Federal, state, and local authorities held a news conference in New Orleans this morning to reassure residents that an attack similar to the one in Paris last week is not imminent in Louisiana. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu says facts have been confused in the days following the Paris attacks…:
CUT 9 (10) “threats at all”
He says they are utilizing every effort to keep it that way.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office says a man perished in a blaze at his home in Slaughter last night. They say responders entered the structure once the fire was extinguished and found the lifeless body of the man lying on the floor at the residence which had no working utilities or running water. An autopsy is underway to determine identity of the victim and how he died. the investigation is ongoing.

Today is the Great American Smokeout, a day that has been designated for smokers to quit their habit. According to the CDC, 24-percent of Louisiana adults smoke – higher than the national percentage. Mike Rogers with the Smoking Cessation Trust says there are free products and services to help long time smokers put cigarettes down for good…:
cut 12 (10) “for it all”
He says to qualify for the free products you must reside in Louisiana and started smoking before September 1988.

Gas prices keep dropping in Louisiana. The current statewide average for a gallon of regular is now $1.91 according to GasBuddy with the lowest price in New Orleans at $1.58.