State health officials say we have reached the peak of the influenza season as every five out of 100 doctor visits are because patients have the flu. Doctor Frank Welch with the Louisiana Department of Health says they are also seeing other illnesses that first started as the flu…
cut 7 (10) “….pneumonia”
Welch says the H-3-N-2 strain is making people very sick.

Ascension Parish Sheriff deputies have arrested a Baton Rouge business owner for allegedly defrauding over a dozen homeowners who were victims of the August flood. Sheriff Jeff Wiley says any other contractors who are doing the same thing need to take heed…
cut 14 (07) “…to operate”
Wiley says 39-year-old Matthew Morris faces several charges.

The U.S. Chemical Safety Board said today that Wednesday’s deadly explosion at Packaging Corporation America in Beauregard Parish occurred as contractors were welding near a tank during a facility shutdown. State Police Sergeant James Anderson says they have an idea what was inside that tank…
cut 16 (09) “….this time”
Three people were killed and one person remains hospitalized. The investigation is continuing.

Cleanup continues in the Crescent City where an EF 3 twister damaged over 900 homes in New Orleans East. State Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon says temporary repairs should be made, because policy holders have a legal obligation to minimize their damage…
cut 10 (11) “…further damage”
Donelon also encourages tornado victims to document their loss with pictures.