Forecasters believe the northern half of the state will be hit by a winter storm this weekend. The forecast calls for rain to turn to freezing rain Friday night or Saturday morning and significant accumulations of ice are likely across the I-20 corridor.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland and Security Emergency Preparedness is calling on Louisiana residents to get prepared now for the possibility of road closures and power outages…

Cut 1 (34) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein”

The Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office is investigating a fatal shooting involving a passenger in a moving vehicle on US-71 South that apparently shot themself in the head. Spokesperson Tommy Carnline says the passenger was handling a firearm when they accidentally discharged it….

Cut 13 (09) “….toward the ground”

The identity of the victim has not been released. Investigators determined no foul play was involved.

New Orleans Police has arrested a suspected arsonist who lit up eight vehicles in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno says they treated this case very seriously…

Cut 10 (09) “…of New Orleans”

Kyle Tomeson faces multiple counts of aggravated arson and simple arson. Fox 8 TV say Tomeson was apprehended while working his job as a bartender in the French Quarter.

A major winter storm is expected to hit the northern half of Louisiana this weekend. LSU health climatologist Barry Keim says freezing rain and sleet and possibly a little bit of snow is expected…

Cut 5 (08) “….should clear out”

Freezing rain also a possibility in southwest Louisiana and It will be very cold across the state on Sunday and Monday.

New Orleans officials announced the arrest today of a 35-year-old man accused setting fire to eight vehicles in the Bywater community early Monday morning. Kyle Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson. New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno feels bad for the victims, but she is thankful for one thing…

Cut 11 (07) “…situation”

LSU has added one of the top pass rushers in the SEC to its roster and it’s someone coach Lane Kiffin knows well.

Cut 2 (34) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

Sad story out of northwest Louisiana as a sheriff’s deputy lost his life when he was hit by a train this morning. The Bossier Parish Sheriff’s Office says Deputy Tim Jordan, a four-year veteran, was hit by a train while working a traffic assignment. Investigators believe Deputy Jordan may have misjudged the proximity of his vehicle in relation to the train track.

The northern half of the state is under a winter storm watch. Wintery precipitation is possible from Friday to Sunday. The National Weather Service says there is a high probability of significant accumulations of freezing rain and or sleet. Power outages are possible. Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness spokesperson Mike Steele says generator safety will be important…

Cut 8 (11) “…properly”

The winter weather will not spread across the entire state. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says southeast Louisiana will likely not see any wintery precipitation…

Cut 4 (11) “…cold rain”

The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

Investigators in Rapides Parish are calling it a tragic accident. Tommy Carnline with the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office says deputies responded to a shooting south of Lecompte early Monday morning and found two people inside a vehicle, one of whom had been shot.

Cut 12 (06) “…in the head.”

Authorities have not released the identity of the person who was fatally shot.

Much of the state will be pounded by crippling storms this weekend, so now is the time to start preparing. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says if you haven’t been to the grocery store lately, today would be a really good day to do, and stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation.

Cut 7 (05) “…rule of thumb.”

GOHSEP has all this information and more on its emergency preparedness website, get a game plan-dot-org.

New Orleans officials announce the arrest of a 35-year-old man who allegedly set eight vehicles on fire in the Bywater neighborhood early Monday morning. Deputy Mayor of Public safety Michael Harrison says surveillance cameras caught Kyle Tomeson on an arson spree…

Cut 9 (09)  “…from the area.”

Tomeson has been booked on four counts of aggravated arson and nine counts of simple arson.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin explains why he’s had success attracting players in the transfer portal. Andre Champagne has the story.

Cut 23 (31) “…I’m Andre Champagne.”

Could cockfighting be returning to St. Landry Parish? That’s what the parish council will be discussing at its meeting this evening. Conducting cockfighting has been a felony in Louisiana since 2008. Councilman Timmy LeJeune says cockfighting could provide a new source of revenue; the Humane Society of Louisiana is obviously very much against it.

We continue to keep an eye on the winter storm that’s bearing down on much of the state late this week and this weekend. LSU Health Climatologist Barry Keim says by the end of the week, the roads will be unbearable for many.

Cut 3 (13) “…of southern Louisiana.”

With much of the state in the crosshairs of Mother Nature’s wrath, GOHSEP is urging you to start preparing now. Mike Steele with GOHSEP says now is the time to start putting together your emergency kit.

Cut 6 (10) “…significant power loss.”

Steele says when at the grocery store, stock up on foods that require neither refrigeration nor preparation, and have enough per person for at least 72 hours without power.

Louisiana could see a heated U.S. Senate race now that Republican Julia Letlow has tossed her hat into the ring. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

With Letlow vacating her Fifth District House seat, people are already lining up to take her place. This morning, State Senator Rick Edmonds announced that he will be running for the seat. Other people considering a run include State Senator Stewart Cathey and State Representatives Michael Echols and Dixon McMakin.

Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow is now a candidate for U-S Senate and she has the backing of President Trump. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she has fought alongside Trump to put America first…

Cut 15 (11) “…drives up inflation”

Incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy is not backing down, despite Letlow’s  entrance into the race…

Cut 14 (08) “…up with anybody”

During a zoom call with reporters, Cassidy touted his record pointing to legislation he helped passed or he authored that has been signed into law.

