air is warmer and more humid than usual…:

CUT 08(11)      “…the season.”

He says the rest of this winter should be – overall – warmer than normal.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is encouraging donations to its Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes. Michael Williamson is President and CEO of United Way of Southeast Louisiana…:

CUT 03(07)      “…holiday possible.”

To learn about all the ways to help and to donate, go to “UnitedWaySELA.org/TornadoRelief”

State Climatologist Barry Keim says December tornado outbreaks are becoming more common. He says there were twenty one reports of tornadoes in Louisiana over two days this week. What contributed to all those twisters…?

CUT 02(30)      “…Golsby.”

One of those places hit was New Iberia, where twisters caused damage to a hospital, a dentist’s office and a number of homes. There were a numerous reported injuries. Three deaths are blamed for the tornadoes of Tuesday and Wednesday; a mother and son in Caddo parish and a 56-year-old woman was also killed in the St. Charles Parish town of Killona.

Governor John Bel Edwards and GOSHEP officials are doing flyovers of areas damaged by Wednesday’s tornados in southeast Louisiana. Edwards is asking those who received property damage to register online at “DamageLA.gov”. Edwards says the state is going to do what it can to quantify damage for federal assistance and if eligible the state will make an application for aid…:

CUT 15(10)      “…can qualify.”

The U.S. Coast Guard is responding to a helicopter crash about 30 miles offshore of Terrebonne Bay.  The crash happened shortly before 10 this morning and Petty Officer Gabriel Wisdom says an aircrew from New Orleans was dispatched to affect rescue…:

CUT 12(08)      “…a life raft.”

This is an ongoing response and the Coast Guard is providing updates on their Twitter page.

A tornado in Keithville Tuesday leaves two persons dead. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s office says a missing mother, whose home was destroyed by the twister, was found dead among debris one street over. Her son was found dead in a wooded area nearly a half-mile away. Crews continue to look for victims and survivors this morning.

In Union Parish, a tornado virtually levelled a neighborhood in Farmerville. At least 25 people are reported injured. The worst damage is reported along Highway 2 near Scotts Hideaway Road. A shelter is now open at the Farmerville Recreation Center.

Children’s Hospital in New Orleans opens the first eating disorder center in the state. CHNO psychologist Amy Henke says eating disorders among kids are on the rise…:

CUT 04(11)         “…more limited.”

A tornado watch is in effect until 1 pm for most of southern and southeastern Louisiana. Be alert for possible twisters, plus large hail, very high winds, heavy thunderstorms and possible flash flooding. The severe weather should move out later today, bringing clearer and cooler weather.

State Representative Blake Miguez represented the USA in the 2022 ISPC World Shoot on their way to a silver medal. Kace Kieschnick has the story…:

CUT 03(29)      “…Kieschnick.”

A tornado watch is in effect until 1 this afternoon for a swath of parishes from Cameron in coastal western Louisiana to most all areas north of Lakes Maurepas and Ponchartrain. The National Weather Service says be alert for possible twisters, plus hail up to ping pong ball size, very high straight line winds and severe thunderstorms. The rough weather should start moving eastward by late afternoon.

A Caddo parish mother and son were killed by a tornado that destroyed their Keithville home Tuesday. Emergency workers are engaged in cleanup and searching for other survivors or possible victims today.

Residents of Farmerville in Union Parish are stunned by a twister that took out almost a whole neighborhood and injured 25 people. An emergency shelter is now open for those left without a home…right before Christmas.

A member of the state legislature wins acclaim for his marksmanship skills. Erath Rep. Blake Miguez took the silver for Team USA in this year’s IPSC World Shoot. The 30-year competitive pistol shooting veteran said this competition was especially tough…:

CUT 14(13)      “…very challenging.”

Miguez is a former World Champ at pistol shooting.

“National Treasure: Edge of History” debuts tonight on Disney+. The series, which was filmed earlier this year, is not only shot but set in Baton Rouge. Film Baton Rouge Executive Director Katie Pryor says Disney spent over $50-million in the Capital City; $17-million on payroll and that was only the beginning…:

CUT 07(07)      “…everything here.”

A tornado in Keithville has left two persons dead. Caddo Parish Sheriff Steve Prator’s office says a missing mother, whose home was destroyed by the twister, was found dead among debris one street over. Her son was found dead in a wooded area nearly a half-mile away. Crews continue to look for victims and survivors this morning.

In Union Parish, a tornado virtually levelled a neighborhood in Farmerville. At least 25 people are reported injured. The worst damage is reported along Highway 2 near Scotts Hideaway Road. A shelter is now open at the Farmerville Recreation Center.

Since a new law went into effect stating adopted persons may see their original birth records, hundreds have applied to do so. Leesville Representative Charles Owen, who is adopted, wrote the law. He says the requests are being processed will haste..:’

CUT 10(11)      “…going to happen”

A LaPlace couple has been arrested for the beating death of their 1-year-old baby girl. St. John Sheriff Mike Tregre says Keaura Dillon, and her boyfriend, Renard Robinson – both 23 – were arrested on Monday. He says Robinson confessed during questioning. Charged with murder, his bond is set at $300-thousand. Dillon is charged as an accessory. Her bond is $190-thouisand.

