Three and a half years following the fatal arrest of Ronald Greene, a Black motorist, criminal charges have been handed down against five law enforcement officers involved in his arrest. Master Trooper Kory York faces the most significant charge, negligent homicide, while the others have been charged with malfeasance and obstruction of justice. Attorney Ron Haley urges District Attorney John Belton to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law…
cut 8 (09) “….for Ron”

Senator John Kennedy took the U.S. Senate floor to challenge FEMA to explain exactly how it determines National Flood Insurance rates. Kennedy says the new Risk Rating 2.0 is causing flood coverage rates to increase so sharply, many homeowners simply cannot afford it anymore…:
cut 4 (12) “…and it’s falling.”

The Revenue Estimating Conference has recognized an additional 925-million dollars that can be spent in the current fiscal year. Commissioner of Administration Jay Dardenne says Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon would like to use some of that money to create an incentive fund that can attract more insurance companies to Louisiana…
cut 12 (10) “…..in the state”
Lawmakers would pass legislation in the regular session to create the fund.

Tomorrow is the deadline for first-class mail and packages to be posted for Christmas arrival. USPS spokesperson David Walton has a few mailing tips you’ll need to keep in mind that will also help in getting your gifts to their intended recipients before Santa arrives. He says use a sturdy box for packages so gifts arrive in one piece.
Cut 13 (11) “…return address.”

A Union Parish Grand Jury has indicted five law enforcement officers involved in the 2019 fatal arrest of Ronald Greene. Greene, a Black motorist. was beaten and tased by officers before he died. State Police originally told the family Greene died in a car crash following a lengthy police chase that ended on a rural highway in Union Parish.

Master Trooper Kory York faces the harshest charges, one count of negligent homicide and ten counts of malfeasance in office. Greene’s mother, Mona Hardin, was in Baton Rouge when the indictments came down…
Cut 7 (12) “…accountable.”
Trooper John Cleary was charged with one count of obstruction of justice. Former State Troopers Dakota Demoss and Captain John Peters each face one count of obstruction of justice. Union Parish Deputy Chris Harpin faces three counts of malfeasance in office

The Revenue Estimating Conference revised outlook gives the state 925 million dollars more in the state’s current budget…
Cut 2 (30) “…I’m Brooke Thorington.”

On the floor of the U-S Senate, Republican John Kennedy went after FEMA for refusing to be transparent with how they set their flood rates…
cut 5 (12) “…kill ya”
Kennedy cites an Associated Press report stating an estimated 1 million fewer American households have flood insurance, thanks to Risk Rating 2.0.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is encouraging donations to its Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes. Heavy storm damage was reported in Marrero, and parts of St Bernard Parish, including Arabi. A woman was killed when a twister hit the St. Charles Parish town of Killona. United Way of SELA president Mike Williamson says they are waiting to get an exact count of how many people lost their homes…:

CUT 04(13)      “…purchased.”

To donate or to volunteer, go to “UnitedWaySELA.org/TornadoRelief”

After 17 years as a member to the state Public Service Commission, District 3 Commissioner Lambert Boissiere said farewell today colleagues. Boissiere was defeated in the December runoff election by Davante Lewis, but Boissiere says he’s not sore at voters…:’

CUT 11(08)      “…I get it.”

December tornado outbreaks seem to be more common lately. He says there were twenty one reports of tornadoes in Louisiana over two days this week. What’s causing them…?

CUT 02(30)      “…Golsby.”

Deputies in East Baton Rouge Parish arrest a Zachary man, after being tipped off by Snapchat that 24-year-old Owen Randall was uploading videos of children being sexually assaulted. An investigation and search of his home yielded more such video and photographs, plus some guns and marijuana plants. He faces a long list of charges and in is custody.

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.

State climatologist Barry Keim says there were 62 reports of tornadoes across seven states over two days this week—21 in Louisiana alone. However, Keim says there were most likely multiple reports of the same tornadoes. He says December tornado outbreaks are becoming more common

Cut 7 (09)  “…99 tornadoes.”

That record was set in 2002.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is encouraging individual to make donations its Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by yesterday’s tornadoes. United Way president Michael Williamson says they have already distributed some emergency supplies and need volunteers to help in the affected areas.

Cut 5 (09) “…right away”

The agency is hoping to pass out cash cards to those in need.

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.”

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.

Outgoing District Three Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere presided over his final P-S-C meeting today as he was defeated by political newcomer Davante Lewis. Boissiere lost by nearly 20 points in last Saturday’s election to Lewis, who is considered a progressive. Boissiere says third party groups told lies about his record

Cut 10 (12) “… worry about” 

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 platform when the crash occurred.

Cut 13 (09) “…oil platform.”  

The three persons were waiting to be rescued in a life raft.

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 6 (12)  “…above normal.”

But Keim says we don’t know exactly how many tornadoes there were because there were likely multiple reports of the same tornadoes.

Longtime Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere says goodbye to the P-S-C during an emotional farewell speech. Jeff Palermo has the story…

Cut 1(30)  “…I’m Jeff Palermo”

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 has been dispatched.

Cut 12 (08) “…in a life raft.”  

Wisdom says the private aircraft with three persons onboard was en route to an oil platform when the crash occurred.

Outgoing District Three Public Service Commissioner Lambert Boissiere presided over his final P-S-C meeting today as he was defeated by political newcomer Davante Lewis, a 30-year-old Baton Rouge man who works for the Louisiana Budget Project. An emotional Boissiere told the commission he’s proud of his work…

Cut 9 (09) “… about me”  (2x)

Boissiere has served on the P-S-C for 17 years.

The United Way of Southeast Louisiana is asking for donations to their Tornado Relief Fund to help families impacted by Wednesday’s tornadoes. United Way President Michael Williamson says they are waiting to get an exact count of how many people lost their homes.

Cut 4 (09)  “…left standing” 

They are hoping to hand out cash cards to those in need.

Governor John Bel Edwards is traveling across South Louisiana touring storm damage from Wednesday’s severe weather. Edwards and GOHSEP officials are doing flyovers of Iberia, St. Charles, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes. After the flyovers, Edwards will hold press briefings in New Iberia, Hahnville, and Gretna. On Tuesday a mother and son were killed in Caddo Parish and on Wednesday one fatality was reported in St. Charles Parish. At least seven parishes received tornado damage over the two-day period.

Governor John Bel Edwards is traveling across South Louisiana touring storm damage from Wednesday’s severe weather. Edwards and officials will be conducting flyovers of Iberia, St. Charles, Jefferson, and St. Bernard parishes and hold briefings afterward in New Iberia, Hahnville, and Gretna.

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 3 (07) “..holiday possible” 

Heavy storm damage was reported in Marrero, and parts of St Bernard Parish, including Arabi. He says they are waiting to get an exact count of how many people lost their homes. There was one fatality Wednesday in St. Charles Parish and on Tuesday two people were killed in a tornado in Caddo Parish.

A tornado in the St. Charles Parish town of Killona caused significant damage to homes and a school on Wednesday afternoon and claimed one life. Parish president Matthew Jewell says about 600 people were without power because of an active gas leak. Jewell says the parish hasn’t caught a break from hazardous weather.

Cut 14 (12)  “…likely tornado..”

A recent survey of small businesses says they are more optimistic about business now compared to the beginning of the year, but forty-four percent of owners reported job openings that were hard to fill with a historically high and untypical recession period. NFIB Louisiana spokesman Todd Pack says owners are doing what they can to bring in more workers.

Cut 12 (11) “…still a challenge.”