LSU’s transfer portal class got better today as Ole Miss edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (OO-mAn-me-Ellen) has committed to LSU. Princewill had nine sacks this past season and was an All-SEC selection.

All 17 judges of the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments over Louisiana’s law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Governor Landry signed the law in 2024. He says the Ten Commandments are an important part of American history and, thus, belong in the classroom.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the hypocrisy.”

A three-judge panel of the 5^th Circuit previously ruled Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is plainly unconstitutional.

2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser says it’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the state has to offer.

Cut 11 (09) “…flights into Louisiana.”

The full Fifth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals heard a lawsuit filed by a multifaith group of families that’s seeking to block a 2024 state law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in every public classroom. The Reverend Jeff Sims of St. Tammany Parish says Louisiana’s law not only interferes with his religious freedom, but it tramples on it.

Cut 5 (10) “…its chosen religion.”

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill defended the law before the 17 judges. She said the Ten Commandments posters are specifically designed from a historical perspective and do not amount to indoctrinating students into a certain religion.

Cut 6 (08) “…is not it.”

The constitutionality of state’s Ten Commandments is expected to eventually go before the U-S Supreme Court.

Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.

Cut 13 (08)  “…worth fighting for.”

Letlow has the backing of President Trump, but Cassidy says the campaign will not be about endorsements, it will be about accomplishments and the state’s Senior Senator believes he’s delivered more for Louisiana than any of his opponents.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has launched the “Year of Outdoors” Campaign as Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser and his team will promote an entire array of outdoor opportunities. Nungesser says he’s invited travel writers to stay in a cabin along Lake Pontchartrain and ride a Mardi Gras float in Covington….

Cut 12 (12) “…on their sites”

It was a year ago today when south Louisiana was blanketed by a record snowfall. And the state is bracing for another winter storm this weekend that could impact the northern half of the state with ice starting on Friday. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin….

Cut 8 (08) “….of northern Louisiana”

Southwest Louisiana could also see some ice.

All 17 judges of the 5^th Circuit Court of Appeals heard oral arguments over Louisiana’s law requiring public schools to post the Ten Commandments in every classroom. Governor Landry signed the law in 2024. He says the Ten Commandments are an important part of American history and, thus, belong in the classroom.

Cut 7 (08) “…of the hypocrisy.”

A three-judge panel of the 5^th Circuit previously ruled Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law is plainly unconstitutional.

Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow is now a candidate for U-S Senate and she has the backing of President Trump. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she has fought alongside Trump to put America first…

Cut 15 (11) “…drives up inflation”

Republican Incumbent Bill Cassidy says he welcomes the additional competition and is not bothered by Trump’s endorsement of Letlow. he believes voters will make their decision based on a candidate’s record of getting things accomplished. Cassidy says he’ll put his record up against anyone’s in the race.

Cut 16 (09) “…of the others.”

Cassidy says he’s secured billions of dollars for Louisiana to improve infrastructure, including high speed internet expansion and coastal restoration.

Louisiana could see a heated U.S. Senate race now that Republican Julia Letlow has tossed her hat into the ring. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 2 (35) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

According to the State Fire Marshall’s Office, nine people have died in fires across Louisiana so far and investigators say in each incident, there were no working smoke alarms.  Officials say having working smoke alarms reduces your chances of dying in a fire by 60 percent.

————————————————

2026 is the “Year of Outdoors” in Louisiana. It’s a year-long initiative to invite both residents and visitors to discover the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the state has to offer. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says they’re rolling out a new state-wide birding trail and  the promotional campaign extends well beyond Louisiana’s borders.

Cut 11 (09) “…flights into Louisiana.”

A winter storm watch is in effect for most of north Louisiana, as there’s a high chance of significant accumulations of sleet across the I-20 corridor and as far south as Natchitoches and Jena. LRN Meteorologist Bill Jacquemin says a blast of arctic air will mix with moisture on Friday and icy conditions are also possible in southwest Louisiana, in particular the Lake Charles and Lafayette areas.

Cut 9 (10)  “…into Saturday night.”

The entire Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard the case of Louisiana’s Ten Commandments law, along with a nearly identical case out of Texas. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is talking more about his decision to leave Ole Miss to coach the Fighting Tigers. At a Baton Rouge Business Report event yesterday, Kiffin said former LSU coach Nick Saban told him the LSU job, is the best job in America.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”

————————————–
Republican Congresswoman Julia Letlow has officially entered the U.S. Senate race, as she’s seeking to win the seat currently occupied by fellow Republican Bill Cassidy. In her campaign announcement, Letlow says she wants to ensure a safe and strong nation for our children.

Cut 13 (08)  “…worth fighting for.”

Cassidy says he welcomes the competition.

Cut 14 (08) “…up with anybody.”

Several state lawmakers have announced they’re considering a run for the congressional seat currently held by Julia Letlow.  Baton Rouge Republican State Representative Dixon McMakin announced on social media yesterday he’s formed an exploratory committee to hear from voters in order to inform his own decision on a run for the seat.  And in statements released yesterday, both Republican State Representative Michael Echols and Republican State Senator Stewart Cathey have said they’re considering a run for the District 5 seat.

Cut 17 (15)  “…to another level.”