Children’s Hospital New Orleans is addressing the notable rise in eating disorders amongst children and teens by launching the first pediatric Eating Disorder Center in Louisiana. Whitney Thomas reports…:

CUT 01(29)      “…Thomas.”

Tornadoes that tore through Louisiana yesterday have left at least 2 persons dead. In Caddo Parish, Sheriff Steve Prator says a woman’s body was found under debris one street away from her home which had been destroyed. Her child’s remains were found about a half-mile away. Another woman was seriously hurt in the storm. First responders continue their work this morning.

90 miles away, in Farmerville, a tornado virtually levelled an entire neighborhood, leaving almost 25 people injured. So far no deaths are reported there. More on these disasters as it develops.

Severe weather is expected today across southern Louisiana, with the possibility of tornadoes. Strong thundershowers, possible hail, damaging winds and flash flooding are anticipated. Be on alert for further weather watches or warnings. The bad weather is expected to begin moving out of the state by early evening, bring clearer and cooler temperatures.

Since a new law allowing adopted children access to their original birth certificate went into effect in August, the state office of Vital Records has received more than 600 requests and over 500 have been located…:

CUT 02(30)      “…Thorington.”

A good many schools across Louisiana have decided to close today, due to the severe weather outlook. Please check with your school board or local news sources for an update on your kids’ school, and stay safe.

Plans are in place to build a $1.8-billion state-of-the-art container facility on the Mississippi River in St. Bernard Parish that would create more than 17-thousand new jobs by 2050. Port NOLA President Brandy Christian says a large marine terminal operator called Ports America and Switzerland-based Mediterranean Shipping Company are the private investors…:

CUT 13  (08)        “…a reality.”

The governor’s office says the construction of the terminal will be supported by a substantial commitment from Port NOLA, as well as state and federal funding sources.

This week is expected to be the busiest week of the year for the United States Postal Service. The deadline for mailing greeting cards and first-class packages, if you want them to arrive before Santa, is December 17^th. USPS spokesperson David Walton says get your stuff ready by Saturday if not sooner…:

CUT 07  (08)        “…the holidays.”

The deadline for Priority Mail is December 19^th and for Priority Mail Express the deadline is December 23^rd.

State Police are looking into the death of an inmate while in custody in St. Mary Parish. Few details are yet available, but it appears the inmate was being transported to a court appearance when a scuffle broke out with a parish corrections officer. The inmate suffered life threatening injury and died later at a local hospital. The jailer was not seriously hurt. The matter is now under investigation.

There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather for most of north Louisiana and all of central Louisiana this afternoon and tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says tornadoes will be possible. He says make sure your wireless emergency alerts are turned on ahead of the expected severe weather…:

CUT 17  (10)        “…the situation.”

Cooler weather will come in behind the thunderstorms which could last into tomorrow afternoon.

State Police issue a missing child advisory for a teenager last seen in Shreveport Sunday. Fairchild Scarbrough is black and big for his age; 6’1″ and 165 pounds. Call the Caddo Sheriff’s Office if you spot him.

There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather for most of north Louisiana and all of central Louisiana this afternoon and tonight. State Climatologist Barry Keim says tornadoes will be possible…:

CUT 16(07)      “…for Southeast Louisiana.”

He says be sure to remain alert for weather bulletins and/or warnings.

St. Tammany Parish leaders have placed a time capsule inside the Slidell Museum featuring items from the COVID pandemic, like toilet paper, a mask, a Covid-19 test, letters from students, and news coverage of the surge in cases and deaths. Slidell Mayor Greg Cromer says the time capsule should remain locked for 100 years…:

CUT 10(06)      “…we faired.”

Cromer says the pandemic changed his appreciation for first responders, educators, and hospital workers. He says the time capsule will demonstrate the resilience of Louisiana’s people.

Louisiana ranks 50th in the America’s Health Rankings 2022 Annual Report. Whitney Thomas reports a dramatic rise in overdose death rates is a main factor…:

CUT 01(33)      “…Thomas.”

Members of the Southern University marching band, the Human Jukebox, and the Baton Rouge community held a memorial service Monday for three band members – Broderick Moore, Dylan Young and Ty’ran Williams – who were killed last week while changing a flat alongside I-49, when another driver slammed into them.

State Police are looking into the death of an inmate while in custody in St. Mary Parish. Few details are yet available, but it appears the inmate was being transported to a court appearance when a scuffle broke out with a corrections officer. The matter is under investigation.

The governor’s office announces a public-private partnership that will result in a one-point-eight billion dollar port expansion in the New Orleans area….:

CUT 03(31)      “…Palermo.”

The United Health foundation releases its America’s Health Rankings for 2022 and Louisiana is ranked dead last at 50. A major reason for Louisiana’s poor ranking is that drug deaths rose by 50% between 2019 and 2020. United Health Foundation Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ravi Johar says Louisiana has a high premature death rate…:

CUT 04(06)      “…drug deaths.”

This week is expected to be the busiest week of the year for the United States Postal Service. The deadline for mailing greeting cards and first-class packages, if you want them to arrive before Santa, is December 17^th.

There’s an enhanced risk for severe weather for most of north Louisiana and all of central Louisiana this afternoon and tonight. Tornados are possible, so stay alert.

…and now today’s markets