Former Governor Kathleen Blanco is asking for prayers in the fight for her own life against cancer. She said in a letter to Louisianians, friends and family that melanoma has invaded her liver and that no treatments have yet been identified to cure the type of illness. In a statement, Governor John Bel Edwards said Blanco is a strong woman of incredible faith, and asked the people of this state to join him in prayers for the former governor.

The LSU AgCenter has developed a milk-based meal replacement powder to help consumers lose weight. Director of the AgCenter Food Incubator Gaye Sandoz says they’ve developed the powder and now LSU’s Pennington Research Center will test the product.
Cut 4 (07) “to do”
Studies show drinking meal replacement shakes for 12 weeks instead of meals is a safe way to drop pounds.

Multiple reports indicate NFL viewership is down this season. Kelley Ray spoke with a Baton Rouge ad agent about the impacts…:
Cut 2 (22) “I’m Kelley Ray”

Congress has approved a short-term extension for the National Flood Insurance Program, ensuring it will operate as normal through December 22nd. But it’s unclear if a deal can be reached within two weeks, as Senators have voiced concerns over the NFIP re-authorization bill that cleared the House in November, citing the potential for rate increases for homeowners.

Social media went crazy when south Louisiana actually got snow. Parents are posting videos of their kids playing in the white stuff for the first time ever. One man recorded his young son opening the door and discovering a winter wonderland in the Bayou State.
Cut 6 (12) “woah.”

More than six inches of snow stuck in Kentwood yesterday and white flurries covered the grass in Baton Rouge for the first time since December of 2009. So how does snow happen in Louisiana? State Climatologist Barry Keim says it happens when there is cold Canadian air at the surface, but moist air coming in from the Gulf of Mexico…:
Cut 4 (11) “cold rain”

The state Department of Transportation advises drivers to stay off the roads if possible in south Louisiana due to the possiblity of black ice. DOTD Spokesperson Rodney Mallett says if you have to be on the roads, you can visit 511la.org to find closures and other helpful weather related information.
Cut 11 (07) “necessary”

Three more state champions were crowned in football last night and three more will be crowned today. In the Class 3A state championship game, West Feliciana beat Richwood 40-21 to claim their first ever title in football. In Division III, U-High looked very impressive in a 45-19 victory over De La Salle. And in Class Two-A, the Welsh Greyhounds raced past St. Helena 38-26. Catholic High in Baton Rouge takes on John Curtis at noon to start off today’s games.

It’s snowed in south Louisiana and everybody knows it as social media is flooded with videos of our winter wonderland. Michelle Southern has more…
Cut 2 (31) “I’m Michelle Southern”

A hard freeze warning continues in southeast Louisiana until 10 a.m. The state Department of Transportation urges motorists to be cautious when driving as black ice could be on the roadway.

Many people were off work and playing outside yesterday as south Louisiana saw some snow. State Cimatologist Barry Keim says even though it’s hard to believe, we tend to see snow flurries more often than hurricanes. But for it to span nearly the entire bottom half of the state is very rare.
Cut 3 (08) “south Louisiana”
More than six inches stuck in Kentwood, and snow covered the grass in Baton Rouge for the first time since December of 2009.

A blast of cold Canadian air dropped temperatures to below freezing last night. National Weather Service forecaster Michael Hill says hard freeze warnings are in effect for several areas including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans. Hill says a warming trend will put temperatures closer to normal this weekend.
Cut 14 (07) “the 30s”

South Louisiana saw some snow yesterday morning to the delight of residents. So how rare of an event is this? Don Molino reports…:
Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

The Department of Transportation reports I-10 is now closed in both directions between the Gramercy and Laplace exits after multiple wrecks. DOTD urges drivers to use US 61. Thousands of people are still without power, according to Demco, after yesterday’s wintery weather event.

The snow may be over but the Department of Transportation is urging drivers to be careful when driving in southeast Louisiana. Rodney Mallett with the Department of Transportation says crews are constantly working to make sure roads are open and clear when possible.
Cut 9 (05) “a lot.”
Mallett encourages drivers to visit 511la.org for up to date information on road closures.

A cold Canadian air blast lowered temperatures to below freezing throughout Louisiana last night. Michael Hill with the National Weather Service says some of the snow from yesterday that melted may have refrozen on the roads overnight.
Cut 13 (08) “out there.”
Hill says the sun will come back out this weekend with daytime temperatures in 50s and overnight temperatures in the 30s.

Three more state champions were crowned in football last night and three more will be crowned today. In the Class 3A state championship game, West Feliciana beat Richwood 40-21 to claim their first ever title in football. The Saints were led by Louisiana Tech commitment Davon Harris who had an 87-yard kick off return for a touchdown. He had another long return to set up another score and also had a 6 yard touchdown run.

