The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for northwestern Louisiana. The watch area covers everything east of Monroe and north of Natchitoches. Strong or severe thunderstorms are expected that can cause drainage systems and roadside ditches to overflow. Remember, do not try to drive through high water. Find another route.

DOTD is awarded a $150 million federal grant for the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge Project…:

CUT 02(31)      “…Thorington.”

The Coast Guard is searching for four people aboard a helicopter that crashed this afternoon, about ten miles out in the Gulf. More on this as it develops.

A single-vehicle crash in Terrebonne Parish claims the life of a Houma man. State Trooper Ross Brennan says 29 years old Steven English was traveling at a high rate of speed on LA- Highway 15 when he went off the road, flipped over and hit a tree. A toxicology sample is pending, however, Brennan says investigators believe impairment is possible…:

CUT 07(05)      “…particular crash.”

Giving up smoking is a pretty good New Year’s resolution. So says Smoke-Free Louisiana, and spokesman Randy Hayden. He says nicotine is very addictive but those cravings won’t last forever…:

CUT 04(07)      “…they’ll pass.”

He says to remember help & support with quitting is as close as a phone call to 800 QUIT NOW.