The entire state is under some sort of winter weather advisory, and it’s already started snowing in north Louisiana. An arctic blast has hit the state, and National Weather Service meteorologist Kent Kuyper says as the front heads south, the chances of freezing precipitation continue…:
Cut 13 (09) “and sleet”
A more than 25 mile stretch of I-49 is closed. This includes the section in the Shreveport city limits; and the new stretch just north of town between MLK up to north Caddo Parish.

In South Louisiana, a light wintry mix of sleet and snow is expected this afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service says total accumulations of a trace to less than an inch are expected. A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from noon today, to midnight tonight.

There are many offices and schools also closed today throughout the state, as officials believe it’s best if folks just stay off deteriorating road conditions while this system moves through.

It appears unlikely House legislators and Governor John Bel Edwards will come to a fiscal cliff agreement before a Friday deadline. The deadline was set by the Governor, who was hoping to enter a February special session with a deal in principle to fill a one-billion dollar budget shortfall. Edwards says delaying the fiscal cliff decision could be damaging…:
Cut 10 (11) “already have”
The GOP is requesting a budget with less spending, while the governor wants to replace the sales tax by eliminating certain business tax breaks.

After 26 years, Don Briggs has announced that he is stepping down as president of the Louisiana Oil and Gas Association. He says he’ll be pursuing other ventures aimed at helping to promote Louisiana’s oil and gas industry. He hopes it can soon operate without so many regulations..:
Cut 9 (10) “not happening”
Briggs will be succeeded by Vice President Gifford Briggs.