In Division III, U-High looked very impressive in a 45-19 victory over De La Salle. Cubs running back Mike Hollins rushed for 124 yards and three touchdowns.

And in Class Two-A, the Welsh Greyhounds raced past St. Helena 38-26. Welsh senior Quarterback Zach Hayes threw four touchdown passes.

The action resumes at noon today as Catholic High of Baton Rouge faces John Curtis. Then it’s Karr versus Lakeshore and the final game of the day is the 5A title between Hahnville and the Zachary Broncos.

__________________________________________________________________

Saints Coach Sean Payton is still not a happy camper about the some of the calls that were made against his team in the 20-17 loss to Atlanta on Thursday night. Payton spoke with reporters on Friday afternoon and said the officiating was extremely poor and inconsistent would be a great way to put it. New Orleans was penalized 11 times for 87 yards and the Falcons picked up nine first downs because of a penalty. Payton added the officials also missed holding calls against his star wide receiver Michael Thomas. New Orleans next game is December 17th when they host the New York Jets.

Anthony Davis returned to the court after missing three games, but the Pelicans lost to the Sacramento Kings 116-109 in overtime. Zach Randolph hit a career-high five 3 pointers and finished with a season-high 35 points. DeMarcus Cousins led New Orleans with 38 points and 11 rebounds, while Davis had 18 points. The Pels conclude a four-game homestand on Sunday when they take on the 76ers.

South Louisiana saw some snow Friday morning to the delight of residents. So how rare of an event is this? Don Molino reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

Social media went crazy when south Louisiana actually got snow.  Grownups and kids made snow angels and built snowmen, and watched their pets try to figure out what was going on…:

Cut 7 (08)  “big ole flakes” 

Two to three inches of snow accumulated in Amite, and 2 inches of snow was measured on an elevated surface in Lake Charles.

A cold Canadian air blast is lowering temperatures to below freezing throughout Louisiana tonight.  National Weather Service forecaster Michael Hill says if we get some snow melt Friday and Saturday, what is left will refreeze again.  That means drivers need to be careful…:

Cut 13 (08)  “out there.”

The 2017 AllState Sugar Bowl Prep Classic wraps up with three more games. Starting at noon, John Curtis goes after its 26th state title when they face the Catholic High Bears from Baton Rouge. The Patriots will once again rely on its power running game. Legendary Coach JT Curtis running backs on his Darryan Washington and Malik Wells…

Cut 15 (07) “you want”

Two to three inches of snow accumulated today in Amite, and 2 inches of snow was measured on an elevated surface in Lake Charles. State Climatologist Barry Keim says high temperatures throughout the state today did not get out of the 30s, which is also very uncommon for Louisiana…

Cut 5  (11)  “low 40s”

Social media went crazy when south Louisiana actually got snow. Parents are posting videos of their kids playing in the white stuff for the first time ever. Cajun Musician Jo-EL Sonnier added a video of him playing his accordion from the front porch of his house as snow was falling…:

Cut 8 (12) “Westlake, Louisiana to be exact”

The cold Canadian air blast is lowering temperatures to below freezing throughout Louisiana tonight.  National Weather Service forecaster Michael Hill says the areas which got snow on the ground will see very low temperatures for a few evenings.:

Cut 12 (09) “the area.”

A hard freeze warning will be in effect Friday night into Saturday morning for several areas including Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles and New Orleans.

Louisiana Tech in Ruston has been granted 1.3 million dollars to enhance its cybersecurity programs.  U.S. Congressman Ralph Abraham says they are the first university in the country to establish a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Engineering degree program, which will give Louisiana Tech an edge toward the future…

CUT 10004 (08) “cyber security.”

South Louisiana saw some snow Friday morning to the delight of residents. So how rare of an event is this? Don Molino reports…:

Cut 1 (27) “I’m Don Molino”

Social media went crazy when south Louisiana actually got snow. Parents are posting videos of their kids playing in the white stuff for the first time ever. One man recorded his young son opening the door and discovering a winter wonderland in the Bayou State.

Cut 6 (12)  “woah.”

Motorists are advised to stay off the roads especially in southeast Louisiana.  Snow and ice in some areas has made driving conditions treacherous.  Rodney Mallett with the Department of Transportation says if you have to be on the roads, you can visit 511la.org to find closures and other helpful weather related information…:

Cut 11 (07) “necessary”

A five year old child was killed in a single vehicle accident in Ascension Parish.  State Police say the driver 27-year-old Kayla Taylor of Donaldsonville, ran off the roadway, striking a culvert and overturning the vehicle.  Ma’Laysha Leblanc was unrestrained and got serious injuries.  She was transported to a hospital where she later died.    Taylor also sustained serious injuries.  Troopers are still trying to figure out why both the driver and childs were unrestrained.